Katie’s dream became a reality.

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 the vision of a vibrant & versatile wedding venue… her artistic eye for lighting, textured backdrops & quaint moments between couples is what led her to finding the perfect property. 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, whimsical willow tree, and expansive grounds brimming with potential spoke to Katie. She could envision the cottage as a beautiful bridal guest house, the garden as a picturesque ceremony backdrop, the reception hall as a space for gathering & the original hay barn for dancing the night away. Katie is dedicated to transforming this enchanting venue into a haven for unforgettable events. Welcome to “The Cottage at Woodland Farm”, we can’t wait for you to explore all that the property has to offer.

Kayla’s passions shine through.

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, and a whole lot of heart. Kayla’s passion for people, weddings, and 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 and adding just the right touch of elegance to our rustic & charming venue. Somehow, Kayla balances it all while raising her three adorable kiddos alongside her husband. Kayla brings energy, creativity, and care to The Cottage, & she’s a big part of what makes the place feel so special. She can’t wait to host you here.