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- pictureme@elishakphoto.com
- (317) 513-1984
230 W McCarty St, Indianapolis, IN 46225
Nestled just south of Lucas Oil Stadium, this newly renovated gem offers a stunning blend of rustic charm and modern elegance. As an Indianapolis wedding photographer, I’m here to share everything you need to know to ensure your wedding photos at The Heirloom are as breathtaking as your love story. From the venue’s unique features to lighting tips and the best photo opportunities, let’s dive into how to make your big day picture-perfect.
The Heirloom at N.K. Hurst is a full-service event space that seamlessly combines industrial chic with timeless sophistication. Its original brick walls, polished wood floors, and exposed beams create a warm, rustic ambiance that serves as a stunning backdrop for wedding photography. The open-concept layout allows for endless creativity, whether you’re envisioning candid shots of your guests mingling or a dramatic portrait against the venue’s iconic all-glass garage doors.
One of the standout features for photographers is the venue’s proximity to the Indianapolis skyline. The outdoor terrace offers unparalleled views of downtown, including the striking silhouette of Lucas Oil Stadium—perfect for golden hour shots or a romantic cityscape backdrop. The all-glass garage doors can be opened to let in fresh air and natural light, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that enhances every frame.
Lighting is a critical element in wedding photography, and The Heirloom offers a variety of opportunities to play with both natural and artificial light. During the day, the venue’s large windows and glass doors flood the space with soft, natural light, ideal for capturing the delicate details of your wedding dress, floral arrangements, and decor. The neutral tones of the brick and wood reflect light beautifully, ensuring your photos have a warm, airy feel.
As evening approaches, the venue transforms with ambient lighting that complements its rustic charm. The Heirloom’s in-house drape line can be used to divide the ceremony and reception spaces or left swagged open for a touch of elegance, creating soft shadows that add depth to your photos. For night shots, the outdoor terrace comes alive with the glow of the city skyline, offering a magical setting for romantic portraits. As a photographer, I recommend scheduling a few moments during golden hour (just before sunset) to capture the warm, dreamy light that bathes the terrace and highlights you as a couple on your best day ever.
The Heirloom’s versatile layout and surroundings provide countless opportunities for stunning wedding photos. Here are some of the top spots and moments to capture:
The terrace is a must for any couple wanting to incorporate the Indianapolis skyline into their wedding album. During golden hour, the soft, warm light creates a magical glow, perfect for romantic portraits of the couple. The cityscape, with Lucas Oil Stadium in the background, adds a modern touch to your photos, making them uniquely Indianapolis.
The venue’s three all-glass garage doors allow me to create amazing photos. When opened, they create a seamless transition between the indoor space and the terrace, allowing for dynamic shots that capture both the intimate indoor celebration and the vibrant outdoor scenery. These doors also frame you beautifully, especially during the first look or a quiet moment together.
The Heirloom’s original brick walls, exposed beams, and polished wood floors provide a timeless backdrop for indoor shots. Whether it’s a candid moment of the bride adjusting her veil in the client lounge/wedding suite or a group photo of the bridal party against the brick wall, the venue’s rustic charm adds texture and warmth to every image.
The Heirloom’s prime location in Downtown Indianapolis means you’re just steps away from iconic photo spots. Very near to the Indiana War Memorial, it offers a classic architectural backdrop with its gilded doors and elegant stone structures—perfect for formal portraits. Alternatively, with its charming bridges and skyline views, the Canal Walk provides a more urban, romantic setting for additional photos.
The Heirloom’s open layout and client lounge/wedding suite (featuring a bar, fridge, pool table, TV, and lounge furniture) provide an intimate space for a first look or private vows. These emotional moments are best captured in a quiet corner of the venue, with the soft natural light streaming through the windows.
To ensure your wedding photos at The Heirloom are everything you’ve dreamed of, here are a few tips from a photography perspective:
Schedule your couple’s portraits during golden hour for the most flattering light. The terrace’s skyline views are especially stunning at this time, with the warm glow enhancing the romantic mood. If your ceremony is indoors, consider a timeline that allows for a few outdoor shots just before sunset.
The Heirloom’s open-concept design and moveable bars allow you to customize the space to fit your vision. Work with your photographer to plan shots that take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor areas. For example, a wide shot of the reception with the garage doors open can capture the energy of the celebration against the backdrop of the city lights.
Take advantage of The Heirloom’s location by adding a quick photo session at nearby spots like the Indiana War Memorial or the Canal Walk. These locations offer a variety of backdrops, from historic architecture to urban greenery, ensuring your wedding album has a diverse range of images.
Indiana weather can be unpredictable, but The Heirloom’s indoor-outdoor design makes it easy to adapt. The all-glass garage doors provide stunning views even if it’s raining, and the covered terrace ensures you can still capture outdoor shots without getting wet. I will be prepared with lighting equipment for indoor shots if needed.
At the end of the day, your wedding photos should tell the story of your love. Whether it’s a tearful first look, the joy of your first dance, or the laughter of your guests on the dance floor, The Heirloom provides the perfect setting to capture these moments. We will communicate so that I know the moments that mean the most to you and will be ready to document them.
Hiring us means that you will get wedding photographers who know The Heirloom and its surroundings and ensure you’ll get the most out of your venue. I am familiar with Downtown Indianapolis and can incorporate nearby locations like the Indiana War Memorial or the Canal Walk into your photo timeline, maximizing your time and capturing a variety of backdrops if that is something you want. Regardless, you have Lucas Oil in the parking lot of your venue! We also understand the unique lighting challenges and opportunities at The Heirloom, from the natural light streaming through the glass doors to the ambient glow of the evening reception.
We specialize in capturing the magic of weddings, and The Heirloom makes our job effortless. Our approach is to blend candid, emotional moments with timeless portraits, ensuring your wedding album reflects the joy and love of your day. We’ll work with you to create a photography timeline that takes full advantage of The Heirloom’s stunning features, from the rustic interior to the breathtaking skyline views.
Ready to Capture Your Wedding at The Heirloom?
The Heirloom in Downtown Indianapolis is more than just a venue—it’s a canvas for your love story. With its rustic elegance, modern amenities, and prime location, it offers endless possibilities for stunning wedding photography. Let us help you preserve every moment, from the quiet intimacy of your first look to the vibrant celebration of your reception.
Contact us today to discuss your wedding photography at The Heirloom. We can’t wait to capture the magic of your big day in the heart of Indianapolis!