Sally & Michael’s Timeless Wedding at Ritz Charles | Indianapolis Wedding Photographer
- Cody Bailey
- Sep 3, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 12, 2025
Photographing Sally and Michael’s wedding at Ritz Charles was a perfect example of how thoughtful planning and a strong vendor team can create a day that feels both elegant and relaxed. From my experience photographing weddings at Ritz Charles, I know how seamlessly the spaces flow — which allows couples to stay present while everything unfolds naturally.
As an Indianapolis wedding photographer, I approach days like this with a documentary mindset, focusing on genuine moments while offering calm guidance when needed. Ritz Charles offers the kind of polished, timeless backdrop that allows couples to enjoy their day without worrying about logistics or transitions.
Photographed by Cody Bailey, owner of Rogue Image Photo — an Indianapolis wedding photographer with over 450 weddings photographed across Indiana, specializing in clean, crisp, documentary-style storytelling.
This past weekend, I had the joy of photographing Sally and Michael’s wedding at Ritz Charles. Their day was the perfect mix of heartfelt personal touches, family-centered details, and a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. In this blog, I’ll share their story, highlight the unforgettable moments from their wedding day, and give you my insider perspective on why Ritz Charles is such a fantastic choice for Indianapolis couples.
Sally & Michael’s Love Story
Sally and Michael’s story began on the West Coast during orientation for their graduate chemical engineering program at UC Santa Barbara. They bonded over a shared love of food, hiking, and books, eventually building a life together filled with early morning breakfasts, sunset walks along the bluffs, and a cozy condo at a community called Eucalyptus Grove.
When their careers brought them to Indianapolis, they made the move together and soon after, Michael proposed. To honor their California memories, they incorporated eucalyptus leaves into their florals and décor — a beautiful detail that connected their past with their present.
A Romantic Wedding Day at Ritz Charles
A Calming First Look
Wedding days can be busy and emotional, and for Sally and Michael, their first look was a highlight. In their words, seeing each other instantly brought calm and confidence. That quiet, private moment grounded them and prepared them for the joy-filled day ahead.
During portrait time, my focus is always on creating space for couples to simply enjoy being together. Having photographed weddings at Ritz Charles before, I’m able to quickly guide couples to the areas with the best light and cleanest backgrounds, allowing portraits to feel effortless while still fitting naturally into the flow of the day.
Ceremony in the Chapel
Their ceremony took place in the Ritz Charles Chapel, one of the most beloved spaces at the venue. With custom vows exchanged at the altar, Sally walked down the aisle in her custom dress (sourced from China), carrying a bouquet designed by her mother. Michael’s personal touch? Indy Car cufflinks — a subtle nod to their new home in Indianapolis. The chapel provided the perfect backdrop for these intimate, meaningful moments.
Reception in the Ballroom
Following their ceremony, guests transitioned into the Ritz Charles Ballroom for a lively reception. Because Sally and Michael chose to do their first look and complete portraits earlier in the day, they were able to fully enjoy cocktail hour with their friends and family — a decision they cherished. The ballroom’s elegant design set the stage for heartfelt toasts, dancing, and a night of celebration.
Photographer Insight: What Couples Should Know
Ritz Charles is a venue that truly shines when the day is thoughtfully paced. From my experience photographing weddings here, I’ve learned that the flow between spaces is one of its biggest strengths — everything feels intentional, elegant, and easy for couples and guests alike.
One of the benefits of a Ritz Charles wedding is the flexibility the venue offers. Whether portraits take place indoors or outdoors, there are clean, timeless backdrops that work beautifully in any season. This allows couples to stay present and relaxed, knowing there are always great options regardless of weather or timing.
For couples planning a wedding at Ritz Charles, I always recommend building in intentional portrait time and trusting your photographer to guide you through the spaces that photograph best throughout the day. That balance of preparation and flexibility is what allows the wedding to feel effortless while still creating meaningful, natural images.
Favorite Wedding Day Memories
One of the standout memories from their day came when Sally’s mom, Ling Ling, handed her daughter the bouquet she had designed herself. That quiet, emotional gesture became one of the most beautiful moments of the morning.
Another highlight? The cocktail hour. Too often, couples miss this time because photos take longer than expected. Thanks to thoughtful planning and the first look, Sally and Michael mingled with their guests and enjoyed the energy of their party from the very beginning.
