I got to know Julie through some marketing work that we both did for a friend’s travel company, and we bonded during a trip to the breathtaking Hawaiian island of Kauai.  So I was overjoyed when she told me more recently that she was engaged and wanted me to film her big day with Scott.  The intimate wedding at Holy Spirit at Geist Parish was followed by photos at the Conrad Indianapolis with Angela Talley (who had also joined us on the Hawaii trip), and then a low-key dinner reception at Mo’s Steak House.  Along with Julie’s sister Jennie, we all enjoyed reliving old memories of our Hawaiian adventure together while creating new ones for this very sweet couple.

Photo by Angela R. Talley Studios

Jamie & Matt exchanged vows in a beautiful wedding ceremony at St. Christopher Parish in Speedway before celebrating at the Conrad Indianapolis. Their first meeting took place in the stunning Kite condo on the top floor of the Conrad, which offered an unparalleled view and backdrops for photographs by Erin Hession’s team.  (Check out the amazing photos on Erin’s blog!)  After the ceremony, we all proceeded to the newly restored Monument Circle for more shots before settling in at the Conrad.

The reception featured gorgeous decor by The Empty Vase, an elegant cake by Heavenly Sweets, and great party music by the band Groove Essential. All of these details were expertly overseen by Deborah & Cassie of A Touch of Elegance. Special thanks to the Conrad’s Amanda Spicer for referring such a fun couple to us!

Maggie & Ben rang in the new year in style with a wedding ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, followed by a reception at the Conrad Indianapolis. This was no ordinary reception, as designer David Reilich and McNamara Florist‘s Alan Thompson, AIFD created a unique communal atmosphere highlighted by long never-ending tables lined with florals and candles. The Endless Summer Band kept the crowd going strong throughout the night, and then kicked it into an even higher gear after the midnight countdown. It was fun as always working with Amanda & Nate of Turtle Pond Photography, and big thanks to the Conrad’s Amanda Spicer for the last-minute referral!

Image by Turtle Pond Photography

I’ll never forget my dear friend Amanda’s giddiness when she first told me she started dating Alex during their days at the Omni Severin Hotel, or the day we hung out in the Conrad Indianapolis lobby for an hour talking at length about their wedding day…a whole year before they got engaged.  So it was truly an honor finally to be there to witness and film their big day.  After preparations in Amanda’s suite at the Conrad followed by an emotional first meeting in the penthouse, I joined photographer Andrew Scalini for some stunning pictures on the rooftop and around downtown before heading to the ceremony in the Indiana Landmarks Center, a former church that has been transformed into an incredible event space.

The reception took place down the hall in a dramatic two-story rotunda, tastefully appointed by Paul’s Flowers with setup help by Gene Huddleson of Detail+Design, with intimate spaces on both levels for the guests to savor the many delightful surprises served by Hoaglin Fine Catering.  After many tearful speeches (“It runs in the family,” joked her brother as he broke down), the celebration was on, led by the Endless Summer Band with a memorable appearance onstage by Amanda’s godmother.  Planner Monica Richard of Detail+Design was with all of us every step of the way to make sure everything ran perfectly, and it was such a treat to spend a fun evening with so many industry friends among the guests and vendor team.

Photo by Andrew Scalini

I’ve been honored to be involved with Wish Upon a Wedding over the past year, and what a year it has been! From our launch in January through two wishes granted, the Indianapolis chapter has been one of the most active in the country, in large part due to the many event industry friends who have supported us tremendously in our efforts to provide weddings for couples facing life-altering circumstances.

Our final big event of the year was the Blissful Wishes Ball, held at the Conrad Indianapolis, which gave us an opportunity to raise additional awareness and funds, say “thank you” to a lot of people, and announce yet another wish to be granted this spring. Here are some highlights from a very fun and inspiring evening!

Jill and Cody had their wedding ceremony at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, and their reception followed at the Conrad. The couple saw each other for the first time in Sower’s Garden at the church before photos with Melody and Jeremy of Carpenter Photo & Design. After the ceremony, Jill and Cody exited the church as guests waved Texas flags (where the couple lives now).

The ballroom at the Conrad looked beautiful thanks to decor by JP Parker Flowers and a fabulous cake by Classic Cakes. The Cocktail Sax Band entertained the guests during cocktails, while Jon of Event One DJs rocked the reception. Deanna Boyce of Eventfull Planning did a great job of running the show, with help from new EP partner Laura Lim.

Best wishes to you always, Jill and Cody!

Photo by Carpenter Photo & Design

Kyle and Caleb pulled out all the stops for their phenomenal wedding and reception at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The tears started flowing the night before as Kyle’s mother dedicated a serenade to her during the rehearsal dinner at The Capital Grille.

Photographer Jennifer Driscoll and I captured preparations with Karen Hall and Company the next day at the Conrad, followed by the couple’s first look and more photos outside the Scottish Rite. The ceremony in the south lounge had many unique touches, from the “time capsule” box enclosed with wine bottles and notes that Kyle and Caleb hammered shut, to the dove release during the grand exit.

Consultant Darcie Kornmeyer of Circle City Planners (who referred Kyle and Caleb to us) and Tiffany Mullen of Circle City Designers teamed up to transform the ballroom once again, with a huge assist from Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Evans Audio Visual and Westwood Paper Company. Chris Burger of Copper Moon Entertainment presided over the evening’s many highlights, kicked off by a surprise early first dance on the ballroom floor during the cocktail hour as their guests enjoyed the view from the mezzanine above.

Congratulations Kyle and Caleb!

Photo by Jennifer Driscoll Photography

Claire and Thomas had their gorgeous wedding ceremony and elegant reception at the Conrad Hotel. Special thanks to Amanda Coffey of the Conrad and Gene Huddleson of Detail + Design for referring the couple to us!

The bride and groom had their “first look” on the hotel’s staircase followed by photos downtown with Andrew Scalini. The ceremony included wonderful personal touches, including hilarious vows written by Claire.

Afterwards, the reception decor was absolutely stunning thanks to Detail + Design, KB Design and Classic Cakes. The Flying Toasters rocked the house, and Monica Richard of Detail + Design ran the day to perfection. The evening concluded with French fries and a swanky after party next door.

Best wishes Claire and Thomas, and thanks for letting us capture your special day!

Photo by Andrew Scalini

Jen and Zach had their wedding ceremony and reception at the Conrad Hotel. We enjoyed capturing this special day alongside Galleria Studios, and it was also great filming Casey Scott and Posh Petals‘ beautiful decor for the second straight weekend.

At the reception, we loved Jen’s father’s toast when he gave Jen a rock that she’d given him as a child over 20 years ago! The Souled Out Band kept the crowd dancing all night, so it was a nice touch to furnish flipflops (organized by size) for all the guests. Plus, everyone liked the French fries provided as a late night snack.

Special thanks to our IndyVisual clients, Blair and Michael, for referring the couple to us! Best wishes to Jen and Zach for a long and happy life together!

Photo by Galleria Studios