Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

Andrew James2 said:I’m looking for some solid recommendations for a wedding photographer who can handle a larger crowd—we’re expecting roughly 300 guests. Ideally, I'd love to find someone located within the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area 😁. Also, does one typically need to book these professionals a full year in advance, or is it possible to secure someone just a few months before the big day? Thanks!

Zoom Studios in Indy,
either Andrew Car or
Mark Šarić—who, if I recall correctly, mostly does solo shooting, but man, his work is incredible...
Honestly, though? You better book ASAP if you want to be safe.

Andrew James2 (No content provided to rewrite.)
I'm looking for some solid recommendations for a wedding photographer—we’re talking a pretty large crowd, probably around 300 people—ideally someone based in the Indianapolis Metropolitan Area or somewhere nearby. Also, quick question on the logistics: do I really need to have everything booked a full year in advance, or is it doable to pull it together just a few months before the big day? 😁 Thanks!

Marin Franov 🙂

Does anyone here have any firsthand experience working with Artis (Helen and Maya)? I’m curious to hear some honest impressions or feedback.

We officially booked them. I’ll be sure to give you the full scoop after we've worked with them for a year. 😁
I actually took a look at their portfolio—and let me tell you, what they have posted on Facebook is just a tiny, microscopic fraction of what they can actually do (honestly, you’re always better off digging through a full professional album to see the real deal). Their eye for detail is incredible—they just have this knack for catching those fleeting, perfect moments!! I even heard nothing but glowing reviews from the newlyweds they shot recently; apparently, they are completely invisible at weddings, yet somehow manage to capture everything perfectly.
The girls are absolutely lovely, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. 🙂

graniteridge6 said:We officially booked them. I’ll be sure to give you the full scoop after we've worked with them for a year. 😁
I actually took a look at their portfolio—and let me tell you, what they have posted on Facebook is just a tiny, microscopic fraction of what they can actually do (honestly, you’re always better off digging through a full professional album to see the real deal). Their eye for detail is incredible—they just have this knack for catching those fleeting, perfect moments!! I even heard nothing but glowing reviews from the newlyweds they shot recently; apparently, they are completely invisible at weddings, yet somehow manage to capture everything perfectly.
The girls are absolutely lovely, so I’m really looking forward to seeing how it all turns out. 🙂

Thanks so much! :-) I’ve already heard quite a bit of buzz about them, so I’m fairly certain they’re going to be our final choice.

Amanda Miller5 said:Does anyone here have any firsthand experience working with Artis (Helen and Maya)? I’m curious to hear some honest impressions or feedback.

Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about the crew over at Artis. We ended up booking them last minute—like, our wedding was less than two weeks away—and even then, they were incredible. 🙂Looking back at the albums they put together, everything is just flawless. I also happened to be a groomsman at a wedding where they were the photographers, and I have to tell you, their vibe with the couple was spot on. They are true professionals who actually put in the work; they don't just show up, they really listen and nail exactly what you discussed during the planning stages.

And who do you end up hiring for videography when working with Artis—since they mainly focus on photography?

Did they happen to recommend someone to you, or did you have to hunt for a videographer on your own?

You should probably just suggest one of those cinematographers they usually hire for their projects. 🙂

silentraven18 said:And who do you end up hiring for videography when working with Artis—since they mainly focus on photography?

Did they happen to recommend someone to you, or did you have to hunt for a videographer on your own?

Honestly, I'm leaning toward the idea that we won't even bother with a videographer at all.🤷

silentraven18 said:And who do you end up hiring for videography when working with Artis—since they mainly focus on photography?

Did they happen to recommend someone to you, or did you have to hunt for a videographer on your own?

Do you happen to know who that might be? I wonder if there's a way to actually see some of their footage online. 🤣 😍

That’s pretty much all I know. 😁
His name is Domagoj Rebić—he’ll provide his own portfolio once you get in touch with him. He'll send over some samples showing how things look with just a single camera setup versus a two-camera shoot. 🙂

graniteridge6 said:That’s pretty much all I know. 😁
His name is Domagoj Rebić—he’ll provide his own portfolio once you get in touch with him. He'll send over some samples showing how things look with just a single camera setup versus a two-camera shoot. 🙂

Well, aren't you just the best, haha...

Ooh, just you wait—I might have a few more questions for you later, so I'll have to double-check how much you actually know, heheheh

Give it up for graniteridge6 👏👏🙂

silentraven18 said:Well, aren't you just the best, haha...

Ooh, just you wait—I might have a few more questions for you later, so I'll have to double-check how much you actually know, heheheh

Give it up for graniteridge6 👏👏🙂

😁

Anyway, just ask away if there's anything else on your mind.

graniteridge6 said:😁

Anyway, just ask away if there's anything else on your mind.

