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You may recall seeing these two awhile ago on my blog for their spring engagement session at Newfields. Hannah and Ryan have been planning and anticipating their wedding day for over two years, and this past weekend, they shared their vows among friends and family, both in person and via the internet! It was a cool and lovely October day, with autumn hued florals and a beautiful rustic location, The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm. I can see why this couple fell head over heels for this very special place! This is only a quick sneak peek, however, I can’t help but to share it! Every detail was carefully planned with intention and beauty, interlacing their love story and memories over the past 7 years they’ve been together. Their adorable niece and flower girl, Lucy, stole the show…and everyone’s hearts! It has been such a joy and honor to be alongside Hannah and Ryan for the past few years! You see, I not only photographed Hannah’s high school senior portraits, but the pair also were a part of a styled wedding shoot in 2015, where I wished and prayed that one day I’d have the privilege of photographing their wedding one day, because I knew they were a perfect match! When I received Hannah’s email that Ryan had proposed on their trip to Italy two years ago, I was over the moon excited for them and we immediately began planning their #bestdayever!
Hannah and Ryan, thank you both so much for everything! Witnessing your wedding day was an incredible honor! Your families and friends are warm and caring and wonderful in every way! Wishing you A Thousand Years of happiness, love, and laughter! Love and hugs to you both!!!
I loved working with the following wedding professionals who helped to make Hannah and Ryan’s day so wonderful:
Venue and Florals // The Barn at Crystal Spring Farm (Jenny, you are such a gem! And your floral work is so beautiful! Thank you so much for all of your help throughout the day!)
Catering // Smokehouse Catering
Baker // Paula Feasel, friend of the Bride
Bridal Gown // Bridal and Formal
Groom and Groomsmen Attire // Macy’s
Hair & Makeup Artists // Eden Beauty Lounge
DJ // Troy Hannah, T-Bone Disc Jockey
When a talented local floral designer asks me to photograph her work…my answer will always be yes! This past weekend I had the honor and privilege, not to mention oh sooo much fun time!!!, of documenting Elizabeth’s stunning work at The Balmoral House in Fishers, In. She owns Satin & Stems, and she is so passionate about her work and about creating something absolutely magical for her clients. And I love that about her! I shared a sneak peek with her yesterday and today, and I can’t help but to share it here too, because it was all so insanely stunning!
Elizabeth and Anthony (her sweet husband assists her on wedding days!), thank you so much for inviting me to photograph this gorgeous day! Despite our typical Midwestern heat and humidity of July, along with the wind, you made this dreamy, romantic garden wedding space come alive with so much beauty! Let’s do it again soon, ok?
Venue // The Balmoral House
Floral Designer // Satin & Stems, Elizabeth DiGiusto // Elizabeth of Satin & Stems creates full tablescape designs with rentable items. Antique goblets and cups were chosen just for this garden wedding, along with a specialty arch installation with painted Baby’s Breath for extra color. Flowers in the design included Pampas Grass, Lily, Delphinium, Garden Roses, Spray Roses, Alstromerias, Eucalyptus, and Baby’s Breath.
Have a wonderful day, friends!
It’s going to be a pretty day here on the blog, friends! We’re well into the first month of 2020, and I thought it would be fun to take a look back at some of the stunning florals I had the honor of photographing over the past year! Each florist has been a dream to work alongside, and I love their creativity in pairing color and texture, the mix of blooms and greenery, the way they perfectly complement each wedding’s unique style, and more! They are each so very talented, and I can’t wait to share some of their hard work here with you! I cannot wait to blog each wedding and event as its own feature, because there have been so many wonderful moments and details captured that I want to share! Until then, here is a small glimpse at some floral beauty! Today we’ll focus solely on the bridal bouquet, allowing the other floral elements involved to accompany each wedding or event in their respective forthcoming features!
Florist // Critser’s Flowers & Gifts
Venue // The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Shane with Critser’s is so kind and extremely talented! I’ve had the honor of meeting him at various events hosted by The Sycamore at Mallow Run, and I am always excited to get to work with him on wedding days! He was able to incorporate the bride’s favorite flower – the magnolia – in to her wedding bouquet and in the ceremony and reception decor. To see more from Michelle and Ryan’s Southern Charm Winter Wedding, check out my post from last week! It was such a stunning day!
Florist // Critser’s Flowers & Gifts
Venue // The Sycamore at Mallow Run
More beautiful flowers by Critser’s! I love the mix of coral, blush, lavender, dusty blue, and green! These gorgeous blooms were on display during The Sycamore’s Vendor Open House in the Spring. I am so excited to participate in their next Spring event happening on March 4th! I love meeting new brides and grooms and hearing about their dream wedding day! Please come and say hello!
