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Summer Wedding at Black Iris Estate
Nick and Ashley were married in a dreamy, romantic summer wedding at Black Iris Estate last night. One thing was evident to everyone throughout the entire day, and that is just how much Nick and Ashley love each other. It was so sweet to hear different pieces of their love story from them, from their friends and family, and then during toasts later in the evening. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Nick’s best man spoke about the love Ashley and Nick share or when Ashley’s father shared about just how much each of these two have accomplished in their lives and how special it is that they ended up together.
My favorite part of the day was Nick and Ashley’s first look. I love that Nick and Ashley chose to share a first look, something I recomend to all of my couples. I can’t wait for you to see how sweet his reaction was. The tears in his eyes spoke volumes about the way he feels toward his bride. He even teared up again later as she was coming down the aisle during the actual wedding ceremony. A true testament that doing a first way doesn’t take anything away from that special “down the aisle” moment. It only adds to it.
Nick and Ashley, you two are such an amazing couple, and it was SUCH an honor to get to be your wedding photographer. Your wedding day was so incredible, and your marriage will be even better. Enjoy these sneak peaks. I can’t wait to send you your full wedding gallery soon!
A HUGE thank you to the amazing vendor team:
Carmel, Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Florist: Oberer's Flowers
Cake: Classic Cakes
DJ: DJ Rakobeat
Hair and Makeup: Something Blue Stylists
Catering: Thomas Caters of Distinctions
Wedding Gown: Madison James - from Becker's Bridal in Michigan
Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie
Men’s Attire: Banana Republic
Wedding Stationary: Minted
Officiant: Clare Dardis (a friend of the couple)
Carmel, Indiana Engagement Photos at Coxhall Gardens
I had the opportunity to engagement photos at Coxhall Gardens twice this week. I love this location, so I’m always happy when my couples love Coxhall Gardens as well. Carmel, Indiana always offers so many amazing location options for engagement photos.
These two were so spot on with all of their outfit choices. They opted for three outfits, which was awesome! My engagement sessions include unlimited locations and outfit changes, but I rarely have couples wear more than two outfits. I love that this sweet couple chose to do three outfits, because it will add so much variety to their engagement session gallery. Another thing that really helps to add variety is just how many background options Coxhall Gardens has throughout the huge park. Since we shot this engagement session on a week day, the park was pretty empty, and we were really able to utilize every single pretty area on the property.
Nate and Hailey are such a fun couple, and I love that their personalities shone through while we were taking their engagement photos. Lately, I’ve had quite a few grooms wear military uniforms, which I absolutely love both for engagement sessions and for weddings. It shows off something so important in the couples’ lives, and I think couples will really cherish having memories captured from this time in their lives to look back on.
Nate and Hailey were so fun to work with. I already love these two so much, and I can’t wait for their wedding! Their beautiful wedding will be at Montage next summer, and I’m so excited to finally shoot at this venue! I remember falling in love with it back when I toured it when I was planning my own wedding, and the venue manager is one of my favorite people in the local wedding industry.
Nate and Hailey, you two are amazing, and I already can’t wait until your wedding day! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full wedding gallery!
Coxhall Gardens Engagement Photos | Carmel, Indiana Wedding Photographer
I had an absolute blast with Emily and Vivian tonight while taking their engagement photos at Coxhall Gardens. I always love getting up to Carmel for sessions. It’s one of the cutest little cities in Indiana with such a wide variety of different locations and backdrops for engagement sessions and weddings. So essentially, it’s a wedding photographer’s dream.
Emily and Vivian were such stunning subjects to have in front of my camera tonight. Coxhall gardens was pretty crowded, as it usually is since it’s such a popular park for activities and for photographers and photo sessions. While most of my usual favorite spots for photos were in use by other people, I didn’t mind, because it gave me an excuse to find some new beautiful locations and try out some different backdrops that I don’t usually use. It’s always fun when you’re forced to be a little extra creative.
I’m already getting so excited from Emily and Vivian’s wedding day in October. They’re getting married at Abram Farm in a newly build bright red barn. This venue is right across the street from a state park in Bloomington, Indiana. Can you imagine how beautiful their wedding photos are going to be with all of those fall colors in the middle of October?! It’s going to be such an amazing day!
Emily and Vivian, I loved working with you two tonight! Enjoy these sneak peaks from your engagement photo session while I finish editing your full gallery. I can’t wait to see you two again at your wedding in just a few short months!
