Eagle Creek Engagement Photos

Hannah and Zach’s Eagle Creek Park engagement photos were SO much fun and so special for me, because I’ve been friends with these two for years. Hannah and I didn’t know each other when we randomly moved in together with mutual friends in college. We became good friends super fast, and even when she moved out (and moved to the house right across the street) the next year, we still essentially lived together. Hannah and I have been through so much together. She even took me on my first ever hiking trip to Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon, that officially kicked off my obsession with national parks. And it was on that very trip, that I first learned how serious Hannah was about the guy she was talking to, Zach. Now that they are engaged, 4 years later, it meant so much to me when they asked me to be their wedding photographer! What an incredible honor to be such an important part of telling your friends’ love story!

Zach and Hannah are so sweet and adorable together during their session. I mean, you can see in all of the photos below just how cute they are. This engagement session was ideal in so many ways. First of all, we could not have possibly had better weather. It was the PERFECT fall day. The leaves has just begun to change and the temperature was cool without being too cold. And the lighting was amazing. It was a super sunny day, which made for the most beautiful golden hour and sunset. We even took photos of their last outfit AFTER sunset, and I’m pretty impressed with how those photos turned out considering how dark it was at that point. This may have been my favorite engagement session of all time.

Hannah and Zach, I LOVED taking your engagement photos, and I’m sure I will love taking your wedding photos even more! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full gallery! I already can’t wait until your wedding day!

McCormick's Creek State Park and Abram Farms Wedding

Emily had always dreamed of an outdoor fall wedding. And she and Vivian got the PERFECT fall day for their wedding at Abram Farms in Spencer, Indiana and their wedding photos at McCormick’s Creek State Park. It was the perfect amount of chilly and the leaves had just begun to change. It was everything Emily wanted her wedding to be.

I love that Vivian and Emily’s wedding day was about more than just the blending of two lives and two families, it was also the blending of two cultures as well. Emily is from here in Indiana, and Vivian is from Jamaica. When I first received an email from Emily when she started planning her wedding, I knew I wanted to work with her because her story reminded me so much of me and my own husband, who is from Madagascar. I have such a special place in my heart for inter-cultural couples like us. I love that these two really tried to include both cultures in their celebration. One of my favorite ways that they included Vivian’s Jamaican culture was through the FOOD! I went to Jamaica years ago and became obsessed with Caribbean food while I was there, so I loved that Emily and Vivian decided to include a full Jamaican meal at their wedding.

Emily and Vivian are one of the most awesome couples I’ve ever had for one big reason. They wanted to go over to McCormick’s Creek State Park after the ceremony for photos of the two of them. They included over an hour of bride and groom photos in their wedding day timeline so we had plenty of time to do this. They hiked down to a waterfall and hopped across rocks in the creek in their full wedding attire to get some amazing photos with the creek and waterfall in the background! I love how fun and adventurous these two are. They were up for anything!

Emily and Vivian, it was SUCH an honor to be your wedding photographer! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full wedding gallery!

Emily and Vivian’s wedding vendors:

Southern Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography

Venue: Abram Farms

Florist: Silk Scapes

Cake: Bake Me a Cake

DJ: Frank Smith III

Catering: Jamaican Regae Grill

Bridal Gown: Stella York from the Wedding Studio

Bridesmaid Dresses: Tulle & Chantilly

Shoes: Steve Madden

Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse

Downtown Carmel, Indiana Engagement Photos

Jessica and Manuel’s downtown Carmel, Indiana engagement photos were extra special to me, because I’ve been friends with these two for years now! I met them each separately, through swing dancing. Then, years later we had all moved to Indianapolis, and we would all hang out together at dances and dance events, we would go hiking together, and we would go rock climbing together. We all hung out together as a group way before Jessica and Manuel ever started dating.

Then, my husband and I were hanging out one night when he got a FaceTime call from Jessica. She was hanging out with Manuel and kissed him while on FaceTime. My husband, Andry started freaking out! We had known these two as friends for years and had no idea they were interested in each other, let alone that they had started dating! But they made so much sense together. Andry and I had multiple conversations while they were just friends about how Jessica and Manuel would be perfect together.

Around a year later, my husband got another FaceTime call while we were touring a house during our house hunting process. It was Jessica and Manuel calling to tell him they were engaged! This time, we were not nearly as surprised. I love that they have now started a tradition of FaceTiming Andry with important life updates. I can’t wait to hear what the next big FaceTime call is about.

