It was an honor to capture this classic wedding at Chapel Road Retreat in my own hometown! Mikayla planned the most beautiful, timeless wedding with light neutrals, hints of blush pinks and bouquets filled with peonies from her grandparents’ property! Her backless Lillian West gown had a touch of boho and perfectly matched her laid back personality.

Mikayla and Connor have been together since MIDDLE SCHOOL — Can you even believe that? 11 freaking years! And they have so much fun and share so much laughter when they’re together! It was truly a joy to witness! And boy were their friends an absolute BLAST to hang out with all day! The excitement from the wedding party to see these two finally become husband and wife was so contagious! This day was just perfect from start to end!

Mikayla’s dad shared a few thoughts before dinner and he warned us that he gets choked up every time he worked on this speech (*cue my own tears!*). He shared about his little girl growing up with Connor and how thankful he was that Dave and Beth (West) raised such a great man to marry his daughter. He also mentioned how grateful he was that God blessed them with the most beautiful day to celebrate his daughter’s marriage when it was raining sideways as they rehearsed for the ceremony the night before! Plan B was a ceremony on the covered porch but, by golly, it turned out to be the most gorgeous spring day with no humidity, 65 degrees and not a cloud in the sky!

To the newlyweds, Mr & Mrs West,

I cannot begin to explain how much of a joy it was to be able to celebrate alongside you as you officially became husband and wife!! You have been the sweetest couple to capture and your images bring an actual smile to my face! I hope St. Lucia is treating you both so well and wish you both the absolute best in your marriage! I’m also secretly hoping that our paths cross in this small town so I can hang out with you and your girls again 🙂 Enjoy my favorites from your best day ever!!

xo, Court

These two are filled with such light-hearted spirits and I just love it!! Laughter all day long!

Venue: Chapel Road Retreat
Coordinator: Carlie Platt
Florist: Pam Scher
Invitations & Signage: Mikayla Carpenter
Makeup: Malorie Hanson at The Warehouse Salon
Hair: Kyla Smith at The Warehouse Salon
Bridal Boutique: The Wedding Studio Carmel
Bridal Gown: Lillian West
Bridesmaids: Birdy Grey
Bracelet: Treasures by Agnes
Earrings: Collet & Co.
Suits: Louies Tux Shop
Music: Alomar Entertainment

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.