WeddingDay Magazine - Central Indiana Fall/Winter 2024 Issue
Church on Jefferson is a one-of-a-kind wedding and event center where historical charm meets modern elegance. This beautifully restored 1800s church still showcases its original stained glass windows and ornate architecture, offering a stunning backdrop for your special day. With full amenities, food and beverage services, and the option to create a custom menu with our culinary experts, we ensure every detail is perfect. Conveniently located in downtown Franklin, IN, just 20 minutes south of Indianapolis, your guests will enjoy easy access to nearby boutiques, hotels, restaurants, and more.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Meghan Alyssa Photography* Indianapolis, IN meghanalyssaphotography01. mypixieset.com
VENUE
Church on Jefferson* Franklin, IN churchonjefferson.com
VIDEOGRAPHY
PLANNING, COORDINATION, FLORALS & RENTALS
Nerdy Fox Rentals & Designs* Greenwood, IN nerdyfoxrentals.com
DRESSES
Sophia's Bridal and Tux
HAIR & MAKEUP
CAKE
Taylor Made Cakery
STATIONERY
The Lettering Grove
RENTALS
A Classic Party Rental
MODELS
Sara & Randy Byrd
Vallosio Photo + Film *WeddingDay preferred vendor
Beauty Sway* Carmel, IN beautysway-1.com
facebook & youtube: WeddingDay Magazine
instagram & tiktok: @weddingdaymagazine
pinterest & x: @weddingdaymag
OWNER & PUBLISHER
Kaitlyn Smale
EDITORIAL
Allyson Hutchison - Content Writer
ADVERTISING SALES
Tanner Smale - Regional Account Executive
Gabby Leeper - Regional Account Executive
Diane Homer - National Sales Representative
WeddingDay is the Midwest’s leading integrated bridal planning platform, engaging couples across the Midwest by utilizing content marketing, social media and print to provide maximum brand exposure for its vendor-partners. We also utilize tools such as bridal shows, e-marketing services, sponsorships and contests.
Any and all materials published in WeddingDay are the sole property of said publication, without exclusion. Editorial and/or advertising content, including all design, copy, photography, illustrations and artwork shall not be reproduced in any manner without written consent of WeddingDay.
For permissions and reprint requests, please email info@weddingdayonline.com
The publisher makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information published but cannot be held liable for any consequences arising from omissions or errors. Any claims or opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of WeddingDay.
Advertising and Editorial mailing address: P.O. Box 10172 South Bend, IN 46680
For Advertising information: info@weddingday-online.com
FROM THE EDITOR
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, we’re embracing the beauty of transformation—whether it's the changing colors of fall leaves or the exciting evolution of wedding trends. Inside this issue, we’ve curated a collection of inspiring articles from a Harry Potter-inspired celebration to wedding cake ideas that are almost too pretty to eat!
We are ecstatic to announce the winners of our 2024 Style Shoot Design Contest, sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals! From Taylor Swift-inspired details to maximalist designs packed to the brim with Pantone's Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, we continue to be impressed with the talent from all the teams who took the time to create a shoot, just for us. Scroll through the pages of this issue to see the winner, runner-up and three finalists, who dedicated their passion and creativity in designing these shoots!
Plus, be sure to check out our winter cover shoot at Church on Jefferson in Franklin, Indiana! Our talented vendor team curated an ethereal and glitzy shoot packed full of icy details and shades of blue. We think you're going to absolutely love all of the wintry touches!
As you journey through this issue, we hope you find inspiration, helpful tips and a sense of excitement for your wedding ahead. Whether you’re just beginning your planning or putting the final touches on your celebration, we’re honored to be a part of your experience. Thank you for trusting us to be a source of inspiration and guidance as you create a day that’s as unforgettable as your love story.
Wishing you all the best as you make your wedding dreams come true!
KAITLYN SMALE OWNER & PUBLISHER
kaitlyn@weddingday-online.com
12 REAL WEDDING
24 REAL WEDDING
Black Tie Elegance: The Real Wedding of Kimberly & Jay in Carmel
36 STYLE SHOOT DESIGN CONTEST WINNER
The Winner, Runner-Up & Finalists of our 2024 Style Shoot Design Contest, Sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals
58 WEDDING TIPS
Advice from the Couple: Brides & Grooms Share What They've Learned
88 COVER SHOOT Shades of Winter: WeddingDay's Exclusive Central Indiana Cover Shoot
64 CAKE INSPO
A Slice of Love: Creative Cakes to Make Your Wedding Even Sweeter
74 REAL WEDDING
113 NEWLY ENGAGED
Engaged in the Midwest: 7 Midwest Couples Ready to Tie the Knot
about the cover photographer
MEGHAN ALYSSA PHOTOGRAPHY
Meghan Pyle is a variety portrait photographer who is obsessed with capturing all the little glances, smiles and moments. She's loved photography since she was 13 when she got her very first camera. Meghan is from Ohio originally but currently lives in the Indianapolis area. Some things she likes to do in her free time are read, cuddle with her cats, spend time with her friends and pretend she doesn't need to clean her house!
