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Sherrie & Eric: A Red Wedding in Des Moines, IA

Sherrie and Eric first met at work, where, according to Sherrie, “a professional relationship grew into a friendship.” After their first date -- dinne

Sherrie and Eric first met at work, where, according to Sherrie, “a professional relationship grew into a friendship.” After their first date -- dinner and a hockey game -- the two knew they were meant to be. The Bride Sherrie, 33, project manager The Groom Eric, 25, analyst The Date October 14 The night before the couple’s fourth anniversary, “we were in stress overload,” Sherrie says. The couple was in the middle of moving halfway across the country and sorting out the details of their farewell party planned for the next night. Eric recommended they take a break and get out of the house for a while, and Sherrie agreed. They drove out to a lake where they had enjoyed many happy hours together. It was there that Eric started to talk about their future. “It wasn’t until he got down on one knee that I finally figured out what was happening!” says Sherrie.

“After much indecision over way too many beautiful gowns, my dear friend and maid of honor made a last-minute trip to D.C. to help narrow down the search,” Sherrie remembers. The two were soon able to narrow it down to ‘the one’: a strapless, A-line, diamond-white gown embellished with silver embroidery and crystals, by Eve of Milady. Sherrie’s four bridesmaids wore long, A-line skirts with satin tops of their choice by Alexia Designs in claret red. “All of the girls were beautiful,” Sherrie says, “and the different tops allowed them to express individual styles. Most important, they were all comfortable!”
“I am by far the biggest chocoholic ever, so the favors had to be chocolate truffles,” Sherrie says. The truffles were packed up in silver boxes tied with red ribbons and a monogrammed seal.
Though they now live on the East Coast, up until their engagement both Sherrie and Eric had always lived in Iowa, so they knew that was where they wanted to marry. They chose to have the ceremony outdoors at the Salisbury House -- with the bride, groom, and officiant standing atop a landing, and the wedding party on the steps on either side of them. Throughout the ceremony, Sherrie and Eric faced their guests, who were sitting along the cobblestone aisles running through the gardens.
The Reception Decor
Sherrie and Eric shared their first dance to “Steady As We Go” by The Dave Matthews Band. “This song in particular reminded us that a relationship as strong as ours can endure the good times and the tough times, that we’d be together throughout it all,” Sherrie says.
Red rose petals lined the aisle, along with candles and red roses hanging from shepherd’s hooks.
“Deep red roses were an absolute must,” Sherrie says, “so quickly our main color became claret.”
Sherrie and Eric cut a four-tier round cake decorated in white fondant, with a scroll design that the couple incorporated throughout the wedding. The couple’s monogram also decorated the second tier.