Claire + Justin at Indianapolis Museum of Art

With every wedding there are a variety of first looks. The first time a bride sees her ring once she says yes. The first time she sees her perfect wedding dress. The first time she sees her husband to be. It’s each of these moments that are the first moment of the rest of your life when you’re preparing to embark on a lifetime with the one you love.

In a growing trend among modern day couples, more and more are opting for a first look. A private moment prior to the wedding ceremony for just the couple to exchange their first looks with one another and take in the happiness and beauty that each is feeling within that moment. Often caught by skilled photographers that are on hand to capture the moment, it’s a special time that is just for the soon-to-be wedded couple.

Claire and Justin stole their first glance with one another among the gardens of the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Drenched in a background of green scenery, Justin waited for Claire to approach him before he took his first look at his soon-to-be wife. The moment was filled with tears, smiles, and a loving embrace. It was easy to sense how this was a very important day that both have been anticipating.

Claire and Justin wed at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in the Ceremony Gardens surrounded by family and friends under their chuppa. Wanting to take part in their cocktail hour following the ceremony, Claire and Justin opted to take their bridal party portraits prior to saying ‘I do!’, allowing them more time to celebrate with their loved ones.

Stationed Hors d’oeuvres

Domestic artisan cheese display
Crudites of vegetables

Butler Passed Hors d’oeuvres

Chicken pot stickers with ginger soy sauce
Pan seared Maryland crab cakes with creole remoulade sauce
Shrimp cocktail shooter with Kahn’s signature cocktail sauce
Camembert with fig tart and port wine syrup sauceThe new Mr. and Mrs. were introduced to guests with formal introductions of both themselves and their bridal party before taking center stage and stepping on the dance floor for their first dance and to be welcomed by both sets of parents. Claire and Justin couldn’t stop smiling throughout the evening as they enjoyed a plated dinner service set at a king’s table style of head table.

Cream colored floral centerpieces sat upon navy pintuck textured linens filled with place settings of China and menu cards. The linens perfectly matched the bridesmaids dresses and complimented the warm, modern tones of the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Randolph H. Deer Special Events Pavilion pavilion. Each table, framed by chiavari chairs, soakedup the sunlight that beamed through the large windows facing Sutphin Fountain. As the sun disappeared into the night, the party came alive as guests took to dancing to the live band following dinner and a cake cutting.

First Course

Field greens, romaine and spinach with marinated capriole goat cheese, pecans and pears
with lemon honey thyme vinaigrette served in a cucumber ring
Served with assorted rolls, flatbreads, French butter balls, and herb sun-dried tomato butter

Second Course

Wattleseed crusted roast tenderloin of beef with chianti demi-glace
Gruyere and baby potato soufflé
Haricot vert with stem on carrots

Third Course

Vanilla cake with raspberry coulis and white chocolate butter creamWatching a wedding come together is always incredible. From planning to execution, taking simple ideas and turning them into a reality is part of what makes our profession so exciting. Claire took advantage of this special time in her life to plan her wedding alongside her mother, Deborah. Both were a complete joy to work with and always brought a smile to our office whenever they visited. Their event specialist, Freddie Klagstad, truly enjoyed working alongside Claire and her mother. We wish both Claire and Justin a lifetime of happiness in their continued adventure together!

See more from Claire and Justin’s wedding in the gallery!

Claire and Justin’s Real Wedding Day Timeline

9:00 AM
Bride & Bride’s Maids to arrive at the IMA for hair and makeup12:30 PM
Groom and Groom’s Men arrive

2:30 PM
First Look

5:30 -6:00 PM
Guests Gather for Ceremony

6:00 -6:30 PM
Ceremony

6:30 -7:00 PM
Family and Final photos/ Bridal Couple will join the cocktail reception at 7

6:30 -7:30 PM
Cocktail Reception

7:30 -8:30 PM
Bar to close

7:25 PM
Guests invited to the Ball Room

7:30 -7:45 PM
Introduction of the Bridal Party
First Dance
Welcome by the Father of the Bride and Father of the Groom

7:45-8:45 PM
Dinner
Salads served
Champagne Toast
Entree served
Vendors served
Cake Cutting
Band to start

10:00 PM
Shuttles start to take guests back to the Hotel making several runs

10:45 PM
Late Night Snack

11:30 PM
Bar Closes

12 Midnight
Event Over

Great job to all of the vendors that worked alongside us throughout the evening!

Band                                    Blue Water Kings Band     

Photographer                     Brendan Rose     

Florist                                  JP Parker   

Wedding Coordinator       Shannon Gail    

Videographer                     Northern Lights Filmworks