Tell us a little about your story and your day!
We grew up in the same small, farming community, but somehow didn't meet until our late thirties. Oddly enough, while preparing to move into together, Kaleb found a picture from his 3rd grade basketball team and the person right next to him in the picture was my brother. We always wonder how many times are paths crossed because our schools were rivals and Kaleb played basketball and I was a cheerleader. Kaleb moved back after several years if being gone, algorithms worked, he sent me a friend request on Facebook, I finally accepted to which Kaleb just responded with sending me a dm with just the wave emoji. I told him he could do better than that, asked if he wanted a second chance and he didn't disappoint. We quickly fell in love and got engaged after four months of dating. Our wedding day was nothing short of magical and everything I envisioned it would be. Timeless, elegant, filled with love and never leaving one another's side.
Amber and Kaleb’s wedding on New Year’s Eve was nothing short of magical. The night was a blend of elegance, intimacy, and celebration, perfectly suited to a New Year’s Eve theme. Hosted at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie, their celebration brought together the elegance of a black-tie event, the intimacy of a candlelit ceremony, and the excitement of ringing in the New Year. From rain-kissed portraits to a festive midnight balloon drop, their wedding perfectly exemplified why New Year’s Eve is an ideal night for tying the knot.
Why New Year’s Eve is the Perfect Night for a Wedding
New Year’s Eve is a night brimming with anticipation and celebration, making it an extraordinary backdrop for a wedding. Amber and Kaleb’s choice of this iconic date created a seamless blend of holiday festivity and romantic elegance. Here are some reasons why hosting a wedding on NYE is truly special:
Festive Atmosphere: The excitement of New Year’s Eve added a vibrant energy to their wedding. Guests were already in a celebratory mood, and the countdown to midnight doubled as a countdown to Amber and Kaleb’s new chapter.
Symbolic Fresh Start: The beginning of a new year symbolizes renewal and fresh beginnings, perfectly aligning with the start of a marriage.
Built-in Entertainment: From a midnight kiss to the balloon drop, NYE traditions brought an extra layer of excitement to their wedding day.
Formal Glamour: Black-tie events and sparkling decor feel right at home on New Year’s Eve. Amber’s sleek gown and Kaleb’s classic tuxedo matched the night’s sophistication perfectly.
Unforgettable Experience: Guests will always remember the night they celebrated Amber and Kaleb’s love while ringing in the New Year.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Don't forget the most important part: marrying your partner. Also, kindly ask guests to let you eat your dinner before approaching your table. We had so much fabulous food and I was hardly able to eat any of it. Invest in an amazing venue and photographer. Our venue made the process seamless and our photographer captured the best memories to help us remember the night. It goes by so fast!
For more inspiration on planning a holiday wedding, check out our tips for winter weddings, featuring advice on seasonal decor, cozy venue ideas, and strategies for making your winter celebration truly magical.
A Candlelit Ceremony to Remember
Amber and Kaleb’s ceremony was the highlight of the evening. Set against a backdrop of over a thousand glowing candles, The Bluffs’ interior transformed into a scene straight out of a fairytale, making it the ideal candlelit wedding venue in Noblesville. The soft flickering light created an intimate and romantic atmosphere that felt warm and timeless.
Planning a candlelit ceremony requires thoughtful attention to detail. Couples should:
Choose the Right Venue: Venues like The Bluffs at Conner Prairie, with its spacious yet intimate design, are ideal for candlelit ceremonies.
Layer Candlelight: Combine pillar candles, votives, and lanterns to add depth and dimension.
Prioritize Safety: Use glass containers for open flames or opt for realistic LED candles in high-traffic areas.
Coordinate Lighting: Work with your photographer to ensure the candlelight ambiance is beautifully captured. Amber and Kaleb’s photographer used the soft glow to create stunning, atmospheric images.
For more ideas on creating unforgettable ceremonies, explore our guide to personalized wedding ceremonies, updated with current trends like intimate lighting setups, themed decor options, and expert tips for ensuring a flawless day.
