“Work” didn’t get any better than this in 2009!
The year started with economic anxiety, slowing bookings, the passing of our two longtime furry companions on consecutive days, and the unenviable task of following an unbelievable 50-wedding year that I still can’t explain. Little did I realize what a wild and rewarding ride 2009 would be for IndyVisual.
Starting with the weddings themselves… My travel itch was satisfied with events as far as the Riviera Maya to nice little road trips to Linton and Valparaiso, plus weddings in Lexington, KY and Columbus, OH on back-to-back days. The big ones kept coming, as I counted at least five six-figure weddings and my first ever seven-figure wedding! Clients included a mayor, an NFL player, an NBA owner, and many prominent business owners. Then there were the couples for whom I was the only “splurge,” and so many amazing ones in between, every one of whom I was deeply honored to serve.
I never sought out accolades in 15 previous years of business, but they sure sought ME out in 2009. I was given my first-ever PACE award through ISES, then voted by our clients and fellow wedding professionals (no friends, family or random Facebook/Twitter followers!) as Indy’s #1 Videographer on the IndyChannel.com A-List. I was thrilled to be invited to be the official videographer for the ABC annual conference, which was held in Indy this year. My biggest honor was being invited to present at the WEVA Expo in Orlando to videographers from around the globe, and I’m still floating from the amazing response to the seminar as well as the experience of learning from and helping so many new friends.
In the landlord business, my vision of transforming my stuffy old office building into an artsy, creative environment catering to Indy’s most reputable wedding professionals became a reality, and I’m amazed by the quality of people – tenants and clients alike – that I get to mingle with everyday. We celebrated the newly-rebranded We Do! Professional Centre with a epic day of open houses that we were blessed to share with so many of our esteemed peers in the industry, and I’m still blown away to this day by the generosity of Kahn’s Catering and others who made it happen.
Of course, none of this works without the invaluable contributions of (newlywed) Laurie, Rich and Cathy, and none of it has meaning without the unwavering support of Chris and our three nutty little boys who just keep on growing while I toil away everyday. I promise to slow down someday soon, but it might not be this coming year. With more amazing weddings (including St. Lucia and at least three other destinations in the works that I hopefully won’t jinx here), cool new toys and some HUGE surprises in store, it’s time to bid 2009 a fond farewell and look forward to an exciting 2010.
Happy New Year, everyone, and thank you for all that you do for IndyVisual. Please do not hesitate to let us know what we can do for you!

Vanessa & Cole left no page unturned on a fairytale-themed wedding and reception at the Ritz Charles chapel and pavilion. I loved the use of Disney music during the ceremony, the castles, carriages & butterflies throughout the reception decor, and especially the hot air balloon over the “Happily Ever After” cake. The groom’s love for his bride moved him to tears many times, and the amazing party led by Sound Spectrum‘s Tamara Cooper gave Cole & Vanessa’s storybook wedding day a perfectly happy ending. Thanks to super-fun photographers Brandy & Sticky Rammel for the referral!
(See more photos on Brandy & Sticky’s blog!)

I was recently honored to be named the official videographer for Business of Brides 2009, the annual conference for the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), which was held here in Indianapolis this year. It was a great pleasure to work so closely with many of my friends in the local bridal industry and meet so many of the industry’s most-renowned experts from around the world. It’s hard to do the three-day conference with so many elements justice with a short video culled from four hours of raw footage, and there isn’t nearly enough space to describe all the happenings and acknowledge the many people involved like I normally would. But hopefully this clip has captured a taste of the fun as well as the incredible talent on display. Kudos to our local ABC chapter for hosting a fantastic conference that the many event professionals who attended will never forget!

 

Erin & Jared enjoyed an amazing wedding & reception at the Eiteljorg Museum, videotaped by Laurie Foster (formerly Buschmann, just days removed from her own honeymoon) and photographed by Stefanie & Brock Childs of SB Childs Photography. Master Bridal Consultant Monica Richard and designer Gene Huddleson, both of Detail+Design, referred Erin & Jared to us and implemented their usual distinctive touches to the festivities – my favorite was the cupcake “cake.” Kahn’s Catering provided their usual amazing service, and Event One DJs ensured that a fantastic time was had by all.

(See more photos at Stefanie & Brock’s blog!)

I’d always heard of ABC’s (Association of Bridal Consultants) Art of the Table, but never really had a chance to check it out until earlier this year. It’s a charity benefit described as a “design showcase of wedding and special event tablescapes.” All of Indy’s top planners, designers, florists, etc. were there to transform the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Deer Zink Pavilion into an explosion of ideas and color. I never cease to be amazed by the level of creativity talent in this market.

If you’re planning a wedding and want to be inspired or meet all of Indy’s most creative event professionals in one place, mark your calendar for the next Art of the Table on Sunday March 7, 2010 at the IMA. Details are available online at www.artofthetable.info.

I met Alissa & Josh while they were visiting wedding entertainment director Jim Cerone in my office, and was pleasantly surprised when they called shortly before the wedding to book me. The ceremony was my first ever at nearby Fishers United Methodist Church. Photographers Jim & Lois Wyant captured some great shots afterwards behind the Marriott North before we all headed inside for an elegant reception hosted by Jim and beautifully decorated by Posh Petals. A surprise Irish fiddler was one of many highlights on this magical day.

Lina & Dan enjoyed a beautiful wedding & reception at the Indiana Roof Ballroom surrounded by the love of family & friends (most of whom traveled from out of town) as well as the magnificent decor provided by JP Parker Flowers. After the traditional Jewish ceremony, the guests really let loose on the dance floor as a Russian band played well into the evening before giving way to DJ Steve Goldstein. It was a pleasure to work with photographer Danny Iskandar again after shooting together two weeks earlier in the same venue. Big thanks to Antonia at the Roof for the referral!


(See the slideshow at Danny Iskandar’s website!)

I was honored to be hand-picked to be part of the Perfect Wedding Guide‘s Platinum Gala at the Bridgewater Club recently, which showcased an exclusive who’s who of Indy’s finest wedding professionals and bridal fashions to a select group of brides. The rooms looked fabulous, the talent on display was amazing, and I’m glad I brought the camera along to capture a small taste of this spectacular event. Thanks to Ryan Hendrickson for the invitation – I hope to be back next year!

We got booked to film Blair & Michael’s wedding & reception at the Conrad just days before, and I’m so glad we did. Videographer Rich Johnson and photographer Andrew Scalini captured the many stunning details and events overseen by Gene Huddleson and Monica Richard of Detail + Design, from the signing of the ketubah to the heart-tugging vows, from the unique cocktail hour cake cutting to the Pizza Express breadstick favors at evening’s end (an IU tradition). Add some great rock & roll by Endless Summer, and you’ve got a perfect wedding party for a gorgeous couple. Thanks to Amanda and the rest of the Conrad staff for their great service – and for the referral!

Definitely one of the most fun and upbeat couples I’ve ever worked with, Michelle & David exchanged vows at St. Mary’s Catholic Church before celebrating at the Eiteljorg Museum. A long gap between the ceremony and reception allowed for plenty of pictures along the canal with photographer (shooting on film!) Lisa Berry. Surrounded by the lovely decor of Posh Petals and the kickin’ music of DJs Direct, the bridal party brought instant energy to the dance floor…and this was just during the introductions. Excellent service by Kahn’s Catering (who referred Michelle & David to us) and a fun crowd ensured a fantastic evening for all.
(See the slideshow at Lisa Berry’s website!)