Florals // George Thomas Florist
Venue // The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Many thanks to Melissa of George Thomas Florist for making my display so pretty and so fragrant for the Open House last Spring! I had the honor of photographing her floral work for a beautiful wedding here at The Sycamore for the sweetest couple, Terri and Tyler, and everyone was swooning all day over the gorgeous bouquet and florals! (That blog post will be coming – it is long overdue and too gorgeous not to share!)
Florist // JP Parker Flowers
Venue // The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Karen with JP Parker Flowers is such a gem! She is always smiling and absolutely loves her job with all her heart! She created this lovely ceremony area for the Spring event at The Sycamore. Isn’t it dreamy?
Florist // Knox Floral Designs
Venue // Ironworks Hotel Indy
This day was so special for so many reasons! For one, the couple had actually gotten married months prior, however, had only iPhone and polaroid photos from that day. Two, I met Keatha of Knox Floral Designs, thanks to another fabulous florist I’ll mention in a moment. She is from Texas, and is as sweet as tea! She is incredibly kind, wildly talented, and I just love her to pieces! We worked together for this styled industrial bohemian elopement, and it couldn’t have been a better day! The corals! The pinks! The Dogwood blooms! The textures! I may have twirled around and around with this stunner of a bouquet in my hands for a moment! Oh, Keatha also created the boutonniere and floral bridal hairpiece too. She. is. Amazing. I asked Keatha a few questions about her work. Let’s see what she has to say!
Hey Keatha, I have the image below on the left hanging on the wall of my office! I love it so much! To me, it means so much because it’s the first time we met and collaborated! I love the style and colors and it makes me smile each time I see it! It serves as a reminder of a super fun day combining my love of photography and flowers and working alongside fellow creatives who share so much passion for what they do.
Florist // Accent Floral Design
Venue // Black Iris Estate
I have so many wonderful things to say about Linda of Accent Floral Design! She is kind, funny, insanely talented, loves serving her clients and making them happy, and so much more! She is the one who connected me to Keatha, and I couldn’t be more thankful! She and Keatha are friends, and it’s so refreshing when colleagues refer you to others! I love working with both of these creative ladies so much! I was so excited to photograph Linda’s work for Kathryn and Jake’s wedding this past August…she brought their English garden wedding theme to life with the most romantic florals for the bouquet, for the ceremony and reception decor, and more. It was all simply breathtaking! Linda and I first met and worked together for a wedding at this same venue a couple of years ago, and she was the florist for one of my styled shoots, and I loved all of her creative ideas and beautiful work! Linda, you make magic happen!!!
View these high school sweethearts’ engagement session by clicking here: Indianapolis Engagement Portraits // Kathryn + Jake
As with Keatha, I also asked Linda some of the same questions! I have visited Linda’s studio before, and because I love flowers and photographing flowers, it’s fun to see the behind the scenes and to have a bit of a look at all that goes into working with flowers. Because it’s so much more than making a group of flowers look pretty!
Stephanie: You are so talented at designing florals for weddings and events! What inspires you as you go about creating bouquets and floral arrangements? How do you get new and fresh ideas?
Linda: Thank you so much Stephanie! It’s so nice to be recognized by one of my fellow wedding vendors! It’s always a treat when we get to work events together!! I typically am quite focused on how my client describes her wedding vision to me. Based on that point- and through inspiration images we share, I’m able to size up the allotment of blooms to greenery ratio. If she loves strong use of color vs all soft pale neutrals. If she wants a trendy boho chic look to where flowers appear more loosely gathered – or if it’s a tightly structured traditional design. I’m also aware of my other elements also affecting our clients overall impact when she enters their ceremony space – such as the style of her gown, her size vs the bouquet-There can be so many variables! It’s important that my clients don’t look or feel hidden behind their bouquet (unless they want that!!) I also allow the flowers to guide the flow of the bouquet, to where “ it just feels right.”
Stephanie: I know that you travel for your work, where is your favorite place to be when designing for a wedding or event? Where would you love to travel to for a wedding?
Linda: I love west coast and Hawaii jobs!! I learned floral design when I lived on Maui, so it’s always fun to get work out there! I’m 100% in for New Zealand or Italy next! Anyone interested??
You don’t have to ask me twice, Linda!!! Yes and yes to New Zealand and Italy!!! #havecamerawilltravel
Stephanie: What has been one of your favorite floral projects you have been a part of? Why?
Linda: “I have participated in so many fun events & weddings, it’s hard to choose! I think doing my good friend Sarah Agee’s wedding up on Mackinaw Island was one especially unique experience due to the travel distance for “pre designed floral“ meshed with a transfer to ferry boat and the fact there were no vehicles on the island! Sarah is a wedding planner, so we pulled out all the fun, intricate details on her reception decor…it was soooo pretty!”
