Celebrating Indianapolis’ First Book of Weddings

An Après-Ski–Inspired Release Party at InterContinental Indianapolis

Indianapolis now has its very first Book of Weddings, and we celebrated the only way that felt right — by bringing our wedding community together for a night that was equal parts elegant and fun.

We took over the InterContinental Indianapolis, transforming multiple floors into a celebration that unfolded as the night went on. From rooftop views to a dramatic ballroom reveal, every part of the experience was designed to feel welcoming, intentional, and full of energy.

A Multi-Level Celebration

The evening kicked off as guests made their way up to Astrea Rooftop. With sweeping city views as the backdrop, people sipped cocktails, sampled appetizers, and explored the penthouse — with little moments scattered throughout that got people talking and discovering new corners of the space.

Permanent jewelry experiences by Allure Links Permanent Jewelry gave guests something meaningful to take home, while gowns provided by Bella Bridesmaids created a fashion-forward moment that felt elevated yet approachable — the kind of setup that sparks conversation and inspiration.

The Walk to the Reveal

From there, guests headed down toward the second-floor ballroom, where the energy really started to build.

Along the hallway, a ski-themed ice sculpture and displays celebrating our Vows That Wow features from the year became a natural pause — a place to snap photos, reflect on the incredible weddings we’ve highlighted, and fully step into the après-ski spirit before entering the main event.

As guests walked into the ballroom, the cover reveal and celebration officially began.

We shared an après-ski–inspired palette with our vendor community and gave them full creative freedom — and wow, did they deliver. Every detail felt layered, intentional, and fun without ever feeling overdone. It was one of those nights where you could truly feel the collaboration in the room.

Before the Night Began

Before doors even opened, our team got camera-ready thanks to Black Swan Indy, who delivered polished-but-natural glam that photographed beautifully and felt completely on brand.

Custom suiting from The Tailored Society added a tailored, modern edge — impeccably fit and exactly what they do best.

Thoughtful Details & Standout Experiences

Guests were greeted with a festive welcome — complete with a reindeer appearance and a signature mocktail experience from Rare Brew and their Tap Truck, Moxie — setting the tone the moment they arrived.

The evening was beautifully documented by Amanda Burman from Burman Photography, who captured everything from the big reveals to the in-between moments that made the night feel special. Video coverage by Camden Claire Films brought the energy and movement of the evening to life in a way that felt true to the experience.

Behind the scenes — and very much in the action — Socials of Shay captured real-time content throughout the night, making sure the celebration lived on way past last call.

Design, Decor & Atmosphere

Every corner of the event was styled to feel elevated and cohesive. LGI Linens set the tone in the ballroom with silver sparkle table linens that caught the light and added just the right amount of drama.

Custom draping and staging by Ace Party Rental framed the cover reveal beautifully, creating a strong focal point and a true sense of arrival.

Lounge moments throughout the space featured elevated seating, high-top accents, and layered textures from Violet Vintage Rentals — inviting guests to settle in, connect, and stay awhile.

Planning, Florals & Music

At the heart of the evening was Emily Ventura, who brought this entire experience to life. From the earliest planning conversations to the final moments of the night, Emily had a clear vision for how the event should feel — welcoming, exciting, and effortless for guests — and she delivered that feeling across every space.

Her ability to bring together so many creative partners, transitions, and moving pieces — while keeping the experience light, fun, and fluid — is exactly why she’s so trusted within the wedding community. This night simply wouldn’t have felt the same without her.

Floral elements by Camino & Co were woven throughout each space, adding texture and interest while complementing the après-ski theme in a way that felt natural and inviting.

Live music by Bluewater Kings Band carried the energy from the rooftop through the ballroom — eventually leading to one of the most memorable moments of the night as guests grabbed the mic for impromptu karaoke to close things out.

Custom signage — from ski-lift–inspired name tags and agenda coasters to select sponsor signage and Vows That Wow displays — included pieces by Twin Sisters Designs, adding cohesive, thoughtful details throughout the experience.

Delicious Moments

Chef Craig Baker designed a menu that carried guests through the entire evening. On Astrea Rooftop, passed appetizers included cheddar biscuits with caviar, smoked salmon toast, bacon-wrapped dates, and Swedish meatballs — setting an elevated tone from the very start.

In the ballroom, carving stations paired with signature cocktails became the centerpiece: spruce-smoked rack of lamb with spruce-infused whiskey, coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin with espresso martinis, and oysters and shrimp with French 75s. Seared pork tenderloin with chocolate mole and grilled vegetable pastichio rounded out the spread.

The InterContinental Indianapolis catering and bar teams executed flawlessly, and the service throughout the evening was exceptional. Special thanks to Zachary Lockett and Madalyn Machala for their partnership in bringing the vision to life.

Dessert came courtesy of Cake Me Happy — a showstopping four-tier cake featuring cinnamon roll and strawberry vanilla layers, plus macarons in vanilla and chocolate buttercream.

Interactive Fun

Guests enjoyed live calligraphy custom luggage tags from Calligraphy Jewels, interactive photo moments with Rejoice Photobooth (complete with keepsake prints and keychains), and live illustrations by Randal the Pure Paintress, creating one-of-a-kind pieces to take home.

A New Era for Indianapolis Weddings

The debut of Indianapolis’ first Book of Weddings is more than a launch — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for our city’s wedding community. We’re proud to celebrate this milestone alongside the vendors who make Indianapolis such an inspiring place to plan and celebrate love.

Thank you to every creative partner who brought this night to life and joined us for an unforgettable evening of connection, collaboration, and celebration.

And a special thank you to our cover couple, Max & Mary, whose story is featured on the cover of our inaugural Book of Weddings.

Ready to explore Indianapolis’ first Book of Weddings?
👉 Click here to grab your copy.

Want to be featured in the 2027 Indianapolis Book of Weddings, releasing next winter?
👉 Submit your wedding here.

Here’s to new beginnings, bold inspiration, and the unforgettable celebrations still to come. ✨

Photography //  Burman Photography