Summer Wedding in Indy

Grace & Joel | July 26 | Indianapolis Zoo

Some weddings just feel extra special from the very start — and Grace & Joel’s was one of them. Not only were they referred to us by family members whose wedding we planned last year (our favorite kind of introduction!), but we love when we get to see familiar faces and catch up with past clients at another celebration. Truly, referrals are the best gift you can give a wedding planner.

Grace and Joel no longer live in Indianapolis, so they wanted some “boots on the ground” to help bring their vision to life. And what a vision it was! Their day was full of personal touches, meaningful moments, and a whole lot of joy.

A Morning at Home

Grace got ready at her childhood home — a detail we adore. There’s something so special about starting your wedding day in a place filled with family memories. The morning with the girls was calm and relaxed, with hair and makeup scheduled at a comfortable pace so everyone could ease into the day.

Grace shared a first look with her dad before the groom and groomsmen arrived. Then Grace and Joel had their own first look, followed by a private vow reading and gift exchange in the shade of her parents’ backyard.

A Southern Wedding Tradition

Before leaving, they dug up a bottle of bourbon they had buried earlier — a Southern wedding tradition said to keep rain away on your wedding day. (We’ll get to that part later!)

Wedding Party Fun

With vows shared and whiskey unearthed, the wedding party headed out for photos. Their first stop? St. Joseph’s Brewery for pictures — and a pint — before making their way to the Gardens at the Indianapolis Zoo.

Color, Sunshine & Summer Heat

The bridesmaids’ dresses were a dreamy mix of bright pinks, corals, oranges, and prints that flowed together beautifully. To help with the July heat, the couple provided paper parasols and white fans for guests — thoughtful touches that everyone appreciated on this gorgeous (but toasty) summer day.

The ceremony took place in the Zoo Gardens, with their friend Andrew officiating. Just as they were announced and began walking back up the aisle, a small rain cloud drifted over, sprinkling guests and moving cocktail hour inside temporarily. Guests didn’t mind one bit — they sipped drinks, visited the butterfly exhibit, and stepped back outside when the sunshine returned.

Reception in the Bicentennial Pavilion

The reception space was filled with bright florals, lush greenery, and custom wood slice escort card holders made by the groom himself. The couple also crafted their own table numbers and included heartfelt details like a “love story” table featuring family wedding photos, a memorial display honoring loved ones who couldn’t be there, and a Polaroid guest book.

The bride’s sister surprised everyone by bringing props for the photo booth — including oversized cutouts of the couple’s pets’ faces — plus a slideshow of Grace and Joel throughout the years.

Instead of one wedding cake, guests enjoyed an array of cakes from The Market District in Carmel, offering a variety of flavors for every sweet tooth.

Sweet Words, Sunset, & Nonstop Dancing

Speeches were heartfelt and humorous, leading into special dances as the sun began to set. The band kept the dance floor full all night, and the celebration ended with everyone marching around the dance floor with the musicians — a joyful send-off for a perfect day.

It may have been a little warmer than everyone expected, and the raincloud made its brief appearance, but as the saying goes, rain on your wedding day is good luck. For Grace and Joel, it was also a day of sunshine, laughter, and the happiest group of friends and family ready to celebrate two amazing people saying “I do.”

Best wishes on the new adventures that await!

Vendor Team

Reception Venue: Indianapolis Zoo @indianapoliszoo

Catering/Bar: Aramark

Photographer: Frankie Isabel Photography @frankieisabelphotography

Wedding Planner: It’s KEE Events @itskeeevents

Florist: Willow and Star Flowers @willowandstarflowers

DJ: Mike Wade and the Nasty NATI Brass Band

Make up: Lori Boykin @loriboyinmua

Hair: Allie Powell Hair @alliepowellhair

Transportation: Antique Limousine of Indianapolis @antiquelimoindy

Cake/Dessert: Market District Carmel @marketdistrictcarmel