What’s better than one wedding? Two, obviously!
Esme and Nick come from different faith backgrounds—Esme’s family is Jewish, and Nick’s family is Catholic—but they wanted their wedding to honor both religions equally. To do that, they planned a thoughtful, two-day interfaith wedding celebration in Indianapolis. From an intimate Catholic ceremony and dinner reception at the Omni Severin Hotel to a full Jewish wedding at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, the weekend was deeply meaningful and steeped in tradition. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to capture every moment!
You may remember Esme and Nick from their engagement session at the Hilbert Conservatory. The two met while in dental school, and while they share a profession, they also share plenty of passions outside of work. As self-described “huge nerds,” they love hiking, playing video games, and spending time with their cats, Beans and Scrimbleshanks. They also share an appreciation for antiques and historic architecture—one of the many reasons they were instantly drawn to the Scottish Rite Cathedral while venue hunting.
A Catholic Ceremony at the Omni Severin Hotel
Esme and Nick’s wedding weekend began in a laid-back, elegant way with a simple Catholic ceremony at the Omni Severin Hotel. Beneath sparkling crystal chandeliers in the sun-filled Severin Ballroom, they exchanged their first set of vows. Esme wore a beautifully minimal tea-length dress, her hair styled in loose curls, and—true to herself—her signature glasses.
Following the ceremony, friends and family gathered for dinner in the grand Severin Lobby. All eyes were on the newlyweds as they made their entrance down the marble staircase. Loved ones shared heartfelt toasts, and Esme and Nick visited each table, soaking in the joy and excitement leading up to day two of their celebration.
A Jewish Wedding at the Scottish Rite Cathedral
The second day was a full Jewish wedding celebration at the Indianapolis Scottish Rite Cathedral, and it was truly all about the details. From invitations featuring an intricate illustration of the venue to playful guest favors (who couldn’t use a spare toothbrush?), every element reflected Esme and Nick’s story.
The day was filled with meaningful moments, including the ketubah signing and a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony—complete with the symbolic breaking of the glass. It was a joy to document a celebration that honored not only the couple’s love, but also their families, traditions, and belief systems.
Because Esme and Nick chose to do a first look, we split their portraits into two sessions. We started outside on the steps of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, where the overcast October sky created soft, flattering light. The venue’s ornately carved pillars and grand wooden doors made an incredible backdrop. After the ceremony, we snuck away for a few more portraits inside. Between the wood-paneled study and the sweeping staircase, the space felt straight out of a historic romance novel!
I’m so thankful I was able to work with Esme and Nick not just once, but twice. Getting to know a couple during their engagement and then photographing their special day(s) is one of my favorite parts of being a wedding photographer. If you’re planning an Indiana wedding, I’d love to hear all about it. Let’s chat about your plans and see if we’re the perfect fit!
Vendors:
Photography: Mika LH
Venue: Omni Severin Hotel (Day One); Scottish Rite Cathedral (Day Two)
Planning: The Gilded Aisle
Floral Design: Huntingburg Greenhouse
Music: Sound Advice Indy
Catering: Kahn’s Catering
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