The Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens in Fishers Wedding

Bride and Groom Q&A: I (Tony) proposed to Rachel in our backyard over a very normal peanut butter and jelly sandwich dinner. I asked if she wanted to eat PBJs with me for the rest of her life and she said, “Yes!” We started our engagement in this humble but intimate way and wanted our wedding to have a similar style – casual, romantic, and real.

We chose the Historic Ambassador House and Heritage Gardens in Fishers, Indiana for our wedding. I work for the Town of Fishers and knew that this beautiful venue would be perfect. The house was built in the 1800s and is surrounded by flower gardens and a park. We chose July 13, 2013 because we both love the sunshine and warmth that summer brings. All of the decor, including the flowers, candles, and so on, were champagne or blush/peach colored to go along with our goal of creating a romantic, intimate ambience. The bright colors of the surrounding gardens provided a colorful backdrop to the soft colors and style of the decor. We both enjoy the outdoors, so the style of the grounds including the gardens, the park, stone house, etc. reflected natural elements but also in a romantic environment. During the ceremony, we poured soil from our respective family’s homes into a pot with a tulip tree – this is our unity tree. We planted the tree the Saturday after the wedding (July 20) in the park as a sign of our oneness, continuing growth as a couple, and a symbol of what we hope will be a larger “family tree” in the future.

The day of the wedding, I arrived to the Ambassador House around Noon and made myself productive to fight any hint of nervousness. I spent the afternoon with my brother and best man Zac Elliot and good friend Greg Bodie. We set up chairs, tables, and stocked the bar. We got ready around 3:00pm for family photos and hung out visiting family and friends until the ceremony at 5:30. From my view, the day was incredible. The ceremony was wonderful and I struggle to identify my favorite moment because truly every part of it was powerful and incredible. The reception was also great and Rachel and I both enjoyed having time to really talk with each and every guest. One of our favorite memories is that nearly everyone let loose, danced, and enjoyed the celebration. My 80+ year old grandmother Joan spent some time on the dance floor and our friends demonstrated some jovial antics not seen since college at IU Bloomington. During the ceremony, we invited everyone out for a slow dance to “Gracefully” by Vintage Trouble, which was a really cool moment to celebrate the love in the room. At one point, the DJ played “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen, which was a great choice considering Rachel (and in fact many of the attendees) is a teacher. Overall the night was amazing – One that we will not forget

Funniest Moment: Groom received a champagne bath from closest friends at end of the reception. Karma/payback from spraying beer at all of their weddings.

Favorite Moment (Bride): Stepping out of the house and seeing groom’s face at the altar

Favorite Moment (Groom): First kiss as married couple

First Dance Song: The Mumford & Sons “Not With Haste”

Mother Son & Father Daughter Song: Ivan & Alyosha “Easy to Love”

Vendor Information: Wedding Venue: Historic Ambassador House | Bride Dress Designer: Wtoo Watters | Bridesmaid Dress: Bill Levkoff  | Dresses Purchased (Bride & Matron of Honor): Nancy’s Bridal Boutique | Flowers: Bella’s Blooms | Food: Epicureans |Invitations & Programs: Mallory Hope Design (Etsy) | Hair: Bride |  Makeup: Eyemax |  Wedding Cake: Heather Walsh | Mens Suits: Express | DJ: Josh Wise, Tent, Chairs, etc: A Classic Party Rental | Groom Ring: Simply Wood | Bride RIng: Shane Co. | Groom Shoes: Alfani |Bride Shoes: Vince Camuto | Bride Earrings: Spool 72. | Pastor: Gary Stump “Onward Church”