Modern Elegance: The Real Wedding of Megan & Nihanth in Indianapolis
Moody Opulence: The Real Wedding of Sarah & Phillip in Indianapolis
Photos
JT Lewis Photos
Tracie and Tab Photography
The Real Wedding of
MEGAN & NIHANTH DAMERA
Modern Elegance
Indianapolis Artsgarden, Scottish Rite Cathedral & Events at Central Library Indianapolis, IN THEME: SEASON: VENUES:
Winter
Finding the perfect venues was important to Megan and Nihanth as they wanted to hold two different wedding ceremonies, one a traditional Christian wedding and one an eastern Hindu wedding. They also needed spaces that would accommodate their large guest list. Indianapolis Artsgarden was the perfect locale to kick off their celebration, with Scottish Rite Cathedral hosting both ceremonies in two unique settings. They settled on Events at Central Library for their reception, which was the perfect place to dance the night away with all their loved ones! When it came to the décor for their wedding, they also needed versatile elements that would blend with both ceremonies. Megan shares, “It was important to us that both of our families’ cultures were equally represented and intertwined throughout the weekend. Each event reflected a bit of both worlds, but made sure the details highlighted our personalities and our relationship that felt authentically ‘us’.”
WHAT WE love
It took an entire team of talented professionals to bring Megan and Nihanth's wedding celebration together! "Our wedding coordinator, Monica Richard, introduced us to all our vendors. We chose people who had experience with or were genuinely excited to be a part of a multi-cultural wedding. We also prioritized vendors who were approachable, creative, fully invested in the success of our wedding weekend and, most importantly, fun to work with! We could not have been more grateful for them and the unforgettable weekend they created," Megan gushes.
Megan Judith Photography
The Real Wedding of
KIMBERLY AND JAY PIATEK
THEME:
Black Tie Elegance
SEASON: VENUE:
Fall
Hotel Carmichael Carmel, IN
Inspired by the classic and elegant décor of Hotel Carmichael, Kimberly and Jay curated their opulent black tie wedding with a color palette of gold, black, cream, champagne and taupe. Choosing the venue was an easy choice for the couple. “Hotel Carmichael is a beautiful venue that feels like you are transported back to a different time of elegance and style,” Kimberly gushes. “The staff and service are top notch. As I explained my vision to Kathy Ray at Hotel Carmichael, she was right there with me bringing additional ideas to the table.” Another perk was having one location for all of their out of town guests. They even had a farewell brunch the morning after the wedding in the same reception ballroom! During both the ceremony and reception, Kimberly and Jay planned plenty of sophisticated touches, including a live painter, a harpist and pianist, a sword for the cake cutting, a red carpet arrival and an ice sculpture!
“It goes by so fast on the day of your wedding. Slow down and enjoy the process of planning it, relish in special moments with your family and friends and be in the moment on your big day. Things can happen that aren’t in the plan but all that matters is the love you are celebrating for each other and nothing else.”
PHOTOGRAPHY: JESSICA STRICKLAND PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE: HOTEL CARMICHAEL (HOTELCARMICHAEL.COM)* PLANNING: TARA NICOLE WEDDINGS AND EVENTS CATERING & CAKE: VIVANTE RESTAURANT & BAR VIDEOGRAPHY: CAMDEN CLAIRE FLORALS: EUFLORIC EVENTS DRESS: DIMITRA'S BRIDAL BRIDESMAIDS' DRESSES: BELLA BRIDESMAIDS HAIR: ALLISON LINNAE HAIR BRIDE'S MAKEUP: MELANIE RUTHERFORD MUA BRIDESMAIDS' MAKEUP: THE GLAM LAB NAILS: POSH NAILS MENSWEAR: MEN'S WEARHOUSE JEWELRY: NEXT NECKLACE & BRILLIANT EARTH RINGS & JEWELRY: REIS-NICHOLS JEWELERS SHOES: BADGLEY MISCHKA STATIONERY: LA PAPETERIE DESIGN HARPIST/ SINGER: EMILY HILL PIANIST: JANESE TRUVER DJ: JIM CERONE THE PERFECT HOST DJ MC LIVE PAINTER: MELINDA SPEAR-HUFF ICE SCULPTURE: JOSE AND SONS ICE SCULPTURES LINENS & CHARGERS: LGI LINENS STAGE: STERLER PRODUCTIONS (STERLERPROD.COM)* DÉCOR: INDIANA WEDDING DECORATORS & ACE PARTY RENTAL TRANSPORTATION: AADVANCED LIMOUSINES OF INDIANAPOLIS REHEARSAL DINNER: PRIME 47 HONEYMOON: SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN, PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES & THE ST. REGIS BORA BORA RESORT *WeddingDay preferred vendor
B r i d a l S p e c t a c u l a r
E v e r y t h i n g y o u n e e d t o p l a n a w e d d i n g !
S u n d a y , J a n u a r y 5 t h , 2 0 2 5
N o o n - 4 : 0 0 p m
F a s h i o n S h o w a t 2 : 3 0 p m
P r e - R e g i s t e r f o r d o o r p r i z e s a n d g i v e a w a y s !
w w w . i n d i a n a b r i d a l s p e c t a c u l a r . n e t
S p o n s o r e d b y : L o u i e ' s T u x S h o
Weeping
Willow Photography
Whispers of Folklore
A POETIC TAYLOR SWIFT-INSPIRED STYLE SHOOT
We're thrilled to announce the winners of WeddingDay's sixth annual Style Shoot Design Contest, sponsored by AAYS Event Rentals! This year, participants were invited to design shoots that incorporated the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, into one of four unique themes: Quiet Luxury, Feminine Touch, Peach Overload and Taylor Swift Albums. As always, our team was thrilled to see the variety of submissions we received, and selecting a winner was no easy feat. Keep reading to see this year's champion and the numerous unique details that made it stand out from the rest, along with the stunning runnerup and the talent of our three favorite finalists!
