Laurel Hall Wedding | Joshua & Hunter’s Elegant Celebration
- Cody Bailey
- Sep 4
- 6 min read
When couples dream of an elegant Indianapolis wedding venue, Laurel Hall consistently tops the list. With its historic architecture, sweeping gardens, and timeless atmosphere, Laurel Hall offers a backdrop that feels equal parts regal and inviting. As a Laurel Hall wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless weddings here, and each one highlights just how versatile—and breathtaking—this venue can be.
Joshua & Hunter’s recent Laurel Hall wedding is a perfect example of how couples can embrace the natural beauty of the estate while layering in personal touches that make their day completely unique. Their story is one of love, laughter, and a stunning black-and-white celebration that fit seamlessly into the charm of Laurel Hall.
Why Laurel Hall is the Perfect Venue for Your Wedding
When it comes to Indianapolis wedding venues, Laurel Hall is unmatched in character and versatility. Built in 1916, the mansion was originally a private residence before becoming the crown jewel for weddings and private events. Its blend of historic elegance and modern amenities makes it an ideal choice for couples seeking a venue that feels timeless.
Here are a few reasons why so many couples—including Joshua & Hunter—choose Laurel Hall:
Multiple Ceremony Locations: Whether you envision an outdoor ceremony on the terrace or in the gardens, or a more intimate indoor gathering in the solarium or chapel, Laurel Hall offers flexible options.
Architectural Grandeur: From the grand staircase to the stone exterior and detailed woodwork inside, every angle of the property is a photographer’s dream.
Natural Light: Huge windows flood the space with light, making it an excellent choice for both portraits and ceremonies.
Intimate Yet Spacious: Laurel Hall balances a sense of grandeur with the intimacy couples often seek.
Joshua & Hunter leveraged these strengths beautifully, creating a day that was equal parts personal and unforgettable.
Joshua & Hunter’s Laurel Hall Wedding Story
Joshua and Hunter’s love story began online—a simple beginning that quickly blossomed into something much bigger. “We quickly became inseparable,” they shared, laughing about how on their very first night together Josh thought Hunter’s apartment would be bare and was maybe more excited to meet his dog than him.
Their proposal story is one for the books. While on a trip to Puerto Rico with friends, Hunter arranged for a photo shoot in Old San Juan. He told Josh it was just a way to capture some nice photos since they didn’t have many. But hidden behind that plan was something much more meaningful: a surprise proposal. Before he got down on one knee, Hunter texted his parents to share that he was bisexual and with Josh—something he wanted them to know before taking this step. He admitted he wanted to throw his phone in the ocean after hitting send, but the moment that followed was filled with love, laughter, and tears as Josh said yes.
When it came time to choose a wedding venue, Laurel Hall felt like the obvious choice. Not only was it the headquarters of Hunter’s fraternity, but it also perfectly matched the elegant, upscale vibe they wanted for their wedding.
Ceremony at Laurel Hall
Joshua & Hunter chose to hold their ceremony at one of Laurel Hall’s most breathtaking spots: the base of the stone staircase in the back garden. With the mansion itself as their backdrop, there was no need for an arch or elaborate setup—just the timeless beauty of Laurel Hall.
Their ceremony was deeply personal. Instead of traditional vows, they exchanged their favorite memories of one another. This creative choice had everyone in tears (myself included). As a photographer, these are the kinds of moments I live for—the ones that can’t be staged but instead unfold naturally when couples make their day their own.
And if there’s one thing worth noting: the weather was absolutely perfect. Sunny skies, a light breeze, and warm temperatures created one of the most flawless days I’ve ever experienced at Laurel Hall.
Reception Styling & Expert Advice for Laurel Hall Couples
Laurel Hall’s greatest strength as a venue is that it doesn’t require heavy decoration. The architecture and historic detail do most of the work for you, so often the smartest choice is a “less is more” approach. That’s exactly what Joshua & Hunter embraced.
Their black-and-white themed reception was a masterclass in minimalism:
Guests all dressed in black or white.
The grooms changed jackets from black to white to mark the transition from ceremony to celebration.
Candles and vases with single white flowers lined the tables.
Pops of greenery softened the clean palette.
Instead of large floral centerpieces, each table had individual cakes serving double duty as both décor and dessert.
These intentional choices highlighted Laurel Hall’s charm without overpowering it. For future couples planning their wedding here, my best advice is this: trust the venue. You don’t need to cover its beauty—you just need to enhance it with simple, elegant touches.
Personal Touches That Made the Day Unique
What set Joshua & Hunter’s wedding apart was how personal they made it. Joshua works for Bath & Body Works, and one of their favorite scents—Mahogany Teakwood—was placed throughout Laurel Hall. Each guest also received a candle to take home, creating a sensory experience that connected people to the couple’s life together.
This detail, though simple, elevated the day in a way guests will always remember. It’s a perfect example of how personal touches can transform your wedding from “beautiful” to “unforgettable.”
The Vendor Team Who Made It Possible
A Laurel Hall wedding is always the product of collaboration with a strong vendor team. Here are the professionals who helped Joshua & Hunter bring their vision to life:
Coordinator: Luva Events
Suits: Generation Tux
Catering: Jacquie’s Catering
Cake: Hawkins Miller Bakery (Ashland, OH)
Transportation: Royal Transportation
Jeweler: Edward Warren
Venue: Laurel Hall
When paired with a venue as strong as Laurel Hall, the right vendors help create a seamless, memorable celebration.
Advice for Future Couples from Joshua & Hunter
When asked what advice they’d share with other couples, Joshua & Hunter said:
“Do whatever makes you happy and adds personality. The vendors are there to help you and make your day unique. The small touches of personality will make your day feel like you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and opinions.”
This perspective perfectly captures what makes weddings like theirs so special. Laurel Hall provides the canvas, but it’s the personal touches that create the masterpiece.
Working With Rogue Image Photo at Laurel Hall
From Joshua & Hunter:
“Cody was a great communicator and fun to be with. Made the whole process worthwhile. Cody and Allie were awesome because they fit into our vibe. They felt like guests and just matched the energy. It made the day seamless and overall more fun.”
As a photographer, my goal is always to blend into the day so couples feel comfortable, supported, and celebrated. At a venue like Laurel Hall, that means knowing the best spots for portraits, how the light shifts throughout the day, and how to maximize the elegance of each space without disrupting the flow of events.
If you’re looking for a Laurel Hall wedding photographer, choosing someone who knows the venue inside and out is one of the smartest decisions you can make.
Planning Your Own Laurel Hall Wedding
If you’re considering Laurel Hall for your Indianapolis wedding, here are some expert tips:
Best Seasons: Spring and fall bring the gardens to life, while winter offers cozy solarium ceremonies.
Ceremony Locations: The outdoor staircase, the solarium, and the chapel are all excellent choices.
Décor: Minimalist design enhances Laurel Hall’s natural beauty. Candles, greenery, and intentional pops of color always photograph beautifully.
Vendors: Work with experienced Indianapolis vendors who understand the flow of this venue.
Most importantly, make it personal. Laurel Hall’s history and charm will give you a stunning foundation, but it’s your story and your details that will make it unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Joshua & Hunter’s Laurel Hall wedding wasn’t just a celebration of love—it was a masterclass in how to pair timeless elegance with personal details. From their black-and-white theme to their candlelit reception, every choice felt intentional and true to who they are as a couple.
As an Indianapolis wedding photographer, I can confidently say that Laurel Hall remains one of the most versatile and breathtaking venues in the city. If you’re planning your own Laurel Hall wedding, I’d love to help you capture every timeless, emotional, and joyful moment.
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