July in southern Iowa can be warm (okay… sometimes very warm), especially at 5 PM. The ceremony and cocktail hour will have outdoor elements, so we recommend dressing comfortably for summer weather. Light fabrics, breathable clothing, and sensible shoes for grass or gravel are all great choices. We’ll have shade, cold drinks, and plenty of ways to keep cool, but feel free to bring sunglasses, a handheld fan, or anything else that helps you enjoy the evening. Once the sun starts to dip, it becomes much more comfortable.
If the weather decides not to play along, no worries, we have a great backup plan. The ceremony will move inside the shop, just steps from the outdoor space. It’s comfortable, covered, and already part of the celebration area, so that everything will flow smoothly. Rain or shine, we’ll still have a beautiful (and dry!) place to say “I do.”
The closest shopping center is about 20 minutes away in Ottumwa, so make sure you double-check your bag and have all the items that you need.