After being friends for so long, I was SO honored with Jessica and Manuel asked me to be their wedding photographer!! I think what I love most about these two as they’ve been wedding planning is that they aren’t afraid to do things their own way. They want their wedding day to be entirely THEM and not bound by traditions that don’t speak to them and who they are as a couple. They wanted to display that in their engagement session too, so they decided do rollerblading photos! I love that they wanted to do something different and incorporate something they love doing together into their engagement photos. We started at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel and then headed to the City Hall building. By that time, it had started raining, but I always love cute rain photos with my clear umbrellas. They also wanted to make sure we got some nature and greenery backdrops, so we ended our session at Coxhall Gardens after an outfit change. I wish we had gotten a pretty sunset last night, but even though the weather was working against us, we still ended up with some beautiful photos.

I usually end my blog posts by letting the couple know that I’m working on editing their full gallery, but in this case, I went ahead and fully edited and delivered all of Jessica and Manuel’s photos already! So to everyone reading, I hope you enjoy these few highlights from a super fun session I got to do with friends! I can’t wait for their Indiana State House wedding in the spring!

Downtown Indianapolis Wedding at Cyrus Place

Jillian and Dalton’s downtown Indianapolis Wedding at the Cyrus Place last night was a dream! This wedding meant so much to me, because I’ve known Jillian and Dalton for a few years now. We first bonded over both being wedding photographers. And I first took Dalton and Jillian’s couples photos over 2 and a half years ago! I still can’t believe it’s been that long since our first session. Since then, Jillian has become the venue manager for the Cyrus Place. I’m sure that she’s seen, photographed, and helped plan hundreds of weddings by now. And it was finally her turn to be the one getting married. It always means so much to me when fellow wedding vendors, especially wedding photographers, chose to hire me for their own wedding day. Because out of every photographer that they’ve worked with throughout the years, they chose me! That is honestly the biggest compliment and the highest honor that I could ask for as a wedding photographer!

Of course, Jillian and Dalton’s wedding day went as smoothly as I knew it would. After all, these two had a TON of wedding experience before even beginning to plan their own wedding. What I think I loved the most about their wedding is the priorities that they chose and the way they decided to spend their time on their wedding day. Jillian and Dalton had a little bit of a longer engagement. They took the time to think about what they really wanted for their wedding before they started to plan. They decided to have just one bridesmaid and one groomsman, which helped their day go so much smoother. But at the same time, Jillian had all of her closest girl friends come help her get ready in the morning. She really got the best of both worlds because she still got to spend tons of time with her closest friends on her wedding day, and of course, we made sure she got photos with all of her girls. I also loved that Jillian and Dalton made so much time for bride and groom portraits. We spent over an hour just taking bride and groom photos both right after their first look and during the reception when it was a little closer to golden hour. Downtown Indianapolis has so many beautiful locations for wedding day portraits. We took most of the photos at Lockerbie Square, which is located right in between the Cyrus Place and the ceremony venue, St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

The other thing I really loved about Jillian and Dalton’s wedding day was that they chose to eat their dinner in a private room, so they could just have 30 minutes alone to themselves before spending the evening partying with their guests. I’ve never seen that done before, but I think it’s a great way to spend a little bit of alone time with your new spouse on your wedding day!

Okay, I could keep talking about this amazing couple forever, but you’re probably just ready to see their photos. Check out a few of my favorites from throughout their downtown Indianapolis wedding day below!

Jillian and Dalton, you two are incredible, and it was SUCH an honor to be your wedding photographer! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full wedding gallery!

A huge thank you to Jillian and Dalton’s amazing vendor team:

Indianapolis Wedding Photographer: Michelle Rakotomalala from Rakoteet Photography

Reception Venue: The Cyrus Place in Downtown Indianapolis

Ceremony Venue: St. Mary’s Catholic Church in downtown Indianapolis

Florist: Lilly Jane

Cake and Other Desserts: Sweeties Gourmet Treats

DJ: DJ Rakobeat (my amazing hubby)

Hair: Everything Beautiful Beauty Salon

Makeup: Makeup by Jenna Marie

Catering: Heavenly Helpings

Bridal Gown: Bride’s for a Cause

Bridal Veil: Zelie Veils

Bride’s Shoes: Shoe Dazzle

Men’s Attire: Men’s Warehouse

Wedding Stationary: Zola

Officiant: Deacon James Horton

Ceremony Musicians: DEOC Ensemble

Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion Wedding

Ellen and Rob’s Ritz Charles Garden Pavillion wedding was one I had been looking forward to ever since these two love birds first reached out to me a year and a half ago. I knew immediately that we would be the perfect fit to work together, and it was so fun getting to know them at their engagement session and over the course of their engagement this past year. But I always get to know my couples the best on their actual wedding day. I love getting to see them interacting with their closest friends and family and with each other on the happiest day of their lives.

