One of my favorite things about being a photographer is getting a chance to collaborate and work with and meet amazing vendors that overlap into my world. Indianapolis has an AMAZING community of wedding and event vendors, and I’m not sure about other locations, but the sense of community over competition here is really profound.
When I first started out, I was so nervous about feeling like I belonged or felt like I could fit in – would I find a place that felt comfortable with others in the industry I was working to grow into? During one of my first business coaching exercises, my coach told me I had to DM three Indy wedding vendors and ask them for coffee. I was so nervous and felt so uncomfortable, but she told me that the worst that could happen is they say no. Guess what? They didn’t say no! Everyone said yes, and it got me going toward a place of feeling like I could confidently reach out to meet other amazing entrepreneurs and vendors and start networking.
Fast forward a few years, and I now am so grateful for those first, scary steps of reaching out because it’s led me into some amazing connections with Indianapolis wedding and event vendors of all kinds. Networking is so important, collaboration is so beautiful, and most importantly, friendships within a similar industry can be so life-giving, especially this year, as those of us in weddings and events have felt the strain of navigating work during a pandemic.
I say all this, because this year I may have had to put some work on hold or reschedule weddings and sessions, but it’s given me a chance to connect with more vendors, and work and collaborate together on styled shoots. Why do I love styled shoots? I love them because they bring together some really incredible talents in one place, there is freedom to be really creative, and possibly work on styles that vendors have been dreaming about but maybe haven’t gotten the chance to give life to.
Last month, I had the incredible honor of participating in a GORGEOUS styled jewel tone shoot with some amazing local Indy vendors. I’ve gotten to know a few of them better this year, and count them as some industry friends who are easy to talk to, understand the challenges and celebrations we have felt, and who are simply awesome.
Kristin owns Rad Designs & Rentals and recently got the custom Cushman Tap Truck she’ll now be offering as part of her rental services. She is such a warm and lovely person, and has a heart for people. She’s easy to talk to and is one of those authentic types of people who are just real and life-giving. We had coffee in July and we chatted about doing styled shoot to highlight her truck and bring together a few vendors to create a dinner party feel. Kristin offers a variety of amazing rental pieces for events of all kinds, including tablescapes, peacock chairs, velvet furniture, backdrops, and of course the new tap truck.
Angela owns Solstice Floral, and her sweet spirit paired with her incredible talent brings together creations that are natural and free and fit in with whatever piece or location they are complimenting. Angela is warm and personable, listens to her clients and what their vision is, and her work reflects the custom and care-filled approach. She created some amazing floral pieces for the shoot, adding touches to the truck, backdrop, chairs and tables.
Brittany owns Slate of Grace Sign Co. and I first met her at a wedding show a couple years ago. Hand-lettering is a really amazing craft, and I was in awe watching her create the signage for the truck on location. She offers a variety of signage for weddings and events, and her touches were seen on the geode name cards, welcome sign, and tap truck. Her work is able to translate over to whatever sign, seating assignment, menu listing, welcome signage, etc. that you would need for any event. Her personality is bright and engaging, and she brought an incredible element to the shoot.
Thanks to Kassidy, we were able to shoot at the Biltwell Event Center downtown Indy. They have a lovely patio that was the perfect setting for this shoot, and if you’re looking for a wedding or event venue, you won’t be disappointed with their space. Kassidy was so incredible, helping us set up and tear down and was there every step of the evening.
One of our concerns for this shoot was finding a group of models that had already been safely in contact – finding models during a pandemic is slightly different than finding models before this year. Thanks to Kassidy, she secured a group of friends very last minute for us as we hadn’t found anyone who was available, and her own wedding videographer, Chayse Carmichael of Chayse Creates, showed up with a group of ladies to help us out. We were so thankful for these women and their kindness in helping us out!!
Bringing everything together, we created a jewel-tone dinner party inspired evening. There were champagne glasses on the decorated tap truck for a sunset cocktail hour feel, a boho table set up with florals and gemstones, geodes, and gold and jewel tone colored touches. We had peacock chairs, rugs, a vintage drink cart, velvet chairs, plush pillows, a macrame backdrop, dinner wine from the tap truck, and charcuterie boards and mini desserts thanks to MBP Distinctive Catering.
Enjoy the images from this magical night below, and please go check out these amazing vendors and consider them for your next event or wedding celebration. I’m so grateful my paths crossed with every one of them.
-Leah