Stephanie: What would be your dream floral design to create?
Linda: “I’m currently excited to be looking at natural settings and bringing florals to spice up a site. Trees, arbors, barns, old porches, old wagons, vehicles, signs, vintage type areas that look like they need a touch of color intrigue me! Also, the big dream that my assistant and I have been hoping for is an Indian wedding with a live elephant! It would be SO FUN to create a GIANT flower crown! I’m ALL about creating flowers for unique structures!”
Stephanie: What is your favorite flower? (If you have more than one, that’s fine!) Why is it your favorite?
Linda: “I have wayyyy too many favorites! I appreciate all the nuances of different colorations and sizes and scents. Currently I’m really missing the work I used to do with tropical flowers on an everyday basis: Proteas, orchids, heliconias and unique varieties of ginger. In non-tropical blooms, I’d have to say the seasonal peonies and “cafe au lait” dahlias (currently) bring me the most joy. It boils down to the season typically.”
Stephanie: How did you get started in floral design?
Linda: “I was asked to consider working at a flower shop when I lived on Maui. The owner trained me in all aspects of floral design, with the added skills of Hawaiian Lei making , “Haku” style head Lei’s, and the grand scale of design we could play with in our base of operations within a large beach front hotel.”
Stephanie: What do you love most about what you do? Why?
Linda: “What I love most now is being the sole proprietor. It was a big step to go out on my own ten years ago. I had only worked in retail flower shops prior to starting Accent Floral Design. I now have the freedom of freelance work with fellow floral friends. I’m also loving the fact people who seek me out have seen my design work and appreciate my style before we’ve even met! I no longer am required to design styles that make me cringe!!! I’ve always had appreciation for colors and textures since I was little. To design florals in styles that ‘have the right flow’ is definitely my jam!”
Florist // Oberer’s Flowers
Venue // Conrad Indianapolis and Indianapolis Artsgarden
Another wedding that I cannot wait to share here on the blog is Melissa and Mike’s fairytale of a day! Dripping with blush and navy and gold. Several elements from the bride’s favorite Disney movie, Beauty and The Beast. Dancing, lots and lots of dancing! However, right now, we are simply focusing on the flowers! And these blooms from Oberer’s Flowers are delightful! From every location – the sidewalk, the Conrad’s Owners rooftop terrace, sunset outside the Artsgarden – these florals are just so stunning! Check out Melissa and Mike’s downtown Indianapolis engagement session here: Indianapolis Engagement Portraits // Melissa + Mike
Florist // Critser’s Flowers & Gifts
Venue // The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Another absolutely dreamy wedding day at The Sycamore!!! Once again, Shane with Critser’s Flowers & Gifts had everyone swooning over these anemones, roses, eucalyptus, and more! These florals perfectly suited Abby and Bobby’s elegant vineyard wedding day! Friends, you won’t want to miss their upcoming blog post with their amazing wedding day! Ok, I know, I know, I have SO much blogging to do!!! I can’t wait!!! View some favorites from their summer engagement session: Indianapolis Engagement Portraits // Abby + Bobby
Florist // Special Occasion Designs
Venue // Mustard Seed Gardens
Truthfully, this was not a wedding day, however, it was a networking event for local wedding professionals! 😉 And wouldn’t it make a stunning wedding on its own?! Yes, yes, yes it would!!! I had the honor of meeting Chrissy and photographing her stunning work for this special event, and it was SO MUCH FUN! Have I mentioned that I love my job? Because I do! Back to Chrissy! Everyone loved how she used greenery and bud vases and a wide variety of sweet blooms to bring color and beauty to this beloved historic barn! I’m a big fan of all of this!!!
Florist // Philosophy Flowers
Venue // Historic building in Lancaster, PA
This gorgeous bouquet was part of a wedding photography workshop I attended in the Fall. And I am so excited to blog about this soon, because I learned so much and because there are so many gorgeous and unique details to share from this styled shoot!
Florist // Knox Floral Designs
Venue // Prairie House at Conner Prairie
Once again, Keatha took my breath away with her floral expertise and design for this fall (turned snowy winter day!) styled wedding shoot at Conner Prairie’s Prairie House. She took my design and ran with it, and our entire creative team was WOW’d with beauty! So seriously stunning!!! If you missed the sneak peek, please feel free to click here to check it out! Fall Wedding Inspiration // A Prairie House Styled Wedding at Conner Prairie
Florist // The Carmel Florist
Venue // Mustard Seed Gardens
I enjoyed meeting Kristine in person for Haylee and Colin’s Mustard Seed Gardens wedding in November! We had communicated back and forth a few times in the weeks leading up to the big day, and it was great to finally put a face with the name! I loved her mix of blooms for the couple’s fall palette of rustic charm! The day’s crazy mix of rain, sleet, and ice didn’t phase her as she prepped the barn for the ceremony and reception!
