Sara & Curtis enjoyed a blast of a wedding day with a ceremony at St. Barnabus Catholic Church followed by a lively reception at D’Amore Indianapolis.  After preparations with JW Salon and Makeup by Sparkle, a sweet first look in the Hilton Garden Inn lobby, and a few quick shots on monument Circle with photographer Jessica Strickland, we headed to the same church where we filmed Curtis’ sister Kristen’s wedding just last fall for their beautiful ceremony.

After some more photos around White River State Park, we all settled into D’Amore, where planner Monica Richard (who referred Sara & Curtis to us), The Empty Vase, Wow Factors, Pomp & Polish and the rest of the design team created a vibrant, sparkly atmosphere accentuated by the setting sun.  Dinner & dessert by Thomas Caterers and Classic Cakes was amazing as usual, and Wedding Entertainment Director Jim Cerone kept the energetic crowd on its feet all night.

Additional vendors: Antique Limo, BBJ Linen, Indy Photo Booths, LaTavola Linens

View More: http://jessicastrickland.pass.us/saracurtis

 Image by Jessica Strickland Photography

More images: http://www.jessicarstrickland.com/blog/wedding/indianapolis-wedding-photography-sara-curtis/

More event info: http://monamieeventsinc.com/wedding-highlight-sara-and-curtis/

I had been anxiously awaiting this day ever since I got the scoop that our friends at Thomas Caterers were going to buy the former Buggs Temple and convert it into Canal 337, a cool new event space at the end of the canal downtown.  Even though I was able to sneak in a couple of shoots the week prior, this opening event was so special given all the unthinkable amount of work that had gone into this labor of love.  Needless to say, everything looked spectacular, and it was a pleasure to film and experience Canal 337 alongside so many industry friends while collaborating with Erin Hession, Jessica Strickland, Detail + Design, Evans Audio Visual, Encore Entertainment and of course Thomas Caterers to make this opening event so grand!

BlogCanal337Opening1Image by Jessica Strickland Photography

(More images: http://www.jessicarstrickland.com/blog/wedding/canal-337/)

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Images by Erin Hession Photography

(More images: http://erinhession.com/2014/06/08/canal-337s-grand-opening/)

I look forward every year to filming Thomas Caterers of Distinction‘s annual tasting event for our industry friends.  Due to the grand opening of their new venue Canal 337 three days later, they dialed this event (along with the guest list) down quite a bit and hosted it at their headquarters.  I took advantage of this opportunity to capture more of the behind the scenes process of creating these dishes, and their culinary staff is always so fascinating to see in action.  It’s also fun to see which of these dishes pass the test and go on to become served throughout the year at my events with Thomas.  But most of all, it’s fun just to eat these creations!  Erin Hession returned with her trusty sidekick John Wooton to capture photos of the fun, and this event was just the beginning…

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Image by Erin Hession Photography

Shelby & Brian’s wedding day took place on the amazing private Nashville, Indiana property owned by Brian’s family, affectionately named Serenity Lake Lodge.  After capturing preparations in the house and the couple’s first meeting on their lakeside dock alongside photographer Jessica Strickland, we moved into the stunningly decorated barn for a short but sweet ceremony.  Then the action moved to a tent by the house for dinner, featuring gorgeous tables created by Wow Factors, out of this world centerpieces by Bella’s Blooms and Hoaglin Catering‘s usual delectable service.

Meanwhile, the Mon Amie Events team (who referred this event to us) flipped the barn to reveal a dramatic new look sculpted by Evans Audio Visual‘s lighting design and a surprise by the groom courtesy of Classic Cakes.  Minutes later, Brian’s father surprised the crowd by playing a song on one of the grand pianos that he had written for the groom’s mother after their first date.  DJ Krista Lee took it from there, rocking the crowd into the night.