SPONSORED BY:
Christina Miller of Signature Weddings & Events was immediately inspired when she saw that Taylor Swift albums was a category for this year’s contest. “ I KNEW I had to plan something and that it was going to be inspired by her album, Folklore,” she shares. Christina envisioned a space where guests would feel like they were stepping into the world Taylor Swift masterfully paints through her lyrics. Each scene was carefully crafted to draw inspiration from specific songs on the album, with elements like shimmering mirrorballs, a thread of gold symbolizing the couple’s connection and nods to the themes of "champagne problems" and "mad woman."
As a devoted Swiftie, Christina reveals that Folklore is her favorite album, describing it as raw and introspective, yet filled with vivid portrayals of love, loss and “almosts.” "There was so much inspiration to draw from and the vendors were fully on board to make sure that no detail was left 'un-Taylored,'" she explains. Christina hopes that whether couples seeing this shoot are Swifties or not, they’ll be captivated by the beautiful, messy love story that truly brings Folklore to life in wedding form!
This shoot took place at Hidden Springs State Park in Strausburg, Illinois, along a picturesque pine treelined trail. “We felt that this location really played off of Taylor’s album artwork from Folklore and captured all of the vibes we were going for,” Christina explains.
The model donned two distinct looks for this Taylor-themed shoot. The first gown featured delicate appliqué flowers and a flowy skirt with a structured bodice. Paired with a multi-layered, ruffle-edged veil added some fun texture and depth to the shots! The second dress was more fitted with a dramatic train that created breathtaking movement in the photos, especially as the model ran through the forest, embracing Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour choreography. "I knew I wanted to incorporate a cape as one of the accessories so this fitted style worked perfectly for that," Christina shares. The model's hair and makeup was inspired from the Folklore album art and Taylor's looks from the Folklore set on the Eras Tour. Her loose, messy curls naturally fell throughout the shoot and were complemented with a clean, contoured look. And no Taylor Swift shoot would be complete without a classic red Taylor-inspired lip!
Christina incorporated touches of peach into the tablescape design and florals. "I love the hint of color it gave to our earthy palette without overpowering the overall aesthetic," she gushes. The beautiful dark wood tables and chairs graciously provided by Tuscan Hills Winery were perfect for this moody vibe, while the florals were predominantly white and cream, accented with pops of peach and dusty pink to add in a feminine touch. A hot trend Christina embraced was layering complementary and contrasting textures to add complexity and depth to the design. We also love the touch of moss and greenery to further accentuate the woodsy aesthetic! “All of the other décor items, place settings and linens came from Signature Weddings & Events,” Christina explains.
For the stationery suite, Christina envisioned a neutral, textured set, and this creation was so stunning and detailed that she was moved to tears! The hand deckled edges, custom monogram, wax seal and moody pine tree envelope liner all added visual interest, while the signage was its own work of art! "For the seating chart, we used a framed artpiece and attached the cards with wax seals. The seating chart is full of little Easter eggs, in true Taylor fashion," Christina gushes. But our absolute favorite touch is the adorable signature cocktail sign featuring Taylor’s three cats!
What's better than one cake? Two! "Our traditional cutting cake was a two-tier cake with smooth white buttercream and a satin bow tied around the center," Christina says. This clean look was a perfect contrast against the wild, woodsy backdrop. The second confection was a smash cake, inspired by the "after the party" photo trend. It was a heart-shaped red velvet cake with white buttercream and vintage piping, topped with Christina’s favorite lyric from Folklore, "to live for the hope of it all." "The pictures of our model standing on top of our tablescape and stepping on this cake are probably some of my favorites from the whole gallery!" Christina raves.
Theme: Taylor Swift Albums
PHOTOGRAPHY: BLUE WILLOW PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO COORDINATION, PLANNING & RENTALS: SIGNATURE WEDDINGS & EVENTS VENUE: HIDDEN
SPRINGS STATE PARK FLORALS: THIRD ACRE FLORALS DRESSES: VAYDA JANE
Inspired by our maximalist theme, Peach Overload, Cynthia Basker of Celebrated Events and her runner-up Style Shoot Design Contest team dreamed up a fresh, fun and modern concept. "We envisioned a couple marrying with only their nearest and dearest in front of a fountain in the park where they had met, followed by a more formal reception," Cynthia shares. The entire shoot exudes a romantic yet contemporary vibe, incorporating maximalism not only in volume, but in repetition and textures such as bows, velvet/satin ribbons and 3-D embellishments. "It was all about creating an overload of beauty without overwhelming the eye," she explains.
Thanks to the theme, the Pantone Color of the Year, Peach Fuzz, took center stage in nearly every element of the shoot! From the escort card display to the floral arrangements, cake and even the bride's makeup, the color was strategically incorporated to emphasize the maximalist approach. Two bridal gowns were chosen to embody both the playful and formal sides of the shoot. We are in love with the ceremony gown―a peach tulle beauty with off-the-shoulder straps and layers of ruching. This look reflected the fun and lighthearted feel of the day while the reception gown featured a subtle peach lining and beribboned detachable sleeves, elevating the overall aesthetic.
