Where do I even begin? Kelly and Eric’s day was just so much fun! So much fun that if it wasn’t for my achy and swollen feet, I would have stayed just to continue dancing and hanging out with these lovely people and their sweet families! I can’t wait to share more previews from their Ritz Charles Wedding in Carmel, Indiana today on the blog!
Kelly and Eric’s day was full of sweet sentimental touches and happy tears!
When I arrived at Kelly’s parents home in Westfield, the environment was relaxed and joyful! While I started on photographing all of their pretty details, they were touching up hair and makeup, playing games and eating lunch before the busy day began. It was one of the most relaxed bridal parties that I’ve been around in a while, and such a lovely way to start the day!
After Kelly got into her dress with the help of her girls and mom, we went to their backyard for their father daughter first look. It was evident how much of a daddy’s girl Kelly is, and how bittersweet this day was for her dad. In fact, during their reception Kelly’s dad gave the sweetest speech, but we’ll talk more about that later!
Kelly and Eric decided to do a first look since they wanted to spend cocktail hour with all of their guests, so they did a first look at the house as well and read their personal vows to each other in private. I love when couples do this, because it gives them both a chance to spend special time together alone before they’re with their bridal party and guests the rest of the day!
We took the party bus to Coxhall Gardens where we took bridal party photos and the first half of bride and groom portraits. The day was threatening to thunderstorm all day, but luckily with the help of Kelly’s sister who has a meteorology major, we stalked the radar and dodged the rain all day! The only time it ever rained was during the ceremony in the church! Talk about the rain God’s coming through! Because of the threatening rain, we had Coxhall Gardens all to ourselves before heading to their Ritz Charles wedding in Carmel, Indiana!
Their Ritz Charles wedding reception in Carmel, Indiana
Not only did Kelly and Eric get to spend cocktail hour mingling with all of their guests, but they also had some of the sweetest and heartfelt speeches by Kelly’s dad and sisters. As I mentioned earlier, this was a very bittersweet day for Mr. Bradford, and his speech spoke for that. Not only did the tie that he wore had a photo of him and Kelly sewn into the back, but he also had a secret to reveal during his speech as well.
You see, Kelly is a big Disney fan, and Mr. Bradford wanted to find a way to incorporate that into her special day. He revealed during his speech that he had worn red rose cuff links when he walked her down the aisle since he was her first love and the first to hold her after she was born. He then proceeded to give the cuff links to Eric since he was now going to be the man to love her for the rest of their lives together. It was such a touching moment and there were few dry eyes in the room! As a daddy’s girl myself, great father of the bride speeches are one of my favorite parts of a wedding day!
Kelly and Eric not only made it an amazing day for their guests, but for me as well!
From the moment I arrived, their families and friends welcomed me with open arms and made me like more than just another wedding vendor. This was especially apparent when Eric revealed that he has had a nickname for me, “Mendoza” which really made me feel like I was a part of their circle! Then to top it all off, they gave me and the other wedding vendors a seat at a reception table among the rest of their guests. However, this wasn’t just any table, but it was table number one, with our own personalized place cards! As a wedding vendor who usually sits in the back by the kitchen to scarf down a small vendor meal, this meant so much to us! This was just a testament of how kind Kelly and Eric are, and I’m so thankful to know them!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Carr!
Kelly and Eric, it’s been a pleasure to be a part of this exciting season in your lives and have you in front of my camera throughout the last year! It was such an honor to be a part of your Ritz Charles wedding in Carmel, Indiana and celebrate this new chapter together! Now go have the best day on your honeymoon in Costa Rica!
Thank you to all of the amazing vendors who helped make their day so special!
Photography: Kaitlin Mendoza Photography
Venue: Ritz Charles
Florals: Posh Petals
Dress: Beckers Bridal
Hair: Hair by Kaylin Alexa
Makeup: Indy Makeup Artistry
Catering: Ritz Charles
Cake: Ritz Charles
Videography: 3to1 Videography
Entertainment: Synthesis Entertainment
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