August 12, 2022
Childhood sweethearts, Libbie and Garrett, describe finding The Wilds as the venue for their timeless wedding as fate. They visited us first when starting their wedding planning process, and just like one another, we became their first love. Smitten by the rural setting in the hills of iconic Brown County, Indiana and the luminous spaces, this bride and groom knew that we were the perfect fit to celebrate their love. They were wed on a stunning Spring day, and quickly discovered the peace that comes from choosing a venue that is ready for anything the weather can throw at you.
This couple knew that they wanted an elegant, romantic, and timeless wedding design. In the brides words, ”It wasn’t until talks with Creative in Bloom that our vision started to take shape!” Everything from the classic outfitting of the bridal party to every luxurious guest touch-point connected. A show-stopper seating chart took its light green hue from the florals, and guests found their places on ribbon-tied calligraphy tags. Elegant communications are a cornerstone for Creative In Bloom, and guests were thrilled at every elegant detail.
Delicate clouds of white and soft pink blooms were the dreamy fruition of bride, Libbie’s, classic Spring wedding dreams. Created by Artful Blooms, an airy and romantic ambiance filled the venue as soon as guests arrived.
This classic bride knew her desired style. She said an enthusiastic ”yes!” to her romantic and clean Rita Vinieris gown and had one must-have detail added.
I asked to see if I could incorporate a large bow to be attached to the back of the dress. For some backstory, I was a cheerleader in high school, cheering on the sidelines for Garrett often in his multiple sports (football, basketball), I continued cheering for two more years at the collegiate level. The bow sort of signifies that, but it is also just so ME. It made the dress uniquely MY dress. The team at Marie Gabriel Couture Bridal in Indianapolis helped me make it all a reality, and I cannot thank them enough!
She put on her final details in our luminous bridal prep room before capturing some portraits with her bridesmaids and soaking in a first look with her father.
The groomsmen arrived and helped Garrett to start the celebration, eager for the ceremony when he would see his bride for the first time that day.
As the time for the ceremony approached, the venue was suddenly completely doused by intense rain showers. What would be a nightmare for many couples wasn’t a worry for Libbie and Garrett. With our beautiful and adaptable spaces, we were able to quickly set the reception space for this heartfelt wedding ceremony. Keeping everyone safe and dry, these childhood sweethearts were able to share their vows worry-free.
For Libbie and Garrett, waiting to see one another until the ceremony was the perfect decision. Guided by their photographer, Sally Jane, they knew this was the right experience for them. The bride reflects on this tear-jerking start to their ceremony,
The build-up of not seeing each other, of locking eyes and taking in the moment together, of having our first interaction that day be over text like we did when we were 12, created such a special moment. I will always remember the pure emotion and love we both had as we stood at the altar!
Our couple was beautifully framed all night by their show-stopping floral columns. We are big fans of adaptable floral decor that creates perfect photo ops for the entire day like these by Artful Blooms. Transitioned from the original ceremony space, the sweetheart table had the perfect backdrop of romantic florals wrapping our fireplace and mantle. Transitional statement structures like this are a wonderful way to maximize your floral budget, and we highly recommend talking to your designer and florist about moveable pieces like this if you are looking for high impact with fewer large installations!
With the cutting of their chic, floral painted cake by Two Sons Cakery, the party was truly started! Guests and the couple danced their hearts out in the care of Complete Wedding & Events DJ. Libbie and Garrett took advantage of the wide open space in our Reception Hall to capture a super fun group portrait with all of their guests as well, we love this way to commemorate the day!
The evening was brought to a close with an empty house final dance between the couple to soak in the joy between them before their romantic sparkler exit.
Bride, Libbie, had the following sweet words of advice and notes about her experience to share with other couples planning their own celebration at The Wilds:
You’ll hear this one a lot, but remember why you’re planning the wedding in the first place: to marry your best friend! It was so important for me, as a type A, perfectionist, details-person, to say this to myself constantly. It helped to wash away the things that truly didn’t matter, eliminating stress and worry and helping me refocus!
The Wilds team was amazing! We had a crazy rain/wind storm right before our outdoor ceremony was planned to start. I was completely hands-off, and I was amazed at how quickly the space had been created for our perfect intimate ceremony. I couldn’t have asked for anything more! It was seamless, and I didn’t worry about a thing all evening. THANK YOU!
Wedding Venue | — | The Wilds Venue |
Bar | — | Upland Brewing Co. |
Wedding Day Caterer | — | First Class Catering |
Cake/Dessert Provider | — | Two Sons Cakery |
Wedding Planning | — | Creative in Bloom |
Wedding Coordination | — | Something True Planning |
Officiant | — | Friend of Couple |
Photographer + Videographer | — | Snapshots by Sally Jane |
Florist | — | Artful Blooms |
DJ | — | Complete Wedding & Events DJ |
Transportation | — | Royal Transportation |
Hair Stylist | — | Kathryn’s Bridal Bar |
Makeup Artist | — | Chelsea Lasiter |
Stationery + Signage | — | Creative in Bloom |
Wedding Dress Shop | — | Marie Gabriel Couture Bridal |
Wedding Dress Brand | — | Rita Vinieris |
Wedding Ring Shop | — | Kohl’s Diamond Gallery |
Hotel | — | Graduate Hotel Bloomington |
Looking for an authentic, memorable wedding venue in Southern Indiana that perfectly defines your unique personality and style? Then you are in the right place! You are wildly original. Your wedding should be no less. Please contact us today to learn more or book a tour of Indiana’s most sought after wedding and event venue, The Wilds!
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