Florals played a key role in the design, with a mix of roses, ranunculus and carnations in a range of peach tones. The ceremony bouquet was soft and muted, complementing the bride's gown, while the reception bouquet was bolder and brighter, providing a striking contrast against the more formal reception gown. Cynthia and her team also took inspiration from the venue, selecting The LaSalle Hotel for its classic black and white design elements, which aligned perfectly with the shoot's color palette!
To bring the vision to life, unique décor elements were carefully chosen, such as the mobile bubbly bar, "Classy Coupe," a restored vintage Italian mini-truck. "All white with black trim, it fit perfectly with the aesthetic of our shoot, even more so when we adorned it with an over abundance of peach toned floral and black glassware," Cynthia describes. Décor details like the black shelving unit, which held the escort cards, Italian peach cookies and cake, echoed the oval-shaped invitations and enhanced the maximalist theme. Overall, this shoot was about indulging in beauty and creating moments that felt abundant and joyful!
Theme: Peach Overload
PHOTOGRAPHY: CAT ALKIRE PHOTOGRAPHY CEREMONY VENUE: LEEPER PARK RECEPTION VENUE: THE LASALLE HOTEL COORDINATION & PLANNING: CELEBRATED EVENTS FLORALS: SNAPDRAGON-DESIGNS CEREMONY DRESS: GURAMISI RECEPTION DRESS & EARRINGS: SIMPLY YOURS BRIDAL HAIR: WILD ROSE HAIR ARTISTRY MAKEUP: ASHLEY URBAN ARTISTRY MENSWEAR: SUITSHOP SHOES: DOLCE VITA SHOES CAKE & DESSERTS: SWEET-EM'S CAKE SHOPPE STATIONERY: MINTED RENTALS: AAYS EVENT RENTALS (AAYSRENTAL.COM)* BLACK CHAIRS: MICHAELANGELOS EVENTS BLACK SHELF: WHITE DAHLIA RENTALS MOBILE BUBBLY BAR: CLASSY COUPE BAR MENU & CUSTOM HANG TAGS: THE COTTON AND CANVAS CO. MODELS: ELIY SIMMER & JAMES BOROWICZ *WeddingDay preferred vendor
FINALIST
Theme: Quiet Luxury
Inspired by our theme of Quiet Luxury and a peach orchard, Bree Neely of Neely Photography brought together elements of art history, southern charm and modern trends. She shares, "I wanted everything to exude Peach Fuzz, from the location, the colors chosen, the golden hour, the peaches on the table, to even the color grading." Surrounded by lush rows of trees and the soft golden hour light, Bree aimed to show couples that elegance doesn’t require an overseas destination—sometimes the most magical moments are found just outside your door, in a backyard or a beautiful orchard!
The palette of Peach Fuzz was brought to life not just in the color scheme but through the mood. " I wanted to channel a little bit of my art history background to enhance this theme, by incorporating Roman columns and Greek statues. I also wanted to play into the current trends seen widely right now, by playing peaches on the tables, high angles, long rows of trees, unique florals, mismatched dresses and of course the parasols," Bree gushes.
Despite an unexpected challenge when the peaches ripened ahead of schedule, Bree and her team managed to reschedule the shoot in just a couple of weeks to ensure they could capture the orchard in full bloom! This quick turnaround didn't hinder the creativity of the shoot, and the collaboration between local vendors was key to its success.
We love how the brocade wedding gown blended classic and trendy elements, while the florals—dahlias, lilies, cosmos and eucalyptus—added warm peach tones throughout the shoot. The cake was a creative standout, featuring a heart-shaped Lambeth design topped with peaches. Its dual-sided appearance offered a different view depending on the angle! Nearly all the décor was thrifted or sourced from local vendors, adding to the shoot's timeless, romantic feel. And Bree's photography captured the essence of quiet luxury, showcasing that with a little creativity and a nod to nature, any local space can become the perfect setting for a sophisticated and intimate wedding celebration!
Trysh Jaeger Photography and her team brought a quirky twist to our theme Quiet Luxury, with this "Fairytale in the Forest" shoot, based on the beloved story of Shrek and Fiona. Trysh's vision for the shoot was to capture the essence of a romantic fairytale, highlighting the understated luxury in the details. From the "swamp" setting to the gingerbread cookies inspired by the movie’s character Gingy, every element of the shoot was carefully crafted to bring this unique fairytale to life. Her photos captured the charm of the forest location and the playful, yet elegant, theme, including a real donkey to add to the authenticity of the Shrek-inspired atmosphere! "We wanted to emphasize that your wedding can have a theme (even if it’s cheesy) and turn it into a romantic, fairytale," Trysh shares. With a color palette inspired by shades of green, gray (for Donkey), and soft peach tones, the shoot was a perfect balance of playful nods to the movie and the timeless beauty of a forest setting.
Despite a rainstorm that nearly left parts of the venue flooded, there were plenty of beautiful spots on the property of Friendship Gardens to capture the forest vibe. A burn-away cake featuring Shrek and Fiona added an artistic and playful touch, while gingerbread cookies paid homage to the film’s iconic character, Gingy.
The floral arrangements by Sugarfield Flowers complemented the romantic, forest setting with white, peach and green hues. And we love how the bride’s gown, adorned with peach flowers, fit seamlessly into the fairytale theme! The shoot also featured custom stationery from Your Little Details, with invitations that began with "Once Upon a Time" and character name cards inspired by the movie. Trysh's photos encapsulated the enchanting, forest-inspired fairytale wedding, showing that with a bit of creativity and a touch of humor, any theme can be transformed into a breathtakingly beautiful celebration!