Private Estate Wedding in Anderson, Indiana | Hope and Dawson
I’m so excited to share some sneak peak highlights from Hope and Dawson’s beautiful wedding last night at the Ayers Retreat Center, a private estate owned by Dawson’s parents. Hope and Dawson’s wedding day was so special for so many reasons. These two were surrounded by the love of their families and friends, and their entire wedding day centered around their faith. Two of my favorite parts of their wedding day were when they kneeled to pray together in the middle of their ceremony and the fact that they chose a worship song for their first dance.
We ended up with the most gorgeous weather we could have hoped for for a late July wedding. It was actually MUCH cooler than most of my May and June weddings! And the Ayers Retreat Center has the most beautiful land surrounding it, with open fields, rolling hills, woods, and a beautiful pond! What more could a wedding photographer ask for?! It was the perfect scenery for a beautiful outdoor summer wedding.
One of the most fun things about photographing Hope and Dawson’s wedding is that we love the groom’s family. I was roommates with his sister in college. And she was actually one of the people who introduced me to my husband. Speaking of my husband, it was so awesome to have him working with me as the DJ for this wedding. We always love getting the opportunity to work together.
Hope and Dawson have such an exciting future ahead! With Dawson joining the Air Force, I’m sure there will be a lot of travel in store for these two. That’s why they chose to have a travel themed wedding, which I absolutely loved!
Hope and Dawson, you two are amazing! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks while you’re on your way to your honeymoon! I can’t wait to send you the full gallery soon!
Vendors:
Anderson, Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
DJ: DJ Rakobeat
Venue: Ayers Retreat Center
Bridal Dress: David’s Bridal
BASH Summer Wedding Open House
Last night, I had the opportunity to photograph the summer open house and bridal show for Carmel, Indiana’s newest venue, BASH! I have a few weddings booked at this gorgeous venue both this year and next year, but I hadn’t actually gotten the opportunity to shoot at BASH before last night since they officinally opened so recently. It was amazing to finally be able to check out the venue. It has such a unique, modern look with beautiful white walls and sliding barn doors. I can envision some incredible weddings in this amazing space.
The wedding open house last night was a great opportunity for brides and grooms who have already booked BASH or who are considering booking BASH for their wedding to get a feel for the space, and to meet the vendors on BASH’s preferred vendor list as well as sample the vendors’ products. Carmel Classic Cakes was showing off some really cool cake designs as well as giving out free cake samples. Jonathan Byrd Catering was offering free samples of their appetizers. Hello Gorgeous was doing free lipstick. Brics had an ice cream sunday bar. And there was wine tasting! The inspirational tablescape set up by Uncommonly Styled and Molly & Myrtle was one of the hightlights of the event for me! It was the place to be last night!
Check out some of my favorite photos from the open house! And I would recomend checking out the vendors as well. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the full list of vendors.
Coordination: BASH Coordination
Caterer: Jonathan Byrds
Photographer: Rakoteet
Beverage: BASH Beverage
Floral: Molly & Myrtle
Dessert: Classic Cakes
Entertainment: AMS Entertainment
Lounges/Bar Front: Atmospheres
Makeup: Hello Gorgeous
Decor: Uncommonly Styled/Molly & Myrtle
China, Flatware, Glassware: Uncommonly Styled
Back Drop(s): Atmospheres
Ice Cream: Brics
Linens: Linen Hero
Intimate Carmel Gazebo Wedding | Carmel, Indiana Wedding Photographer
Allison and Davy had the sweetest, intimate wedding on July 5th. It was held right in the heart of Carmel, Indiana at the Gazebo in front of the city hall building. The day after Carmel Fest, the city looks so different from the week before with all of the rides, fair food, and festivities. On Davy and Allison’s wedding day, we seemed to have the entire place to ourselves! The Carmel City Center is such a beautiful location for a wedding! For portraits, we were able to use every background option available to us including the fountain, the front gate of the Carmel City Hall, the Japanese Garden and Pond, the flower garden behind the City Hall Building, and of course, the stunning flower arch at the Carmel Gazebo that was set up for their ceremony!
Allison and Davy’s wedding was extremely intimate with only 12 guests. Intimate weddings are some of my favorite types of weddings to capture, because when every guest is a very close friend or family member of the bride and groom, it changes the atmosphere of the event. Allison and Davy were able to fully be themselves. They had so much fun, and were able to fully express themselves and soak in every moment with each other and with their closes friends and family.
