This late summer Fort Wayne wedding in Indiana features a variety of pink colored bridesmaids dresses including Quartz, Chianti and Ballet by David’s Bridal and navy blue suits. This elegant wedding features a long-sleeve, open-back bridal gown by Rosa Clara, a stunning textured bridal bouquet of pink and peach roses and an outdoor waterside ceremony at golden hour!

Holy moly, I would shoot this gorgeous wedding every single weekend if I could!! WOW! What a beautiful day celebrating this sweet couple! The Indiana weather recently dipped into the ‘ 61 for the high’ range and it could not have been more perfect for Kendra and Andrew’s wedding day. From our first timeline meeting, Kendra showed me that she was a planner. And when she showed me her long-sleeved gown, both of us worried if the sleeves would be too hot. She did contemplate removing them but it killed her (and her seamstress and me) to even think about doing that.

(’cause if her day would be anything like mine, 363 days before, it would be 90 freaking degrees)

THANK GOD she didn’t because she needed her sleeves! This day was GORGEOUS beyond words!! Leading up to the wedding day, as she reached out with any questions, I did feel like she was getting a little stressed and I just hate that for my brides. I always try my best to bring a sense of calm when I show up and I knew this day I would really need to bring it.

After I arrived, Kendra seemed better than I imagined! I kept hearing her say “Ask Courtney, she’ll know” or “Whatever Courtney says” — I absolutely LOVE when my brides trust me! I truly have her best interest in mind in every decision I make throughout the day and will do whatever it takes to make sure she gets the photos she deserves of her day!

And when I started taking her bridal portraits as she got ready, my excitement started to overflow (out of my mouth lol) and Kendra laughed and told everyone “Courtney’s my hype-girl” — YES I AM — I don’t know what other photographers are doing when they shoot weddings if they’re not squealing with excitement as they capture beautiful photos!!!

I really love the amount of time I get to spend with my couples on their wedding day, I basically follow them around all day and with that, I get to observe them together and it just makes my heart so happy! When I asked Kendra later in the day how she was feeling she said, “I feel so much better now that I’ve seen Andrew, he always calms me down.”

THIS IS WHY Y’ALL NEED TO DO A FIRST LOOK!!!!

I loved watching Andrew and Kendra interact, they are just so sweet. Both are perfectionists but you could tell they balance each other out just like they need. Kendra really lit up after she saw Andrew and even when she had crickets on her dress, she was perfectly calm. She even said herself ‘I don’t know why, but I am totally calm right now’. Talk about a wedding day vibe *crickets and sticks up in my dress and I don’t even care — nothing can bring me down* She was a clam queen as everyone pulled the bugs and sticks from her gown hahaha!

To the newlyweds, Mr & Mrs Goble,

I know you both woke up on a beach this morning but I hope you enjoy reliving your day through my favorite images!! It was SO MUCH FUN to be a part of your day and I have enjoyed so much in sharing this special season with you guys. Andrew, who woulda’ thunk, all those years ago when we were in school together, that I’d one day be shooting your wedding! haha Kendra, you were a dream bride and I have loved getting to know you! (And also, please be my personal trainer!!!)
I just love you guys and thank you so much for letting my share in your special day! Happy honeymoon and congratulations on finally becoming Mr and Mrs Goble!!

xo, court

When it takes a village to get you in your dress 🙂

THESE LADIES ARE SMOKIN’!!!

They can’t stay serious for TOO long though lol Especially these two — I’m sure you know who I’m talking about — they were the comedians all afternoon!

How STUNNING is Kendra’s bouquet?!?! Omg so much texture! The deep blush roses paired with the peach garden roses really add an extra dimension. My goodness, all us girls were drooling over this arrangement!!

Oh my goodness, this shot on the right of her dad still looking at his beautiful daughter really tugs at my heartstrings! Her parents are just the sweetest.

Ahh! One of my favorites!! One of the most romantic photos I’ve ever taken!

Kendra’s maid of honor, Abby, wrote her a card when they were very very young and she read it out loud to everyone, it was so sweet!!

So these three guys here, I went to school with them and Justin (best man) had the sweetest toast. He barely got any words out before he started to tear up. It honestly had my eyes watering! To summarize, when Justin moved to our school, (either elementary and middle school) he didn’t know anyone and Andrew took him under his wing and they were friends ever since!

Can everyone stop to take a moment and look at how sweet Kendra’s parents are!! They were dancing for the longest time and I probably took 50 photos of them lol!

There are the comedians of the night again! haha I honestly would hang out with all of Kendra’s girls anytime!

VENUE The Charles
FLORIST Rose’s Bouquets
HAIR Erika Leighty
BRIDAL GOWN Rosa Clara Couture
BRIDAL BOUTIQUE Marie Gabriel Couture
BRIDESMAIDS David’s Bridal
GROOMSMEN Men’s Warehouse
CATERER Walnut Hill Catering
INVITATIONS Minted
PHOTOBOOTH Lucktech Photobooth
STRING QUARTET Graham String Quartets

View their summer engagement session HERE

About The Charles Fort Wayne Indiana Wedding Venue

The Charles Fort Wayne Event Center is a unique wedding venue with two separate spaces. One is featured in this post and the other space is bright and white! My favorite part of this Indiana wedding venue is the potential for stunning bride and groom sunset photos! The sun falls behind the tall grasses and wood tree line to create an epic backdrop for my brides and grooms. Another one of my favorite spots is the ceremony location! The gazebo by the pond makes for a gorgeous waterfront ceremony.

Nestled in the heart of Fort Wayne, Indiana, The Charles emerges as an exquisite and sought-after wedding venue renowned for its timeless charm and sophisticated allure. This wedding venue seamlessly blends modern elegance with classic architecture, offering couples a picturesque setting for their special day. The Charles features versatile event spaces, including a grand ballroom adorned with ornate details, creating an opulent ambiance for celebrations. With its stunning interiors, captivating architecture, and impeccable service, The Charles stands as an ideal choice for couples envisioning a luxurious and romantic wedding in Fort Wayne.

PIN this wedding inspiration

Are you a bride-to-be? Check out the Wedding Planning Archives for advice on everything from first looks, to unique venues, to building your wedding day timeline! And use the contact form to have me shoot your wedding and get dreamy photos like this!

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Courtney Rudicel is an Indiana Wedding Photographer and Educator. Her specialty is fun, colorful & playfully romantic wedding photography for classic and timeless couples and branding photography for boss business owners looking to enhance their overall brand with compelling imagery that tells their story. Within Indiana, she serves Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, Lafayette, Bloomington and South Bend. Areas in surrounding states that she serves: Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, Ohio; Ann Arbor, Battle Creek and Grand Rapids, Michigan. She is available for destination weddings, engagements, and branding sessions. Contact her for more detailed pricing.