One of McKenzie’s bridesmaids introduced her to Marc when they were all attending Butler together. She knew they would hit it off, and clearly she was right, because everyone who loves this beautiful couple ended up coming together to celebrate their nuptials at The Conservatory on Evergreen on the westside of Indianapolis, Indiana.
We started our day photographing the details as the bride was finishing up hair and makeup in the getting ready suite, which happens to be a whole house on the property!
Completely obsessed with this wall that feels like it was made to hang a dress from as a backdrop for pajama photos.
McKenzie’s mom helped her into her dress and her best man helped her with her necklace.
McKenzie had a first look with her dad. He was going to see her in the dress at some point during the day. A planned first look with dad adds intention to something that would otherwise just occur.
While I was finishing up with the bride the second photographer captured Marc reading his vows to the groomsmen. Marc requested the guys opinion on his fragrance for the day. He said that one of his options was McKenzie’s favorite, clearly that was the winner.
Waiting we waited for the groomsmen to finish up we captured photos of the bride’s side of the wedding party. It was hot and muggy so we stayed inside the venue. The glass, the light, the interior of this venue is stunning.
And a few photos of the beautiful bride alone in her gown.
Mckenzie and Marc had their first look next. There are a few different approaches to a first look on a wedding day and I always ask the couple which one fits them best. McKenzie wanted to start with connection so she came up behind her groom and wrapped her arms around him, signaling him to turn around and see her in her dress for the first time. He agreed that she looked absolutely stunning. The couple had chosen to write private vows to each other but couldn’t agree on who would go first so they let a game of Rock Paper Scissors decide.
After the happy tears we took some time for couples portraits.
Full Wedding Party Photos. Marc had sent some really adorable inspo photos and we nailed them.
Then it was time for the groom’s side of the wedding party.
The groom bought all his guys matching Nike’s for the ceremony.
One of the things we always pay attention to is the guests arriving, it’s part of the wedding day the couple never sees.
McKenzie was walked down the aisle by her mom and her dad.
Both sets of parents performed a ring warming ceremony.
The bride’s grandfather officiated the wedding.
After the ceremony we completed the family formal list and McKenzie and Marc joined their family and friends for cocktail hour on the terrace with a view of the lake.
The planner and venue team flipped the room from ceremony to reception. The couple chose greens with pink and a hint of orange as the color palette for the day . The space glowed with lit candles and a variety of table shapes. The black and white checked dance floor really helped to elevate the space.
The couple went on the balcony inside the venue before making their entrance and starting their first dance.
Dinner was buffet-style provided by Sahm’s.
The bride and groom cut a red velvet Everything Bundt cake and served minis in various flavors to their guests.
Speeches were given by the man of honor and best woman.
Our drone made it’s maiden wedding day flight to capture this overview of the party.
As our photography coverage ended the dance floor was still going strong.
McKenzie and Marc are truly the lovliest of humans surrounded by an incredible group of family and friends. It was an honor to document their wedding day.
The Conservatory at Evergreen sits on 23 wooded acres on Indianapolis’s west side (8140 W. 34th Street), tucked near Eagle Creek Park and it is an amazing place for a wedding day. The main building iss an all glass conservatory, think climate controlled, greenhouse energy, with 360 degree views of the surrounding trees and a four acre lake. The space seats 250 guests seated.
The incredible vendor team who made this day possible:
- Venue: Conservatory at Evergreen
- Planning: Captivating Events
- DJ: DJ Mike Campbell
- Photographer: Elisha Kaldahl Photography
What works well for wedding days:
Getting Ready: There are two separate spaces on the property. There is a bridal cottage, (a full house, which is what McKenzie used.) As well as a groom’s quarters, (The space Marc used.)
Ceremony Options: You can exchange vows outdoors by the lake (pergola/lawn) or stay inside the glass house. Indoor still feels connected to the woods through the glass. Your rain plan is already built in.
Reception: Same glass room. Natural light holds through the afternoon, then the space warms up beautifully as the sun drops. Tables, chairs, parking, and on-site staff are included in the rental. The venue works with a preferred cater and leaves the rest of the vendor team open.
Photos: Glass walls, woods, lake edge, and those getting ready houses give so much variety without leaving site and it’s the reason photographers love this venue! Golden hour portraits through the trees or against the conservatory are always gorgeous. Summer heat (like this day) and rain are easier to manage because we can pull wedding party indoors and still have a beautiful backdrop.
If you’re considering The Conservatory at Evergreen rentals typically run noon to 11pm (sometimes midnight). Saturday peak pricing is in the $11,000 range with lower Friday/Sunday and winter rates. Confirm current packages and ceremony add-ons directly with the venue.