I think I get equally as excited to blog a wedding as I do to shoot it. I hope my couples feel the same way when they see their post and again when they see their full gallery. It’s a chance to relive the day and there are always so many things that I love about each individual wedding. It makes me smile to sit down and have a chance to soak in their images again and share with you all the moments throughout the day that made me grin, formed a lump in my throat, or even made me woo-hoo! outloud.
Natalie and Matt’s day started off with some hard rains in the morning. The forecast looked promising, and I kept my fingers crossed we’d be able to fit in our downtown photos before heading to the ceremony. I started the day at their house, sheltered from the remaining drizzles, but with gorgeous natural light. Their home is tucked away in Indy, newly built and absolutely breathtaking. Anytime I’m shooting in someone’s home, I always try to look up the home in advance. Maybe this is a not-so-secret photographer’s hack, or maybe it’s just me, but I’m always hopeful to find some real estate photos to help me see what the indoor lighting is like. This gives me a better idea of what gear to bring along and how to prepare for the space. Natalie and Matt’s home was ideal and I was ready to convince them to shoot their first look and couple portraits right at home if the rain didn’t let up. I think they would’ve been up for shooting (and dancing) in the rain, though, but we ended up with dry weather and even some sun! Before heading out though, we tried to incorporate as much of their beautiful home into the backdrops of their shots, and I lovelovelove how these turned out. I’m convinced every wedding should start with details and prep at home.
This wedding has a tie for my favorite part of the day, both complete tear jerkers, as I struggled to keep it together behind the camera. Their first look came first, at University Park in downtown Indy. Both Natalie and Matt seemed so calm throughout the start of the day, and bringing them together for their first look was the perfect start to the rest of their wedding day together. There were tears from both of them, as they held onto each other, reveling in their admiration for one another. From Matt’s outward gasp as he clapped his hand over his mouth to the silent tears streaming down Natalie’s face that Matt so gently wiped away, it was a beautiful moment shared between them and exactly the reason I am such a fan of first looks.
The rest of their day ran smoothly and quickly as we shot a variety of outdoor portraits before heading over to their Indiana City Brewing Company wedding. It was my first time at the brewery, and I was impressed with the size of the space. Moreso, I was impressed by how filled the space was with all of the friends and family there to celebrate these two. The interior space is dark, quiet, and intimate, and the feeling of everyone together in the space felt different than what I’m used to. They shared their personalized vows as their pups sat quietly among their family, adorned with their own flower collars. Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE when dogs are involved? Sessions, weddings, it doesn’t matter. Just bring the pups!
The real icing on the cake, though, was the mother-son dance that Matt shared with his sweet mom. Charlotte was so excited for the two of them, taking photos and cheering them on throughout the day, but when it came time to share a dance with her son, it was clear that she had been waiting for this moment for a long time. She cradled his head with a smile on her face that will melt your heart. Her pride and love shown clearly through her expressions and there wasn’t a dry eye in the place as their song came to an end.
To Natalie and Matt, thank you for inviting me into your home and having me along for your celebrations. There was so much ‘you’ woven into your day and it makes me smile to type this out to you. Congratulations to you both!
VENDORS & GOODS
Venue | Indiana City Brewing Company
Gown | Poshmark by Sarah Seven
Makeup | Jackie
Hair | Tangled Up Salon by Teress Furlin
Florist |Blooms by Wildwood
Cake | Made by Sister of the Bride
Officiant | Friend of Couple (Justin Suesserman)
DJ | DJ Brian Jackson
casey and her camera is an Indianapolis Wedding Photographer specializing in family, couple, lifestyle, elopement, wedding photography for Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding areas.
