SARAH + RYAN’S WEDDING STORY:

Hotel Carmichael – Carmel, Indiana

Sarah and Ryan’s Hotel Carmichael wedding was Très Magnifique! Sarah’s time studying in France combined with the Hotel Carmichael’s inspired Parisian influence combined for the perfect host location for their ceremony and reception. The luxurious boutique hotel allowed us to transition to multiple event spaces, adding interest to the wedding design.

Sarah wanted an all-white wedding, and oh la la, it was delivered. The ballroom was wrapped in soft white flowing fabric, accenting the crystal chandeliers. Clear chairs lined the aisle, paired with tall centerpieces resting on silver urns. A large lush floral arch, which mimicked the ballroom’s windows, and vintage white table with the couple’s unity candle rested at the end of the aisle. Sarah’s “something blue” was her stunning wedding party in French Blue gowns.

Guests enjoyed cocktails and French inspired hors d’oeuvres while Sarah and Ryan cut their spectacular wedding cake, which was inspired the Carmichael’s architecture. Meanwhile hotel’s ballroom was magically transformed from ceremony to dinner celebration.

Reception tables were draped with luxurious textured linens, French blooms in various shades of white and creames and were bathed in candlelight. A mix of round and square dining tables flanked the long head table. Lush white floral arrangements floated overhead with floating candles and smaller arrangements at their base. Place settings with frost and alabaster charger plates held knotted napkins and customized menus for each guest.

Sarah and Ryan came in for a quick sneak peek at the reception décor before inviting guests into the room – and to say they were blown away might be an understatement. In a unique order of events, Sarah and Ryan cut their spectacular wedding cake, the focal point of the cocktail reception, before guests were invited into the ballroom for dinner. It may be one of our favorite room reveals ever! We had surprised Sarah with her menu cards – they were in both English and French to honor her time in France.

As wedding guests finished their wedding cake and macarons, they were treated to the next twist. Led by a trio of horns, the newlyweds and guests were led to Feinstein’s, a creative and inspired entertainment space within the hotel. This “speakeasy” style space served as the dancing location for the remainder of the night. In one final French inspired surprise, the guests were gifted berets to wear for the remainder of the evening.

Merci beaucoup: Stacy Able Photography