Wedding Planning Tips from Preferred Vendor, Anna Clark Photography

Photographer Anna Clark shares how to choose a wedding venue to shine, no matter the weather

Today on the blog, we interview preferred vendor, Anna Clark Photography, about the advantages of weddings at The Wilds, no matter the weather. Her recent work during Courtney and Andrew’s summer wedding was a beautiful example of just this! For couples searching for a wedding venue that is aesthetically beautiful and versatile no matter the season, this photographer shares wedding planning tips that highlight what makes our space work so well for a stress-free wedding. 

The Wilds: Hello Anna! Thanks so much for chatting with us today. For those who don’t know you yet, can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your work?

Anna Clark Photography: Definitely! My name is Anna Clark, and I have been a wedding photographer for ten years. The first eight were in my hometown of Los Angeles, California, and the last two have been here in Bloomington, Indiana. I travel nationwide, but most of my work is here in the Midwest!

My work is heavily influenced by my lifelong studies of Art History, fashion, and photojournalism. I love mixing those three elements to create images that are elegant and emotional. I also love doing everything that I can to allow the planning process and wedding day be as relaxing as possible! 

In my personal life, I love spending time with my husband and our kiddo. We love the outdoors, gardening, and cooking together. I’m houseplant and interior design obsessed, and can often be found drinking a matcha latte and reading about influential figures in fashion and art history while snuggling with my giant love-bug of a dog.

The Wilds: Within 10 years of wedding seasons we’re sure you’ve seen a lot, and across many seasonal variables. What are some wedding planning tips that you would offer clients look for in a venue to ensure a great day, no matter the weather?

ACP: Definitely, there have been some wild weddings, but there’s always a graceful way through, no matter what happens! Versatility in a venue is a massive benefit. The more types of amenities and spaces in one location, the better. Courtney and Andrew’s wedding day at The Wilds was an awesome example of this. 

Rain was on the forecast, but I knew we would be able to capture all of the magic beautifully. There wasn’t a worry because of the thoughtful design and picturesque location of The Wilds with beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces. And these two deserved it, after Covid delayed their celebration with loved ones, it was an incredibly touching “second wedding” for these true soulmates. This was a super fun day to capture, weather and all!

The Wilds: And the rain did start while you were capturing portraits! How do you navigate weather changes in the moment to ensure that your clients don’t miss a thing?

ACP: It did indeed! It started sprinkling part way through our portrait session, and in those moments, I always check in with my clients to see what they are comfortable with and what sounds the most fun. My first priority is their experience, I’m a big believer that beautiful images happen when my couples are relaxed.

For Courtney and Andrew, it was the perfect reflection of their adventurous spirits. They chose to keep shooting and I let them tell me if they wanted to call it. Staying out resulted in stunning images of this beautiful couple dancing and running in the rain, and I couldn’t have loved it more!

If they had chosen to stay dry though, we could have still taken advantage of the beautiful Brown County woods surrounding the ceremony pavilion with the benefit of roof cover. We could have also utilized the interior rooms surrounding the reception hall. Having a myriad of options means couples and photographers at The Wilds will win every time. 

The Wilds: We love to hear how those elements built a sense of calm for you and your couples when you’re here! Courtney and Andrew’s wedding was also a really intimate affair, when do you feel it is right for couples to go for a minimal guest list like this pair did?

ACP: I think that any time a couple wants a smaller or moderate budget to go further, intimate weddings are the way to go. I also think that couples wanting to really savor just the relationships that have a major impact on the two of them should look at this route.

It was really wonderful to feel the deep love from everyone there. With a small guest list, Courtney and Andrew were truly able to connect with everyone. They shared the most beautiful conversations with their loved ones, and were able to enjoy an easier pace to the afternoon and evening. 

It also affected how they were able to utilize their budget. I loved seeing some of the best of the best vendors in the region make this day and the delicious food come together for this couple!

Another very chic touch was a cohesive color palette dress code of varying shades of blue for all of their family members. It’s a really simple way to make every photo that much better, and these loved ones were a beautiful extension of their chosen design aesthetic for the day in varying shades of blue. This is an easy thing to accomplish when the guest list is small! 

The Wilds: Those are great things to consider when developing the guest list. To close out our interview, what are some final wedding planning tips that could benefit all couples at The Wilds?

ACP: I always advise my couples to think through their ideal non-wedding party that they would love to be guests at. Let the things that you love dictate how you build the day, not just current wedding day trends. If my couples need help aligning with the vendors who can help bring those things to life, I’m always happy to share my favorites – many of whom are preferred vendors of The Wilds as well.

I also advise my couples to keep locations as streamlined as possible. An all-inclusive venue like The Wilds has the versatility to make the day a breeze, no matter the weather. Their team is also a complete delight to work with, every time that I am there I see the staff going above and beyond to make each event personal and joyful for their couples. It’s a true gem of Indiana wedding venues.

Between those two considerations at the start of the wedding process, you’ll be on a path to a wedding that is a true reflection of you two as a couple with an experience to joyfully reflect on in the decades to come!

Vendor Team

Wedding Venue	—	The Wilds Venue
Bar	—	Upland Brewing Co.
Caterer	—	First Class Catering
Wedding Cake	—	Two Sons Cakery
Photography	—	Anna Clark Photo
Videography	—	Winding Road Videography
Decor	—	Ling’s Moment
Musicians	—	The Simple DJ
Wedding Dress Shop	—	Lace Bridal
Wedding Dress + Suit Shop	—	Leon Tailoring Company
Jewelry	—	CelticEternity

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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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Looking for more wedding planning inspiration? We have all that you need right here!

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