Colorful Summer Wedding at The Covenant Place in Marion, Indiana
VIBRANT + INTENTIONAL
Two wonderful words that describe my experience photographing Ally and Ian’s wedding on the outskirts of Indianapolis.
This summer wedding will make you rethink the role of color and tradition in wedding design.
From mismatched bridesmaid dresses to a homemade floral backdrop, this wedding day was filled with meaningful details, personal traditions, and plenty of fun. If you’re looking for colorful wedding inspiration, you’ve come to the right place. Click here view our favorite trends to incorporate into a wedding day.
The Wedding Timeline
Getting Ready With Friends And Family
The morning began with the sun beaming through the windows. Instead of hiring a professional beauty team, Ally and her bridesmaids brought their friends into do hair and makeup, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere filled with laughter and music. It was a sweet way to bond before the big day officially began.
Once wedding hair and makeup were complete, Ally asked her bridesmaids to step outside while her mother helped her into her dress and veil. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a mother stares in adoration at her daughter as she adjusts her wedding dress. After a quick hug and sweet words of encouragement, Ally let the bridesmaids back inside the room. When they saw her, the ladies immediately erupted with cheers and clapping. The energy quickly turned into a quiet, emotional moment as they gathered in prayer, blessing Ally and her marriage to come.
Ally also had a quiet first look with her father, and afterwards, they slow danced to the song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” together.
The Bride and Groom’s First Look Together
Outside by the pond at The Covenant Place, surrounded by tall grass and trees, Ally & Ian shared one of the most beautiful parts of the day: their first look. Ian turned around to see his bride, and the emotion on his face said everything. First looks are always special, but this one felt extra meaningful.
Colorful Wedding Details
The outdoor ceremony space was decorated with a homemade backdrop of colorful flowers, made by the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom. (After the ceremony, this backdrop was moved inside to the reception area behind where Ally and Ian were sitting.)
Knowing that summer weddings can get pretty warm, Ally & Ian provided handheld fans for their guests. This small but thoughtful detail made a big difference in the August weather! Ally’s bridesmaids looked effortlessly stylish in their bright, mismatched dresses. Ian and his groomsmen rocked light tan suits that perfectly complemented the colorful bridesmaid dresses.
Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
This lively Indiana wedding was a celebration not only of love but also of individuality, showcased beautifully through Ally’s choice to have her bridesmaids wear mismatched, colorful dresses. Blue, pink, green, yellow, orange, and teal— each dress harmonized with the bride’s wedding bouquet.
The Biggest Moment of the Day
The moment Ally walked down the aisle with her father, Ian was overcome with happy tears once again. The bride and groom exchanged personal, handwritten vows as their friends and family surrounded them with support and love.
One of my favorite moments was when Ally and Ian danced and cheered their way up the aisle after their first kiss. Just as they reached the end, Ian spun Ally into a dramatic dip. Perfection.
WEDDING VENUE LOCATION: The Covenant Place (1278 S 350 E, Marion, IN)
The Haircut That Surprised Everyone
Okay, this part was SO fun! Between the ceremony and reception, Ally pulled off one of the boldest moves I’ve ever seen— She cut her hair! That’s right. She walked into the reception with a fresh, chic style, shocking all of the guests. It was such a unique way to make a statement and embrace a new beginning. If you’re thinking of doing something wild and adventurous on your wedding day, take this as your sign to go for it!
An Alternative To The Traditional Bouquet Toss
Instead of a traditional bouquet toss, Ally surprised everyone by dedicating her bouquet to her mom, honoring the woman who had supported through every step of her wedding experience. What an incredible moment between daughter and mother to capture on camera!
Partying Like There’s No Tomorrow
The rest of the evening was filled with upbeat energy, hugs, dancing, and smiles. Instead of a traditional receiving line, the bride and groom greeted every single person while they stood in line for the buffet. It was a thoughtful way to make sure they connected with each guest without feeling rushed.
How The Couple Got Photos With Every Guest
One of the liveliest parts of the reception was the photo dash! In the middle of the dance floor, Ally & Ian took quick photos with different groups of guests, making sure they had snapshots with as many people as possible. It was fast-paced, hilarious, and such a creative way to capture memories with their loved ones.
Sunset Couples Photos Amidst The Sunflowers
As the sun dipped low, Ally & Ian snuck away for magical sunset portraits near the pond and a patch of sunflowers. The summer sunset, the flirty giggles, the way they looked at each other— literal perfection. If you’re planning a wedding, I highly recommend setting aside time for golden-hour / sunset photos. The lighting is breathtaking, and it gives you a quiet moment to reflect back on your wedding day.
From the moment the day started, Ally & Ian’s wedding day was marked with intentionality and personality. Every detail—from the bold haircut to the bouquet dedication— was amazing. If you’re wondering how to plan a unique wedding, take this one as inspiration.
hey there!
We are Carly and Daniel, the husband-wife duo behind Wind & Waves Media, and we're so excited that you're here! Each year we photograph and film weddings all across the world, and we would love to serve you through documenting your most precious moments.
We work best with couples who chase adventure, laugh a lot, and live in the moment. Preserving authenticity is our main goal, so you'll find us minimizing the posed moments as we capture you and your loved ones on camera. We don't mind getting a little messy in the sand or wet in the rain, and we are up for just about anything to get "that perfect shot" for your photos and films.
So if you want to have wedding albums and films that preserve things like…
The way the light shines through the tree leaves
Your hair and dress blowing in the breeze
Soul-stirring wedding vows that bring tears to your eyes
The crazy party on the dance floor
… we are so ready to get to know you!
