Katie Maynes is a creative wedding photographer who has been documenting unforgettable love stories for ten years & counting. However, her dream has always been to merge her passion with also owning a vibrant & versatile wedding venue… & after searching for years, Katie finally discovered John Padden’s “Woodland Farm” (original name), the most charming homestead in the heart of the Cedar Valley. The historic victorian cottage & expansive grounds brimming with potential spoke to Katie.

She could envision the cottage as a beautiful bridal guest house, the willow tree as a picturesque ceremony backdrop, the old hay barn for elegant, yet rustic dinners & the courtyard for dancing the night away. Katie is dedicated to transforming this enchanting property into a haven for unforgettable events. From weddings to grad parties, to community events, we welcome you to “The Cottage at Woodland Farm”, & we can’t wait for you to explore all that the property has to offer.

Meet Kayla Smith, the go-to gal behind the scenes at The Cottage at Woodland Farm. As the Venue Coordinator, Kayla truly does it all. From giving tours & planning with couples, to overseeing staff & making sure wedding days run smooth, she keeps everything & everyone on track! The best part is that she does it with a calm, collected presence, & a whole lot of heart. Kayla’s passion for people, weddings, & florals truly make her a triple threat (in the best way!) for The Cottage at Woodland Farm!

When she’s not working for The Cottage, Kayla is running her own business, Pocket Full of Posies, a floral shop based out of New Hampton, IA. Because of this, Kayla is a total pro at styling tablescapes & adding just the right touch of elegance to our charming venue. Somehow, Kayla balances it all while raising her three adorable kiddos alongside her husband. Kayla brings energy, creativity, & care to The Cottage - she’s a big part of what makes the place feel so special, & grateful to have her!