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Laurel Hall Wedding | Nikki & Courtney’s Timeless and Elegant Spring Celebration

Writer: Cody BaileyCody Bailey
6 days ago4 min read

Bride and groom ascend ornate wooden staircase in elegant setting. Bride's dress flows behind, light from chandelier overhead.

 

We kicked off our 2025 wedding season in the most beautiful way—with Nikki & Courtney’s unforgettable Laurel Hall wedding. Nestled atop a hill just northeast of downtown Indianapolis, Laurel Hall continues to be one of the most photogenic, versatile, and sought-after wedding venues in Indiana, and Nikki & Courtney’s celebration was a shining example of how to make the most of everything this historic space has to offer.



From the second these two walked into their engagement session, it was clear their story was something special. As Nikki shared: “Truly, God brought us together. We met off an app and have been inseparable ever since.” Their wedding day reflected that beautiful sense of connection, balance, and deep love—wrapped in the kind of timeless elegance that never goes out of style.

 

A Love Story Built on Balance


Bride and groom kissing outside a brick building, bouquet in hand. Guests in motion blur pass by, creating a lively wedding scene.

If you had to sum up Nikki & Courtney’s relationship in one phrase, it would be “perfectly balanced.” Nikki—an energetic powerhouse who owns her own house-flipping business—is complemented beautifully by Courtney’s calming and steady presence. The energy between them is magnetic. You don’t just see the love; you feel it.


Bride and groom hold hands in a dim hallway, sunlight through stained glass. Bride in white dress, groom in gray suit. Elegant, serene mood.

Their wedding theme echoed that balance perfectly: timeless elegance with soft, intentional touches. Nikki wore a lightweight spaghetti-strap gown with subtle floral embroidery, while Courtney looked sharp in a classic gray suit and cotton tie (a detail we couldn’t stop raving about!)

 

Why Laurel Hall Was the Perfect Fit


Couple walking up a wooden staircase in a dimly lit, ornate setting. Bride in a white gown, groom in a suit. Black and white mood.

With Nikki’s eye for homes and architectural detail, Laurel Hall was an obvious choice. This venue, steeped in history and full of charm, aligns perfectly with her love for character-rich spaces.


Bride in white gown and groom in gray suit stand smiling on stone steps. They hold hands with a bouquet in front of a large brick building.

As a wedding photographer who’s shot here countless times, I can confidently say that Laurel Hall is a dream. From the solarium’s arched windows to the iconic grand staircase with stained glass, every inch of this venue is a photo opportunity waiting to happen. The recent updates to the bridal suite—removing an oversized bed, brightening the walls, and adding more feminine, airy touches—have only elevated the getting-ready experience for brides.


Woman in beige outfit sits by a large window, gazing at a hanging white wedding dress. Elegant setting with potted plants.

If you're planning a 2025 or 2026 wedding and searching for a venue that feels like a hidden chateau in the middle of Indianapolis, look no further.


Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand on a stone terrace, shadowed by railings. Trees and fountain in background, creating a serene mood.

👉 Want more Laurel Hall inspiration? Check out our Laurel Hall Wedding Feature Blog


 

Wedding Day Highlights: Vows, Emotion & Celebration



Bride in white gown and bouquet, arm-in-arm with a suited man, walks down the aisle. Guests smile in a bright, arched indoor setting.

Nikki & Courtney crafted a day that was beautifully paced and full of heart. After a private first look, we took time for family formals, couple portraits, and full wedding party photos—all before the ceremony. This meant they could enjoy a full 45 minutes mingling at cocktail hour, which is always a win.


Groom wiping tears, emotional, wearing a suit; bride in veil facing him. Outdoors, soft focus background, black and white image.

They exchanged private vows before the ceremony, one of the most emotional parts of the day. Courtney even teared up—a rare moment Nikki noted with a smile and disbelief: “I’ve never seen him cry.”


For portraits, we leaned into some of Laurel Hall’s best features:


  • The luminous solarium (perfect for soft, romantic light)

  • The cozy, hidden back staircase

  • The grand staircase for that iconic couple shot

  • The outdoor back patio for classic garden elegance



As the sun began to set, clouds rolled in and the couple made the best choice: they stayed inside to hang with their people and soak in the celebration. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you should do. Afterall, wedding days are wedding days, they aren't photoshoots - don't forget that.


Couple embracing, smiling, with focus on intertwined hands and rings. She's wearing a white dress, he's in a suit. Joyful, intimate moment.

 

Personal Touches & Elegant Details


One of our favorite reception setups we’ve seen at Laurel Hall. The dining room was transformed into a space that felt classic, sophisticated, and deeply personal. Each place setting included a thank-you letter from Nikki & Courtney to their guests—just one of many gestures that showed how much they value the people in their lives.


Green "Thank You" card on a beige napkin with eucalyptus leaves, set on a light tablecloth. Message expresses gratitude to guests.