Have you seen Haylee and Colin’s beautifully sweet engagement session? Check out their Indianapolis Engagement Portraits here!
Florist // Sister of the Bride
Venue // Courthouse in Downtown Noblesville, IN
What an honor it was to be one of 15 people to witness and celebrate the wedding of Scarlet and Sam! Scarlet’s winter bridal look was one of timeless elegance with her pearls, gorgeous lace gown, and cozy wrap! Her bouquet of pink and red roses and berries was perfect for this December wedding day. S + S, you two are so adorable!!!
Thank you so much for joining me on the blog today! I love sharing about what I do! And I love working with florists by documenting how their artistry reflects each couple’s wedding day style and personality! I look forward to working with all of these amazing wedding professionals again soon!!! Many thanks again to Keatha and to Linda for sharing some insight into the work that they love so much! What a treat! Thank you so much, ladies!!! And to all of you who’ve read this lengthy post, hugs to you!!! Have a wonderful day!
Happy Thursday, friends! I am SO very excited to share this gorgeous winter wedding with you all! It was a beautiful, sunny January day. A few days leading up to the wedding, Indiana had been blasted by a wintry storm with snow and ice! Thankfully, guests were able to attend after a travel advisory ended, and everyone enjoyed a sweet ceremony officiated by their friend Scott, followed by cocktail hour, a delicious dinner, and a great party on the dance floor! Michelle and Ryan are truly the sweetest couple, full of smiles and laughs. And their family and friends were just as warm and friendly and fun to be around! Sunlight streamed in through the windows of The Estate Room at The Sycamore at Mallow Run for the afternoon ceremony, which was simply delightful! We photographed the bridal party and family portraits comfortably and beautifully indoors thanks to the abundant sunshine! The happy couple braved the cold day for a few moments on the patio for a few “just married” portraits, and I’m so glad we did! Later in the evening, a small group of family and friends congratulated the newlyweds with a private sparkler send off…and we all immediately went back inside to warm up on the dance floor for the rest of the night! The winter palette of wine and gray, along with the bride’s favorite magnolia blooms – a nod to the bride’s roots – the day was one of elegance and southern charm. The groom’s love of Star Wars did not get left out – keep an eye out for a custom and truly creative guestbook, along with some fun night portraits! Michelle and Ryan, thank you so much for inviting me to be a part of this special time in your lives! I loved meeting your families and friends, and seeing the joy you all share together! Wishing you a wonderful anniversary and many, many more to come! Hugs and more hugs to you both!
Check out Michelle and Ryan’s fall engagement session here!
Wonderful team of wedding professionals who made the day amazing:
Venue // The Sycamore at Mallow Run
Florist // Critser’s Flowers & Gifts
Caterer // Sweet & Savory
Baker // Small Cakes in Greenwood
Dress // Maggie Sottero Designs
Tuxes // Men’s Wearhouse
DJ // DJ Sound Solution
Makeup Artist // Makeup Creations by Andrea
Hairstylists // Laura Snyder, A Do for I Do and Wendy (friend of the bride)
Invitations // Created by the Bride
Honeymoon // New Orleans, LA
Second Photographer // Many thanks to my sweet second shooter, Hannah!
Over the summer I had a vision in my head of a beautiful fall wedding. One with a palette of ivory, ochre, and all of autumn’s rich hues. With the help of my friends, Kim and Dana of Conner Prairie, we assembled an absolute dream team of creatives to bring this vision to life. And a few days ago, we did exactly that! Enjoy a sneak peek of everyone’s collaborative efforts…with an unexpected twist! You’ll have to scroll through a few images to see!
Many thanks and hugs to our creative team of wedding industry professionals!
Venue // Prairie House at Conner Prairie
Farm Tables, Wood Crossback Chairs, Custom Draping, Table Linens, Napkins, Place Settings, Flatware, Exterior Draping/Decor // Indiana Wedding Decorators
Statement Bouquet, Statement Centerpiece, Boutonniere, Florals, Candlesticks, Vessels // Knox Flowers
Bridal Party Attire // Sophia’s Bridal and Tux
Makeup // Julia Wadsworth Makeup Artistry
Hair Stylists // A ‘Do for “I Do” Laura Snyder Hair and Dolled By Dani
Custom Wedding Stationery // Interprintations
Calligraphy // Painted Letter Co.
Signature Drink // “Prairie Sunset”, created by Dana of Conner Prairie, featuring Hotel Tango Distillery‘s Bourbon
Cake // Classic Cakes
Smoke Velvet Table Runner // A Classic Party Rental
Models // Mykal Porter, Connor Halloran, Mikayla Metzler, Olivia Schmidt
Photography // Stewart Imagery