Gina Bombin-Wilk of Sugar on the Rim Events brought our theme of Quiet Luxury to life in a shoot that embodied understated elegance. Her vision was to balance sophisticated simplicity with delicate details, creating a timeless, yet modern feel. The theme was thoughtfully executed through every element, from the peach-toned florals and cotton candy to the chic venue and luxurious décor! Gina incorporated Peach Fuzz into various elements, from the floral arrangements and makeup to the groom’s pocket square. The playful touch of champagne glitter bombs added a fun, interactive element for guests, while staying true to the elegant theme. This blend of fun and sophistication was at the heart of the shoot, showing how a whimsical theme can be elevated with quiet luxury!
FINALIST
The Grand in Crown Point, Indiana was the perfect venue for the shoot, with its spacious, light-filled rooms and clean, neutral palette that allowed the styling elements to shine. The floor-toceiling windows and natural-colored walls of the venue provided a stunning backdrop, perfectly complementing the simple, yet elegant décor. Gina enhanced the romantic atmosphere with a variety of candles in different heights and styles, along with black sequin tablecloths that caught the glow of candlelight, creating a soft, intimate ambiance.
The elegant details were seen in every aspect of the shoot, from the bride's chic gown to the sophisticated desserts. The cake, adorned with delicate flowers, had an effortless elegance that matched the overall aesthetic. Gina also ensured that the stationery followed the Quiet Luxury theme, with classic black and white designs accented by Peach Fuzz tones. By combining luxurious textures, rich florals and simple, refined touches, this shoot captured the essence of modern romance and timeless elegance!
Weeping Willow Photography
D i s c o v e r t h e e l e g a n c e o f c u s t o m b r i d a l g o w n s w i t h
C B T K B r a n d B r i d a l , w h e r e e v e r y d e s i g n i s t a i l o r e d t o
y o u r u n i q u e s t y l e a n d l o v e s t o r y . F r o m t i m e l e s s s i l h o u e t t e s t o m o d e r n s e p a r a t e s , l e t u s c r e a t e t h e d r e s s o f y o u r d r e a m s !
www.cbtkbrandbridal.com email cbtkbrandbridal.com
“ advice FROM THE COUPLE
Incorporate little parts of your personalities and don’t be afraid to stray from the norm!”
-Jessica & Jordan Rutherford
Sarah Sage Photography
A SLICE OF love
B.
C.
A.
D.
A. CAKE: Goodies by Ciara, PHOTOGRAPHY & PLANNING: Robin Crystal Photography, FLORALS: Cherry Road Homestead B. CAKE: Eat Cravings Co, PHOTOGRAPHY: D'Isjah Lyons Photography, HOST: Tamed Manes C. CAKE: Soulard's, PHOTOGRAPHY: Shauna Wear Photography, PLANNING & FLORALS: Burns Special Events (burnsrentals.com)* D. CAKE: Classic Cakes, PHOTOGRAPHY: Beth Waterman Photography (bethwatermanphotography.com)*, PLANNING & FLORALS: Flora+Flame (floraandflamedesign.com)* E. CAKE: Nantucket Baking Company, PHOTOGRAPHY: Avery Phillips Photo, PLANNING: All Buttoned Up Events, FLORALS: Linnaea Floral & Event Design F. CAKE: Zingerman's Bakehouse (zingermansbakehouse.com)*, PHOTOGRAPHY: Lola Grace Photography, DESIGN, FLORALS & STYLING: J Bennett Design G. CAKE: Classic Cakes, PHOTOGRAPHY: Captures by Chrissy, PLANNING: Nerdy Fox Rentals & Design (nerdyfoxrentals.com)* H. CAKE: Homestead Kitchen (homesteadkitchen.net)*, PHOTOGRAPHY: Love Photography by Katie VanderWal, PLANNING: 21 Jane Events I. CAKE: Farmhouse Cakes, PHOTOGRAPHY: Becky Lynn Photography (beckylynnphotography.info)*, PLANNING: Gypsy Rose Events
creative cakes to make your wedding day even sweeter
Unique wedding cakes offer couples a delicious way to showcase their personalities and bring their wedding theme to life. From vibrant colors and intricate designs to personalized toppers and floral displays, your cake display can be a true reflection of your style and love story. Whether it’s a fun and flirty cake for an offbeat wedding or a sleek, modern design for a chic city celebration, the options are endless!
E. F.
I. G.
H.
Andi B Photography Ashley
Ashley Lynn Photography
Stay
Gold
Photography
FEATURED WEDDING
The Real Wedding of SARAH
& PHILLIP MATTINGLY
Moody
Opulence
Spring
THEME: SEASON: VENUES:
Indiana Statehouse & Union Station Grand Hall
Indianapolis, IN
Sarah started her wedding planning by utilizing Pinterest for theme and color scheme ideas as well as Instagram and WeddingDay Magazine for décor inspiration! The couple ended up with a moody yet timeless wedding with an air of elegance to it. “The one thing I knew for sure is that I wanted venues that spoke for themselves and already had a lot of beauty on their own, so I sought that out during planning,” Sarah explains. As for the color scheme, Sarah actually realized that the colors black, white and gold were similar to the colors of her home décor, which is a palette that she naturally gravitates to. The couple also incorporated some fun touches in their big day such as a British phone booth for their audio guest book and a special shout out to their fur babies on the cocktail napkins!