One of the first things I could tell about Ellen and Rob was how much fun they have together! And with 18 members in their bridal party and 170 guests at their wedding, it was evident just how loved these two are by so so many people. But something really hit me emotionally during Ellen and Rob’s wedding ceremony and reception yesterday. Every time Rob would look at Ellen, I got chills, because I could truly tell how much he loved her just by seeing the way he looked at her throughout the day. After photographing over 100 weddings, you would think they would become somewhat routine for me, but that’s not the case at all. I started tearing up during their first dance, because I realized just how perfect they are for each other. And it was so fun to hear the same sentiments from their best friends during the speeches.

Rob and Ellen, you two are both such incredible people, and it was SUCH an honor to be your wedding photographer! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks as I finish editing your full wedding gallery. I can’t wait to send you the rest of your wedding photos SO soon! In the mean time, have such an amazing time on your honeymoon!

A HUGE thank you to Ellen and Rob’s amazing and talented vendor team:

Indianapolis Wedding Photographers: Rakoteet Photography

Wedding Florist: Homegrown Florist

Wedding Ceremony Venue: St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church

Wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception Venue: The Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion

Wedding Cake and desserts: The Ritz Charles

Dj, host, and MC: Jim Cerone

Hair and Makeup: Sara Cross

Catering: The Ritz Charles

Bridal Gown: Hayley Paige

Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal

Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Engagement Ring: Diamond's Direct

Men Band: David's Jeweler

Bride Band: Perry's Jeweler

Men’s Attire: Men's Warehouse

Transportation: Indianapolis Trolley

Stationary: Minted (save the dates) & Zola

Videography: Freehand Film

Officient: Cara Spaccarelli (Reverend)

Favors/Gifts: Coozies (Etsy)

Fall Engagement Photos at Newfields

Brittany and Joe’s engagement photos at Newfields this evening were a dream come true for this wedding photographer! Newfields was setting up all of their fall decor for the inaugural Harvest at Newfields that starts next week. They had set out so many pumpkins all throughout the gardens. Plus they have a little apple orchard in the gardens too. All of that, paired with the PERFECT weather made me so excited about fall finally being in full swing.

Brittany and Joe brought their one year old son, Joey to their engagement session as well. Joey was so calm and sweet. He was probably the best behaved one year old that I’ve ever photographed. I also loved the adorable sign that Brittany and Joe brought with their wedding photo on it, so they could get photos for their “save the date’s.”

I also loved Brittany and Joe’s style! She wore the most gorgeous dress for her formal outfit, and I actually have the same on in white that I’ve used for multiple photo shoots. They really had the most idea outfits from a photography perspective. And aren’t they just stunning? And Joey was so stinkin’ cute in his little outfit too!

Fall is the perfect time for photos at Newfields. In the summer, Newfields closes was before the sun sets, but in the fall, since the sun sets earlier, we can get some amazing golden hour and sunset photos.

I LOVED having the opportunity to photograph Brittany, Joe, and Joey tonight. They were the sweetest little family. I absolutely cannot wait for their wedding day at BASH in the spring!

Brittany and Joe, you two are amazing!! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full engagement session gallery! I can’t wait to send you all of your photos super soon!

Aloft South Bend Wedding | Hannah and Bryson

Hannah and Bryson’s wedding last night at Aloft South Bend was so beautiful! Hannah and Bryson met through their campus church at my alma mater, Ball State. I LOVE that they put such a huge emphasis on their faith being the core of their relationship. And because of that, they wanted it to be at the center of their wedding day as well. I’ve said it so many times, and I will continue to say it. Your wedding day should be about YOU and your relationship, and everything about your wedding should be about who the two of you are as a couple! Hannah and Bryson’s wedding day was totally THEM, and that was my favorite thing about their beautiful wedding day!

Hannah and Bryson chose not to see each other before the ceremony, which is something that is becoming pretty rare nowadys. But they did share a sweet prayer before the ceremony without seeing each other, which was such a special moment. We took all of the portraits at the church after the ceremony. The church had some really cool architecture, which was the main reason Hannah and Bryson chose to get married there. After portraits, we headed to the reception at Aloft South Bend. The reception was on the 6th floor of the building, and it had a really cool view of South Bend along the full wall of windows! The reception was full of so many special moments as well, and I loved celebrating with such a sweet couple!

Hannah and Bryson, you two are SUCH an amazing couple, and I LOVED working with you! I’m praying for you as your start your marriage. I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks. I can’t wait to send you your full wedding gallery super soon!

