A European-Inspired Wedding at Artsgarden and Conrad Hotel

Every so often, a wedding comes along that surpasses even our own expectations. We at Mon Amie Events have a vision in our minds as we plan, but when it all comes together, the result is even more breathtaking than imagined. Caroline and Patrick’s European-inspired wedding at Artsgarden and Conrad Hotel was exactly that—a stunning fusion of classic romance, European artistry, and deeply personal touches. Every single detail was intentional, every design choice carried meaning, and the end result was nothing short of extraordinary.

A wedding invitation suite with floral details, calligraphy envelope, gold wax seal, and accessories, displayed on a soft blue fabric background.

Three oval-shaped wedding stationery pieces with floral still-life designs in green, pink, and blue, inspired by Dutch Masters paintings.

A European-Inspired Design

Before diving into their wedding story, we have to talk about the inspiration behind it all! Prior to Caroline and Patrick’s wedding, I traveled through Europe, visiting cities in Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands. I saw history and artistry woven into everyday life—grand architecture, masterful paintings, botanical gardens brimming with life.

While in Antwerp, I walked through the iconic train station and immediately thought of the Artsgarden, with its vast glass ceilings and intricate structure. I knew we had to incorporate this inspiration into Caroline and Patrick’s wedding design.

From there, the creative direction took shape. Dutch Masters paintings informed the color palette, floral and design choices, Italian stone marble sculptures became the muse for centerpieces, and the botanical gardens of Pisa inspired the lush, organic ceremony florals. Every detail was connected, intentional, and deeply romantic.

To truly capture the essence of this vision, I documented moments throughout my travels that directly influenced the wedding design. Below, you’ll find some of the inspiration photos I took while in Europe—each reflecting the artistry, architecture, and natural beauty that shaped this stunning celebration.

Antwerp train station exterior with a grand glass ceiling, intricate architecture, and travelers walking through the entrance.

The interior of Antwerp train station, featuring a grand staircase, marble detailing, and an ornate clock with gold accents.

A Love Story That Began in Fifth Grade

Caroline and Patrick’s journey started in a way that feels almost cinematic. In fifth grade, they were partnered for square dancing in gym class. Caroline thought Patrick was cute, which led to some childhood drama when a friend also had a crush on him. That friend may have been upset at the time, but looking back, it’s clear that Caroline and Patrick were always meant to be.

Their connection continued through high school and college, both attending Indiana University—where much of their family had also studied. IU held a special place in their hearts, and we found subtle, thoughtful ways to weave that legacy into their wedding day (without disrupting the carefully curated color palette—cream and crimson were definitely not the vibe). A nod to their alma mater came in the form of a late-night snack: iconic breadsticks from a beloved IU bar, a delicious and nostalgic touch that delighted guests.

Getting Ready for the Big Day

The morning of Caroline and Patrick’s European-inspired wedding at Conrad was filled with excitement and anticipation. Caroline spent time with her mother and bridesmaids as they prepared for the day ahead. The room buzzed with laughter, happy tears, and the final touches that brought her bridal vision to life. As the wedding planner, I’m not aren’t always present for these intimate moments, but know they were filled with love and joy, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

Meanwhile, Patrick and his groomsmen gathered in a suite nearby, suiting up for the celebration. They exchanged stories and enjoyed the moments leading up to the ceremony. The camaraderie and excitement in the room were palpable, a fitting start to a day that would be nothing short of extraordinary.

A classic white wedding gown with a ruched bodice and a flowing skirt hangs on a personalized hanger with a bow, framed elegantly.

A bride and her bridesmaids in matching light blue pajama sets pose together.

First Looks Moments Before the Ceremony

Before walking down the aisle, Caroline shared a series of heartfelt first looks with the most important people in her life. Once all the final details were in place, she revealed her bridal look to her bridesmaids, who erupted with joy and happy tears at the sight of her stunning gown. It was a beautiful and emotional moment, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Next came an intimate first look with her father. As he turned to see his daughter, his expression said it all—pure love, pride, and emotion. This quiet moment between them was a treasured highlight, capturing the deep bond they share.

Finally, Caroline met Patrick for their highly anticipated first look. The anticipation built as she approached him, and when he turned around, his reaction was one of pure joy and awe. They took a few moments just for themselves, soaking in the significance of the day before heading off for portraits together. Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Artsgarden, their portraits captured the essence of their love—timeless, elegant, and full of happiness.

The bride's bridesmaids stand in a row, backs turned, wearing coordinated shades of blue and gray dresses, awaiting the bride’s reveal.

The bridesmaids react with excitement and joy, hands clasped, as they turn around to see the bride in her wedding gown.

A Ceremony Surrounded by a Floral Meadow

Now let’s take a moment for the ceremony design. Caroline and Patrick’s European-inspired wedding at Artsgarden featured a runway-style seating layout for their ceremony. Guests faced each other along the aisle, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere (I’d love to see this become a more common choice in weddings!).

At the center of the ceremony was a floral-lined runway, creating the illusion of a lush, European countryside garden as Caroline made her entrance. Pomp & Bloom did an absolutely stunning job arranging the flowers in a way that felt natural and organic. The ceremony design was giving Evermore. The florals featured long, graceful stems, soft ombré hues, and a rich variety of textures. Creating the illusion that they were growing straight from the ground.