Davy is from France, so the couple is leaving tomorrow to have a second ceremony in France. I’m so jealous, because I’m totally missing France, and I’m dying to go back!
Allison and Davy, you two are amazing, and it was SUCH an honor to be your wedding photographer! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full wedding gallery. In the mean time, have a blast in France!
Vendors:
Carmel, Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Florist: Oberer's Flowers Carmel
Ceremony Arch: Blue Blossom Rentals
Hair: Rejuve Salon
Bridal Gown: Nancy's Bridal Boutique
Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Jewelry: Macy’s
Rings: Zales
Men’s Attire: Nordstrom
Officiant: Victoria Meyer
Fort Wayne Coliseum Wedding | Ketmany and Paul
I can’t belive that Ketmany and Paul’s wedding at the Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana was my last June wedding for the entire year. It’s crazy to think that the busy summer wedding season is starting to slow down. I photographed so many incredible weddings this month that it’s almost hard to believe. And Ketmany and Paul’s wedding was a lovely note to end on.
These two along with their bridal party were such troopers! I so appreciated them being so positive and keeping their fun loving attitudes while we took portraits outside in Ninety Two degree weather!! We had such a cool backdrop for photos at the suspension bridge at Purdue University Fort Wayne. I don’t get to photograph weddings in Fort Wayne very often, but now I’m dying to do more! It seems like there are so many beautiful hidden gems in this city.
Ketmany and Paul’s wedding day was full of so much joy! These two were having a blast soaking up precious moments with each other and with their friends and family. The day could not have gone smoother, and it was such a fun time for everyone involved.
Ketmany and Paul, you two are amazing! It was such an honor to be your wedding photographer! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full gallery!
A HUGE thank you to Ketmany and Paul’s wonderful vendor team:
Fort Wayne Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Church: Good Shepard United Methodist Church
Reception Venue: Fort Wayne Coliseum
Florist: Kathy Minich (The Floral Basket)
Cake and desserts: For Goodness Cakes
DJ: Quattro
Makeup: Makeup by Jenna Marie
Bridal Gown: Sophia's Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal
Shoes: Designer Shoe Warehouse
Jewelry/Rings: Kay's and Shane Co.
Men’s Attire: Loui's Tux shop
Stationary: Loui's Tux shop
Wedding Planner: Jamie Troost
Photo booth: Lucktech Photobooth
Stacy and Eric's Newfields Engagement Session
I had so much fun with Stacy and Eric during their Newfields Engagement session tonight! Newfields (the Indiana Museum of Art) is my all time favorite location to shoot engagement sessions at the Indianapolis area. It seems like almost all of my engagement sessions have been at Newfields lately, which I absolutely love! Check out the blog to see a lot more Newfields Engagement Sessions. It’s also such a perfect venue for an elegant and classic wedding day. Stacy and Eric love Newfields as well and knew right away that this was the location they really wanted for their engagement session. The mix of the nature, garden, and elegant architectural backdrops was perfect for who these two are as a couple.
Stacy and Eric are such a unique couple, and I love that they are tailoring their wedding planning, wedding day, and entire wedding experience to them instead of feeling like they need to go along with the traditional aspects of weddings. I wish I could tell every couple that weddings are only about you and your significant other. You can make your wedding day exactly how you want. You don’t have to feel confined to traditions or to what anyone else does. I love that Stacy and Eric are fully embracing that. They’re getting married at Bash, a brand new venue in Carmel, this fall, and I cannot wait to be there to photograph it.
Bash is an amazing venue as well that I highly recomend to anyone looking for a wedding venue on Carmel. The staff there has been so amazing to work with! They’re holding an open house on July 24 for anyone who would like to come check out the venue. I’ll be there, so feel free to come say hi!
Stacy and Eric, enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full engagement session gallery!
Summer Wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards
Finley Creek Vineyards quickly became one of my all time favorite venues, the first time I photographed a wedding there last fall. This brand new venue is the perfect ceremony and reception venue, located in my hometown of Zionsville, Indiana. It’s a lovely location for any couple with classic and elegant taste. There is a beautiful ceremony spot right outside, a vineyard for bridal party, bride and groom, and family photos, and the all-white indoor space for a beautiful and classy reception. For a summer wedding, somehow Finley Creek Vineyards was even more beautiful than I remembered.
