Rachel and Eric’s wedding took place in the heart of Indianapolis at the Marott, an extravagant and re-purposed hotel. Since the Marott’s renovation, it plays host to events on the main floor, and its’ hotel lodging has transformed into upscale apartments. The atmosphere of the Marott along with the Piper’s event and catering staff beautifully complimented this historic downtown Indianapolis wedding.
Rachel and Eric’s wedding was an extremely special occasion. The two had been waiting for this day for quite a while. Rachel and Eric are high school sweethearts! They first met in the hallways of Covenant Christian High School, located just outside of Indianapolis. At the end of their Junior year at Covenant Christian, Rachel and Eric started dating. They continued dating throughout their collegiate experience and Rachel’s pharmacy residency.
A semester before Rachel was to graduate with her pharmacy doctorate, Eric dropped to one knee. Rachel, who is not easily surprised, was stunned by the proposal. Once she realized that her best friend was asking to marry her, she whole-heartedly accepted. At that point, they had been together for 6 and a half years and knew that they were meant to be. As they began to plan the wedding that they had dreamed of for years, it only seemed right that the date should have a special significance. So, they decided to get married on June 2nd, the day they started dating seven years ago.
Rachel and Eric’s historic downtown Indianapolis wedding was a perfect testament to their relationship. Eric embodies a quiet strength. He is a man of few words and an intense loyalty. Rachel is hard working, determined, and loves to laugh. Their interactions throughout their wedding day {and engagement session} were either quiet and affectionate or filled with Rachel’s laughter and Eric’s soft smile. In both instances, they held each other’s gaze completely, as they have for so long.
Rachel’s morning started early on their wedding day since she and her bridesmaids were to get their hair done. From there, the bridal party headed for the Marott to finish their preparations and to enjoy the rest of the morning. Rachel’s mother and her bridesmaids helped her put on and fasten her wedding gown in preparation for the morning’s portraits. Rachel’s face started to show her excitement once her dress was on. The groom and groomsmen arrived at the venue shortly after the bridal party was ready.
As soon as Rachel was ready, she wanted to have a first look with her father. I was excited to agree because I love doing first looks with dad! When Rachel’s father saw her for the first time in her wedding gown, the biggest smile brightened his face! He was thrilled to see his little girl and admire her wedding dress! Shortly after, I took Rachel’s bridal portraits and the bridal party photos. While taking the bridal party portraits, Eric had to cross our path! So, we came up with a plan. The groomsmen blindfolded Eric and led him across the venue, so he did not see Rachel! Honestly, I think the groomsmen really enjoyed their new job. After all of the groomsmen were ready, I took their portraits before the bride and groom had their first look.
Once we were ready, I placed Eric first for the first look. He waited patiently as I placed her behind him. The anticipation continued to grow as they waited to see each for the first time that day. When Eric turned around, his reserved expression transformed into an emotional smile. Upon seeing Eric’s smile, Rachel burst into tears of joy. Eric softly held Rachel as they enjoyed this moment on their wedding day. After some time alone to cherish the moment, we shot their portraits and finished our pre-ceremony photos with the wedding party and family portraits.
The ceremony took placed in the Marott’s atrium, a beautiful courtyard with white walls and a glass ceiling. Even though the forecast projected thunderstorms, there was not a cloud in the sky. So, the sun beamed through the glass ceiling to make the ceremony bright and airy. During the ceremony, the Christ-centered message was perfectly complimented by the assembly of a unity cross. The couple’s family was also an important part of the ceremony. Rachel had incorporated her great-great-great-grandmother pin onto her bouquet. And various family members who had passed away, including Eric’s mother, were pictured at the ceremony.
Immediately after the ceremony, the guests enjoyed social hour while the wedding party relaxed for a while. During the second half of the social hour, I snuck the bride and groom across the street to take some golden hour portraits! These are always some of my favorite images! The sunlight was still a little bright that evening, but they were still beautiful!!
The night continued with dinner and dessert in the crystal ballroom. The toasts from the bride’s sister and father were particularly emotional. {I even teared up behind my camera!} The obvious love and support from both Rachel and Eric’s families was so heart-warming and sweet. After dinner, everyone made their way to the dance floor until the bride and groom’s sparkler sendoff.
All in all, Rachel and Eric’s historic downtown Indianapolis wedding was beautiful. The rain never came, the bride and groom were blissful, and everyone was so excited that, after 7 years, Rachel and Eric were married!
Rachel and Eric, thank you so much for allowing me to capture your wedding day! It was absolutely wonderful to be with you and your families on your wedding day. A photographer couldn’t have asked for anything better!I pray that your relationship with Christ and each other continues to grow for the entirety of your marriage. Congratulations and let’s see where the next 7 years takes you!
Ceremony/Reception Venue:Â Pipers at the Marott
Catering:Â Pipers Hospitality Group
Florist:Â Lilly Lane Flowers
Cake Artist:Â Princess Confections Bakery
DJ:Â Midwest Sound
Hair Artist:Â Cass & Company Salon
Bridal Gown: Sophia’s Bridal, Tux, & Prom
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Tuxes: Louie’s Tux Shop