14

April

Inside an Indianapolis Artsgarden Wedding: Design, Details, and Guest Experience

Stunning Luxury Fall Wedding in the heart of downtown Indianapolis | Talat + Sean

This November wedding at the Indianapolis Artsgarden was not only beautifully designed but also deeply personal and full of surprises. The couple blended Persian, Samoan, and American traditions in a way that felt intentional and seamless. Nothing felt forced and every part of the day reflected who they are.

The venue itself is a standout. Suspended above downtown Indianapolis, the Artsgarden is a glass-enclosed space filled with natural light and surrounded by city views. It’s modern, open, and versatile: an ideal setting for a wedding like this, where both visual impact and thoughtful planning were key.

I’m always drawn to venues that support real moments and meaningful design, and the Indianapolis, Indiana Artsgarden offered both.

The Reception Space

The main event space at the Indianapolis Artsgarden is a fully enclosed glass dome suspended above Washington and Illinois Streets. The layout is completely open, with 360-degree views of downtown Indianapolis and a ceiling that soars above the city. The natural light during the day is abundant, making it ideal for capturing clean, bright footage. At night, the ambiance shifts and the city lights take over, giving the space a sleek, modern energy that feels upscale and dramatic.

The space can be configured in multiple ways depending on your event timeline. Many couples choose to hold both their ceremony and reception in the Artsgarden, flipping the room during cocktail hour. The Conrad Hotel, directly connected to the venue, makes this easy. The Conrad is often used for cocktail hour while the team resets the main space. The hotel is also a convenient option for getting ready and guest accommodations, making the entire day flow more efficiently.

As for layout, there’s flexibility for seated dinners, lounge areas, dance floors, and live entertainment. Décor options are wide open. Because the structure itself is such a statement, many couples opt for modern floral installs, hanging elements, or soft uplighting that plays off the glass architecture without competing with it.

Real Wedding Inspiration

This featured wedding blended high-end design with heartfelt cultural traditions. Talat and Sean’s wedding was the kind of celebration that proves you can have both elevated, editorial-level visuals and a joyful, personal experience.

The design, led by Isibeal Studio and Emily Ventura Designs, completely transformed the glass dome. A 15-foot suspended floral installation in tones of blush, brown, burgundy, and peach floated above the ceremony space, bringing warmth and drama to the all-glass structure. The couple exchanged vows under this floral masterpiece in a Persian-American ceremony that was equal parts meaningful and breathtaking.

While guests moved to cocktail hour at the Conrad, the room was flipped in under 90 minutes into an eclectic, candle-lit reception. The evening featured live music, dancing, fire performers by Circle City Fire, and a truly immersive guest experience that honored Persian, American, and Samoan traditions in a seamless, intentional way.

From a videography perspective, this wedding offered everything I love to capture: artful design, real emotion, and those authentic, unplanned moments that make you feel.

This wedding was a clear example of how the Artsgarden can support complex event timelines and detailed design plans, especially when handled by an experienced vendor team.

Final Thoughts on the Artsgarden

Filming at the Indianapolis Artsgarden gave me a new appreciation for how versatile and well-run this venue is. It’s designed to support thoughtful, creative weddings. Whether you’re planning a multi-cultural ceremony, a large-scale reception, or both. The all-glass structure, downtown location, and connection to nearby hotels make it a practical and visually unique option for couples getting married in Indianapolis.

If you’re planning a wedding at the Artsgarden and want a film that captures not just how everything looked, but how it felt – I’d love to connect. My approach combines artistic visuals with real, unscripted moments, always tailored to your style and priorities. Reach out here to learn more.

FAQ: Planning a Wedding at the Indianapolis Artsgarden

Q: How many guests can the Artsgarden accommodate?
The venue can hold up to 300 guests for a seated event, depending on layout. Ceremony-only setups can accommodate slightly more. Layout flexibility allows for seated dinners, dance floors, and lounge areas.

Q: Is the venue climate-controlled?
Yes. The glass dome is fully enclosed and climate-controlled year-round, which makes it suitable for weddings in any season.

Q: Can I bring in my own caterer?
No. Couples must choose from a list of preferred caterers approved by the Arts Council of Indianapolis. These vendors are familiar with the venue and its logistical requirements.

Q: Are outside vendors allowed?
Yes. Aside from catering, couples are welcome to bring in their own vendors, including photographers, videographers, planners, and entertainment. It’s recommended to work with professionals who have experience in the space due to its unique layout and load-in process.

Q: Is there parking available for guests?
Yes. Guests can use Circle Centre Mall parking garages, which are directly connected to the venue. Many nearby hotels also offer valet parking options.

Q: What is the backup plan for weather?
Because the Artsgarden is fully enclosed, weather is not an issue. Rain, wind, or cold temperatures won’t affect the ceremony or reception.

Vendors

Wedding Planner: Emily Ventura Designs | @emilyventuradesigns
Photographer: Chelsey Barhorst | @chelseyjbarhorst
Videographer: Films by Emelie | @filmsbyemelie
Florist: Isibeal Studio | @isibealstudio
Stationery: Aerialist Press | @aerilaistpress
Hair Artist: Simply Loved Hair | @simplylovedhair
Makeup Artist: Asmaa
Magician: Jon Mobley | @mobleymagic
Transportation: Antique Limousine of Indianapolis | @antiquelimoindy
Dining Tables, Chairs, Dance Floor & Bar: Michaelangelo’s  | @michaelangelosevents
Dance Floor, Rigging & Stage: Sterler Productions | @sterlerproductions
Coffee Station: Nood | @nood_coffee
DJ: DJ Ahmed | @dj_ahmed
Violinist: Sherry Hong | @sheryhongviolin
Live Painter: Deirdra Kelly Luedke | @deirdrakellyart
Fire Performance: Circle City Fire | @circlecityfire
Saxophonist: Rob Dixon | @robdixonsax
Welcome Mirror: Creative in Bloom | @creativeinbloom
Wedding Cake: Gwendolyn Lee Cakery | @gwendolynleecakery

who I am

Hey, I'm Emelie

I care deeply about telling stories that are honest and real. The kinds of weddings that I love to capture and the type of clients I work with are not defined by the style of wedding they have. Outdoor adventures or classic ballrooms, rustic or luxury — the budget, style and vibe of your wedding doesn’t matter as much as telling your story authentically, focusing on emotion and personality, and staying true to who you are. I strive to capture the most genuine moments and I do so by letting your day unfold as is while gently guiding you if you need me.

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