A huge thank you to Hannah and Bryson’s amazing wedding vendor team:

South Bend wedding photographers: Rakoteet Photography

Ceremony Venue: First United Methodist church of Mishawaka

Reception Venue: Aloft Hotels South Bend

Florist: Country Florist and Gifts

Cake and other desserts: Macri's Bakery

Reception DJ: Sound FX

Hair and Makeup: Salon 301

Catering: Aloft South Bend

Bridal Gown: Lace Bridal Couture

Alterations for Bridal Gown: A Fit of Perfection

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie

Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Louie's Tux Shop

Save the Dates, Ceremony Programs, Invitations, and name cards: Minted

Videography: World and Wind Films

Officient: Brandon Clemens, The Revoluation

Balmoral House Wedding

Erika and Austin has the most FUN Balmoral House wedding last night! It had been over a year since I had photographed a wedding at Balmoral House, so I was so excited to finally get back to a venue that I love. The last wedding I shot there was 98 degrees. Erika and Austin’s wedding day was so much nicer in terms of the weather and temperature! So much so that they were able to have their entire wedding outside. The only thing that happened inside was dinner.

When I arrived at the venue early to check out the lighting and walk around the venue, both Erika’s mom and Austin’s mom were working so hard setting up all of the dorcorations and making sure everything was perfect for the bride and the groom. These two both deserve a “Mom of the Year” award for making sure this wedding was everything Erika and Austin wanted.

Erika and Austin were the most calm and laid-back couple I’ve ever worked with! They were also just so so sweet. They were one of the kindest brides and grooms I’ve ever had. They really just wanted everyone else to have a good time and feel loved on their wedding day, and I absolutely loved that about these two.

Erika and Austin, you two are so amazing, and it was SUCH and honor to be your wedding photographer! Have so much fun on your honeymoon while I finish editing your wedding gallery. I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks!

A huge thank you to Erika and Austin’s amazing wedding vendor team:

Fishers wedding photographer: Rakoteet Photography

Wedding Venue: The Balmoral House

Cake and other desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes

DJ: DJ Connection

Hair Styist: Hair by Brie

Catering: Johnathan Byrds

Bridal Gown: BHLDN

Bridesmaid dresses: Azazie

Men’s Attire: Men’s Attire

Decor: Tagged with Love

Westminister Hall Wedding in Winona Lake, Indiana

Emily and Ian’s wedding at Westminister Hall in Winona Lake, Indiana was the perfect ending to a perfect weekend full of so many amazing weddings. Everything about their wedding day yesterday was perfect, but nothing was better than the joy and love of the sweet bride and groom. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a couple more excited to be getting married.

One of my favorite parts of Emily and Ian’s day was their first look. There were a few tears shed out of their immense love for each other, and they decided to read their vows to each other privately during their first look. I LOVE that this traditional of private vows during the first look is becoming more and more popular. I find it to be such a special, emotional, and intimate part of the day. I always stand far enough away from the couple that I can’t hear them, and it really is just a special moment between the two of them before the whirlwind of the day begins.

Emily and Ian were one of the most laid back and joy filled couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. The moments they shared between the two of them and among their family and friends made for such a touching ceremony and reception.

Emily and Ian, it was SUCH an honor to be your wedding photographer! Enjoy these sneak peaks while I finish editing your full wedding gallery!

Emily and Ian’s Vendor Team:

Indiana Wedding Photographers: Rakoteet Photography

Venue: Westminister Hall at Grace College

Florist: DIY Florist - Your Flower Outlet

Cake: The Cake Lady

Catering: Sodexo, Grace College

Bridal Gown: Wendy’s Bridal

Bridesmaid Dresses: Vinibelle

Stationary: Vistaprint

Bridal Shoes: DSW

Engagement Ring: James Allen

Wedding Bands: Shane Co

Bridal and Bridesmaid Jewelry: Kohls

Men’s Attire: Photobooth: Kaylynn Hamstra Photobooth

Wedding Reception at BASH in Carmel, Indiana

Last night, Stacy and Eric had the most beautiful wedding reception at BASH in Carmel, Indiana. I photographed Stacy and Eric’s intimate wedding ceremony on Thursday at Avon Gardens, and last night was the night they got to celebrate with all of the friends and family by hosting the loveliest reception.

BASH is one of my favorite local venues in the Indianapolis area, although I know I’ve been saying that about so many venues lately. Bash is a brand new venue, and I love the modern feel of the space with its white walls, open floor plan, long farm tables, and Industrial chairs. It was the perfect setting for Stacy and Eric’s colorful color pallet and stunning wedding decor.

Stacy and her family set up the entire reception, and they did such an amazing job with the entire design and set up. I think my jaw dropped to the floor when I walked into the reception room last night and I saw all of the colorful, elegant table decorations. The long centerpieces filled with florals and candles provided just the right mood for the evening.