Katie and Justin’s wedding day was one of my all-time favorites for so many reasons. These two are one of the sweetest, most fun-loving couples I’ve had the pleasure of working with. They were all smiles on their wedding day, and were just having so much fun enjoying the sentimental moments and having a blast with their friends and family. It was clear just how many people love Katie and Justin with over 250 guests and 18 bridal party members, not even including the flower girl and ring bearers. I’ve never worked with a more amazing group of people. At least half of the guests came up to me at some point throughout the day to tell me how great of a job I was doing and how much they appreciated me. How sweet is that?!
One of my favorite parts of the day, was Katie’s first look with her dad. He couldn’t stop telling me how much he loves her while I was placing him for the first look, and his reaction to seeing her for the first time was priceless. Even after shooting over 100 weddings, moments like this still make me tear up. Even writing this right now, I’m filled with emotion thinking about that moment between the two of them. After seeing his daughter, the father of the bride decided to do a first look with his wife as well. His jaw dropped when he saw how beautiful she looked in her mother of the bride dress.
Throughout the whole day, Katie and Justin were so carefree and joyful. When one of the bridesmaids mentioned to Katie that the bottom of her dress might get dirty while we were taking photos, she said “that’s okay, it’s going to get dirty, but I’d rather have great photos than worry about that.” And those are my favorite kinds of brides! Just wait until you see the magic we were able to create during Katie and Justin’s bride and groom photos in the stunning rows of vines during their Finley Creek Vineyards Wedding Reception. Then, after dinner and all of the formalities of the reception, I planned on taking the bride and groom back out for some sunset photos. By the time we were able to sneak away, the sun had disappeared behind the trees, but that’s okay, because the blue hour photos we were able to capture were even better!
Katie and Justin, you two are amazing and deserve all the happiness in the world! Enjoy these sneak peaks from your incredible wedding day while I finish editing your full wedding gallery!!
A HUGE thank you to Katie and Justin’s amazing vendor team:
Zionsville Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Zionsville Wedding Venue: Finley Creek Vineyards
Florist: Graceful Hands Floral Design
Cake and Desserts: Taylor’s Bakery
DJ: DJ Steve
Hair/Makeup: True Colors
Catering: Jacquie's Gourmet Catering
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Laurel Hall Engagement Session
Hannah and Rob’s laurel hall engagement session last night was just extra special for a couple reasons. First, yesterday was exactly one year until their wedding day. We took their engagement photos on June 20, 2019, and their wedding day will be on June 20, 2020. The second reason their engagement session was uniquely cool was that we took all of their engagement photos at their wedding venue! They’ll be getting married at Laurel Hall as well. And in less than a year as of today!
While I was taking Hannah and Rob’s engagement photos and we were chatting, Hannah asked me what my favorite wedding venue is, and I was completely honest when I said their venue, Laurel Hall is my absolute favorite! Laurel Hall is probably the venue I’ve had the opportunity to shoot weddings at the most frequently. We have so many beautiful wedding venues here in Indianapolis, and while sometimes I have the opportunity to shoot at one venue multiple times, a lot of the time I’m shooting at a new venue each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the busy wedding season. However, I usually get to shoot at least a few weddings per year at Laurel Hall, and I’m SO grateful that I do!
During last night’s stunning engagement session with this sweet and beautiful couple, we got to explore all of the parts of Laurel Hall where their wedding will be taking place. Their ceremony set up will be outside on the lawn, while their reception will be fully outside on the terrace with beautiful string lights. Hopefully we have better weather this time next year than we’ve been having this year. Dancing will take place in my favorite room at Laurel Hall, the solarium!
One of my favorite things about Hannah and Rob’s engagement sessions is that they included their sweet dog, Miley. We took so many adorable photos with Miley, and she did such a good job behaving for photos, and looking at me when I needed her to. Hannah brought one of her maids of honor to help with Miley, and she also brought her parents, so they could look around the building to get ideas for the wedding next year. The seven of us had a blast at one of the best wedding venues in Indiana!
Hannah and Rob, your engagement session was so much fun, and I know your wedding day will be even more amazing! It is such an honor to be your wedding photographer! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your engagement session gallery!!
