Three years earlier, this groom stood to my left in a navy suit as a groomsman while I photographed his friend’s wedding. Now, on a perfect October afternoon at Black Iris Estate, he’s the one walking back down the aisle, hand locked with his new wife (who was his plus one to that wedding I just mentioned). The leaves are turning gold, the air smells like crisp autumn and happy tears, and every single guest is on their feet, cheering.
The Willow Chapel at Black Iris is perfect for photographing moments like this. The cascading branches create a natural tunnel of green and gold that looks like something from a fairytale. October weddings here are pure fire: the willows still lush, the ground scattered with early fallen leaves, and the sun low enough in the afternoon to wrap everything in that warm, caramel glow.
As your wedding photographer, these full-circle weddings are my absolute favorite. I recognized him the second he walked into our consultation. When he told me, “You shot my buddy’s wedding in 2022… and now it’s my turn,” I may have teared up a little. There’s something incredibly special about watching someone go from groomsman to groom, from holding a bouquet for someone else to holding his wife’s hand as confetti flies.
At Black Iris Estate, the Willow Chapel doesn’t just host ceremonies. It grows love stories.
I was there when he was the groomsman. I was there when he became the groom. And I’ll be there for every love story that comes next.
Captured with the Nikon D5 in natural light and edited to look like film.
Location: 5801 E 116th St, Carmel, IN 46033.