WHAT WE love
A special touch that Sarah and Phillip added to their wedding was actually inspired by their reception venue. Sarah shares, “I love Harry Potter and train stations are a staple in that series. Having our reception at an old train station was a nod to that and so was having a Harry Potter Platform 9¾ train station photo -op.” It was such a cute and memorable experience for all their guests!
PHOTOGRAPHY: GABRIELLA SUTHERLAND PHOTOGRAPHY
CEREMONY VENUE: INDIANA STATEHOUSE RECEPTION
VENUE: CROWNE PLAZA INDIANAPOLIS DOWNTOWN
UNION STATION VIDEOGRAPHY: TIME WALK WEDDING
VIDEO DRESS: SOPHIA'S BRIDAL AND TUX HAIR & MAKEUP: INDIE BRIDAL CO MENSWEAR: GENERATION
Print this checklist and start a Pinterest beauty board
See a dermatologist or esthetician to address any skin concerns
Start experimenting with hair colors and growing out hair
Sign up for a gym membership and commit to going 3x week
Set weight-loss goals if desired and launch program
Begin to research or ask for recommendations on salons
Experiment with beauty and skin care products
6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE
Design skin care routine with selected products
Add strength training to workout plan
Commit to drinking 5 glasses of water each day
Purchase vitamins for energy, hair growth, healthy skin and immune system
4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE
Secure stylist and makeup artist
Begin brow rehab: grow them out and have them professionally shaped
Settle on hair color
Narrow down hairstyles to top 3
Hit the gym 4-5 days a week with a mix of cardio and strength training
1 TO 2 MONTHS BEFORE
Whiten teeth
Get a hair trim
PLANNING TOOL FIND
Schedule facial for two weeks before the wedding
Stop shaving if you plan to get a wax
Have a trial run of your hair and makeup
Have a trial spray tan
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Confirm beauty appointments
Color, highlight or touch up your hair
Attend facial appointment and/or exfoliate skin
Prepare envelopes to tip your beauty team
Wear sunscreen at all times outdoors
Get lash extensions if desired
Change your contact lenses
1 WEEK BEFORE
Spray tan with at-home product or professional application
Get a manicure and pedicure
Attend waxing appointments: brows, bikini line, legs, etc.
Pack beauty emergency/touchup kit for the big day
Go to bed and wake up around the same time each day
DAYS BEFORE
Drink water continuously
Wash your hair two days before the wedding
Sleep at least 7-8 hours each night
Get your engagement ring cleaned
Clean your ears
Touch up manicure and pedicure
THE WEDDING DAY
Drink a full glass of water when you wake up
Begin the morning with meditation and stretching
Go for a walk alone
Eat breakfast and pack snacks for the day
Rinse off in the shower; make sure to keep your hair dry
Attend hair and makeup appointments
Take photos of hair and makeup to send back to vendors
Ask for lip color sample for touchups
Spray light perfume
SMILE!
Weeping Willow Photography
Where love stories begin...
At The Wedding Shoppe, we believe that every dress holds the promise of a beautiful love story. Let us help you find the dress that will make your own love story unforgettable.
Taylor Marie Photography
M e t r o D e t r o i t W e d d i n g P h o t o g r a p h e r a n d
V i d e o g r a p h e r
t a y l o r m p h o t o . c o m | t a y l o r d a n o s 1 1 @ y a h o o . c o m
Shades of Winter
WEDDINGDAY’S EXCLUSIVE CENTRAL INDIANA COVER SHOOT
The Vision
For our Central Indiana cover shoot, Cheyenne Fox of Nerdy Rentals & Designs wanted to show that winter weddings can be just as magical and fun as weddings in other seasons. She shares, “I came up with the idea of 'shades of winter' because I felt like there wasn’t enough inspiration for winter weddings out there.” Drawing inspiration from her daughter's love for Elsa, she designed a shoot filled with plenty of sparkles, fake snow and an ethereal winter color palette!
The Venue
Church on Jefferson was the perfect locale for our winter cover shoot because of its unique, versatile space. As a new venue in Franklin, Indiana, it offered a great opportunity to showcase its stunning features, like the beautiful stained glass windows, vaulted ceilings and blank canvas appeal. With only one main space, we got creative by showcasing the room in two different ways, perfect for couples who might want to do a room flip. The all-white interior allows for endless customization, and also makes an ideal setting to highlight winter’s elegance and the cool, icy colors in our design!
The Decor
With dusty blue trending in wedding palettes recently, Cheyenne knew it was the perfect color scheme for our winter shoot. This pop of color was incorporated into the tablescape linens, table numbers, place cards and even the signature drinks! The reception table was covered with plenty of other winter details besides the enchanting linen. Cheyenne shares, "Using clear glass for the place settings made it feel like they were frozen ice and the light from the candles bounced off of them to complete the theme." We also love the addition of the white trees with hanging icicles and snowflake-shaped place mats!