Sam and Eric's Lamb Lake Wedding
Although yesterday’s weather tried to test us, nothing could stop Sam and Eric’s outdoor wedding from happening yesterday on the Lamb Lake dam in Trafalgar, Indiana. Not even torrential downpours or a tornado warning could ruin Sam and Eric’s perfect day. It may have been one of the most difficult situations I’ve worked in as a wedding photographer, but it was also one of my favorite days. Throughout everything, Sam and Eric’s love for each other shined through.
With the lake in front of them, and a stunning waterfall behind them, the lamb lake dam had the most beautiful backgrounds for Sam and Eric’s emotional wedding ceremony. Sam and Eric did a first look, so we took most of the portraits before the wedding at Sam’s parent's’ house where the reception was being held, but we were also able to take a few bride and groom portraits in the rain after the ceremony with the waterfall flowing in the background. I’m obsessed with these photos, because they remind me so much of the rain scene in The Notebook!
Then back at Sam’s parents’ house on the lake, the true party started. Sam and Eric met working in the downtown Indianapolis Methodist Emergency Room, and so many of their guests were their coworkers. At one point, while everyone was dancing and having fun at the reception, someone turned to me and said “the crazy thing is, every single one of these people could save your life.” So essentially, it was like I was photographing a Grey’s Anatomy wedding.
Sam and Eric, despite everything, your wedding day was absolutely perfect. It was such an honor to be your wedding photographer. I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full wedding gallery!
A HUGE thank you to Sam and Eric’s incredible vendor team:
Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Venue: Private Estate at Lamb Lake
Florist: Tammy Martin- Vintage Wedding Decor and Floral
Cake: The Flying Cupcake
DJ: Roger Moran
Hair: Taylor Ramey- Salon 6
Makeup: Christine Rorhman
Catering: Holy Smoke Hog Roast Company
Bridal Gown: Gretchen's Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Gretchen's Bridal
Shoes: Kate Spade- Keds
Jewelry/Rings: Target
Men’s Attire: Jos A Bank
Stationary: The Media Factory- Kim Corbin
Videography: Suketu Patel
Officiant: Rev. Marie Wiese Garden Baptist Church
Guest Favors: Wheeler Mission Missionary and Heaven After Hell Animal Rescue
Indianapolis Product Photographer
As a full time wedding photographer, I don’t have many opportunities, especially during wedding season, to take on other types of photography clients. However, whenever I get the chance, I love to be able to mix up my typical wedding and engagement photography routine with some other fun types of photography, especially when these sessions are in Indianapolis or incorporate fun local Indiana locations. Product Photography is something I used to do a lot when I first got into photography, and I absolutely LOVED photographing products for both local and national companies.
That’s why I was so excited when Jess from Pember Home asked me to photograph their fun line of home decor products. Pember Home is located in Bloomington, Indiana. We ended up driving all around the city of Bloomington to incorporate all of the fun, colorful murals around the downtown area of the college town.
Pember Home is such a unique company with very interesting products that each come with their own backstory. Hector, the cat is a hipster, while Frank is more of a “fuddy duddy.” You can learn more about the animals and their individual personalities over on the Pember Home website here.
The Pember Home Brand is very colorful ad vibrant, so for their photos, we focused on colorful backdrops both in the city and using flat lays and our own backdrops. We also took staged photos of the products in a home, so Pember Home’s customers can see how they can be used as decor in different areas of the house.
This was such a fun an unique project for me. I loved getting back into product photography, which was one of my first loves back when I started on this photography journey. I hope to do more shoots like this in the future! If you’re interested in product photography, you can contact me here.
Eagle Creek Anniversary Session with a Puppy
Do you want to know what my favorite thing ever is when it comes to couples sessions? Okay, I have a lot of favorite things, but one of them is when my couples bring their dogs with them to their session. I was so excited when Shelby and Morgan contacted me to photograph their anniversary session at Eagle Creek park, and they wanted to bring their 5 month old puppy with them!
Shelby and Morgan’s dog, Andi (named after Anderson Orchard where they got married), was SO sweet and did such a good job being patient taking photos, and she loved getting to play with her mom and dad during our session. You could tell just how much she loved her parents, Shelby and Morgan. And whenever I asked Shelby and Morgan to kiss, Andi wanted in on the action too and started licking their faces. It was the cutest thing and made for some adorable candid photos.
Eagle Creek Park and Reservoir is one of my favorite places in the Indianapolis ares for engagement and anniversary couples sessions. It’s such a huge park with so many great background options. For Shelby and Morgan’s session, we opted for Lily Lake, one of the open fields with tall grass, and one of the docks on Eagle Creek Reservoir as our different background options. Shelby and Morgan were so natural in front of the camera. These two should definitely be models! It made for such a fun session, and we were able to be so efficient with our time, because they already knew exactly what to do.
