Local Love: Alexis + Grady

Grady and I met through work in the winter of 2017. We both work for General Mills in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and consider ourselves “Fruit Snack Engineers”. Although we started out as co-workers, we began hanging out in the same friend circle and quickly became friends. Through many sand volleyball games, ski trips and weekend get-togethers, we grew closer. Despite the constant teasing from everyone about being more than friends, we didn’t officially start dating until spring of 2018.

We continued to build on our strong foundation of friendship and discovered our shared love of travel and adventure. We traveled to Canada, Hawaii, Belize, Peurto Rico and more! On every new trip, we would do something we’ve never done before: white water rafting, ziplining, snorkeling, and cliff jumping.

Together, we tackled the big life stuff that came our way too: two big moves, a pandemic, purchasing our first home and everything in between. The proposal came in March 2021 when Grady was able to disguise both of our families in town as just “a fun weekend”. He proposed with a package of fruit snacks, a tribute to how we met. I was even more surprised when he had a whole celebration planned that evening and surprised me with my best friend being in town!

We decided to get married on June 11, 2022 and the day came quick! Throughout all the wedding planning, we had the best support system of friends, families, and amazing vendors. Our wedding day was more than we could have imagined, and we love looking back at the pictures and reminiscing on all the memories. We are so grateful to everyone who attended and made us feel so special on our big day!

Photographer: McDonald Video & Photography

Videographer: Emily Hugenberg Videography

Ceremony: Lakeview Weddings

Reception: Pointe D’Vine

Picture Location: Villa Katherine 

Makeup: Beyond Beauty

Hair: Kara Marlow

DJ: Mike Howerton Entertainment 

Flowers: Bella Rose Floral Design

Catering: JJ’s Catering