On September 6, 2025

It is always a special occasion to observe the romance as couples fall in love and their relationship develops. It is also a privilege to capture timeless wedding images that capture this true love. Couples crave the authenticity of images that capture the raw emotion, genuine laughter, and fleeting moments that make their day truly unforgettable. Lauren and Philip met online, and then Philip messaged Lauren on Instagram. They have been best friends ever since they first met, which was about 4 years ago.

The Wedding Venue

The wedding venue was her father’s golf club, The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club, in a northwest suburb of Indianapolis. It was a beautiful venue, with a long, white-columned pergola and white columns at the entry to the outdoor ceremony space. The outdoor patio, the lush green of the golf course, and the colonnade all contributed to stunning images.

The Flower Arrangements

When asked about the flower selection, Lauren said, “I love calla lilies. I love pinks, greens, and pastels. So, I wanted to do all white with just pops of subtle blush pink. I love elegant and timeless arrangements.” For the flower selection, there were ten centerpieces–five large arrangements and five small ones, as well as some flowers for the aisle.

Wedding Attire

Lauren’s wedding dress was a simple yet elegant satin, with detachable pleated, draped sleeves that she removed for the reception, a small train, and a simple veil. Her attendant was in a blush pink strapless gown.

Philip wore a black tuxedo with a vest, a bow tie, and patent-leather black shoes. “I like to channel my inner James Bond.”

Wedding Reflections

When asked what they would remember most about the wedding, Lauren said, “I would say when we first see each other. Just the whole day makes me so emotional. But I think we’ve both been through so much —so many personal growth points, especially in this past year, like true testing of our relationship with each other. We’ve gotten through things together, and I think it’s just beautiful that we’ve finally made it to this point. We’ve gotten through so many tribulations. So, I think the first time seeing each other, like, at the aisle, and then just being all together with family, having our grandparents —well, who knows how many more times we’ll all be together in one place.

Photographing a Wedding

Preparing to photograph a wedding starts well before the big day. Equipment is carefully selected, checked, and organized, so I’m ready for any possible hiccups. As I arrive at the wedding venue, I feel a rush of excitement, a bit of pressure, and a surge of creativity as I start photographing the wedding preparations. There is so much to capture, and the time flies by. It is partly a matter of editorial style to capture each moment as it unfolds. Other elements are purposefully posed and carefully staged. And there is a constant watch for those genuine, candid, and unscripted moments.

Before the wedding, I capture photos of the bride, the bride’s mother, the maid of honor, and the makeup artist as they prepare. The bridal preparation is all about excitement and a dash of nerves. It is also a time to capture photos for a collage of significant details, including the dress, shoes, jewelry, and any sentimental items, like family heirlooms. Lauren had a small fabric swatch from the dress Martha Washington wore when she married General George Washington. This fabric swatch was pinned inside Lauren’s dress.

After Lauren was ready, I arranged a first-look with her adoring father. His expression said it all, and then he embraced and kissed his beautiful daughter.

As the ceremony approached, emotions were at their peak. Philip looked out over the guests as he watched for his bride. After the family was seated, the best man and maid of honor processed to the front. A flower girl scattered white rose petals down the aisle. And then Lauren’s father walked her down the aisle. This is the moment for the photographer to capture Philip’s reaction as he first sees Lauren in her wedding gown.

Once the ceremony has started, I only have one chance to get it right. There is a lot to capture: the wide shot of the venue, the vows, the ring exchange, the guests’ reactions, and the first kiss. After the pronouncement, Lauren and Philip incorporated a dance dip in front of their guests (which they practiced numerous times before the wedding), creating a poignant memory they’ll cherish forever.

Following the ceremony was an opportunity to capture intentionally posed portraits of the family and the wedding party. These portraits showcase the beauty, romance, family camaraderie, and epic setting. We started with the largest groups while they were still nearby. After the group photos, Lauren and Philip walked out to the golf green for portraits of just the two of them. “Staged moments” photos can appear to be candid and natural, but are actually orchestrated. The degree of staging ranges from minor guidance to a fully arranged scene. These included photos embracing, walking away from the camera, and walking back towards the camera. There were individual photos of each of them. We then headed to the pergola with the line of white columns. More individual photos captured adoring looks filled with love, as well as a dance dip and Philip lifting Lauren, expressing his excitement and emotion.

The Wedding Reception

The reception venue had a gift space, a bar area, a photo booth, and a hors d’oeuvre area with a stone wall. Four French doors separated the dining area. Round tables with gorgeous floral arrangements of Lauren’s favorite flower, calla lilies and roses circled the dance floor. Philip and Lauren were seated at a half-round, draped table adorned with greenery and blush roses. Off to one side, the DJ was set up with strobe lights and sound equipment.

There are myriad photos to capture during the reception. I keep an eye out for the unscripted moments of joy and emotion. One can only hope to capture a representative glimpse amid all the activity. Important moments to capture include the first dance, the father-daughter dance, the mother-groom dance, toasts, and cake cutting. At the same time, it’s essential to capture the emotions and the connections. Lauren was naturally demonstrative and expressive, while Philip was more reserved, but also attentive. Lauren requested a special dance as a surprise for her mother, set to music that spoke to the special relationship they share. It was a poignant moment for the photographer to capture. This surprise moment was known only to the bride and the wedding coordinator. The Wedding Coordinator, DJ, and Wedding Venue Hosts can provide valuable information on images to capture.

Following the reception dinner, the guests and wedding party celebrated the good times with music and dancing. The upbeat, high-energy music became the heartbeat of the celebration, delighting everyone. Some guests stepped out onto the patio during the golden hour to smoke a cigar while savoring their favorite beverage. It was a time of smiling faces and enthusiastic dancing, with family and friends of all ages joining in. It was a celebration of love, friendship, and looking to the future. Lauren and Philip’s wedding and the reception that followed was an event to be remembered and cherished.