Everything fabulous in Iowa: restaurants, spas, things to do, resorts and more!
Becky Thomas is the founder and president of Mostly Becky, Des Moines-based wedding and event planner. While Thomas started the business as the sole planner on the North Shore of Lake Superior in Minnesota 13 years ago, Mostly Becky now has a team of five who have planned weddings in seven states, and counting.
Father-of-three Travis Hempstead is the owner of Iowa-based 11:11 Event Co., a design and décor rental company for weddings and events. Hempstead has also been a DJ in the wedding industry for 12 years.
Mother’s Day is right around the corner. And while the superhero women in our lives deserve to be celebrated every day, the holiday presents a unique opportunity to shower them with a little extra love—and showcase a few of the leading ladies making an impact in Iowa.
Changing the world? That’s a mission that starts at home—just ask any one of Iowa’s many sustainably-minded business owners, philanthropists and leaders who are looking to make a difference and leave the state a better (more green) place.
Jessica Bass is the owner of Stay Cozy Creative Co., small business based outside of Cedar Rapids that specializes in handcrafted blankets, baby goods, home decor and more, as well as workshops to teach others how to get creative. Plus, Stay Cozy donates a portion of all sales to a local organization that supports Iowa’s immigrant and refugee population.
Riley Mullane is the co-founder and co-owner of Anne & Ellis Events, which offers consultations, in-house wedding service options and curated vendor connections in Cedar Rapids and beyond. “We’re a team of passionate wedding experts committed to elevating and streamlining the entire wedding planning process for our clients.”
Ashlee Spencer is a photographer and videographer with Cedar Rapids-based ap FILM & PHOTO, focusing on weddings and families. “I love capturing anything timeless, warm, joyful and candid.”
Allie Lanham is the owner and chef of The Hangry Lady, crafting charcuterie boards, grazing tables, wedding cakes and more in the Newbo City Market storefront in Cedar Rapids. “We take pride in creating beautiful, edible art for any occasion.”
Whether it be donating vital sign-monitoring (and potentially life-saving) devices for infants, providing therapeutic services for women survivors of violence or volunteering their time at a variety of impactful organizations, this philanthropy-minded group is showing up for Iowa and its communities in a big way.
In honor of the month of love, meet five Iowa-based power couples who are sharing their dreams for the future, most cherished traditions (from bird watching to barbecuing!) and what they love most about one another.