My name is Liz Jones-Dilworth and I grew up in Sioux Rapids. I have lived in Austin, Texas for the past seven years but I very much wanted to get married here to show my new family farming life.
My husband Josh and I were amazed at how pleasant it was to do business here. Teresa Steuben, our caterer, made recipes we suggested and cinnamon rolls that my five-year-old nephew called “the best cake I’ve ever eaten.” Patrick at Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits patiently dealt with our beer snobbery and helped us get suitable kegs. Nelson’s shocked us by selling us Josh’s wedding ring for $500 cheaper than the exact same ring in Austin.
When I was looking to rent microphones and speakers, the businesses I called first cheerfully looked up phone numbers and helped me search. When we got to Carey’s, no one tried to convince us to get the most expensive system. Everyone seemed to know instinctively that we were on a budget and helped us stick to it. Ginny at Hy-Vee didn’t balk at our no-frills approach to flowers and helped us get (and spend) exactly what we wanted.
Since my wedding was on a Sunday morning, I assumed I wouldn’t be able to get my hair done. But Heidi at Bella Via in Okoboji came into work at 9:00 A.M. on her day off to do an amazing job, and she was a calm presence during a busy morning. The Shaws of Shaw Paint Glass and Locksmith brought their ice cream truck to our reception, and delighted Josh and I by giving us a ride around the park in the bargain.
It was wonderful to have a reason to spend so much time in Iowa this spring and summer, and to show off the truly special place I grew up.
Thank you!
1 response so far ↓
Kate Shaw // September 26, 2008 at 4:44 am
What a wonderful story and wedding. I hope the ice cream truck will always be remembered when you think of your wedding date for years to come. Best Wishes, and Thank you. Kate Shaw