All of the events for the evening were so touching. Quite a few happy tears were shed. You could tangibly feel the all of the love in the room, between Stacy and Eric, between the families, and among all the friends who came to support the happy couple. And once the party started, these two let loose and had so much fun. It was such a magical evening.

Stacy and Eric, I was SO happy to be your wedding photographer and photograph both your sweet ceremony and your beautiful wedding reception. I can’t wait to finish editing your reception gallery and send you all of these photos!

Stacy and Eric’s Amazing Vendor Team:

Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography

Wedding Reception Venue: BASH

Florist: Violets are Blue Floral Design

Food Trucks: Chompz Food Truck and The New York Slice Food Truck

Rentals: Violent Vintage Wedding Rentals

Cake: Carmel Classic Cakes

Fall Sycamore at Mallow Run Wedding

I can’t say enough good things about Allison and Matt’s fall wedding at the Sycamore at Mallow Run last night! Events by D. Nicole put together the most beautiful intimate wedding for the two love birds and their 45 closest friends and family. The day was really all about who these two are as a couple, and it was absolutely perfect! From the fun balloons to the fall themed desserts to the fireworks to end the night, everything was amazing. It was honestly one of my favorite weddings of all time!

Allison and Matt have one of the cutest love stories I’ve ever heard! It all started in 5th grade when Matt complimented Allison’s overalls as she was sharpening her pencil. From there, they became best friends and started walking to school together every day since they lived across the street from each other. Walking to school turning into driving to school as they got into high school, and when they were 16, Matt asked Allison to be his girlfriend. They stayed together through all the ups and downs of high school, college, and starting their careers in order to bring them to this beautiful day where they got to commit to continuing their live story forever. How cool is it that they each found the love of their life at just eleven years old?!

I don’t have enough space in this blog post to name all the amazing things about Allison and Matt’s wedding day, so I’ll just name a few of my favorites. I loved that Matt and Allison read their vows to each other privately during their first look. I even stood super far away and used my longest lens so that I wouldn’t intrude on that moment between the two of them. I think it was one of the most special and emotional parts of the day for them. I also loved when they kissed each other during the middle of the ceremony before they were supposed to because they just couldn’t help themselves. And of course, the entire reception was a blast!

Matt and Allison, it was such an honor to be your wedding photographer! I hope you enjoy these sneak peaks as I finish editing your full wedding gallery!

A HUGE thank you to Matt and Allison’s amazing vendor team:

Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography

Wedding Planner: Events by D. Nicole

Venue: The Sycamore at Mallow Run

Florist: Createrella Florals

Caterer: City BBQ

Cupcakes: The Flying Cupcake

Makeup: Simply Blue

Hair: Briana Bromley

Bridal Gown: BLHDN

Shoes: BLHDN

Jewelry/Ring: Blue Nile

Groom’s Suit: Custom suit from Men's Warehouse

Invitations: Minted

Intimate Avon Gardens Wedding

Stacy and Eric’s intimate wedding at Avon gardens tonight was truly a dream! It was the absolute perfect start to my fall wedding season. The beautiful September weather could not have been better. I had never been to Avon Gardens before, but after shooting Stacy and Eric’s stunning wedding there I’m absolutely obsessed! There are 5 acres of amazing gardens that all make great spots for wedding photos throughout the day! It’s really a wedding photographer’s dream!

I love Stacy and Eric’s love for each other so much! They only had two wedding guests, so their wedding day was truly all about THEM! I love when couples aren’t afraid to break the mold of traditions so that they can have the wedding that THEY truly want. That was absolutely the case with these two love birds. They were SO adorable together the entire day. I could really feel their love for each other with all of the tears they shed during their sweet ceremony. It was so sweet how Eric could not stop gushing about how beautiful Stacy looked in her dress. My favorite thing was when he said “I hope we have a daughter, so she can wear this dress someday.” Cue the waterworks!

Today I photographed Stacy and Eric’s intimate ceremony and portraits at Avon Gardens, and I’ll get to photograph their reception with all of their friends and family on Saturday at BASH in Carmel. I can’t wait for that piece of their wedding as well! I love that they had two different visions for their wedding, and they were able to accomplish BOTH of their visions!

Stacy and Eric, it was truly an honor to photograph your beautiful wedding day. I can’t wait to see you at your reception on Saturday!

Stacy and Eric’s Amazing Vendor Team:

Indiana Wedding Photographer: Rakoteet Photography

Wedding Venue: Avon Gardens

Florist: Violets are Blue Floral Design

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!