Rain-Soaked Portraits and Midnight Magic
"Cody shot the most beautiful pictures I've ever seen. They truly look like they belong in a magazine or stills from a movie. He made us feel very comfortable and because of that he was able to truly capture our love and happiness." - Amber & Kaleb
The weather added an unexpected touch of drama to Amber and Kaleb’s day, with rain providing a moody and romantic backdrop for their portraits. Embracing the rain, the couple took stunning photos that showcased their joy and connection. The glow of candles against the misty evening added an ethereal quality that made the images unforgettable.
As the clock struck midnight, a celebratory balloon drop marked the beginning of 2025. Guests laughed, cheered, and shared toasts as Amber and Kaleb sealed the night with a kiss under a cascade of gold and silver balloons. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.
To see more stunning portraits, check out our portfolio of wedding photography, and book your own wedding portrait session today.
Planning Tips for a New Year’s Eve Wedding
Booking Your Venue and Vendors Early
Venues like The Bluffs at Conner Prairie and other popular locations managed by Ritz Charles are in high demand for holiday events. Secure your date well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sending Save-the-Dates
Guests’ holiday schedules fill up quickly, so give them plenty of notice. Include festive touches on your invitations to hint at your NYE theme.
Incorporating NYE Traditions
From countdowns to champagne toasts, weave festive elements into your day. Consider providing noisemakers, hats, or confetti for the midnight celebration.
Late-Night Details
Offer snacks or a late-night food station to keep guests energized for a night of dancing and celebration.
Guest Comfort and Safety
Ensure your guests can safely enjoy the festivities by providing shuttles or hotel room blocks. Work with your venue to create a seamless guest experience.
What was your favorite moment from your day?
My favorite moment was our first touch. It was important to us not to see one another beforehand and even with our eyes closed I could feel all of Kaleb's emotions. Kaleb's favorite moment was walking back down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife.
For more ideas on ensuring a smooth wedding day, visit our wedding planning tips blog.
Thinking about hosting your wedding on New Year’s Eve? Here are some tips to make it unforgettable:
Book Early: Venues like The Bluffs at Conner Prairie and other popular locations managed by Ritz Charles are in high demand for holiday events. Secure your date well in advance.
Save-the-Dates: Guests’ holiday schedules fill up quickly, so give them plenty of notice.
Incorporate NYE Traditions: From countdowns to champagne toasts, weave festive elements into your day.
Offer Late-Night Snacks: Keep guests fueled for a night of dancing and celebration.
Plan Transportation: Ensure your guests can safely enjoy the festivities by providing shuttles or hotel room blocks.
For more ideas on ensuring a smooth wedding day, visit our wedding planning tips blog.
Why Choose The Bluffs at Conner Prairie for Your Wedding
Located in Noblesville, The Bluffs at Conner Prairie offers a picturesque setting that combines rustic charm with modern elegance. Managed by Ritz Charles, the venue’s attention to detail and exceptional service make it a top choice for couples planning sophisticated weddings. Its versatility allows for unique touches like Amber and Kaleb’s candlelit ceremony and midnight balloon drop, ensuring your wedding feels one-of-a-kind.
Want to know more about this venue?
Final Thoughts
Amber and Kaleb’s New Year’s Eve wedding was a masterclass in elegance, romance, and celebration. From the rain-soaked portraits to the thousand candles that lit their vows, every detail was designed to create lasting memories. If you’re dreaming of a wedding that blends timeless romance with festive fun, New Year’s Eve at The Bluffs at Conner Prairie might be the perfect fit.
Featured Wedding Vendors
Dress: Grace Loves Lace
Tux: Louie's Tux Shop
Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group
Cake: Classic Cakes
Florist: Buck Creek in Bloom
Floral Photo Wall: Magic Moments
Balloon Drop: Banzi Balloons
Custom Jewelry: Indy Facets
Makeup: Julia Wadsworth Makeup
Hair: Stacey Merida
Ready to start planning your big day? Check out our wedding photography pricing, featuring tailored packages for elegant weddings like Amber and Kaleb's. and see how we can help capture your unforgettable moments. For more inspiration, explore our past blogs on candlelit ceremonies, planning a winter wedding, and our favorite Noblesville wedding venues.
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