Shelby and Morgan, I LOVED getting to photograph your anniversary session! Congratulations on one year of marriage. I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks, and I can’t wait to send you your full couples session gallery SO soon!
Downtown Indianapolis Canal Walk Engagement Session
I could not have possibly loved this Downtown Indianapolis Canal Walk Engagement Session any more than I did, because Cristina and Spencer are SUCH incredible people that make the most adorable couple! We had a blast walking the entire length of the canal and stopping at all of the good spots for photos. We started at the Indiana Government Center Pillars, and ended all the way at the waterfall by Canal 337 at the very end of the canal, and we got so many epic photos of this gorgeous pair along the way. I loved that Cristina and Spencer chose the downtown canal walk for their engagement session, because it’s a special place for them with sweet memories from when they were dating. It’s always so fun when couples choose locations that are meaningful to them in some way.
Cristina and Spencer have the sweetest love story. They met in college at the Library at Ball State (the same school I went to as well). After a few years of dating, Spencer proposed to Cristina in PARIS in front of the Louvre! Cristina was so surprised that she first replied with “seriously?” followed by “are you sure?” before finally saying “of course!” There’s no better place to propose than Paris, the city of love!
Cristina and Spencer are still figuring out their wedding plans, but the very first thing they wanted to do was book an engagement session to document their love. What a fun first step in the wedding planning process! I loved working with these two love birds SO much, and I can’t wait to hear all about their wedding when they start planning.
Cristina and Spencer, your engagement session was so amazing! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full gallery! I can’t wait to send you the rest!
Lily House and Gardens Engagement Session at Newfields
Allison and Matt are the BEST and I loved their Lily House and Gardens engagement session at Newfields yesterday. I can’t believe I got to photograph couples that are high school sweethearts two days in a row! Allison and Matt have such a sweet love story. They dated for 12 years before getting engaged. After high school, they went to Indiana University together, then moved to Minnesota together, before finally moving back to Indianapolis together to get married and start the rest of their lives.
There are SO many great places to shoot at Newfields for both wedding and engagement sessions. For Allison and Matt’s session, we started the in greenhouse at the very back of the gardens. Next, we went to my favorite spot, which is the archway under the Lily House. Another one of my favorite spots is the bridge next to the Lily House. It’s always perfectly shaded, which makes it ideal for days when we have harsh sun but we have to shoot in the middle of the day. After an outfit change, we shot in front of the Lily House itself before ending out session in front of the white gates leading to the very last garden.
I seriously can not wait for their September wedding at The Sycamore at Mallow Run winery. It’s being panned by Danielle from D. Nicole Events, so I already know it’s going to be incredible and perfect. They’re planning a sweet, intimate, fall barbecue wedding in a vineyard, and I can’t imagine a more fun wedding!
Allison and Matt, it was SO much fun photographing your engagement session. Now I can’t wait for your wedding day! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full gallery.
Wedding Planner: Events by D. Nicole
Engagement Session Location: Lily House and Gardens at Newfields
Indianapolis Zoo Butterfly Garden Wedding
Every time I photograph a wedding for high school sweethearts, I know it’s going to be the sweetest, most emotional, and joy-filed day. Chelsea and Zach were no exception. And the fact that their wedding was in the butterfly gardens in the Indianapolis Zoo, a place where they share so many special memories together, just made it all that much more sweet.
My favorite thing about Chelsea and Zach’s wedding day is that they made it entirely THEM without sacrificing the elegant and romantic feel of the day. Chelsea loves colorful flowers so much, so she and Zach made sure their wedding day was FILLED wth them! Homegrown Florist made the most perfect bouquets and centerpieces for a garden wedding at the zoo. And I loved how well they coordinated with the bridesmaids’ ice blue dresses.
Chelsea and Zach had a bowl of legos on each table to entertain guests during the reception. How fun is that?? Their guest favors were also SO unique. They had little geodes with each guest’s name on them for their seating assignments, as well as crystals that guests could break open themselves. They were a HIT!
Chelsea and Zach, your love is even more beautiful than your wedding day was! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks. I can’t wait to send your full wedding gallery to you SO soon!
