There are some wedding venues that instantly make your jaw drop, and Laurel Hall is definitely one of them.
It's been on our venue bucket list for quite some time, so when we pulled up, we both looked at each other like… "Okay, this place is unreal." Between the historic mansion, gorgeous gardens, stained glass windows, and all of the little architectural details, it honestly feels like something straight out of a book. This was our first time filming at Laurel Hall, and we're already hoping it won't be our last.
Leonard got some absolutely fire drone footage of the property, and it was the perfect way to show off just how beautiful this Indianapolis wedding venue really is.
But as stunning as Laurel Hall was, the best part of the day had nothing to do with the venue.
It was Carter and Kelia.
From the moment we arrived, there was just this calmness about the whole day. Not the kind of calm where everyone is sitting around quietly — but the kind where everything is falling into place exactly how it's supposed to. There was excitement, lots of laughter, people checking in on one another, and just a genuine feeling that everyone was so happy to be there celebrating these two.
A relaxed morning at Laurel Hall
The morning started upstairs with Kelia and her bridesmaids getting ready together in the bridal suite. They were laughing, helping each other with their nails, chatting about the day ahead, and just soaking in those last few hours before everything officially began.
Downstairs, Carter and the guys were doing exactly what you'd expect — hanging out, relaxing, and enjoying the morning.
One thing that made us laugh throughout the day was hearing Kelia joke that she pretty much only needed to show up with her dress and get her hair and makeup done because Carter had been involved in planning just about everything else.
And honestly… she wasn't exaggerating.
Carter might actually be one of the most involved grooms we've ever worked with, and we loved seeing it. Whether it was blending pieces of their cultures, choosing meaningful details, or simply creating a day that felt true to them, every part of this wedding reflected who they are as a couple. We don't always get to see that, and it was really refreshing.
A first look we won't forget
Before the ceremony, Carter and Kelia shared their first look inside Laurel Hall's beautiful solarium.
If you've ever been there, you know exactly why we were so excited. The natural light pours through the windows, and every direction you turn is absolutely stunning. It quickly became one of our favorite spots for portraits, detail shots, and honestly… just about everything.
Kelia looked absolutely beautiful. Her off-the-shoulder gown, the delicate buttons trailing down the back, and her timeless style fit the venue perfectly. Her bridesmaids wore the prettiest soft periwinkle blue, which looked so beautiful against Laurel Hall's historic charm.
One of my favorite little moments, though, was hearing all of the bridesmaids in the background as Carter turned around. They were hooting, hollering, and just as excited as the two of them were. Those genuine reactions are always some of our favorite moments to capture.
A ceremony full of heart
Their outdoor ceremony couldn't have been more beautiful.
Their personal vows were one of our favorite parts of the day because they felt so… them. One minute everyone was laughing, and the next there wasn't a dry eye around them. Somehow they found that perfect balance between sentimental and lighthearted, and it perfectly reflected the kind of relationship they have.
A reception that felt like them
Cocktail hour at Laurel Hall definitely did not disappoint.
Guests enjoyed incredible appetizers, cocktails, and spent time signing their Polaroid guest book before the reception officially kicked off. We always love seeing interactive guest books because they're such a fun keepsake to look back on years down the road.
One thing we especially loved was how Carter and Kelia incorporated little pieces of their story throughout the day. Their Asian fusion-inspired dinner was such a fun personal touch, and details like the fortune cookies and chopsticks made everything feel intentional.
The speeches followed the exact same theme as their vows.
Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
Kelia's dad gave what had to be one of the longest speeches we've ever witnessed — almost thirty minutes completely from memory. No notes. Somehow he had everyone completely locked in the entire time.
Between his speech, the Best Man, and the Maid of Honor, it became so obvious how deeply loved these two are. You could tell they have surrounded themselves with people who genuinely cheer them on, and that's one of our favorite things to witness on a wedding day.
Carter + Kelia
One thing we absolutely love about Carter and Kelia is that they aren't afraid to be themselves. They met through the cosplay community, built a relationship around shared passions, and then created a wedding day that reflected exactly who they are.
Maybe this was just their most elegant cosplay yet — and honestly, we wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Getting to work alongside Stacy Able Photography made the day even better. We had so much fun bouncing ideas off each other, getting creative, and making the most of every beautiful corner Laurel Hall had to offer.
Carter and Kelia, thank you for trusting us to capture one of the biggest days of your lives. It was such an honor getting to tell your story, and we hope every time you press play on your wedding film, you're taken right back to this beautiful June day.
We're so excited for everything that's ahead for you two.
With so much love,