Columbia Club Wedding Photographer: Liz & Nathan’s Timeless Downtown Indianapolis Celebration
- Cody Bailey
- Nov 17
- 5 min read
There are some weddings that stand out because of the emotion, others because of the location, and then there are weddings like Liz & Nathan’s November 15th celebration at the Columbia Club — where both come together seamlessly. As a Columbia Club Wedding Photographer who loves documenting love stories in the heart of downtown Indianapolis, this day captured everything we adore about this historic venue: its character, its rich history, its dramatic photo locations, and the intimate way it brings people together.
The Columbia Club sits directly on Monument Circle, giving couples the perfect blend of luxury, tradition, and downtown energy — and for Liz & Nathan, it was the ideal backdrop for a day full of love, storytelling, and connection.
A Ceremony Filled With Heart: Personal Stories, Friendship, and Meaning
One of the most memorable parts of Liz & Nathan’s wedding wasn’t just the vows — it was who stood alongside them and the deeply personal moments their friends shared.
Instead of a traditional ceremony, their closest friends played active roles in telling the couple’s story. Some shared heartfelt memories. Others added moments of humor. And their dear friend Daniel officiated, delivering a ceremony that felt uniquely them — warm, intimate, and woven with threads of the life they’ve built together.
These personalized ceremony details are becoming more common in modern Indiana weddings, and when done well — as they were here — they not only reflect the couple but create a shared emotional experience for every guest in the room.
Planning Tip: Why Ceremony Timing Matters During Daylight Savings
Liz & Nathan chose not to do a first look — a trend that continues to be popular among Indiana weddings. Instead, they preserved the tradition of seeing each other for the first time during the ceremony.
Because their ceremony began at 3:30 p.m., we were still able to take advantage of the natural daylight afterward. This is the key takeaway for couples planning a fall or winter wedding in Indiana:
👉 If your wedding takes place during daylight savings time (November–March), schedule your ceremony earlier so you still have natural light for photos after.
This small planning detail ensures your portraits still receive that signature “clean + crisp + timeless” glow that natural daylight provides — a foundational part of the Rogue Image Photo style.
Getting Ready in the Presidential Suite: Natural Light + Clean Spaces
Liz spent the morning in the Columbia Club’s Presidential Suite — one of our favorite spaces for getting ready photos. The suite has:
Room for hair and makeup without crowding
Clean corners perfect for dressing
Window light that flatters every skin tone
Enough space to keep the room feeling peaceful
Bridal prep is never just about logistics; it’s about emotion. As a Columbia Club Wedding Photographer, we love how this suite allows us to preserve those subtle, quiet moments — a mom adjusting a veil, bridesmaids helping with buttons, handwritten vows carefully tucked away. It’s clean, timeless, and elegant in every way.
Iconic Columbia Club Photo Locations Every Couple Should Use
As a Downtown Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, we consider the Columbia Club one of the most photogenic historic venues in the city — and Liz & Nathan took full advantage of its best locations:
The Third Floor Windows (Elite Tier Photo Spots)
These windows are truly breathtaking — tall, dramatic, and filled with soft, flattering natural light that streams in just perfectly. They provide editorial portraits without feeling posed or overproduced.
The Main Staircase
Classic, elegant, and deeply “Columbia Club.” The clean lines, the architectural details, and the sweeping descent make it ideal for:
Couple portraits
Bridal moments
Wedding party groupings
First-look alternatives (when applicable)
The Lobby & Window Seating
Warm tones mixed with sweeping windows offer a cinematic, old-world charm that truly elevates the visual storytelling of the day.
Monument Circle
Being steps from Monument Circle is one of the biggest perks of getting married at the Columbia Club. Even without a first look, we were still able to head outside during daylight for:
Candid walking portraits
Epic skyline compositions
Editorial moments with the circle’s architecture
Downtown Indy’s energy and movement
These locations allow couples to experience both the historic interior and the metropolitan exterior for a full downtown Indianapolis wedding experience.
Lighting Challenges at the Columbia Club — and How We Solve Them
If you’ve been inside the Columbia Club, you know this already: The lighting changes from room to room — dramatically.
You’ll encounter:
Gorgeous natural light
Warm incandescent lamps
Cool overhead lighting
Mixed-tone environments
Bright ceremony spaces and dark reception corners
As a seasoned Columbia Club Wedding Photographer, this is where expertise matters. Our approach is simple:
We use flash sparingly but intentionally
We adjust white balance constantly
We lean into natural light whenever possible
We create consistency in-camera rather than relying on editing
We keep skin tones natural and true-to-life, even in mixed lighting
The result? Photos that feel real, vibrant, warm, and timeless.
A Reception Full of Joy, Storytelling, and Emotional Moments
Once the sun set and the lights dimmed, guests gathered in the beautifully lit ballroom for a reception full of:
Heartfelt toasts
Big emotions
Bear-hug embraces
Laughter-filled group photos
Elegant dances
High-energy celebration moments
Liz & Nathan’s reception was the perfect showcase of why couples choose the Columbia Club: it’s classic, warm, intimate, and undeniably full of character.
Why We Love Photographing Columbia Club Weddings
As a Downtown Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, here are the top reasons we always say yes to a Columbia Club wedding:
Location: Steps from Monument Circle
Architecture: Historical charm that photographs beautifully
Photo Variety: Both indoor and outdoor options
Timeless Style: Little decoration needed
Flow: Easy transitions between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception
Experience: The staff is polished and incredibly accommodating
It’s truly one of the best venues in Indianapolis for couples who want an elegant, classic, downtown feel.
Planning a Columbia Club Wedding? Here’s What You Should Know
Here are a few insider tips we share with our couples:
Book your ceremony earlier during late fall and winter — you’ll need the daylight.
Use the Third Floor Windows — they’re a must-have for portraits.
Plan 10 extra minutes for Monument Circle photos — the results are always worth it.
Prepare for mixed lighting — hire a photographer familiar with the space (wink!).
Keep your décor minimal — the venue’s natural beauty is enough.
Wedding Vendor Team for Liz & Nathan’s Columbia Club Wedding
Every unforgettable wedding day is made possible by a talented team of professionals. Liz & Nathan’s Columbia Club celebration brought together some truly incredible vendors, and we’re honored to highlight them here.
Jill Pitz — Musician
Paige Grant Hair — Hair Stylist
The Simple DJ — DJ
C Berger Films — Videographer
Lily Lane Flowers — Florist
Daniel Posmik — Officiant (Friend of the couple)
Skin Twin Aesthetics — Makeup Artist
Gwendolyn Lee Cakery — Cake
Gina Langferman — Pianist
Sara’s Goodies — Desserts
Circle City Sweets — Desserts
Just the Two of Us Wedding Services (Bretta Thompson) — Wedding Services
If you’re planning a Columbia Club wedding or searching for a Downtown Indianapolis Wedding Photographer, we’d love to help bring your vision to life with clean, crisp, timeless photography—no stiff poses, no stress, and no cookie-cutter timelines.
✨ Ready to book your 2026 or 2027 wedding?
View our wedding photography packages, explore our portfolio, or reach out through our contact page to start planning.