Erin & Jared’s Wedding | A Beautifully Sacred and Wildly Fun Northeast Iowa Wedding
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The Vorwald Wedding | 09.05.2026
A wedding day can be equally holy and wildly fun, and Erin and Jared’s wedding day was just that. It was the most beautiful combination of sweet, sacred, hilarious, emotional, elegant, and wild.
But before I get too far into the Vorwald wedding day, I just have to say that when Erin and Jared first reached out to me, maybe three years ago, I felt like I had officially made it as a photographer. This amazing woman chose me to photograph their wedding day literally multiple years in advance!
Erin is detailed, a planner, and the sweetest, most organized bride. Getting to know her and Jared has been wonderful. Her energy is vibrant, and her joy lights up a room. Jared’s calm, go-with-the-flow personality melds perfectly with his bride’s. Together, they are such a wonderful pair.
A Surprise First Look
The day before the wedding, I received a text from Erin saying there would be a surprise from the groom’s best man right before we did their official first look. Can you guess what it was?
I was so excited to help pull off the surprise, and let’s just say we saw the best man in white on this lovely wedding day, in addition to his tux. It was a hilarious first look to start off the day!
After two of Erin’s bridesmaids helped with her final touches and buttoned up her amazing dress, Erin headed out to meet her groom. You know when you see the Holly’s Bridal dress bag that it’s going to be glamorous!
There were only two girls helping Erin get ready because this bride also planned a first look with her parents and her beautiful bridesmaid crew.
Every single first look was so sweet and special. After those moments were enjoyed, we took wedding party photos and finished with family formals, all outside. We then headed inside St. Mark’s Catholic Church to prepare for their ceremony in this beautiful space.
A Sacred Ceremony and a Special Connection
Erin will have to correct me if I’m wrong, but I am pretty sure I heard the officiant say this was the first time he had performed a marriage ceremony for someone he had baptized.
How incredibly serendipitous. Or maybe there are no coincidences. That little detail made my sentimental heart smile.
The ceremony ended with the ceremonial first kiss, followed by smiles and cheers all around.
After the recessional, the couple went back inside to greet guests as they were released row by row. I personally love this tradition and how it allows time for those precious hugs and congratulations, especially since we had taken their must-have images before the ceremony and weren't in a rush.
Often, Midwest weddings have more intimate ceremonies followed by enormous receptions, and this little gesture felt extra special. It gave Erin and Jared a chance to slow down and enjoy those moments with the people who came to celebrate them.
A Quick Stop at a Local Favorite
I did have Mr. and Mrs. Vorwald take a couple of quick photos in the aisle of the sanctuary before the party bus loaded up and we all headed toward Manchester.
But first, a quick stop at a local favorite, Thia One On in Edgewood!
The jukebox was bumping, shots were poured, and a dollar bill was signed and stuck to the ceiling. Oh, and we had an epic bar group photo that will live in my memory rent-free for all time.
This group partied their way to the Riverbend in Manchester next, where we took a few more group wedding photos with a second scenery option and some absolutely beautiful couples portraits.
I love when a wedding timeline leaves room for these kinds of stops. They are a little glimpse into who a couple is, the people they love, and let’s everyone enjoy the adventure of the day.
Black-Tie-Inspired Elegance Meets Small-Town Iowa
Rachel and I took off toward the Delaware County Pavilion to get set up and document the reception details before what would be a wildly entertaining grand entrance.
This wedding party showed up looking absolutely stunning for the couple’s black-and-white-themed day. And they came totally prepared to celebrate!
When we stepped into the Manchester Pavilion, it immediately felt elegant and thoughtfully designed. The space had been transformed into a chic, cozy setting for hundreds of friends and family. The black linens and backdrop set the stage for a modern, candlelit reception that could have taken place in a chic major city, but it was right here in the comfort of small-town northeast Iowa.
And then came the grand entrance.
There were cheers, slides, and flips into the reception before the best man and maid of honor made a costume change and entered the room to roaring laughter.
I mean, I’ve never seen a bra stuffed so well, and I’ve also never seen a best man in three different outfits in one day. Hilarious, my friends!
Heartfelt Speeches and Thoughtful Details
After an amazing dinner (thank you for treating us photographers to dinner, too!), the microphones were passed around for speeches.
There were laughs, tears, and the sweetest toast Erin gave to her mom. Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, Erin chose to dedicate her bouquet to her mother.
Every detail of this day was so thoughtful, and this was one of those little moments that made the celebration feel even more personal.
After the speeches, the tiered cake was cut, and the couple shared their first dance in front of the Vorwald lettering and mood lighting. Then came the traditional dances, with Erin and her dad and Jared and his mom.
Immediately after those sweet dances, the wedding party rushed the floor, and that crew stayed out there all night!
That dance floor…
Photographing weddings, I can tell you that my favorite part of a wedding day no matter how big or small, is seeing a couple surrounded by people who genuinely love them and are ready to celebrate every bit of their happiness. Love is the best.
When it was time for sunset photos on the timeline, the dance floor was calling. I am still always going to ask my couples if they want to sneak away for sunset portraits, but I have absolutely zero problems with keeping the party going instead of pulling a couple away from their celebration. So that’s what we did, so many amazing dance party photos!
We had a blast celebrating with Mr. and Mrs. Vorwald, and I hope you enjoy this glimpse back at their fairytale wedding day. From the sacred moments inside the church to the hilarious surprises, elegant reception details, and a dance floor filled with energy and all the moves… I loved every minute.
Erin and Jared,
Thank you so much for putting your trust in me, for inviting me into your lives, and for allowing me to share such an incredible celebration with you and your families.
I still cannot get over that dance floor!
Prayers for your journey ahead as husband and wife and for all the adventures God has in store for you. May your marriage always hold the same beautiful combination of faith, laughter, love, and joy that filled your wedding day.
XO,
Jillian
The Vendors
Venue: Delaware County Pavilion
Ceremony: St. Mark’s Catholic Church
Dress + Tux: Holly’s Bridal Boutique
DJ: DJ R Bizzle
Catering + Dessert: J&D Mart
Decor + Florals: Created by the amazing bride herself
Hair: Mary Everett + Angie Dahling
Makeup: The Beauty Bar Elkader
Photography: Jillian Webb Herrmann | JWebbArt and Rachel Hach