From Their First Date to “I Do”: Heather + Mon’s Carmel Wedding
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Heather and Mon’s first date was at the Palladium in Carmel. Years later, they returned to the same place to get married, with a proposal at the nearby Christkindlmarkt in between.
Heather had recently moved to Carmel when the two met on a blind date. Later, Mon proposed on a snowy November evening with a ring he’d designed himself. When they started planning their wedding, they knew exactly where they wanted to have it.
Even their officiant had a connection to that first date. Mon’s best friend, Donnie Jones, was the one who introduced them. Before the ceremony, Heather and Mon exchanged handwritten vows privately during their first look.
The Dress, the Tux and the Sneakers
Heather and Mon worked with Jean Rivers of Blue Llama Events on a blue-and-ivory design featuring plenty of white roses (Heather’s favorite), with decor and rentals from Ace Party Rental.
Heather wore a Colby John gown with an off-the-shoulder crepe sweetheart neckline, layered tulle bodice, and accordion organza overskirt. The designer even stopped by The Wedding Studio in Carmel ahead of the wedding to check the fit and movement of the gown. She paired it with Jimmy Choo shoes, a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet from Mon and heirloom jewelry from his family.
Mon traveled to Las Vegas to have his tuxedo custom-made by Stitched, with photos of their closest friends and family incorporated into the design.
And then there were the sneakers. Mon, a longtime sneaker enthusiast, hand-decorated shoes for himself and Heather with images of the Palladium, their wedding date, their cat who had recently passed, and their new kitten, Kiko.
A Few Things From Family
Mon’s mom and family traveled from China for the wedding, and both families contributed pieces with stories of their own.
Mon’s parents gifted Heather heirloom gold jewelry, including bracelets, rubies, and necklaces. Heather’s grandmother made a wedding quilt with a nod to Mon’s favorite color, while her mother and niece turned fabric from Heather’s great-grandmother into cocktail table toppers.
A Saxophonist Led the Way
After the ceremony at the Palladium, guests followed a saxophonist to Hotel Carmichael for the reception. Not your typical walk between venues.
The hotel also hosted the rehearsal dinner and handled everything from catering and cocktails to the wedding cake, along with accommodations and valet service.
A pianist welcomed guests before the ceremony, and Bluewater Kings Band kept the music going at the reception, including a performance of Heather and Mon’s wedding song.
The couple loves hosting, and the reception reflected that. Guests found personalized bows with their names at each place setting, and later, burgers, fries, and milkshakes wrapped in the couple’s monogram made their way out.
Our favorite details? The cats on the sneakers, the handmade quilt and the fact that the friend who introduced them also officiated their wedding.
Other Local Vendors:
317 Charcuterie, The Payne & Mencias Palladium, Aubrey And Brandon Visuals, Vivante, Bellagio Florals, I Do Hair by Danie, Christian Louboutin, Rolex, Thee Craft Factory, Verragio, Wedding Studio Carmel, Jimmy Choo, Colby John Bridal, Diamonds Direct Indianapolis, Simon G. Fine Jewelry, Van Cleef Arpels, Azazie Bridal, STITCHED Lifestyle, The Modern Collective Salon, Oliver's Twist, Kate Orr Fine Art
