If you are to know anything about me, it’s that I love modern weddings. It’s a bonus when those modern weddings are also colorful and really fun… toss in some fun architecture and lovely details, and you’ve got a winning combination. Niles and Cottrell’s wedding had all of those elements and so many more. What’s really impressive is that the entire wedding was planned in just two months by Summer of My Simply Perfect Events, after the couple learned that Cottrell’s father is ill. Planning a large out-of-state wedding in such a short time frame is never ideal, but family is incredibly important and they knew it couldn’t be done any other way.

Niles and Cottrell first met when they were paired to walk down the aisle, in their mutual best friend’s wedding in Jamaica. They felt connected immediately, having their first date after the reception and their second date in the Jamaica airport. That same best friend likes to take all of the credit, of course, for their relationship.

All of the wedding events took place at the Alexander Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana. Aside from providing some really wonderful backdrops for images, the staff was incredible. I have shot weddings at some of the most desired hotels in cities around the country and too often my excitement is met with limitations on how and where we can shoot… Which always baffles me, because the couple is usually choosing the hotel for it’s look. But, none of that was the case at the Alexander. The staff was nothing but helpful; they feel like their boutique museum-inspired hotel was meant to be enjoyed and captured.

So without further ad0 — Niles and Cottrell’s wedding.

Niles had a first look with her bridesmaids, before Cottrell. Don’t you just love their reaction? ….and the little one to the left. So cute.  This art piece is probably my favorite at the Alexander. It’s a portrait of Madam CJ walker made entirely from combs. Yep. Combs.  So, get this. Directly across the street from the hotel was a mural that perfectly matched Niles and Cottrell’s wedding colors. I don’t think it was necessarily planned that way (Summer, tell me if I’m wrong) but it couldn’t have been more perfect!  I promise this wasn’t a posed shot. We actually needed the groomsmen to bring the bouquets out to us. Who knew they would look so cool while doing it. Thank you to my second shooter Anne for grabbing this candid image!  In addition to Cottrell’s father serving as his best man, Niles grandmother escorted her down the aisle in memory of her late mother, whose image was wrapped into the ribbon of Nile’s bouquet. If you follow me on Instagram, you may remember that my eight-year-old son, Greyson, tagged along at the wedding. With his little Canon Rebel in tow, he shot the wedding along side me… and the cutest little photographer I’ve ever seen. Because he would never forgive me for not giving him his credit, the cake shot on the right is his!! #proudmom Thank you, Niles and Cottrell, for trusting me to capture your special day and to Summer for bringing me on to be a part of the team. 

TRUSTED VENDORS: VENUE:  The Alexander Hotel // PLANNING: My Simply Perfect Events // PHOTOGRAPHY: Elle Danielle // VIDEOGRAPHY: TMiller Films [See their video HERE] // FLORALS + DECOR:  Wild Heart Blooms // CAKE: Classic Cakes  // MAKEUP:  Geoffrey Cole