BlogRothenbergerImage by Jessica Strickland Photography

Read more details about this amazing day at:

http://monamieeventsinc.com/wedding-highlight-shelby-and-brian/

http://www.jessicarstrickland.com/blog/wedding/indianapolis-wedding-photographer-shelby-brian/

http://www.borrowedandblue.com/indianapolis/weddings/shelby-brian

 

 

I was delighted to hear from one of our earliest clients from 20 years ago that her son would be getting married.  Ben & Kathleen exchanged vows under a chuppah in a beautiful interfaith wedding at St. Pius Catholic Parish before celebrating in style at the Marian Ballroom.  The variety of flowers by Teresa Ayers in the ballroom was eye-catching, as was the stunning panoramic view of the downtown skyline.  Following excellent dinner service by MBP Catering and some hijinks in a Picture Yourself Photo Booth, I joined the couple along with Carrie & Richie of Claycomb Photography for some great rooftop shots.

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Image by Claycomb Photography

Hollace & Ryan enjoyed a beautiful wedding day with a ceremony and reception at the JW Marriott.  The ceremony included a sweet sand ceremony as the couple and Ryan’s two daughters symbolized the blending of their families.  After some photo time with Jennifer Driscoll, Wedding Entertainment Director Jim Cerone (who along with the JW Marriott referred Hollace & Ryan to us) presided over a fun reception that included lovely decor by JP Parker Flowers, delicious dessert by Classic Cakes, and lots of smiles with Indy Photo Booths.

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Image by Jennifer Driscoll Photography

When Monica Richard of Mon Amie Events told me that her husband Paul had brought up the idea of recreating elements of their wedding day to celebrate their 15th anniversary, I knew something special was in store, and I knew my answer to her next question would be “Of course!” Photographer Jessica Strickland and I captured preparations at the Omni Severin Hotel downtown, a limo ride to Bloomington, photos on the Indiana University campus where they were married, and a lovely reception back at the Omni.

There were so many wonderful moments and surprises on this special day that I’ll have to leave them for others to decribe in more detail. But my favorite surprise was when Bryan & Nick from the Endless Summer Band showed up unannounced during an epic seven-course dinner to serenade the couple with their original first dance song. (Though I might be biased since I was the one who set up the surprise!) Overall it was such a gorgeous, wonderful day that I’ll never forget, spent with this lovely couple, their parents and kids, and an all-star team of vendor friends. Happy 15th to Monica & Paul, and here’s to the next 15!

Vendor Team: Mon Amie Events, Omni Severin Hotel, Jessica Strickland Photography, JW Salon, Makeup by Sparkle, Marie Gabriel Couture Bridal, McNamara Florist, Antique Limousine of Indianapolis, Indiana University, Evans Audio Visual, A Classic Party Rental, BBJ Linens, LaTavola Linens, Pomp & Polish, TLW Entertainment & Endless Summer Band.

Image by Jessica Strickland Photography

Our first wedding of 2014 took place at St. John Catholic Church downtown as Hilari & Kyle exchanged vows before celebrating in a winter wonderland at the Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion. Coverage started with the bride’s preparations at MDG salon|studio downtown as photographer Angel Canary and I captured the moments while planner Carlie Oakley (who referred Hilari & Kyle to us) and Posh Petals worked quickly behind the scenes to get the church ready for the ceremony. The reception looked simply stunning with white decor that perfectly complemented the clear view all around of the snowy landscape. Despite the cool wintry vibe, the party inside was perfectly warm and got even hotter once Dave & Rae hit the stage to rock the crowd.

Image by Angel Canary Photography

(More photos: http://www.angelcanaryblog.com/2014/02/06/indianapolis_wedding_photographer_winter_snow/)

Emily & Russell rang out the old year in style with a New Year’s Eve wedding at St. Luke Catholic Church followed by an amazing Great Gatsby-themed reception at Meridian Hills Country Club. It was fun to work with much of the same team as I did at Emily’s sister Sarah & John’s wedding, including photographer Kevin Swan and his team, who got some killer sunset shots on the golf course before the big celebration. My dear friend Kate Berglund designed an amazing Great Gatsby look throughout the venue that along with Posh Petals‘ gorgeous floral design perfectly fit the festivities, and keyboardist/vocalist Matt Roush kept the dance floor packed with revelers as they helped Emily & Russell usher in 2014.

Image by Swan Photography for Luxury Events

(More photos: http://www.swanluxury.com/Weddings/Bible)