Uh, I actually have quite a long list, so if you really insist... 🤣

The wedding and reception will be held in El Paso, so I'm mostly looking for things within the El Paso region—though for renting large tables, I might look anywhere across the Midwest.
If anyone has any recommendations or info, please feel free to drop a reply. Now that you're finally waking up from your slumber... 😂

So, here’s the list:

1. Round tables for rent, about 60-70 inches in diameter, seating 8-10-12 people. I mean actual round banquet tables used in halls, not bar tables.
2. Also some bar tables for at home, and maybe a tent in case it rains during the time we spend at my place.
3. A good caterer for cold appetizers and salads (for greeting guests at home) in the El Paso area—and, of course, someone whose presentation looks lovely.
4. A florist in the El Paso area who knows how to pull off a shabby chic decor style.
5. A photographer and videographer (not the $10,000 type, but nothing too cheap either—just a solid, classic middle-ground option. From what I've found so far, these seem okay: Exitus Productions, Artist, Emina Janković, or Oliver Art Studio)
6. A bakery or pastry shop that does dessert shooters, muffins, and similar treats.
7. Chocolate fountain rental.

I think it’s best to leave this one to someone who actually has first-hand experience—someone who’s been in the trenches, so to speak. 😁
If I happen to stumble upon any relevant info along the way—just a random bit of intel picked up mid-stride—I’ll be sure to post it here. 🙂

silentraven18 said:Uh, I actually have quite a long list, so if you really insist... 🤣

The wedding and reception will be held in El Paso, so I'm mostly looking for things within the El Paso region—though for renting large tables, I might look anywhere across the Midwest.
If anyone has any recommendations or info, please feel free to drop a reply. Now that you're finally waking up from your slumber... 😂

So, here’s the list:

1. Round tables for rent, about 60-70 inches in diameter, seating 8-10-12 people. I mean actual round banquet tables used in halls, not bar tables.
2. Also some bar tables for at home, and maybe a tent in case it rains during the time we spend at my place.
3. A good caterer for cold appetizers and salads (for greeting guests at home) in the El Paso area—and, of course, someone whose presentation looks lovely.
4. A florist in the El Paso area who knows how to pull off a shabby chic decor style.
5. A photographer and videographer (not the $10,000 type, but nothing too cheap either—just a solid, classic middle-ground option. From what I've found so far, these seem okay: Exitus Productions, Artist, Emina Janković, or Oliver Art Studio)
6. A bakery or pastry shop that does dessert shooters, muffins, and similar treats.
7. Chocolate fountain rental.

Regarding the cold appetizers for the welcome, we went with Nutrition (Bulgarian) out of Indianapolis. I've heard nothing but praise for them; they're incredibly punctual and professional. They offer a bunch of different packages at various price points, so honestly, your best bet is to just reach out to them directly and they can email you their menus. When you book catering through them, they usually bundle in things like bar stools (one table per ten guests), servers, glassware, plates, and all that good stuff... Plus, when I spoke with them, they mentioned they handle catering services across the entire Midwest.
As for the flowers, check out the Facebook page for Mosaic Florals; they’ve done some work in that shabby chic style, so see if it matches the vibe you're going for...

Can someone give me some advice? The invitations are finally here—wedding and reception is set for October 26th—so tell me, how early did you guys start sending them out? I was thinking about diving in this Sunday and just knocking a few out every week to get it over with... is it too early to start calling people?

quietcobra52 said:Can someone give me some advice? The invitations are finally here—wedding and reception is set for October 26th—so tell me, how early did you guys start sending them out? I was thinking about diving in this Sunday and just knocking a few out every week to get it over with... is it too early to start calling people?

It really just comes down to how many people are on your guest list, but honestly, you aren't being too early by any means... I'd much rather you call someone a few weeks ahead of schedule than find yourself scrambling at the very last minute. Just dive in and get moving, especially if you've got other things going on; if you wait, you might find one day you're too busy and the next day half your guest list isn't even home.🙂

Grace Kern55 said:Regarding the cold appetizers for the welcome, we went with Nutrition (Bulgarian) out of Indianapolis. I've heard nothing but praise for them; they're incredibly punctual and professional. They offer a bunch of different packages at various price points, so honestly, your best bet is to just reach out to them directly and they can email you their menus. When you book catering through them, they usually bundle in things like bar stools (one table per ten guests), servers, glassware, plates, and all that good stuff... Plus, when I spoke with them, they mentioned they handle catering services across the entire Midwest.
As for the flowers, check out the Facebook page for Mosaic Florals; they’ve done some work in that shabby chic style, so see if it matches the vibe you're going for...

Thanks 😍 so much
!

quietcobra52 said:Can someone give me some advice? The invitations are finally here—wedding and reception is set for October 26th—so tell me, how early did you guys start sending them out? I was thinking about diving in this Sunday and just knocking a few out every week to get it over with... is it too early to start calling people?

Our big day is October 19th, and we actually started handing out invitations two months ago, yet we still haven't finished!
I don't know how many invites you have on your plate, but honestly, it takes forever. It’s like trying to coordinate a massive group project; you spend so much time trying to sync up everyone's schedules, driving to see people, and having those quick little chats—it really eats up your time. We had 120 invitations total, and we still have about 15 left to deliver...