Kate and Antonio’s May wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards in Zionsville, Indiana, was absolutely perfect, the kind of day that feels like it was written in the stars.
Set against the lush vines and manicured gardens of the vineyard, the couple exchanged vows under a clear blue sky with ideal spring weather that made their outdoor ceremony feel nothing short of magical. Dressed in a beautiful palette of green and champagne, the day radiated romance. From the very beginning, it was clear this celebration would be uniquely theirs, especially with their beloved dogs, Rufus and Loki, playing starring roles as they walked down the aisle.
We originally planned to kick off the day with a first look, but plans shifted quickly when the groom’s suit was missing! While someone was sent on a recovery mission, we rearranged the timeline to ensure Kate and Antonio still had all the photos they dreamed of.
The bride’s side of the wedding party was camera-ready, so we started with them in the green space just off the patio behind the venue.
Kate and Antonio simply couldn’t wait any longer to see each other. Antonio slipped into this gray backup suit, and their first look unfolded beautifully on the string lit patio. After we documented the couple seeing each other for the first time the couple asked for a few minutes of privacy and of course we stepped back and gave it to them.
Your wedding day is not meant to be a production, taking time to be together is so important whether it’s photographed or not. It was possible so we documented those private moments to fully tell the story of the day.
Once the groom’s dapper green suit finally arrived, we moved into full wedding party portraits, mixing classic, timeless shots with fun, personality filled moments.
The groomsmen photos rounded out the pre-ceremony coverage.
With most of the posed portraits captured, it was time for the ceremony. The wedding party processed down the aisle to instrumental versions of Noah Kahan songs. Instead of a traditional ring bearer or flower girl, the couple’s beloved dogs, Rufus and Loki, stole the show as they were escorted down the aisle by the bride’s cousins.
We capture the first kiss photo from this angle whenever the space allows us to, it’s so unique and fun! The outdoor ceremony location at Finley Creek always makes it possible.
The post-ceremony hugs are a vibe.
We took s few minutes post ceremony to capture couple’s portraits and a few with their sweet puppies.
Kate and Antonio wanted to soak in their celebration with their guests, so after a few couple’s portraits they mingled throughout the remainder of cocktail hour on the patio.
It was heartwarming to watch (and document) how, even while chatting with different groups, they couldn’t stop holding hands, radiating that newlywed glow.
The couple made their entrance, followed by a touching blessing from the groom’s mom.
Dinner was an absolutely delicious taco bar from Nameless Catering.
The couple’s first dance song was to Devotion by Justin Bieber.
Then onto parent dances…
Then came the speeches, heartfelt tributes from the best man, maid of honor, the bride’s brother, and both sets of parents. One after another, they poured out love, laughter, and memories for Kate and Antonio. The words were so genuine and moving that they transcended the usual wedding toasts; they overflowed with affection that words can rarely capture so beautifully.
The bride’s mom, whose phone had gone missing, delivered an unforgettable impromptu “Top 10 List” completely off the cuff. Her hilarious and loving tribute included a resounding shout-out to IU football that had the whole room laughing and cheering.
Then the groom’s mom stepped up and shared something truly special, a letter she had written to Antonio’s future wife the very night she first met Kate. In it, she expressed her hopes and prayers for the woman who would one day capture her son’s heart. It was a beautiful, tear-inducing moment that left no doubt… moms just have a way of knowing.
They cut this gorgeous four layer cake from Sweet Escape Cake Company that included their two sweet puppies peeking out from the bottom layer.
DJ Connection provided music to start open the dance floor and we captured some of the fun before leaving the party and the remainder of the shenanigans undocumented.
We were deeply honored to document Kate and Antonio’s magical day. They are wonderful, genuine people surrounded by the warmest friends and family coming from as far as Costa Rica! We hope they enjoyed every moment of their honeymoon, relaxing on a sunny beach in Jamacia. We wish them a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and adventure.
Located at 795 S US 421 in Zionsville, just a short drive from Indianapolis, Finley Creek Vineyards offers a beautiful blend of rustic charm and elegant sophistication across five acres of flourishing grounds. With a scenic ceremony site framed by a lovely pergola overlooking the vineyards, versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, and a capacity for up to 200 guests, it’s an ideal venue for couples seeking that idyllic, garden-vineyard ambiance in Indiana.
The Incredible team that made this day come together:
- Venue: Findley Creek Vinyard
- Photography: Elisha Kaldahl Photography
- Florals: KIS Florals
- Catering: Nameless Catering
- Cake: Sweet Escape Cake Company
- DJ: DJ Connection
- Dress: David’s Bridal