Touches of dried florals in scattered vases brought soft color to the neutral space, while fresh greenery in the bouquets added contrast. It’s the kind of thoughtful, understated design that feels right at home in a venue that already says so much on its own.



Their wedding party also brought incredible energy. The guys made an unforgettable “game day” entrance, while the ladies stunned in green dresses that perfectly complemented the spring palette.



 

Vendor Team That Brought It All Together



We were so lucky to work alongside some of the best professionals in Indianapolis. If you're planning your own Laurel Hall wedding, these are some incredible vendors to consider:



Shoutout to all of them for creating a seamless and stress-free day.


 

Why We Love Laurel Hall Weddings


Large, yellow brick mansion with ornate windows. Bare tree branches in the foreground. Clear, bright sky creates a serene mood.

Still searching for the perfect venue in Indianapolis? Here’s why Laurel Hall should be at the top of your list:



  • Character & Charm: Every room is dripping with history and personality.

  • Photo Opportunities: There isn’t a bad angle, inside or out.

  • Privacy: You’re the only event on site that day.

  • Guest Count: Perfect for intimate weddings (100-125 max), so you can truly enjoy your guests.

  • Year-Round Beauty: Gorgeous light, texture, and elegance whether it’s spring, summer, fall, or winter.


Bride and groom embrace in dim light by a window. Bride holds bouquet, wearing a white gown. Romantic, warm atmosphere.

Want even more insider tips on booking a wedding at this iconic venue? Head over to our Laurel Hall feature blog here.


 

Ready to Book Your Laurel Hall Wedding Photographer?


Bride in white gown and groom in gray suit ascend steps, holding hands, smiling back. Background features a large brick building.

If you’re dreaming of your own Laurel Hall wedding—or any venue that feels timeless, romantic, and full of story—we’d love to connect with you. We’ve photographed countless weddings here and know exactly how to make your images shine.



Let’s tell your story next.


 

Some of our favorite moments from the day that we haven't shown you yet:


Bride and groom kiss on stairs, holding an envelope. Elegant interior with framed photos and vintage furniture. Black and white photo.

A couple sits in a formal setting, the woman holding back tears. Both wear elegant attire with floral accents. Black and white image.

Six men with sunglasses and casual clothing walk confidently in front of a large brick building, smiling and carrying jackets.

Bride in a flowing gown ascends ornate staircase, followed by bridesmaids. Sunlight filters through large windows. Elegant setting.

Man in a suit smiles warmly at a woman holding flowers in a room with wood furniture and cream walls, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Bride and groom raise hands, surrounded by cheering guests holding lights. Black and white, festive atmosphere, emotional celebration.

Man in a suit sits with clasped hands, wearing a beaded bracelet and watch. A boutonniere is pinned to the gray plaid jacket. Black and white.

Bride in white dress and veil walks up an ornate wooden staircase holding a bouquet. Elegant and timeless black-and-white setting.

A couple embraces on a checkered ballroom floor, captured in black and white through a window. Elegant chandeliers and soft lighting create a warm, intimate mood.

Bride and groom outdoors, bride in white dress with veil, groom in gray suit with boutonnière, smiling warmly at each other.

Women in green dresses holding bouquets stand in a room with stained glass windows. One wipes tears, smiling, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Woman in blue dress gazes thoughtfully out a window, indoors with dark wood chairs and soft lighting, evoking a reflective mood.

People smiling and looking out from a large window in a brick building. The image is black and white, conveying a joyful mood.

Two women peek and smile from behind a door in a hallway. A blurred figure is in the foreground. The mood is playful and joyful. Black and white tones.

Party scene with people dancing and lifting a man. Black and white image. Joyful mood; elegant attire and chandeliers in the background.

Bride with bouquet and older man smiling on staircase. Wooden doors in background, guests visible; warm and joyful mood.

Bride reads vows to groom, who appears emotional, in front of elegant building. She wears a veil; he holds glasses. Black and white.

Bride and groom play cornhole on a terrace. Bride in gown holding drink, groom in suit throwing. Brick building and trees in background.

Elegant dining room with tables set for an event. Tall candles, ornate glasses, and wooden chairs create a formal and serene atmosphere.

Group of smiling men in suits, holding beer bottles, posing indoors with a fireplace and large windows in the background. Celebratory mood.


Bride smiling under a sheer veil, wearing a white dress with floral embroidery. Soft natural light creates a serene, joyful mood.

Bride in white dress and veil holds bouquet, standing by large window in elegant hall with checkered floor. Soft, serene atmosphere.

Man in a suit being helped with his tie by a woman in a formal setting. Black and white image, focus on their actions and attire.

Handwritten diary entry with key dates and emotions, showing a perfume bottle and a gold ring on the page. Mood is hopeful and reflective.

 
 
 

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