The Looks
"When selecting the dress, I wanted to lean into that Ice Queen vibe," Cheyenne explains. We ended up utilizing two different gowns for our shoot that both pulled in qualities of our design. The ceremony dress was an off-the-shoulder ballgown with sparkly, beaded detailing reminiscent of the white trees on the tablescape and in the aisle. For the reception look, our model channeled Elsa with a dramatic cape, complete with lots of bling! This accessory was the perfect addition to her shimmery strapless gown that had just a hint of powder blue in the tulle! Beauty Sway styled her hair in an elegant updo, complete with crystal pins while the makeup was kept neutral to enhance her natural beauty, using browns and pinks.
MEGHAN ALYSSA PHOTOGRAPHY
The Cake
The cake was a two-tiered confection using two different shades of blue. White flowers adorned the first layer for added interest and to pull in a touch of 'snow'. The cake display incorporated warm candlelight, winter greenery and icicle adorned trees. And we love the subtle inclusion of the white fox, as a nod to Cheyenne's company name!
The Stationery
The stationery was designed with an icy tone using the dusty blue color palette. The ribbon ties in the hot trend of bows while its raw edge is echoed in the place cards. And check out the addition of snowflakes to the suite!
The Florals
All of the florals in our shoot were silk, proving that even faux florals can look amazing on your wedding day! We love how the winter theme was carried into the blooms. Cheyenne shares, "The white tree branching detail can also be found in small pieces in the bouquet with some frosted greenery pieces." The real showstopper of this shoot was Nerdy Fox Rentals & Designs' Ella Arch made of high quality silk flowers with white roses and baby’s breath! "I think baby's breath always reminds me of snow," Cheyenne explains.
MEGHAN
PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGHAN ALYSSA PHOTOGRAPHY (MEGHANALYSSAPHOTOGRAPHY01.MYPIXIESET.COM)* PLANNING, COORDINATION, FLORALS & RENTALS: NERDY FOX RENTALS & DESIGNS (NERDYFOXRENTALS.COM)* VENUE: CHURCH ON JEFFERSON (CHURCHONJEFFERSON.COM)* VIDEOGRAPHY: VALLOSIO PHOTO + FILM DRESSES: SOPHIA'S BRIDAL AND TUX HAIR & MAKEUP: BEAUTY SWAY (BEAUTYSWAY-1.COM) CAKE: TAYLOR MADE CAKERY STATIONERY: THE LETTERING GROVE RENTALS: A CLASSIC PARTY RENTAL MODELS: SARA & RANDY BYRD *WeddingDay preferred vendor
Meet the Cover Team
THE WEDDING PROS BEHIND THE SHOOT
Cheyenne Fox
NERDY FOX RENTALS & DESIGNS
Nerdy Fox Rentals and Designs is passionate about helping couples bring their unique visions to life and guiding them through every step of the décor planning process. From intimate ceremonies to grand celebrations, they specialize in creating personalized, stylish and memorable weddings that reflect each couple's personality. They offer décor rentals as well as design and coordination services. Cheyenne says, "With a large inventory, we are able to assist couples with their florals, centerpieces, ceremony and reception décor, plus all those small details that tell their unique love story."
Meghan Pyle
MEGHAN ALYSSA PHOTOGRAPHY
Meghan Pyle is a variety portrait photographer who is obsessed with capturing all the little glances, smiles and moments. She's loved photography since she was 13 when she got her very first camera. Meghan is from Ohio originally but currently lives in the Indianapolis area. Some things she likes to do in her free time are read, cuddle with her cats, spend time with her friends and pretend she doesn't need to clean her house!
Ashley + Jonathan Vallosio
VALLOSIO PHOTO + FILM
Vallosio Photo + Film is an Indiana-based wedding photo and video team who help you create the peaceful, nature-centered wedding experience you've always dreamed of. As a husband-and-wife team who adore the beauty of the outdoors, Jonathan and Ashley are also your emotional support, timeline crafting experts, Leave No Trace guides and fellow adventurous friends. With over 10 years in the wedding industry, they have learned how to make their couples feel comfortable and have fun, how to capture the beauty of love in nature with the best lighting and scenery and to pay attention to the details and emotion of the day to preserve it.
Taxman Hospitality Group
CHURCH ON JEFFERSON
Located in the heart of Franklin, Indiana, Church on Jefferson has been meticulously restored to its former glory, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern amenities. The venue's original sanctuary has been transformed into a spacious event space, complete with a balcony and an upstairs VIP lounge, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind experience.
Engy Ibrahim
BEAUTY SWAY
Engy Ibrahim, founder of Beauty Sway, is a licensed esthetician and passionate bridal makeup artist with seven years of experience in the beauty industry. Born and raised in Egypt before moving to the U.S. at age 12, she’s built Beauty Sway into a trusted team of artists dedicated to enhancing natural beauty and confidence on life’s biggest occasions. Guided by faith and driven by gratitude, Engy finds purpose in every client she meets and is honored to bring her expertise and artistry to each unforgettable moment.
Chris La Mar
A CLASSIC PARTY RENTAL
Chris La Mar is the Business Development Manager at A Classic Party Rental in Indianapolis. A Classic offers a wide variety of beautiful items from china and glassware to linens and chargers, all to help create a beautiful and memorable event. Chris has been in the events industry for over 15 years, working directly with businesses and individuals, and loves having guests in to their amazing showroom to choose the perfect items. She says, "Bring in your vision and we can make it happen."
Taylor Bell
TAYLOR MADE CAKERY
Taylor Bell is a passionate and self-taught home baker, based in Indianapolis, Indiana. Taylor bakes cakes for every occasion, including birthdays, weddings and all other celebrations!
