Elaine and Wilson’s love story is truly one for the books. These two first met as roommates a few years ago, but quickly fell in love despite all their reservations of needing to just be roommates. Then, on a warm September afternoon, they tied the knot in front of their closest family and friends in a gorgeous fall Noblesville wedding at Forest Park Inn.
.jpg)
Elaine and Wilson chose to marry at Forest Park Inn right in the heart of Noblesville. Once I arrived and saw the grounds surrounding the venue, it was very obvious why they loved it so much. On this perfect fall day, the sun was gently shining through the trees and it made for the most perfect lighting for their portraits that day.
These two had the most beautiful first look before their wedding ceremony I have ever captured. Elaine walked down the path toward her awaiting groom, and as soon as he turned around, he started to cry, causing Elaine to start crying. Wilson quickly pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his eyes, then wiped Elaine’s. Seriously – the most adorable thing I’ve ever seen. Elaine surprised Wilson with a sundial watch during their first look, as they both love to be outdoors and go camping.
Their first look took away nothing from the emotions of seeing each other during the ceremony. Both Elaine and Wilson began crying as Elaine walked down the aisle toward her groom. It was clear from their family’s interactions, as well, that both Elaine and Wilson were welcomed with open arms into each other’s families, and it was so endearing to see. The two wrote their own vows into keepsake vow books, and neither one of them made it through without tears flowing down their cheeks. I was having to choke back my own tears as I photographed their ceremony because it was just so darn precious to see them so emotional about getting to marry the love of their life and their best friend.
Another unique thing about Elaine and Wilson’s wedding is that they decided to join their names together and become Mr. and Mrs. Smitholas, combining Elaine’s last name of Nicholas and Wilson’s last name of Smith. I thought that was such a neat thing to bring a piece of each of their names to create a new family name for themselves.
These two brought out all the stops for their wedding reception decor, with a ton of help from their family and friends. With their love for the outdoors, they incorporated decor of fish, fishing elements, and fall florals throughout the venue. They created a wooden pedestal for their wedding cake with a heart carved into the wood and beautiful succulents wrapped down the side of the wooden pedestal. I loved the small touches for the kids attending the party, with cute sippy cups with floating fish inside and small stuffed animals for the children to play with during the reception.
As the reception got started, father of the bride Paul gave the most touching speech about the couple that moved Elaine and Wilson both to tears, causing the room to fill with laughter as Wilson drew the napkin to his face to wipe away the tears. Their maid of honor and best man both delivered emotional toasts, and Elaine and Wilson had an incredibly special first dance leading into Elaine’s dance with her father and Wilson’s dance with his mother.
We were able to take a break from the reception party and capturing some final portraits of the couple at sunset. I thought I loved their portraits earlier in the day, but the sunset portraits were even better. I love making sure we incorporate this time in each couple’s wedding day as the bride and groom are always so much more relaxed after some dinner and drinks and they can just take a moment to relish the beauty of the day together.
I was so honored to be a part of such an incredibly beautiful and heartfelt day with Elaine, Wilson, their family and friends. Thank you both for choosing me to capture this day for you; what an honor it was! I hope you enjoy the sneak peeks, and you’ll be receiving your gallery very, very soon!
Autumn Howell Photography is a Fort Wayne wedding photographer, serving clients across central Indiana, including Kokomo, Noblesville, Indianapolis, and Bloomington. Learn more about booking me as your wedding photographer!
Vendors:
Venue: Forest Park Inn
DJ: Demetrius Warren
Wedding Dress: Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
Florist: Ayers Flowers
Cake & Dessert: Costco
Caterer: Olive Garden
