Mariel got ready at her childhood home, surrounded by her closest friends, family, and sweet parents. For an October wedding, we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day, sunny and 65! Mariel loves film photography and since we have added film to our packages, it was the perfect wedding to snap some timeless film portraits. After getting ready, Mariel and Derek read letters from each other, a tradition moment we never get tired of capture. What a memorable keepsake you will have to cherish forever, the last words to each other as finacés, before becoming husband and wife!
A quick drive brought us to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church for their wedding mass, nestled in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. This historic church with its Gothic architecture and soaring stained-glass windows leaves you in awe as you gaze around at its beauty. Mariel is a musician and having a full choir was very important to her and Derek. It was so special to look at the choir loft, filled with over 25 of her fellow choir members and friends throughout the mass. After the vows, Mariel and Derek had their Godparents present the veil, lasso, and arras coins which they draped over the newly married couple. In Mariel’s Filipino culture, the veil, lasso, and arras coins represent the couple’s commitment, unity, and that the couple will care for and protect one another in their married life.
Following their stunning bridal portraits at White River State Park, their guests gathered at the Indianapolis Historical Society for cocktails and an evening of celebration. One of my favorite things about the venue was the classic black and white check dance floor! The visuals from the balcony made for such fun angles and compositions, especially during their first dance. The guests twirled around to epic performances by the Blue Water Kings Band and Mariel’s brother gave the happy couple the best speech-turned-performance that we have ever seen!
Congratulations, Mariel and Derek! May God bless you with many happy years together, it was an honor to be a part of your day.
