Autumn in Blue: WeddingDay’s Exclusive Northern Indiana Cover Shoot

Photos ByKara Hanes Photography

Written By

Date

January 14, 2025

The Vision

For our cover shoot, the talented team at Burns Special Events envisioned a stunning blend of moody, atmospheric beauty that reflected the rich, autumn colors of Northern Indiana. The shoot’s design incorporated layered textures, from plush velvet linens to modern copper accents, to capture the essence of a warm, intimate celebration set against the backdrop of fall’s rich foliage. With carefully chosen florals, soft candlelight and a touch of winter elegance, the goal was to craft a mood that was both romantic and timeless—perfectly embodying the magic of Northern Indiana's fall and winter landscapes.

The Venue

The Gillespie was the perfect venue to bring Burns' elegant fall vision to life. With its versatile layout, The Gillespie offers the unique ability to host the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all in one stunning location, making it ideal for a seamless event experience. The venue's neutral tones and elegant design created a beautiful backdrop that allowed the rich fall colors to truly pop, enhancing the seasonal palette and bringing the overall vision to life. We love how its elegant yet approachable setting makes it the ideal venue to host a wedding or celebration of any style! And the outdoor ceremony area and pre-reception space were perfect for Meg Rodgers, Harpist to serenade our happy couple!

The Florals

For the florals, Burns Special Events opted for a beautiful mix of earthy brown and burgundy tones, paired with brighter peach and blush blooms to add a touch of warmth and contrast to the shoot. The rich hues were balanced by the soft, romantic presence of white dahlias, which are especially popular during the fall season. This combination of deep, autumnal colors with the fresh, delicate tones created a stunning, seasonal arrangement that perfectly complemented the moody yet inviting vibe of our shoot!

The Decor

The team at Burns blended playful and sophisticated elements to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Navy velvet furniture and luxurious velvet linens brought in rich, cozy textures, while the delicate scalloped plates added the perfect feminine detail. The table lamps, which have been trending recently, were incorporated to bring a cozy, intimate vibe, elevating the overall tablescape. To enhance the moodier fall aesthetic, copper accents and navy tones were thoughtfully woven throughout the design, tying in beautifully with the seasonal palette and popular blue patterns of the year. The result was a refined yet approachable look, perfectly suited for a fall celebration. One of our favorite details were the customizable photo box which added a fun touch and the custom, oversized seating chart!

The Looks

There couldn’t have been a more perfect dress for this cover shoot! This beautiful gown from JJ's House was elegant and classic, making it the best of both worlds. The all-over lace pattern and long sleeves gave it a timeless feel, while the cathedral veil brought in the drama! As for hair and makeup, Burns gave creative freedom to the talented team at The Mane Bridal. To match the vibe of the shoot, our model's hair was styled in an elegant, yet relaxed updo with natural makeup to accentuate her beauty. Our groom looked dapper in his navy blue tuxedo from SuitShop, complementing the color palette perfectly!

The Cake & Catering

The cake from Sweet-Em's Cake Shoppe was a beautiful three tiered white creation with an elegant design and delicate gold accents adorning the top two levels. We love the abundance of florals and candles surrounding the cake table, and the use of copper and gold elements as well as the navy linen backdrop pulled in the color palette perfectly. Another unique addition to our shoot was the catering provided by the talented chefs at The Gillespie. Some of our favorites included the chicken and waffle skewers and mini tacos!