Aug 276 min read

Indianapolis Wedding Photographer: Now Boarding at Platform 9 3/4 – A Magical Wedding at The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station

When planning a wedding, one of the most critical decisions you'll make is choosing the perfect venue. For Danielle and Landon, The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station (one of our favorite Indianapolis wedding venues) in Indianapolis provided the ideal backdrop for their magical day. The historical charm of this venue, combined with its breathtaking architectural details, made it the perfect choice for a wedding that was anything but ordinary. Their wedding was a true testament to making your special day uniquely yours, with a Harry Potter theme woven into every element of their celebration, including the venue itself.

"I think it was awesome working with Cody and Kendra. We were able to pose naturally and feel as though our day was being captured accurately. We loved their attitude and the ease with which we worked together. The quality of their work is absolutely stellar! The lighting, shadows, dynamics, and aesthetics (among many other attributes) were captured perfectly! They also are great at instructing who should go where, and they worked some kind of black magic to get the kiddos to cooperate! THAT impressed me the most!"

Indianapolis Wedding Photographer | A Magical Wedding at The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station

The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station offers a setting that is both grand and intimate, making it a top choice for couples looking to tie the knot in Indianapolis. The venue's history dates back to 1888, and its timeless elegance is preserved through the stunning architecture that has been carefully maintained over the years.

One of the most captivating features of the Grand Hall is the massive stained glass windows that adorn the space. These windows not only flood the room with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere but also serve as a breathtaking backdrop for your ceremony and reception. The windows, with their intricate designs and vibrant colors, add a touch of grandeur and make for stunning photographs that you will cherish for years to come.

The Grand Hall’s spacious interior allows for a variety of seating arrangements and decor setups, accommodating weddings of all sizes. Whether you're planning a small, intimate gathering or a large, elaborate affair, this venue can be customized to suit your needs. The high ceilings, coupled with the historical charm of the space, provide a canvas that can be transformed to match any wedding theme—just like Danielle and Landon’s Harry Potter-inspired celebration.

"Cody and Kendra are amazing photographers! They work wonders with normal camera dodgers lol. Landon and I turned out amazing in both our engagement session and wedding session! They take the time to edit things properly, get to know you, and help you become comfortable! I am so pleased with how everything turned out."

Making Your Wedding Your Own: The Magic of Theming

Danielle and Landon’s wedding was a celebration of their love and their shared passion for all things Harry Potter. The decision to incorporate this beloved theme into their wedding was not only a reflection of their personalities but also a way to make their day truly unique. Themed weddings are a wonderful way to personalize your celebration, making it a reflection of who you are as a couple.

"We wanted a Harry Potter themed wedding as it was something we both found to be fun! We didn't want something traditional and classic. We wanted something unique and true to ourselves. By doing this theme I think Landon and I both felt much more at ease with pictures and our guests. We had more fun, and hopefully so did they! We love each other first and foremost, so we wanted both of us to be happy, and a traditional wedding could not have given us that. Since our Harry Potter theme made us happy, I think our guests caught our joy and shared in it! This made our wedding more joyful and fun as well as allowed us to share a part of ourselves with them."

From the moment guests arrived, they were immersed in the wizarding world. The four bridesmaids each represented one of the Hogwarts houses—Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin—through their scarves which accompanied their attire for the day, while the groomsmen’s boutonnieres matched their respective houses. This thoughtful detail not only brought the theme to life but also made each member of the wedding party feel like an integral part of the magical day.

Floating candles, reminiscent of the Great Hall at Hogwarts, were suspended from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the festivities. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the decor. Guests found their seats with the help of luggage bag tags from Platform 9 3/4, a whimsical nod to the train station where Harry’s journey began. The guest book was a map of the wizarding world, allowing friends and family to leave their mark on a piece of art that Danielle and Landon would treasure forever.

One of the standout features of the wedding was the Pensive, a magical artifact in the Harry Potter series used to review memories. This was cleverly recreated as part of the decor, adding an element of intrigue and nostalgia for fans of the series. Each table was adorned with small decorations that tied back to the theme, including flying keys as take-home gifts for the guests—an enchanting detail that everyone could enjoy and remember.

The couple’s wedding cake was another showstopper—a dragon, symbolizing the magical creatures from the Harry Potter universe. This bold choice not only fit the theme perfectly but also served as a conversation starter and a memorable centerpiece at the reception.

What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?

"Go with what is in your heart and what would make you happiest as a couple. It doesn't matter if it's a bit quirky, traditional, or rustic. What matters is that you feel comfortable and happy in your surroundings! If you don't, I think everyone else will catch that same feeling."

Why Theming Your Wedding Makes the Day Yours

Choosing to theme your wedding, as Danielle and Landon did with Harry Potter, is a powerful way to make your celebration truly personal. Your wedding day is a reflection of your journey together, and incorporating elements that hold special meaning to you as a couple can make the experience even more memorable for you and your guests.

A theme like Harry Potter doesn’t just add to the aesthetic of the day; it brings your story to life. It allows your guests to step into a world that represents your shared passions and gives them a glimpse into what makes your relationship unique. Every detail, from the decor to the attire, is a piece of the puzzle that tells your love story in a way that is both creative and deeply personal.

Moreover, theming your wedding offers a sense of continuity and cohesiveness throughout the day. It ties together every element of the celebration, from the invitations to the ceremony, to the reception, creating a seamless experience that feels intentional and well thought out. It’s also a fantastic way to engage your guests, giving them something to talk about and enjoy as they become part of your story for the day.

For Danielle and Landon, their Harry Potter-themed wedding was more than just a nod to their favorite series—it was a celebration of who they are as a couple. By choosing The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station, they found a venue that not only provided the perfect setting for their magical day but also allowed them to bring their vision to life in a way that was authentic and meaningful.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and it should be a true reflection of who you are as a couple. The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station in Indianapolis offers a breathtaking venue that can be transformed to fit any vision, making it an ideal choice for your wedding. Whether you’re planning a grand affair or an intimate gathering, this historic venue provides the perfect backdrop for a day that is uniquely yours.

Danielle and Landon’s Harry Potter-themed wedding is a shining example of how you can make your wedding your own by incorporating elements that are meaningful to you. By choosing a theme that resonated with their personalities, they created a day that was not only magical but also a true reflection of their love story.

If you’re looking for a venue that combines historical charm with modern amenities, The Crowne Plaza Grand Hall at Union Station is the perfect choice. And if you want your wedding to be a true reflection of who you are, don’t be afraid to theme it with something you love—it’s your day, after all.

Before you go take a moment and check out our list of best places in Indianapolis to take pictures!