Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Stephens and Cathy’s story began with the help of a loving circle of mutual friends: the Aggouras and Young families. One evening over dinner, Lisa mentioned that she and Charles had a dear friend, Stephens, who was hoping to meet someone special to share his life with. Sophie quickly suggested, ‘What about Auntie Cathy?’ And from that simple, thoughtful moment, their story began. That introduction led to a connection, the connection grew into love, and love has brought them here—to a wedding day surrounded by the family and friends who mean so much to them. On their wedding day, Stephens and Cathy are honored to share this celebration with you. You each hold a special place in their lives, and your presence makes this moment even more meaningful as they begin their marriage surrounded by love, friendship, and family.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Guide to Wedding-Appropriate Casual Attire

What to Wear to a Backyard Wedding

How to Level-Up Casual Wedding Attire

-Think nice jeans or casual trousers, button-downs, sundresses or casual dresses, skirts, jumpsuits, boots, flats, loafers, or stylish sneakers.-Want to dress it up a little more? Please do! Feel free to lean more polished or semi-formal if that feels more like you — a dressier dress, jumpsuit, suit, or other elevated look is absolutely welcome. There’s no need to stick strictly to “casual” as long as you’re comfortable and ready for the setting.-The celebration will take place outdoors among corn and soybean fields and inside the loft of a 75-year-old barn. Please choose shoes that can handle grass and wide barn floorboards. Heels are definitely not recommended.-Western flair is welcome but not required. No need for long gowns, tuxedos, ties, or anything approaching traditional black-tie attire. Come looking great, feeling like yourself, and ready for fresh air, dinner, and dancing!

Attire

· Closest major airport: Des Moines International Airport (DSM)· Smaller/private airport options: Pella Municipal Airport (KPEA) and Newton Municipal Airport (KTNU)· Feeling road-trippy? Kansas City, Omaha, Minneapolis, and Chicago are each about a 4- to 5-hour drive to Pella.· Wedding Night Transportation: The bride and groom will be providing transportation for guests staying in Pella to and from the wedding venue. The Country View Barn is approximately 20 minutes from Pella in the middle of farm country between Pella, Reasnor, and Newton. More details will follow.

Planes, Trains, & Automobiles

·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Please call (641) 620-8400 to book your reservation. Please do not book online. Use code TOODUN for the Tool-Dunne wedding block.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nightly rates: $219 for regular rooms and $269 for suites.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;There are four suites; all have king beds, and two include pull-out couches.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hotel has two handicap accessible rooms: one king room and one double-queen room.·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The hotel has only 38 rooms total, and the block will be held until October 31, 2026. Please book early to secure a room.

The Amsterdam Hotel

A historic landmark in Pella, Strawtown is a charming small inn and will provide guests with an authentic Dutch experience.&nbsp;We have 12 rooms in our block so reserve soon. Call 641-619-5021 and let them know you are with the Tool-Dunne wedding or book online using the TDWED code.

Strawtown Inn and Events

AirBnBThere are also great rental options in and around Pella. If possible, choose a spot near downtown Pella for maximum charm and convenience.<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.airbnb.com/</a>

Located in Pella, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA features barbecue facilities. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, a business center and free WiFi. Guests can use the spa and wellness center with a fitness center, sauna, and hot tub, as well as a shared lounge. The hotel has a sun terrace. The area is popular for hiking, and bike rental is available at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA. Des Moines International Airport is 52 miles away.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA

