Our Story

When an artist and a landscaper fell in love …

Koru is a family owned and operated Aronia berry farm and special events venue. Deda Happel is a professional artist, painter and designer who put her heart and soul into making Koru one of a kind venue. From large 20 ft. murals to interior design, Deda is the creative force behind Koru.

Neil Happel has been landscaping professionally for 18 years and has transformed Koru’s scapes into intimate outdoor spaces that you can’t help but to explore. Neil is the powerhouse behind Koru’s ceremony sites which include the ancient white willow tree that belongs in a fairytale.

Ethan is their son and is the hardest working 16 year old out there. He is usually behind the scenes using muscle wherever needed. Fuel him with food and cake and watch him go! This family, together, will stop at nothing to make your special day perfect!

koru symbol, koru berry farms, wedding venue, venue, Iowa weddings, Wedding Venues Near Me, Wedding Venue Near Me, Iowa City Wedding Venue, Cedar Rapids Wedding Venue, North Liberty Wedding Venue, Des Moines Wedding Venue, Unique wedding venue, farm weddings, outdoor wedding venue, boho wedding venue

The Meaning of Koru

The Koru symbol originates from the Māori, the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.  The koru (Māori for “loop”) is a spiral shape based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. It is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattooing, where it symbolizes new life, growth, strength and peace.

Scroll to Top