Modern Rustic Wedding at The Kennedy Estate | Lizton Wedding Photographer
- Cody Bailey
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read

A Wedding Day That Let the People Shine

When it comes to weddings that balance fun, simplicity, and elegance, Katie & Jared’s celebration at The Kennedy Estate in Lizton, Indiana, hit every mark. As the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith, these two leaned into what mattered most: time with their favorite people, plenty of laughs, and portraits that captured who they are—wind and all.

The couple shared, “We met in December 2022 and immediately knew we found something special in one another. We knew we had found our person just after 2 or 3 dates, and then in March 2024, we said yes to forever.” That sense of joy and ease was woven through every part of their wedding day—from emotional first looks to a choreographed first dance that left the crowd cheering.
Tower Views & Timeless Bridal Portraits

One of the hidden gems at The Kennedy Estate is the tower space overlooking the grounds. Before the ceremony, we made time to sneak Katie away for a few quiet moments and bridal portraits in the tower—a moment of stillness and beauty that felt like something out of a storybook.
With soft light streaming through the windows and her veil catching just the right breeze through the open frame, these images captured her grace, excitement, and the calm before the day unfolded. The view from the tower gives a unique vantage point of the estate and is the perfect place for timeless, editorial bridal portraits.
If you’re planning a wedding here, definitely carve out 10–15 minutes to take advantage of this tucked-away space. It’s quiet, romantic, and makes for unforgettable images.
The Kennedy Estate: A Barn Wedding Done Right

Located just west of Indianapolis, The Kennedy Estate is a dream setting for couples wanting a rustic yet elevated barn venue. This isn’t your typical repurposed barn—it's a purpose-built event space designed with weddings in mind, featuring tall ceilings, white draping, and a stunning outdoor ceremony space that’s perfect for spring and summer celebrations.

Couples planning a modern rustic wedding in Indiana will love the balance of comfort and style. As Katie & Jared’s photographer, I’ve seen how this venue supports stunning portraits, meaningful moments, and smooth timelines—especially when the weather cooperates.
Wind, Weather & Wedding Portraits
Let’s talk about the wind. 30 mph gusts and early May temperatures made for a brisk day, but Katie & Jared handled it all with grace (and humor!). As photographers, we made a quick suggestion just before the ceremony—switching sides so Katie’s hair wouldn’t blow in her face the entire time. It’s those small adjustments that can make a huge difference in both comfort and the final gallery.

And speaking of the gallery—Katie said it best:“Cody got us hundreds of sneak peeks within 24 hours of our day, allowing us to continue to soak it in for the remainder of the weekend.”
Gray skies actually created soft, even light—perfect for capturing skin tones and natural emotion. And the wind? It brought some of the most genuine, candid wedding photos of the year.

Personal Details & Candid Joy

With 16 wedding party members, 3 junior bridesmaids, 2 flower girls, and a ring bearer, there was no shortage of energy or excitement. But what stood out most was how the couple kept their focus on the people—not the decor, not the timelines, not the “shoulds.”

Rather than overloading the day with details, Katie & Jared kept things real and intentional. And it paid off. One of the most meaningful parts of the day? Their first dance, choreographed by one of the bridesmaids.

Planning Tips for Your Wedding at The Kennedy Estate

If you're considering this venue for your own wedding, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Ask about the wind. Seriously. Know where it usually comes from and plan your ceremony layout accordingly.
Embrace the outdoors. The real star here is the property. From the swing, gravel driveway, caboose, and back deck, there are endless photo ops.
Prepare for Indiana weather. Even May can be cold! Bring hand warmers or light blankets for guests if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony.
Use the barn’s interior sparingly. It’s beautiful—but when the sun’s out, the natural light on the lawn is unbeatable.
Katie & Jared’s Advice for Couples

When we asked the couple what they’d tell others planning their own weddings, they didn’t hesitate:
“The day is too short to be nervous. Breathe, focus on each other, and soak in every second of your day. Choose experienced vendors who can help answer your questions and guide you throughout the day (like Rogue Images Photography). They will make your day a breeze.”
Client Spotlight: A Photographer, Friend, and Coordinator All in One

We’re so grateful for Katie & Jared’s kind words—it’s the kind of testimonial that means the world to a small business like ours:
“Cody was the unsung hero of our wedding. Not only was he incredibly helpful the day of—basically running the show—he had the BEST recommendations leading up to the wedding too: timeline, bridal necessities, DJ recommendations, etc. If we had a question about something, he had an answer or recommendation, which we appreciated.”

“My husband, Jared, said it best when he said having Cody was like having a photographer, additional coordinator, and friend all in one person. We had the best time with him on the wedding day and will use him as our lifelong photographer for all of life's moments.”— Katie S.
The Vendor Team Who Made It All Happen

Dress – Marie Gabriel Bridal
Suits – Generation Tux
Cake – Nosh Dessert Parlor
Catering – City Barbeque
Florals – The Archivist
DJ – DJ Connection
Makeup – Starrs Esthetics
Hair – Alexa Huff
Related Reads & Helpful Links

View our full wedding portfolio
Explore more celebrations on our wedding blog
Learn about wedding pricing & packages
See another elegant barn celebration at The Sixpence
Planning tools & inspiration:
Wed Society Indianapolis
Planning Your Wedding? Let’s Make It Unforgettable

Whether you're planning your own wedding at The Kennedy Estate or looking for a Lizton wedding photographer who focuses on real, candid moments—we’d love to help.
👉 Contact us here and let’s create something meaningful together.
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