A HUGE thank you to Chelsea and Zach’s amazing vendor team. You all ROCK!
Indianapolis Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Venue: Indianapolis Zoo Butterfly Gardens
Florist: Homegrown Florist
Cake: The Gallery Pastry Shop
Hair: Salon 6
Makeup: Madeline Grossman, Posh Salon
Catering: Centerplate at the Indianapolis Zoo
Bridal Gown: Unique Boutique and Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Shoes: Keds X Kate Spade New York
Rings: Diamonds Direct
Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Officiant: Wonder Weddings Indianapolis
Reception Lighting: Atmospheres Indy
Classic, Elegant, Drake Hotel Wedding Reception | Ashley and Mike Part 3
Classic elegance and sweet romance. Ashley and Mike’s Drake Hotel wedding reception is what fairy tale happily ever after dreams are made of. If you haven’t seen by now, Ashley and Mike’s INCREDIBLE wedding day was SO perfect and amazing, and my team of myself plus two other photographers captured so many photos within the over twelve hours that we photographed this stunning, classic, pink and gold wedding, that I split the day into three separate blog posts. Part 1 covers the getting ready portion of the day as well as the bridal details, bridal party portraits, and the bride and groom photos in downtown Chicago at the Wrigly building and the Rookery. Part Two of this amazing Drake Hotel Wedding shows their stunningly sweet two wedding ceremonies in the Gold Coast Room and the French Room. They had both a military ceremony with a saber exit and a tradition Korean wedding ceremony to incorporate the bride’s heritage. We’ve now made it to part 3 of Ashley and Mike’s wedding day, and I’m SO excited to show you not only their classic, luxury wedding reception set up in the Gold Coast Room at the Drake Hotel, but also how fun and sweet all of the moments during their reception were.
Ashley and Mike, your wedding was one of my all time favorites as a wedding photographer. And that’s saying A LOT as a wedding photographer who is OBSESSED with my job and LOVES weddings! You two are so sweet and deserve all the happiness in the world. I hope you’ve enjoyed all of these sneak peaks! I’m working on getting your full gallery to you as soon as possible! It’s been so fun to relive your wedding day while editing all of your photos!
A HUGE thank you to Ashley and Mike’s vendor dream team:
Chicago Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Venue: The Drake Hotel
Florist: Juliet Tan Floral Design
Cake and Other Desserts: Joanne Buege - Sweet Food Chicago
Hair: Tony - Exsalonce
Catering: Shaun Rajah & Katerina Opalko
Bridal Gown: Alice in Ivory
Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy in Blue
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Jewelry/Rings: Sam Kee Hong Jewelry
Men’s Attire: Formal/Military Uniform
Transportation: M&M Limo
Stationary: Basic Invite
Videography: Ivana and Steven Chen
Wedding Planner: Lisa Jaroscak with Storybook
Indiana Hindu Wedding Engagement Ceremony | Revathi and Naveen Day 2
A night full of romantic moments, sweet memories with family, amazing performances, and a fun dance floor. Is there anything more you can ask for in a reception? Day 2 of Revathi and Naveen’s Hindu Wedding Engagement Ceremony and Celebration was the perfect night that they got to spend with each other as well as family and friends. Revathi’s parents have the most beautiful estate home that they opened up to 400 friends and family members to celebrate the upcoming wedding of their only daughter.
During day one of the celebration, I was photographing Ashley and Michael’s wedding in Chicago, so my team member photographed Revathi and Naveen’s Hindu puja ceremony. I was so sad to miss it, but I loved getting to experience and capture the second day of their engagement party.
We started the evening with plenty of couples portraits of Revathi and Naveen. Revathi’s parent’s live on a stunning golf course, which made for the perfect location for photos of the two of them. These two were so fun and sweet. I love the adorable candid photos we captured of them. This cute couple loves to laugh and have fun together. I got to hear some of Naveen’s awesome jokes as he tried to make Revathi laugh. Doesn’t she have the most beautiful smile?
At the reception, it was so cool to experience an Indian reception for the first time! There were so many amazing performances from Revathi’s talented friends and family including prayer songs, upbeat songs, and some really awesome dancing! After the performances, the dance floor was opened up for open dancing, and this was one of the most fun dance floors I’ve ever seen!
Revathi and Naveen, it was such an honor to photograph your engagement ceremony and celebration! I can’t wait to send you your full gallery so soon!
