dsm Magazine

💘Local Love💘
Nathan Hentschel and Jessica Tran married on Sept. 20 in a multicultural ceremony at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The couple filled the atrium with love and more than 600 of their friends and family members. “We were happy we had such a great turnout with all of our loved ones who came to support us,” Nathan said.

The event combined elements from traditional Tai Dam and modern American weddings. The couple wore two kinds of matching Tai Dam-style outfits for the family blessing and the ceremony. They also enlisted a DJ and a live band that played traditional Tai Dam music, alternating every hour during the reception, Nathan said, “so all of our guests had a chance to hear their favorite songs.”

Submit your recent wedding photos for print consideration to [email protected].

Local love: Nathan Hentschel and Jessica Tran Nathan Hentschel and Jessica Tran married on Sept. 20 in a multicultural ceremony at the FFA Enrichment Center in Ankeny. The couple filled the atrium with love and more than 600 of their friends a…

🤩Call for entries: 2027 dsm Home Design Awards

🏠It's that time again – dsm magazine is seeking design entries from organizations within the home industry for our 7th annual dsm Home Design Awards. The submission period is open through August 14.

🏆Refreshed Categories for 2027 include:
New Construction • Historic Renovation or Restoration (50 years or older) • Exterior Transformation • Outdoor Living & Entertainment • Landscaping • Indoor Living Space • Indoor entertainment • Kitchen & Dining • Bedroom • Focus space • Bath • Utility Zones • Remodel under $50k • Use of custom furniture • Art display • Lighting • Wallpaper

👑For the second year, we are seeking nominations for Home Design Professional of the Year, an individual who exemplifies innovation, craftsmanship and leadership in Central Iowa’s home design industry. This person will be recognized during the dsm Home Design Awards.

Visit https://dsmhomedesignawards.com/submissions/ for more information and submission details. We can't wait to see your latest work!

Submissions - dsm Home Design Awards > 2027 Home Design Award Entries To submit a nomination, click here. Nominations are due August 14, 2026. 2027 Categories New Construction: Please submit your latest new build projects here. These can be whole homes or new additions to existing homes. Submissions should show off creative or innovati...

🏆 We’re honored and incredibly grateful to share that dsm Dish earned First Place for “Newsletter Excellence” at the City and Regional Magazine Awards.

Competing alongside outstanding publications from major markets like Chicago, Dallas and St. Louis, this recognition is especially meaningful for our small but mighty team. More than anything, it reflects the incredible chefs, restaurants, makers and food lovers who make Central Iowa’s culinary scene so special.

The judges praised dsm Dish for “expertly showcasing not only the breadth of the local food scene, but it is also an entertaining mix of unique editorial content.” We couldn’t ask for a better compliment.

Most importantly, thank you to our readers for opening our emails, sharing your favorite finds, sending tips and supporting local restaurants. And a heartfelt thank you to our sponsors and partners whose support helps make this newsletter possible and allows us to continue celebrating Greater Des Moines’ vibrant food scene.

📬 If you’re not already receiving it, join thousands of fellow food lovers and sign up for the FREE dsmDish newsletter: https://bpci.dragonforms.com/loading.do?omedasite=BPCI_Pref_dsmIA

Here’s to many more delicious stories, unforgettable meals and celebrating the people and places that make Greater Des Moines one of the Midwest’s best food destinations. 🍽️

Right now it's the best time to spot some fireflies in Iowa.

When Radim Photo Schreiber was growing up in the Czech Republic, he spotted fireflies only once — just flickers in a little marsh as he walked home from a Boy Scouts meeting.

“I was quite shocked,” he said. “In the Czech Republic, the firefly is almost like a mythical creature.”

So when he moved to Fairfield in 2008, he was stunned when he saw fireflies in every yard all summer long. One night when he followed a city trail through the woods, it felt like magic. “They weren’t flashing quickly but glowing, slowly,” he said. “It was so peaceful, so joyful, like they were illuminating the path.”

Sparks in the dark Radim Schreiber captures the beauty of a single moment. Writer: Michael Morain Photographer: Radim Schreiber When Radim Schreiber was growing ...