In this breathtaking moment we captured at Black Iris Estate, a couple stands amidst the estate’s lush woodlands, exchanging private vows before their ceremony. The bride, adorned in an off-shoulder lace gown, her cascading curls catching the dappled sunlight, shares a quiet promise with her groom, dashing in a sleek black suit with a boutonnière that whispers elegance. The scene is pure, unscripted magic—a testament to the intimate storytelling that defines our photojournalistic wedding photography.
Exchanging private vows before the ceremony has become a trend for couples seeking a moment of stillness amid the whirlwind of their big day. At Black Iris Estate in Carmel, Indiana, the serene backdrop of towering trees and soft green lawns creates the perfect sanctuary for this ritual. This pre-ceremony exchange allows you to speak your heart without the eyes of a crowd, to share words too tender for the spotlight—words that deserve their frame in your love story. It’s a chance to ground yourselves, to breathe together, to let the weight of your promises settle before the celebration begins. For many, it’s also a way to ease nerves, turning anticipation into connection, and giving our lenses the chance to capture the raw, unfiltered emotion that makes your day uniquely yours.
We live for these moments—the ones that hum with authenticity. At Black Iris Estate, the natural light filtering through the trees and the venue’s timeless charm amplify the intimacy of a private vow exchange, creating images that feel like poetry in motion.
Captured with the Nikon Z9 in natural light with a 70-200mm lens at 70mm.
ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/250
Edited to look like film.
Location: 5801 E 116th Street Carmel, IN.