An Indianapolis Artsgarden wedding offers a unique downtown setting with natural light, skyline views, and a flexible indoor layout that works year-round. Meredith and Will chose the Artsgarden so that they could have an elegant garden party atmosphere without having to worry about the weather. Their focus was simple: be present, celebrate with their people, and keep the energy fun and relaxed. Their wedding was thoughtfully planned and designed by Boldly Chic Events and Lori Christy with Elsie’s Flower Shoppe.

During cocktail hour, the space was filled with color, florals, and instead a seating chart; handwritten notes for every guest. Later, the room was flipped for the reception with a dance floor and lounge seating, showing how the Artsgarden can transition seamlessly between ceremony, cocktail hour, and party.

A Thoughtful Wedding Flow Between Church, Conrad Indianapolis, and the Artsgarden

Meredith and Will built their timeline around guest experience. After a traditional ceremony at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, guests were transported downtown to continue the celebration Conrad Indianapolis and the Artsgarden. Using multiple connected spaces allowed them to create clear transitions throughout the evening while keeping everything convenient and cohesive.

The Artsgarden welcomed guests first with an open, social cocktail hour. This gave people time to mingle, read their handwritten notes, and settle into the relaxed tone the couple wanted. Their pre-wedding priority was simple: create a celebration where people felt seen and valued, and this early gathering space supported that vision.

Why the Conrad Ballroom Was the Right Choice for Dinner and Speeches

While many couples consider hosting dinner inside the glass conservatory, Meredith and Will intentionally moved their reception meal into the Conrad ballroom. This shift created a completely different atmosphere — one that felt grounded, warm, and centered on family.

They chose long banquet tables instead of traditional rounds, encouraging conversation across groups rather than separating guests into smaller clusters. Candlelight, dimmed lighting, and a plated dinner transformed the space into something that felt closer to a shared family gathering than a formal banquet hall.

This decision tied directly back to their priorities:

– Family: Long tables allowed guests to engage with each other naturally.
– Connection: Speeches felt more personal in a quieter, intimate setting.
– Presence: The environment encouraged guests to slow down and be fully engaged during dinner.

The ballroom also provided greater control over lighting and acoustics, which helped create a focused atmosphere for storytelling moments throughout the evening.

Transforming the Artsgarden Into a Reception Space

After dinner and speeches, the celebration transitioned back to the Artsgarden — but with a completely different energy than cocktail hour. The space had been redesigned to include a dance floor, lounge seating, and layered lighting that softened the modern architecture.

This second use of the Artsgarden kept the flow of the evening dynamic. Guests moved from a candlelit dinner into a more open environment that encouraged dancing, mingling, and movement. Instead of forcing one space to serve every purpose, Meredith and Will used each location intentionally:

• Church ceremony for tradition and faith
• Conrad ballroom for dinner, speeches, and connection
• Artsgarden for social energy and celebration

The result was an experience that felt natural and intentional from start to finish.

Design Details That Supported Their Vision

From the beginning, Meredith described her goal as feeling relaxed and present, while Will focused on creating the best experience possible for her and their guests. Their design choices reflected that mindset.

A garden party-inspired aesthetic brought the gardens indoors. Florals, trees, vintage furniture, layered textures, and soft lighting helped balance the architectural lines of the Artsgarden while keeping the environment approachable. Handwritten notes reinforced their commitment to connection and a small detail that had a lasting impact on the guest experience.

Rather than designing purely for visual impact, every decision supported how people would feel in the space.

Final Thoughts From a Videographer’s Perspective

From a storytelling standpoint, Meredith and Will’s wedding worked so well because every design and layout decision supported how they wanted people to feel. The shift from church to cocktail hour, from candlelit dinner to an open dance floor, created natural emotional pacing throughout the day.

As a videographer, these transitions allow moments to unfold organically. Intimate dinner settings encourage meaningful speeches and authentic reactions, while open reception spaces give guests freedom to interact and celebrate without feeling staged. When couples prioritize connection over perfection, the result is a wedding that feels real on camera and not just visually cohesive, but authentically and emotionally grounded.

If you’re planning an Indianapolis Artsgarden wedding, think beyond aesthetics. Consider how each space can support the experience you want for your guests. Meredith and Will’s celebration is a strong example of how intentional choices around layout, lighting, and flow can shape a wedding that feels both elevated and genuinely personal.

Vendor Team

Planning & Design: Boldly Chic Events 
Photographer: Chelsey Barhorst Photography — https://chelseybarhorst.com
Videographer: Films by Emelie — https://emelierussell.com
Hair Stylist: KBB Salon — https://kbbsalon.com | Wedding Hair Fairy
Makeup Artist: Raye Skin Studio — https://www.rayeskinstudio.com
Florals & Decor: Elsie’s Flower Shoppe — https://www.elsiesflowershoppe.com
Live Band: Bishop’s Live — https://thebishopslive.com
Stationery & Paper Goods: Pickle Prints Invitations — https://www.pickleprintsinvitations.com
Dance Floor Rental: WOW Factors Indy — https://wow-factors.com
DJ & Event Lighting: The Simple DJ — https://www.thesimpledj.com
Furniture & Lounge Rentals: Violet Vintage Rentals — https://www.violetvintagerentals.com
String Musicians: The Deoc Ensemble — https://www.thedeocensemble.com
Cake Design: Top Tier Cakes — https://www.toptierindy.com
Transportation: Antique Limousine of Indianapolis — https://www.indylimorental.com