Of course, no wedding day is without a hiccup or two. Sally joked that her veil wasn’t secured tightly enough, which made for a funny memory. Their advice to other couples? Don’t try to overcomplicate things — simple and intentional decisions make the day smoother and more meaningful.
Why Choose Ritz Charles? Insights from a Ritz Charles Wedding Photographer
One of the advantages of photographing a Ritz Charles wedding is understanding how the timeline and spaces work together. From my past weddings here, I know when to lean into the interior spaces and when to take advantage of outdoor portraits, which keeps the day moving smoothly without pulling couples away from their guests for long stretches of time.
As a wedding photographer, I can’t say enough good things about Ritz Charles. It’s consistently one of the best wedding venues in Indianapolis for a reason. Here’s why:
Versatility: Whether you’re drawn to the intimate Chapel, the airy Garden Pavilion, or the grand Ballroom, Ritz Charles offers a variety of spaces to fit your vision.
Immaculate Grounds: The gardens and lawns are beautifully maintained year-round, creating endless opportunities for portraits. Even with three weddings happening on the property the same day, Sally and Michael still found quiet, private areas for photos.
Top-Tier Service: From catering to coordination, the Ritz Charles team is known for professionalism and hospitality. Couples can relax knowing their guests will be well taken care of.
Central Location: Conveniently located in Carmel, it’s an accessible venue for Indianapolis couples and out-of-town guests alike.
Insider Tips for Couples
How a Ritz Charles Wedding Photographer Helps Capture Every Moment
Over the years, I’ve photographed dozens of weddings at Ritz Charles, and I’ve picked up insights that make the experience even better:
Plan for Multiple Weddings: During peak season (May–October), it’s common for multiple events to take place on-site. While this never detracts from the experience, it’s worth considering when planning your timeline and guest flow.
Do a First Look: This not only calms nerves but also allows you to finish most portraits early, so you can enjoy cocktail hour and connect with your guests.
Portrait Locations: Some of my favorite spots include the Chapel’s architecture, the landscaped grounds, and the Ballroom’s elegant interiors. Working with a photographer who knows these locations well ensures no moment is missed.
Keep It Simple: As Sally and Michael’s advice suggests, don’t overdo the schedule or details. Ritz Charles is naturally beautiful, so leaning into its strengths will keep your day stress-free.
Sally & Michael’s Review of Rogue Image Photo
Sally and Michael shared these kind words after their wedding:
“We had a fantastic experience! Cody did a great job making us feel comfortable with the camera and giving us detailed instructions on how to pose, move, etc. He had experience with our venue (Ritz Charles) and picked out some great photo spots. He got us our sneak peeks back the Monday after our Saturday wedding and we loved how they turned out! Throughout the entire process, Cody was professional and knowledgeable, and we felt at ease knowing that our photos were in good hands. We highly recommend him.”
Hearing from couples like Sally and Michael is always humbling — and it’s a big part of why I love this work.
Ritz Charles Wedding Vendor Team
Venue: Ritz Charles
DJ & Videography: Complete Weddings
Makeup & Hair: Flawless Hair and Makeup
Florals: Created by Sally’s mom, Ling Ling
Planning Your Wedding at Ritz Charles
If you’re considering Ritz Charles for your wedding day, here are a few final pieces of advice:
Leverage the Spaces: Ceremony in the Chapel, reception in the Ballroom, and photos on the grounds give you a seamless flow.
Work with Experienced Vendors: Partner with professionals who know the venue well to make transitions effortless.
Personalize Your Day: Just like Sally and Michael tied in eucalyptus leaves and family florals, find ways to weave your story into the details.
Ready to Book Your Ritz Charles Wedding Photographer?
Planning a Ritz Charles wedding and searching for wedding photography in Indianapolis that feels natural, emotional, and true to your story? With over 450 weddings photographed across Indiana, Rogue Image Photo specializes in documentary style photography that allows you to stay present while every meaningful moment is thoughtfully captured.
If you’re getting married at Ritz Charles or another Indianapolis wedding venue and want a photographer who brings experience, calm guidance, and a storytelling approach to your day, I’d love to connect. You can explore more real wedding stories on the Weddings page or reach out through the Contact page to start the conversation.
Your wedding day deserves to be documented with care, expertise, and storytelling that feels authentic to you. As an Indianapolis wedding photographer with extensive experience at Ritz Charles, I’d love to help you plan your photography in a way that’s stress-free and joy-filled.
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If Ritz Charles is where your love story will unfold, I’d be honored to capture every moment.
