A Chic Winter Wedding at Laurel Hall

Every love story deserves a magnificent setting, and Matt and Melissa's wedding at the enchanting Laurel Hall in Indianapolis was nothing short of extraordinary. With an elegant Parisian estate as their backdrop, the couple exchanged vows in a celebration that exuded timeless charm. From Melissa's stunning Lily Collins-inspired wedding dress to the exquisite use of red, pink, and white colors, their February wedding echoed a sense of romance and sophistication. Let's delve into the captivating details of their special day, reminiscent of Naomi Biden's elegant wedding.

Matt and Melissa met through a mutual friend. They were attending different colleges when, over the summer, they were both invited to a party. Sparks started to fly! Matt and Melissa's love story took a whimsical turn during a winter trip to Chicago in 2021. Amidst the sparkling lights and a festive ambiance, Matt chose the perfect moment to propose. On their way to see the renowned Nutcracker performance, they found themselves strolling along the breathtaking Chicago River Walk. As snowflakes gently fell from the sky, Matt dropped to one knee and asked Melissa to be his wife. Overwhelmed with joy, she said yes, and their journey to the aisle began.

Nestled in the heart of Indianapolis, Laurel Hall is the embodiment of a Parisian estate, setting the stage for Matt and Melissa's dreamy celebration. As the couple and their guests stepped foot onto the grounds, they were transported to a world of refined elegance. The venue's grandeur, reminiscent of a bygone era, perfectly complemented the chic and timeless theme. To enhance the ambiance of romance and sophistication, Matt and Melissa chose a color palette of red, pink, and white. The rich red hues added a touch of passion, while the soft pinks exuded grace and femininity. These colors were artfully incorporated throughout the decor, floral arrangements, and details, creating a harmonious and visually stunning atmosphere.


Melissa and Matt prepared for their special day in the elegant confines of Laurel Hall itself. Melissa got ready in the luxurious suite, surrounded by the charm and grandeur of the estate. Meanwhile, Matt enjoyed the company of his closest friends in the intimate setting of the study. These moments of anticipation and reflection added a personal touch to the wedding experience. Melissa looked ethereal in her long-sleeved and lacy wedding dress. Taking inspiration from Lily Collins' iconic bridal gown, she radiated grace and sophistication as she walked down the aisle. The intricate lace details of her dress, paired with its timeless silhouette, perfectly captured her vision of a classic and elegant bride.

Laurel Hall Wedding Details
Laurel Hall Wedding Indianapolis

One of my favorite parts of this wedding was that the couple's portraits were captured on film, evoking a sense of timeless beauty. The choice to shoot on film added an extra layer of artistry and elegance to the photographs, capturing the essence of Matt and Melissa's love in a truly enchanting way.

Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, First Look Photos
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, First Look
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bridal Portrait
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bridal Party Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bridal Party Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Bride and Groom Portraits

The air was filled with anticipation as Matt and Melissa exchanged their heartfelt vows in the presence of their closest friends and family. Love and emotion resonated in every word spoken, sealing their commitment to a lifetime of shared adventures.

Kristen Bowen Photographer, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Ceremony Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Ceremony Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Ceremony Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Ceremony Portraits
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Ceremony Emotions
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Ceremony, First Kiss

For their reception, Matt and Melissa embraced the splendor of Laurel Hall's rooms. Renting out the entire estate, they transformed the various spaces into enchanting areas for cocktails, dining, and celebration. The halls were adorned with elegant decor, delicate floral arrangements, and soft lighting, creating a sophisticated ambiance. The Solarium, with its breathtaking views, became the perfect setting for an evening of joyful dancing.

Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception Details
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception, Toasts
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception, Cake Cutting
Kristen Bowen Photography, Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, Laurel Hall Wedding, Reception, First Dance

A huge thank you to the amazing vendor team that make this day possible:

Coordination: @somethingtrueplanning

Something True Planning

Venue: @laurelhallindy

Photo: @kristen_bowen_photography

Floral: @flowerboysindy

Catering: @mills_catering_indy

Late Night Snack: @kilroysripple

Cake: @princessconfections

DJ: @djrockmyworld

Hair: @lindsay_walton

Makeup: @etherealesthetics.byjaclyn