COVID wreaked havoc on Kyla and Mike's wedding plans, shutting down their dream of getting married in Costa Rica. While they initially held out hope for a rescheduled tropical destination wedding, the uncertainty of international travel led them to one conclusion: they just wanted to be married.
With thoughtful planning, DIY projects, and the generosity of Kyla's brother, who offered to host the wedding in his backyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, Kyla and Mike created a stunning, heartfelt celebration. Full of fairy lights, colorful flowers, and Midwest charm (read: humidity), the day was perfect—down to the very last donut.
Getting Ready
The morning began in downtown Omaha at the elegant Farnam Hotel. Kyla and her bridesmaids (including mini Aussie Cali!) sipped champagne and nibbled on charcuterie as they prepped for the day in matching pink and blush floral robes. Kyla opted to do her own hair and entrusted her talented best friend, Mary, with her makeup. The result? Absolutely breathtaking. Backlit by the midday Omaha sun, she looked radiant in her custom-made wedding dress—honestly, it was as if the dress had been designed just for her.
Meanwhile, the groom and his groomsmen embraced a relaxed start to the day. Mike sported his signature Reebok kicks, enjoyed a glass of wine with his crew, and then made his way across the river to the venue.
First Look & Wedding Party Portraits
Kyla's brother's backyard was transformed into an enchanting garden—flowers, vines, fairy lights, and rustic brick pathways created a dreamy atmosphere. But the real hidden gem of the day? Just outside the gate, I stumbled upon a stunning alley of cobblestone and overgrown greenery—a photographer’s paradise. It was here that Kyla and Mike shared their First Look, a quiet, intimate moment before the celebrations truly began.
The bridal party joined shortly after, and the cobblestone alley provided a stunning backdrop for their portraits. The setting felt straight out of a European fairytale, adding an unexpected but magical touch to the day.
Ceremony
Underneath the archway of the garden gate, surrounded by lush trees and vibrant florals, Kyla and Mike exchanged their vows. White chairs adorned with burlap bows lined the aisle, leading to an altar of greenery and flowers that beautifully complemented Kyla’s bouquet.
With her brother officiating, Kyla and Mike promised forever in front of their closest family and friends—many of whom had traveled to Council Bluffs, or as the couple playfully dubbed it, "Council Rica." The intimate, heartfelt ceremony was everything they could have hoped for.
Reception
After the ceremony, guests moved to the other side of the backyard, where a breathtaking 50-seat farm table awaited. Strung with thousands of twinkling fairy lights and decorated with bright, fresh flowers, the table was a true showstopper. Handcrafted wooden arches, built by a family member, framed the space, adding to the warm and inviting ambiance.
As if the setup wasn't impressive enough, the entire table was assembled in under 24 hours by a dedicated group of friends and family—proof of just how deeply loved Kyla and Mike are.
The evening unfolded under a sky of glowing lights. Acoustic music from "The Voice’s" Austin Ellis provided the perfect soundtrack for heartfelt toasts and romantic first dances. The dessert table was a sweet lover’s dream, featuring homemade pies and locally made donuts.
And then, the dancing began. The energy was high, the love was palpable, and the celebration carried on—until 10 p.m., that is. (Hey, Midwest noise ordinances are real.) As the night came to a close, Kyla and Mike made their grand exit through a tunnel of glow sticks, a perfect send-off for a truly unforgettable day.
From the moment I arrived at 9 a.m. to capture the setup, to the final glow stick send-off, I was in awe of the creativity, teamwork, and sheer joy that filled this day. Every detail reflected the love and dedication of Kyla and Mike’s friends and family, making their wedding a true labor of love.
Maybe it wasn’t the wedding they originally envisioned, but in the end, it was the wedding they had always dreamed of.
Congratulations, Kyla and Mike! Thank you for trusting me to capture your incredible day.
The Vendor Team
Hair | The Bride herself
Makeup | Mary the Maid of Honor
Photography | Jen Bauer Photography | @jenbauerphotography
Day of Coordinator | Jonnie Veach
Kyla and Mike’s wedding was a perfect example of how love shines through in any setting.
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