This day feels like such a long time coming and it’s hard to believe that Mr and Mrs Hamilton are live on MY blog! From the day I met Bailey, I anticipated her wedding day (whether I would be shooting it or not but, let’s be real, I definitely wanted to be her photographer from the start!). But I was so excited to see how beautiful it would turn out to be because I knew she had an incredible eye for detail and is an unbelieveably creative visionary for weddings. The fact that I had the pleasure of capturing her and Connor’s wedding and was invited to celebrate alongside them in this season of their lives has truly been the greatest honor and a privilege that I do not take for granted.

Unfortunately, The Paddock isn’t an actual wedding venue but IT SHOULD BE! It’s a private property next to Fort Wayne Trees that used to be a garden store. Bailey knows the owners personally and I knew she 100% had a vision for this day. As much as I wanted my photos to showcase the true aesthetic of the reception hall, being there was like stepping into a fairytale. It was warm and cozy, oh so inviting with the candlelight from the tables and chandeliers that ran the entire length of the building. And stuffed to the brim with lush florals and tons of greenery from Ruby Moon Flower Farm!

Sitting at dinner, I spoke to several people who knew Bailey intimately and only the most beautiful things were said about this couple. It was apparent to me how truly loved this sweet couple is and how special and handpicked the team of vendors that put this event together really was. It was a true honor to be working with some of the most genuine, caring and unbelievably talented people in the area who made Bailey and Connor’s dream wedding day a reality!

To the newlyweds, Mr & Mrs Hamilton,

You have no idea how much it means to me that of anyone to capture this season of your lives, you trusted me. I am so incredibly happy for you both and beyond grateful for allowing me to celebrate alongside you as you became husband and wife. I have loved our time together and wish you both the very best in this new adventure and when you need a photographer, you know how to reach me.

xo, Court

My first time at The Bradley in Fort Wayne, a new boutique hotel, and my goodness this hotel is stunning! Bailey and I were talking about their room and how it was more masculine-themed and we both agreed it was actually very fitting with all the warm fall tones in her wedding colors and the wood from her venue!

HOW CUTE ARE THEIR SOCKS?! I knew Bailey’s whole day would be so unique but these were just the cutest socks I’ve seen!

How lovely is this flat lay my second shooter, Katherine, created?!

Bailey’s mom sent her gown to Unbox the Dress where they make all kinds of things out of old wedding gowns and this robe and nightgown were made from her mom’s dress!

Bailey, you are absolutely stunning. STUNNING!

Getting these girls to genuinely laugh could not have been easier! Annalisa, from Reflect Films, agreed how amazing it was to have these girls in front of our cameras lol. It’s like as soon as they would look at each other’s faces, it was instant laughter lol!

Bailey, your smile!! So contagious. I wish I could spend this day with you and your girls all over again!

Also, can we talk about how GORGEOUS the Cinnamon Rose dress color from Revelry is?! SO flattering on any skin tone and Ruby’s Moon’s florals complemented the dresses perfectly!

Now that’s a dapper group of guys! Looking very sharp, boys!

the ceremony

No, I don’t think you understand….I’m OBSESSED!

How beautiful is this alter?! I am blown away by the vision of this day and how Kari made it so so gorgeous!

Connor really tries to keep his composure and from what I experienced, has kind of a hard shell, but when I caught this look as he sees Bailey approaching him, I about DIED! So sweet!!

And the biggest grin as she walks up!!

oh my goodness, this little snuggle from Bailey on her new husband, so sweet!

The girls wanted to have their “little girl in a twirly dress moment” and honestly, turned out to be a super cute photo haha!

That moment when we finally got the veil shot haha!

the reception

Okay, now off to the party!

Walking into the reception hall literally brought Bailey to tears.

Y’all… Chris knows how to rock — this was a PARTAAAAAAAY!!!

We didn’t get time for sunset portraits SO I tried something new!

Photography Courtney Rudicel
Planner Four Thirty Events
Videographer Reflect Films
Venue The Paddock
Florist Ruby Moon Floral
Bridal Gown Boutique Marie Gabriel Couture
Gown Designer Millanova
Bridesmaids Revelry
Groomsmen  Men’s Wearhouse
Hair & Makeup Elise at The Bob Salon
Jewelry Peter Franklin Jewelers
Shoes Bella Belle
Stationery The Hedge Studios
Ring Box Styling Archives
Bridal Robe Unbox the Dress
Catering Catablu Grille
Cake Sassie Cakes and Halls Cake
Linens BBJ Linens
Rentals Mutton Rentals and Burns Rentals
Music Chris Worth & Co

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Are you a bride-to-be? If you want dreamy photos like this with an unforgettable experience to match, get in touch using the contact form to have me capture your best day ever! And check out the Wedding Planning Archives for advice on everything from first looks, to unique venues, to building your wedding day timeline! 

Are you a photographer? If you struggle to put together blog posts that are beautiful and cohesive like this one, and don’t make you want to rip your hair out, then we need to talk! Check out the EDUCATION FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS page and let’s get your business systems in place. Leave a comment! Or even better, follow me on Instagram! I LOVE to connect with readers on a more personal level on social — I read and reply to every DM and comment so let’s connect!

Courtney Rudicel is an Indiana Wedding Photographer and Educator. Her specialty is joyful, timeless & playfully romantic wedding photography for classic couples and helping other photographers build a business they love by delivering the ultimate client experience. 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 and engagements. Contact her for more detailed pricing.