Photographer
The rural and the urban collide in this city of contrasts and contradictions. Escape to the beauty of the rolling hills of Monroe County or marvel in the culture and international flare of the Indiana University campus.
Bloomington is like no other city in Indiana: it is a quirky and charming mix of urban and country and the sophisticated and down home. International cafes dot Kirkwood Avenue in close proximity to popular pizza parlors. You can hear a world premier opera being performed down the street from your favorite blues band taking the stage at The Bluebird.
And so with your Bloomington wedding: there is a little bit of something for everyone.
The Indiana University campus is listed as one of the five most beautiful campuses in the nation, according to Thomas Gaines in his book “The Campus as a Work of Art.” That setting translates into beautiful wedding photographs – whether at the famed Rose Wells House (where rumor has it every coed must be kissed), to the iconic Sample Gates to the Musical Arts Center.
The lush, rolling hills of Monroe County were featured in the movie Breaking Away and make a spectacular backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony or reception. The Hoosier National Forest is the only national forest in Indiana and has 200,000 acres ideal for horseback riding, mountain biking or camping.
Know some book lovers? The Lilly Library has one of the largest rare book libraries in the country, with a collection that includes J. M. Barrie’s “Peter Pan” to the typed manuscripts of the Ian Flemings James Bond novels, as well as a 30,000 piece collection of mechanical puzzles.
But don’t be intimidated by the options available to couples tying the knot in Bloomington. Visitbloomington.com has experts who will help you navigate the culture, charm and scope of an IU/Monroe County extravaganza and make sure you don’t plan a wedding the same weekend as a big game or convention. The experts there will also help you gather maps, brochures and baskets for your guests and direct you to the most creative and professional wedding vendors around.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lisa Walker Photography
1501 E. Hillside Drive, Suite 100, Bloomington IN
Lisa is described as creative, hard working, imaginative, playful and punctual. Her photos really capture the essence of Bloomington and Indiana University: for example, couples photographed outside a favorite spot at the Indiana Memorial Union or in Dunn Meadow.
Eric Rudd Photography
1810 Longwood Court E., Bloomington IN
Eric has been photographing weddings for about seven years and is one of those photographers who still uses 35mm film, although he mixes it up with digital and medium format. His style is a blend of editorial and photojournalistic.
KLM Photography
Keri Malinowski founded her studio in the Seattle area. She loves doing destination weddings because of the photographic diversity such weddings provide. Her motto: “we always strive to give you art, to put you in the art, and let you love it forever.” She feels that the photographer sets the tone for the day.
Hershey Photography
This stylish photographer approaches wedding photography the way she approaches her fine art – by creating a feeling of beauty, moment and place. She wants to find the “in-between moment” that will always make you remember your wedding day. She doesn’t depend on photo tricks or toning but uses her eye and style to create something that pushes the envelope.
CATERERS
KRC Event Planning
216 S. College Avenue, Bloomington IN
Truffled egg noodles with herb butter and shaved asiago, Bourbon glazed pork roast with peaches, champagne or coconut cream cake or Kilroy’s famous breadsticks. The food speaks for itself at this event venue, catering company, bakery and event-planning business.
FARMbloomington
108 E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington IN
Chef Daniel Orr brings his down to earth restaurant philosophy to weddings. His catered events are termed “down on the farm with Hoosier hospitality.” A chef who has gotten rave reviews from the New York Times, Bon Appetite and Midwest Living, he takes Indiana produce to a whole new level.
FLORAL
artful blooms
This floral design studio created arrangements for His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama on one of his visits to Bloomington. The bouquets are transient works of art-custom creations setting a mood that reflects the personality of the bride. A quote on the website sums it up: “When you take a flower in your hand and really look at it, it becomes your world for a moment” (Georgia O’Keefe).
Cathy Teeters Beautiful Weddings & Design Studio
With 30 years experience, Cathy Teeters knows weddings and she knows flowers. In her blog, she admits loving fall weddings and all the unusual combinations it offers. Imagine a harvest bouquet of dahlias, roses, freesia, seeded Eucalyptus and wheat. And, if you’ve always wanted to know the basics of floral design, she does seminars too. Cathy also runs an event planning business.
Harvest Moon Flower Farm
Harvest Moon Flower Farm sees that your wedding flowers are picked the day before your wedding. Located outside of Spencer, 20 minutes from Bloomington, Harvest Moon is known for lush, casual bouquets. And designers also dry arrangements afterwards so you can adore your bouquet forever.
