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)

After a whirlwind wedding in Italy, Alexa & Daniel returned home to celebrate their union with a reception for friends and family at the Conrad Indianapolis while videographer Brandon New captured the fun. It was a stunning ballroom thanks to Eventfull Planning (who referred this event to us), Posh Petals and Wow Factors among others, and we had a blast working alongside Nathaniel Edmunds Photography as the Cocktail Sax Band and the band etc. entertained the happy crowd.

Image by Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

(More photos: http://blog.nathanieledmunds.com/2014/02/21/alexa-daniel/)

Videographer Brandon captured the action as Nikki & Matt enjoyed a beautiful winter wedding & reception at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  After toughing out the cold temperatures for some outside shots with Nathaniel Edmunds Photography, they exchanged emotional vows in the towering Pulliam Hall.  The gorgeous decor courtesy of Kathy’s Kloset along with the terrific service by Kahn’s Catering set the tone for a fun evening with music provided by The Simple DJ.  Thanks to Brandon for filming, thanks to the IMA & NEP for the referral, and most of all, congratulations to a wonderful couple!

Image by Nathaniel Edmunds Photography

(More photos: http://blog.nathanieledmunds.com/2014/02/07/nikki-matt/)

Abbe & Danny enjoyed a perfect winter wedding day, from their lovely ceremony at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church to their fun reception at the Marriott Indianapolis downtown. It was a nice holiday treat to work with such a sweet couple along with friends such as my church’s retired senior pastor Dr. Kent Millard, DJ & “Perfect Host” Jim Cerone (who referred Abbe & Danny to us), photographer Kristin Hornberger, Michelle Espinoza of Marie Gabriel Couture, and some other industry friends & former clients among the guests.

Image by Kristin Hornberger Photography

(More photos: http://kristinhphotos.blogspot.com/2014/02/abbe-danny-married-indianapolis-in.html)

I had too much fun for words at Brittany & Johnny’s wedding at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church & reception at the Omni Severin.  Having already filmed the weddings of both the bride AND groom‘s sisters, I felt comfortable the moment I walked into the bridal suite at the Omni as Crystal Haffner was putting the finishing touches on Brittany.  After a sweet first look for the couple on the ballroom balcony, we headed outside for some hot photos in the cold with Jessica Strickland before heading to the church for the beautiful ceremony.

The reception looked stunning with decor by The Empty Vase in the old Severin Lobby, and following dinner, all of the action moved into the Severin Ballroom as the First Impression Band played on through the night.  Leslie Jones did her usual wonderful job in planning the day, and it was fun to be reunited with her for another special day in the lives of these two great families.

Image by Jessica Strickland Photography

Tracey & Travis’ epic wedding day at the Crowne Plaza at Historic Union Station was quite the day to remember. From preparations behind the scenes with Beauty by Crystal to a tearful first look on the Grand Hall mezzanine and photos with Jamie Sangar, the couple looked fabulous. The ceremony decor by Royal Creations was simply stunning, and I especially loved the way the parents were integrated into the wedding. The reception was a total blast, from the lively music by My Yellow Rickshaw through Tracey & Travis’ spontaneous decision to cancel the horse carriage and take their guests bar-hopping instead. Of course, it will be impossible for me to think of this day without being inspired by the way Jamie fought through an illness early to do an amazing job, what photographer Jessica Strickland went through to be able to eventually fill in for Jamie, and the positive, encouraging attitude that this incredible couple kept through it all. Clients and vendors like these are the very reason I love what I do!

Image by Jamie Sangar Photography

(More photos: http://jamiesangarblog.com/index.cfm?postID=1256)

Frances & Phil shared an emotional, faith-filled wedding ceremony at the Indiana Landmarks Center, followed by a reception at the stunningly decorated Indianapolis Museum of Art. Our coverage started with a fun rehearsal dinner Friday night at the Westin, then resumed Saturday at the ceremony site as Jim & Lois Wyant were capturing group photos. The ceremony including several unique spiritual touches such as a group prayer among the bridal party, communion and a sand ceremony where the sand filled an actual picture frame of the couple.

The guests gathered in the Pulliam Hall at the IMA for cocktail service by Kahn’s Catering before proceeding to Deer Zink Pavilion, which was stunningly lit only by the glow of Chinese lanterns overhead, installed by Scott Evans and the Wow Factors crew. Sweet Pea Floral Design‘s beautiful work completed the transformation, and Wedding Entertainment Director Jim Cerone (who referred Frances & Phil to us) presided over the rest of this amazing evening, which was executed to perfection by Laura Lim of Eventfull Planning.

(Hair & Makeup: Karen Hall & Company, Transportation: Antique Limousine of Indianapolis)