Sam Bireley
THE LETTERING GROVE
Sam is the owner and creator at The Lettering Grove. She aspires to create a premier experience in the creation and delivery of handcrafted invitations and stationery for engaged couples across the U.S. who will look back on these pieces of their wedding and embrace all the special memories they have when two lives became one.
WEDDINGS, PRIVATE AND CORPORATE EVENTS, POP-UPS, PHOTO SHOOTS, AND MORE!
The Section House Event Space
Arielle Peters Photography
Monro Photography
Maleah Joy Walters
Photos by Kayla Bouren Photography
Where Rustic Meets Elegant
Our wedding venue is nestled in the heart of Michigan, just 30 minutes away from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo & the Lakeshore. Our stunning gambrel barn is set on 20 acres of pristine, manicured grounds perfect for taking your wedding vows and making unforgettable memories. Our barn has exposed wood beams & weathered plank walls giving it a warm atmosphere perfect for any wedding style!
Main
Photo: Mae
Photo
Co, Bottom Left & Right
Photos: Abby Fox Photography, Bottom Middle Photo: Emaleedee
Megan Saul Photography
THE ONLY YOU WILL EVER NEED wedding planning checklist PLANNING
the only wedding planning checklist you need
9 TO 12 MONTHS BEFORE
Discuss and determine a budget with your groom
Document budget in WeddingDay’s budget checklist
Gather “ideal” guest list from groom, groom’s family and your family
Narrow down the guest list as needed to determine venue size and cost estimate
Choose a date and reserve a venue
Select a ceremony site and an officiant
Choose the members of your wedding party
Hire a wedding planner or wedding coordinator if desired
Create an email folder for wedding-related correspondence, a Pinterest board for inspiration, and an actual folder for receipts and vendor contracts
Book your main vendors (florist, photographer and DJ/band, etc.)
Have an engagement party to celebrate with friends and family
6 TO 9 MONTHS BEFORE
Go wedding dress shopping for your dream dress and order immediately
Hire a catering company if the venue does not cater in-house
Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses with the bridal party
Design your wedding website with pertinent information
Decide on a honeymoon destination and renew passport
Book your wedding day transportation (limo, bus, carriage, etc)
Create gift registry
4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE
Finalize guest list using WeddingDay’s guest list checklist
Gather postal addresses of invited guests
Design, print and send save-the-date announcements
Shop for and rent necessary rental items such as decor, chairs, tables, etc.
Purchase wedding invitations or hire designer to create invites
Start planning your ceremony with music selection and readings
Meet with your officiant regarding ceremony and required premarital counseling
Finalize honeymoon travel plans
Implement workout regiments and diet, if desired
2 TO 4 MONTHS BEFORE
Book your makeup artist and hair salon for bridal party and yourself
Choose a hairstyle and book a consultation and trial run appointment
Pick a bakery, attend a cake tasting or two, and order your cake
Buy wedding favors for guests and gifts for wedding party
Organize your information to obtain marriage license
Purchase your wedding bands
Order tuxes for groom and groomsmen/ushers
Mail invitations!
6-8 WEEKS BEFORE
Send invites for rehearsal dinner to family, wedding party and select guests
Attend food tasting with caterer or venue and finalize menu
Meet with florist to finalize flowers
Begin beauty treatments (teeth whitening, facials, etc.)
Send DJ and photographer list of songs and list of musthave photos
2-6 WEEKS BEFORE
Color and trim your hair
Have a trial run of your formal hair and makeup
Schedule meeting with all vendors to plan and finalize details
Create seating chart and wedding-weekend itinerary
Print guest name cards, programs, menus and extra stationery
Have your final dress fitting
Write down your vows and reception speech
Send finalized guest counts with menu choices to caterer
1 WEEK BEFORE
Re-confirm all plans and times with vendors and wedding party
Create an envelope tipping system for vendors
Inform wedding party of any required duties
Pack for the honeymoon
Gaska String Quartet
Engaged in the Midwest
CONGRATS TO OUR RECENTLY ENGAGED COUPLES!
DID YOU RECENTLY GET ENGAGED? WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU!
Submit your engagement story to us at weddingday-online.com/submityour-engagement and we may feature you on our social media channels or in the next issue of WeddingDay!
Sydney + Seth Taylor + Austin
Heather + Andrew / Jessie Silva
Paige + Izak / Trysh Jaeger Photography
Brandy + Cody / Evoke Wedding Photos
Abigail + Ben / Capture the Canvas Tyler + Samuel
MIDWEST WEDDING Vendor Guide
BAKERIES & DESSERTS
Froehlich's Three Oaks, MI, 269.756.6002 shopfroehlichs.com
Four Winds New Buffalo’s Silver Creek Event Center offers over 17,000 square feet of flexible space. Four Winds South Bend’s Ribbon Town Conference and Event Center offers a 24,000 square foot multi-use facility with a grand ballroom. You can host a five-star rehearsal dinner at Copper Rock Steakhouse or plan a party at Kankakee Grille at Four Winds New Buffalo or Four Winds South Bend. Whether you want an intimate ceremony for 20 or a lavish reception for up to 800 guests, we have a perfect space for every occasion.
Then relax in style in one of our 415 deluxe hotel rooms at Four Winds New Buffalo or 317 luxurious rooms at Four Winds South Bend. Looking for even more excitement, try your hand on the gaming floor with the best selection of slots and table games.
