Indianapolis Mavris Colorful and Elegant Wedding // Heather & Obi

“So don’t ever think I need more. I’ve got the one to live for. No one else will do, I’m tellin’ you. Just put your heart in my hands and I promise it won’t get broken.” // Nathan Sykes

Last Friday’s wedding was definitely one for the books! I spent the day at The Mavris Arts + Event Center in Downtown Indianapolis with two absolutely amazing, loving, and sweet people. Heather + Obi tied the knot on a gorgeous day in July surrounded by wonderful friends and family and backed by a stellar vendor team.

The two of them, technically, met on the bus at Purdue. Heather was immediately drawn to the cute guy with dimples. However it wasn’t until after formally meeting at a party through mutual friends that their relationship blossomed, grew, and flourished through their common sweet demeanor and faith in God. Years later we were brought to this wonderful day and I am just so happy I was able to be part of it! Trust me you guys... this wedding has got me all heart eyes everywhere!! I can’t even stop thinking about it all!!

Heather’s details were just perfectly fitting. Badgley Mischka shoes are in my top two FAVORITE bridal shoes. But I think what I loved more was the bridal jewelry that her and her maid of honor, Adrienne, picked out. Adrienne said she wanted her to have something specifically from her. So sweet!!

 

Check out that blue sky!! Love the view from The Mavris’ garden!! Not to mention Heather’s dress was simply stunning! Just wait til you see her in it!!

 

I always make a big effort to get a solid Groom’s details shot. I was particularly fond of this one!

Heather wanted to have a first look with her father. Which I was definitely all about! I’m so glad we did it because it was such a sweet moment for the two of them!!

 

Heather + Obi both share a bond that is woven with their deeply rooted faith in the Lord. Heather and her bridesmaids really wanted to have a moment before the ceremony where they all prayed together. It was such a wonderful and touching moment that they all shared.

Okay, let me preface this by saying that The Mavris is ridiculously gorgeous all on it’s own and barely needs a single petal to make it gorgeous. But when you put The Mavris and The Empty Vase together you’re bound to get amazing. I had peeked upstairs before any of the flowers made their way put to the ceremony site and I was thinking, “Yes, this looks very pretty!” Until I went upstairs after David Strohmeyer and his team added their touches to it. I was absolutely floored!! The florals at the ceremony area were just stunning and that’s not even MENTIONING the reception space... which we will definitely get to later!

 

The ceremony was a lovely little ceremony filled with prayer, laughter, tears, and touching moments between the bride and groom.

 

Mamas always have the best seat in the house!

 

After their vows were sealed with a prayer and a kiss they joyfully walked back up the aisle hand in hand prepared to take on the world together!

Obi was such a handsome groom! Navy suits with brown shoes! How did Heather know that I’m a sucker for a groom in such a palette?!

Let’s not forget though that Heather was gorgeous in her own right!! Aside from just being beautiful all on her own, Brittney from Something Blue Stylists did a killer job on her hair and makeup!!

Ahh, those florals. Those bridesmaids dress. This amazingly dedicated maid of honor. All of it was perfect!

 

Aside from getting married the best part of your wedding day is spending the day with your best gal pals!

 

This group was just great!

Obi and his groomsmen. I loved that all of his groomsmen were his and Heather’s brothers. Those gents not only looked handsome but they were all super sweet. I love a sweet group of groomsmen!

 

This is definitely my most favorite photo of this crew. I love Heather’s sassy little hip pop and how happy everyone looks. #NailedIt.

Blue skies, industrial metals, and a married couple in love. It’s like that day someone decided, “Yes, we will give you every single thing you love.”

After portraits the group prepared for the reception and I photographed this amazing reception set up. Can I just get this paper lantern set up in my house? I mean, I’m sure The Empty Vase would happily just drive it to my house, right?! (Kidding!) All of the details just fell together so perfectly. While everyone played an amazing role in the reception set up I still can’t get over the florals from this wedding. Heather said her mom has a horticulture degree so florals were really important to them. I’m so happy because they really pulled everything together and brought the whole set to life!! Seriously, you want a florist?? David at The Empty Vase will never disappoint!!

 

First dances get me every. single. time. Second runner up is Mother/Son dances... but yeah... first dances. Every. Time.

 

After dinner we ran back outside in The Mavris’ backyard garden for some sunset portraits. Which, these two seriously KILLED IT. Like #ModelStatus yo.

This bouquet though...

Okay, you two... stop it with your amazing, beautiful, gorgeous, stellar, glowing... (I think I’m out of adjectives) love. These photos got me all heart eyes for days!!!!

 

So first of all I want to say... can all of my weddings be Nigerian!? As a photographer that loves color Nigerian weddings provide tons of color in their attire! It was great! PLUS, I love all of the different cultural additions! Here in American culture we have a “money dance” or “dollar dance” but Nigerian culture they have a different way of doing this dance. The bride and groom stand in the center of a circle of mostly women who circle around them waving napkins and dancing. Then people bless them with money. They place the money on their foreheads and let the money fall. After enough money collects on the ground those who are circling use the napkins to collect the money and save it for the couple. I thought it was such a different way to see the same dance concept. I really enjoyed photographing it!!

 

These two though....

Thank you so much Heather + Obi for having me to document your special day! It was so wonderful to be there with you and capture every single moment of your nuptials. I would do it all over again in a heart beat! I wish you both the best in every aspect of your life! I know you two will share all of the best memories together over many years. Enjoy every single millisecond of it!

Indianapolis, IN

07.01.2016

Heather + Obi

The Wedding

Ceremony + Reception | The Mavris Arts + Event Center
Catering | The Mavris
Cake | Heavenly Sweets
Florals | The Empty Vase :: David Strohmeyer
Hair + Makeup | Something Blue Stylists :: Brittney Lear
Bride’s Dress | Sophia’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal
Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Men’s Wearhouse :: Jos. A. Bank
Lighting | Heinzman Lights at Night
Entertainment | Event One DJ’s :: Jason
Videographer | MK Wedding Story :: Matt Kiefer
Second Photographer | Stephanie Duncan

 

Want to see more of Heather & Obi? Click the left photo to see their Downtown Indianapolis engagement session!
Want to see more photos from The Mavris Arts & Event Center? Click the right photo to see Chelsea & Nick's vineyard inspired wedding!

 

 

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