Accommodations

LOCAL THINGS TO DO· Dutch treats and downtown wandering:<a href="https://www.visitpella.com/do/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.visitpella.com/do/</a><a href="https://www.midwestliving.com/best-places-to-see-tulips-without-going-to-the-netherlands-11931668" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.midwestliving.com/best-places-to-see-tulips-without-going-to-the-netherlands-11931668</a>· Golf at Bos Landen: <a href="https://golfbos.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">golfbos.com</a>· Pickleball courts: <a href="https://www.cityofpella.com/472/Pickleball-Courts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.cityofpella.com/472/Pickleball-Courts</a>· Fast cars nearby: Iowa Speedway: <a href="https://www.iowaspeedway.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.iowaspeedway.com</a>· Fast cars nearby: Knoxville Raceway: <a href="https://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.knoxvilleraceway.com</a>· Pella Historical Museums: Vermeer Windmill, Historical Village, Scholte House, Tuttle Cabin <a href="https://www.pellahistorical.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.pellahistorical.org/</a>· Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge: about a 35 minute drive from Pella. <a href="https://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fws.gov/refuge/neal-smith</a> Planning on Spending Some Time in Iowa? Here Are Some Iconic Iowa Points of Interest You May Have Heard Of Have an extra day or looking to turn the wedding weekend into a little Iowa road trip? Here are a few well-known, unique, and only-in-Iowa places of interest, listed from shortest to longest approximate driving distance from Pella. Iowa's Capitol: Des MoinesDistance from Pella: 43 milesIf you want to add an extra day and explore Iowa's “big city,” consider staying in downtown Des Moines. Suggested hotels include Des Lux Hotel, Surety Hotel, or another brand hotel of your choice. Great stops include the Iowa State Capitol, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines Science Center, Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines Civic Center, and Valley Junction. American Gothic House &amp; Center — Eldon, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 61 milesWebsite: <a href="https://americangothichouse.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Gothic House &amp; Center</a>The American Gothic House is the real house that inspired Grant Wood’s famous 1930 painting American Gothic. Visitors can learn about the history of the house and Grant Wood, and the visitor center offers props for taking your own version of the iconic portrait. High Trestle Trail Bridge — Madrid/Woodward, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 72 milesWebsite: <a href="https://www.traveliowa.com/trails/high-trestle-trail/28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">High Trestle Trail</a>This striking pedestrian and bike bridge spans the Des Moines River Valley between Madrid and Woodward. The bridge is especially memorable after dark, when bluelights illuminate the steel frames inspired by the area’s coal-mining history. The Bridges of Madison County — Winterset/Madison County, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 79 milesWebsite: <a href="https://exploremadisoncounty.com/covered_bridges/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Covered Bridges of Madison County</a>Madison County is known for its historic covered bridges, made famous by the novel and movie The Bridges of Madison County. It is a classic small-town Iowa day tripwith scenic drives, historic charm, and photo-worthy stops. John Wayne Birthplace &amp; Museum — Winterset, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 79 milesWebsite: <a href="https://johnwaynebirthplace.museum/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">John Wayne Birthplace &amp; Museum</a>Winterset is also the birthplace of actor John Wayne. The museum is dedicated to his life and film career and can easily be paired with a visit to the covered bridges inMadison County. Amana Colonies — Amana, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 86 milesWebsite: <a href="https://amanacolonies.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amana Colonies</a>The Amana Colonies are seven historic villages in east-central Iowa known for German heritage, craftsmanship, shops, museums, and traditional food. It is a charming cultural stop for guests who enjoy history, shopping, and small-town exploring. Herbert Hoover Presidential Library &amp; Museum / Herbert Hoover National Historic Site — West Branch, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 105 milesWebsites: <a href="https://hoover.archives.gov/visit?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Herbert Hoover Presidential Library &amp; Museum</a>and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/heho/index.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Herbert Hoover National Historic Site</a>Located in West Branch, this site honors Herbert Hoover’s life, presidency, and Iowa roots. The National Historic Site includes historic buildings and grounds connected to Hoover’s boyhood, while the Presidential Library &amp; Museum is located nearby; guests should check current hours before visiting, especially because the museum has been undergoing renovations. Maquoketa Caves State Park— Maquoketa, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 130 milesWebsite: <a href="https://www.iowadnr.gov/places-go/state-parks/all-parks/maquoketa-caves-state-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Maquoketa Caves State Park</a>Maquoketa Caves is noted to have more caves than any state park. With towering bluffs and a six-mile trail system winding through geologic formations and forests—hikers, campers, and day-trippers have enjoyed the natural beauty of Maquoketa Caves State Park since the early 1860s. All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club — Charles City, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 150 milesWebsite: <a href="https://www.alliowalawntennisclub.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club</a>A true hidden gem for tennis fans, the All Iowa Lawn Tennis Club is a grass tennis court on a family farm near Charles City. It was modeled after Wimbledon’s Centre Court and is one of the few places in the United States where the public can play on a world-class grass court by reservation. Surf Ballroom &amp; Three Stars Memorial Site — Clear Lake, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 153 milesWebsite: <a href="https://surfballroom.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Surf Ballroom</a>The Surf Ballroom is a legendary music venue best known as the final stage for Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson before the plane crash remembered as “The Day the Music Died.” Music-history fans may also want to visit the nearby Three Stars Memorial Site. Field of Dreams — Dyersville, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 172 milesWebsite: <a href="https://www.fieldofdreamsmoviesite.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Field of Dreams Movie Site</a>Baseball and movie fans may enjoy visiting the famous ballfield from the 1989 film Field of Dreams. The site hosts seasonal events, youth tournaments, and opportunities to experience the nostalgia of the movie and America’spastime. Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption — West Bend, IowaDistance from Pella: Approximately 179 milesWebsite: <a href="https://www.westbendgrotto.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption</a>The Grotto of the Redemption is one of Iowa’s most unique landmarks and is described as the largest man-made grotto in the world. Built with stones, gems, and minerals from around the world, it is part roadside attraction, partreligious shrine, and part geological work of art.

Cathy and Stephens

Cathy and Stephens

Accommodations

The Amsterdam Hotel

Strawtown Inn and Events

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pella, IA