A stunning arch framed the couple as they exchanged vows, featuring a mix of florals—including allium, a flower I saw in the world’s first botanical garden in Pisa. It was a full-circle moment, tying back to my European inspiration in such a natural way.

Dutch masters paintings inspired floral arrangement displayed on an easel, featuring pink, peach, and green blooms.

Wedding venue set up before the ceremony, with chairs lined along a floral-decorated aisle.

Wedding venue set up before the ceremony, with floral-decorated aisle.

Wedding ceremony aisle decorated with pastel floral arrangements leading to the altar.

A groom in a black tuxedo walks down the aisle with an officiant at the Indianapolis Artsgarden. The aisle is decorated with colorful floral arrangements.

A groom in a black tuxedo stands in a bright venue, smiling slightly. He wears a boutonniere with pastel flowers and a microphone attached to his jacket.

Bride and groom at the altar, surrounded by floral arrangements in a glass-ceiling venue with city views.

Bride and groom share their first kiss at the altar, framed by lush floral arrangements.

Close-up of the bride and groom kissing, holding a bouquet of peach, pink, and burgundy flowers.

A groom stands behind his bride, holding her hand as she laughs. They are in a modern venue with large windows and structural beams, with blurred flowers in the foreground.

An Elegant and Artistic Reception at Conrad Hotel

For dinner, guests walked next door to the Conrad Hotel, where we had meticulously curated a dining space that exuded European elegance and sophistication. The tables were draped in velvet linens in varying shades of blue—from ice blue to sage to mint—each selected to enhance the unique shape of the table, whether round, square, or long. The layered colors created a soft, elegant effect that felt European yet fresh. Even the vases had a touch of Italian Renaissance infusion. The vase “heads” added so much historically to the event, but also great whimsy to the stunning tablescapes.

One of our favorite design details? The menu cards. Each guest’s menu was printed over the background of a Dutch Masters painting, customized in different hues depending on the meal selection. A scroll with their name was wrapped around it, adding an old-world charm to the table settings.

A Wedding Cake Fit for a Romanesque Dream

Caroline had long accepted that she wouldn’t be able to enjoy her own wedding cake. Living with celiac disease, she knew that finding a truly stunning gluten-free cake would be nearly impossible. It was a bittersweet realization, but one she had come to terms with long before the wedding day.

That is, until Classic Cakes worked their magic. They created a breathtaking, multi-tiered cake with intricate vintage piping, reminiscent of old-world Romanesque detailing. It fit seamlessly into the overall wedding design, not just in appearance but in sentiment—it was regal, deeply personal, and an absolute showstopper. It was also delicious.

multi-tiered cake with intricate vintage piping, reminiscent of old-world Romanesque detailing

Dancing Under Glass Ceilings and a Meadow of Flowers

As dinner concluded, the real transformation began. Guests returned to the Artsgarden, where the ceremony space had evolved into a dreamlike dance floor. Instead of laying down a traditional dance floor (a logistical challenge in the marble-floored venue), we took a creative approach. We repurposed the ceremony florals, creating the feeling of dancing in a meadow. This design choice was both stunning and practical. It allowed for a seamless transition from one moment to the next. More importantly, it let the beauty of the florals live on throughout the evening.

One of the most memorable parts of the night was the Vogue-inspired photo corner. We set up a deep blue backdrop, repurposed some florals from the altar, and invited guests to take editorial-style portraits. It was an unexpected and artistic element that made everyone feel like a part of the magic.

bride and groom enter wedding reception at arts garden

first dance at wedding reception at arts garden

A Thoughtful and Nostalgic Farewell Gift

As the night came to an end, Caroline and Patrick wanted guests to leave with something truly meaningful. Caroline and Patrick’s family has attended Indiana University for three generations. IU’s alma mater includes the line: “Gloriana Frangipana, E’er to her be true. She’s the pride of Indiana, Hail to Old IU”. Inspired by this, we set out to find Frangipani-scented candles, honoring both IU and their upcoming honeymoon in Hawaii. (Where Frangipani flowers grow in abundance).

Each family received a hand-poured candle, crafted by a skilled Indiana artisan. The candles were wrapped in custom labels, each featuring that memorable line from the IU song. It was a perfect personalized way to tie together their family history, their love story, and the adventure ahead.

A Wedding That Felt Like a Masterpiece

Caroline and Patrick’s European-inspired wedding at Artsgarden and Conrad Hotel was a true masterpiece. One that felt elegant, deeply personal, and artistically inspired. Every design choice was intentional, every detail infused with meaning.

It’s rare to have a wedding that turns out even prettier than imagined, but this one absolutely did. The trust Caroline and Patrick placed in their vendor team allowed us to bring their special day to life in the most spectacular way. From the European-inspired florals to the custom art-infused menus, every detail of this wedding was thoughtfully curated. The evening ended with a breathtaking farewell, adding a touch of romance to an already unforgettable celebration. From start to finish, it was pure magic—a night that no one in attendance will ever forget.