VENUES
Indiana Memorial Union
900 E. 7th Street, Bloomington IN
This is the spot for any true cream and crimson IU bride and groom – and for any bride and groom for that matter! Complete with the beautiful Alumni Hall ballroom and terrace, the elegant Tudor Room restaurant, a secret garden and specialty cakes, the IMU literally has it all. The 1931 limestone structure boasts 500,000 square feet and is touted as one of the largest students unions in the world – yet with its antiques, art, fireplaces, grand pianos and architectural details, it feels like the most intimate place you could choose
for your celebration.
The Showers Inn
430 N. Washington Street, Bloomington IN
Wouldn’t a wedding in an historic home be just loverly? In the center of Bloomington near the Indiana University campus, this renovated inn has 12 gorgeous guestrooms, fireplaces and jet tubs.
Bloomington/Monroe County Convention Center
302 S. College Avenue, Bloomington IN
Located in the heart of the downtown near shops, restaurants, museums and live music spots, this venue was renovated in 2012 with ultra modern additions. It was built originally in 1923 as a Model T Assembly plant and showroom. The space offers complimentary rehearsal dinners with reception rental.
Deer Park Manor Weddings & Events
1501 E. Hillside Drive, Bloomington IN
Presidents Richard Nixon and Dwight Eisenhower were guests at this secluded private retreat built by Sarkes Tarzian, an inventor of color television components. There are gardens, terraces, a central fountain, private rooms, and other options for your wedding day. Did we mention there’s a penthouse?
Sycamore Farm
1720 W. That Road, Bloomington IN
This farm dating back to the 1800s grazes Standardbred horses known for harness racing and having a great disposition. The property, just 10 minutes from town, has two barns, a covered dance floor and a charming rustic ambiance.
CAKEs
BLU Boy Café & Cakery
112 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington IN
Wedding cakes or cupcakes made in a tiny studio with local eggs, butter and organic vanilla may not sound fancy, but New York-trained pastry chef David Fletcher will make you weep with his delectable creations. Wedding cakes begin at $3 a slice and cake creations can be viewed on their website.
ENTERTAINING
Musical Attractions, IU Jacobs School of Music
Sycamore Hall 246 B, Bloomington IN
Book a talented student musician or musical group from the famed Jacob’s School of Music for your wedding reception. Some of the choices: flute/harp; string quartet; Dixieland band, or the Singing Hoosiers. Musicians’ schedules fill quickly for summer weddings.
HAIR SALONS
MarDon Salon
124 E. Kirkwood, Bloomington IN
This salon is an extension of Les Champs Elysees (see above). This upscale AVEDA-concept salon provides high end services for the bride and wedding party. Just a few examples include the Outer Peace Facial and the Balancing Chakra Massage. Brittany specializes in making your hair more art than anything else.
PLANNERS
Ashley Weddings and Events
Morgan Banks has a name that just sounds like a wedding planner! She recently put together an Alice in Wonderland bridal shower at The Scholars Inn that was whimsical and romantic. When working with brides she tries to learn as much about them as possible – their home, their style, their family – and not concentrate as much on their vision of the wedding.
Social Butterfly Wedding Design Studio
116 ½ College Avenue, Suite 16, Bloomington IN
Lauren Olson is the owner of the planning and design business. Her designs are clean, simple, chic and elegant, with a European and New York-inspiration.
I Do Events
4001 E. 3rd Street, Bloomington IN
Lisa Morrison specializes in the multicultural weddings so prevalent in this international/small town. She recently planned a wedding with a bride who dressed in traditional Mongolian attire. Destination weddings are another passion of hers.
Flip Flop Fairy Tale Weddings & Events
1819 Senaca Street, Ellettsville IN
Wedding coordinator and planner Stacy Brown knows the point in every wedding when the bride stops worrying about her hair and makeup and puts on the flip flops to party. That’s what she wants for brides: a fairy tale wedding with a flip flop attitude. She has 20 years experience as an arts administrator and she loves beaches and has collected sand from around the world!
The Little White Dress
Ashley Fleming has started a new planning business to help brides navigate the myriad details of creating a wedding. Born and raised in Bloomington, she said her “true townie” status provides her with insight into all the best venues and vendors. She’s inspired by design, good food, wellness and relationships. She runs in triathlons and marathons to keep up with all her brides.
BRIDAL
Andrew Davis Menswear
Kirkwood on the Square at Fountain Square Mall, 101 W. Kirkwood, Ste. 119, Bloomington IN
This upscale, independent, downtown clothing shop for men offers tuxedos, suits and custom suits. It compares itself to an “old-time haberdashery” and provides a personal touch not often found in our hectic 2013 world. For instance, a Saturday delivery of tuxes is not uncommon. The store has a fully-stocked fridge full of myriad beverages and employees love seeing IU groomsmen reconnect in their shop the Friday before a Bloomington wedding.
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