A Shabby Chic Wedding at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Washington, Iowa

“I’ve known the type of wedding that I wanted since I was a little girl and would act it out with my little sister all the time,” says Kelsey Beasley (23 and works for the State of Iowa Judicial Branch). So when Adam Pence (26 and works in law enforcement) proposed, serenading her with a rendition of Dierks Bentley’s “My Last Name,” while the two were picnicking at Lake Belva Deere, she knew exactly how their wedding would pan out. The couple planned a rustic, shabby chic affair with lots of handmade details to give the day a personalized touch. Finding the perfect venue to host their wedding proved to be simple, an old country church in Clear Creek Township, Iowa instantly standing out with its offer of a quaint, white chapel vibe that fit seamlessly with Kelsey and Adam’s vision. The color palette was kept soft and romantic, shades of ivory, champagne and blush pink gracing everything the traditional invitation suite to the textured bouquets and the sweet centerpieces. Mason jars, pearl strands, antique candlesticks and fresh bunches of delicate blooms like tea roses, dried baby’s breath and carnations brought a touch of feminine, country charm to the Knights of Columbus Hall, where the reception took place. In the months leading up to the wedding, Adam kept busy with a long list of projects that would be key in bringing their shabby chic vision to life. Using barn wood salvaged from Kelsey’s father’s farm, Adam built the cake table, cake stand, the backdrop for their family photo and artifact display, as well as working with Kelsey to make ribbon wands for guests to wave at the end of the ceremony, a labor of love that added a personalized touch to the day.