Fort Wayne Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Venue: Private Estate
Hair and Makeup: Red Stiletto Artistry
Videography: Toast Wedding Films
Drake Hotel Gold Coast Room Wedding | Ashley and Mike Part 2
If you haven’t seen Part One of Ashley and Mike’s wedding day, which highlights their bridal details, getting ready, first look, and portraits, go check that out first. Then come back here for Part 2 of their amazing wedding day to see their elegant, classic, floral-filled wedding ceremony at the Gold Coast Room at the Drake Hotel and their second ceremony, a traditional Korean Pyebaek wedding ceremony in the French room.
I love every single wedding that I have the opportunity to photograph. Each one is SO special to me, and it is the biggest honor of my life to be such a huge part of so many different wedding days. I view it as one of the most important careers in the world. But I can honestly say that Ashley and Mike’s wedding day was one of my all-time favorites! One of the main reasons I loved it so much was their two different wedding ceremonies, which were so special and unique.
Check out both Mike and Ashley’s reaction to seeing each other as Ashley walked down the long aisle to Mike. This sweet couple did a first look, and spent the day together, but I love that they were still so emotional during their wedding ceremony, knowing they were about to become husband and wife.
The Drake Hotel is the perfect Chicago wedding venue for a classic, elegant wedding. It went so well with Ashley and Mike’s color palette of light pink, white, gold, and greenery and Ashely’s beautiful lace ballgown. Their first ceremony took place in the Gold Coast Room. It was such a touching, emotional Christian, Military ceremony. This was my first time photographing a Military ceremony. The saber exit for these two, conducted by the groomsmen who are also in the military, was so cool!
Then, while a majority of the guests were at the cocktail hour, there was a second ceremony, which was a traditional Korean wedding ceremony, called a Pyebaek ceremony, which took place in the French Room, another beautiful room for a wedding at the Drake Hotel. I love that Ashley and Mike incorporated their heritage and pieces of their story that were so special to them into their wedding day.
Ashley and Mike, enjoy your touching ceremony sneak peaks! Part 3 of the sneak peaks from your stunning wedding reception is coming soon!
A HUGE thank you to Ashley and Mike’s vendor dream team:
Chicago Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Venue: The Drake Hotel
Florist: Juliet Tan Floral Design
Cake and Other Desserts: Joanne Buege - Sweet Food Chicago
Hair: Tony - Exsalonce
Catering: Shaun Rajah & Katerina Opalko
Bridal Gown: Alice in Ivory
Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy in Blue
Shoes: David’s Bridal
Jewelry/Rings: Sam Kee Hong Jewelry
Men’s Attire: Formal/Military Uniform
Transportation: M&M Limo
Stationary: Basic Invite
Videography: Ivana and Steven Chen
Wedding Planner: Lisa Jaroscak with Storybook
Fort Wayne Hindu Wedding Engagement Ceremony | Revathi and Naveen Part 1
As a wedding photographer, I LOVE new experiences and getting to learn about new wedding traditions and the traditions of different cultures. Revathi and Naveen’s Hindu Engagement Puja Ceremony in Fort Wayne was one of my favorite things I’ve ever gotten to photograph. This giant two day party had so many amazing elements that I have to split Revethi and Naveen’s sneak peak blog post up into two different parts. Part 1 will cover the first day of the ceremony, photographed by my associate shooter, Cassie while I was photographing Ashley and Mike’s wedding in Chicago. Part 2 will cover the second day of the event including portraits and the reception.
I wish I could have been at both days of this amazing event! It was so fun to experience all of the Hindu traditions and learn about the ceremony meanings. If only I could be in two places at once! But Cassie did an amazing job covering day one. Cassie has second shot for me multiple times and was always one of my favorite second shooters, so I knew she would be perfect for Revathi and Naveen. It’s so important to have a team you can trust. This weekend I had three different photographers working for me at two different events, and all of their photos are AMAZING! I love that my team always makes sure that my clients receive the highest quality possible.
Revathi and Naveen, it was the biggest honor to photograph your engagement ceremony and reception! You two are such a sweet and kind couple and it was so clear to me this weekend just how many people love you. Enjoy these first few sneak peaks from the first day of your celebration. Part 2 is coming soon. And I can’t wait to send you ALL of your photos!
Fort Wayne Photographer: Rakoteet Photography
Venue: Private Estate
Hair and Makeup: Red Stiletto Artistry
Videography: Toast Wedding Films