Tianna and Jim's Bottleworks Hotel Indianapolis Wedding

Tianna and Jim

Some love stories begin with grand gestures.

As Tianna put it, their story started with a swipe. But at the end of two successful dates comes my favorite detail… The evening ended in her home library, where Jim listened with rapt attention as she introduced him to the stories and books that meant the most to her.

After that date, Jim told a friend, "I'm going to marry this girl."

Turns out, he was right.

Every love story is different. Some are loud and thrilling. Others are quiet and steady. Tianna and Jim's relationship falls beautifully into the second category, a love that's deeply rooted in friendship, admiration, and the unmistakable joy of simply being together.

Getting Ready at Bottleworks Hotel

Their wedding day began at one of my favorite buildings in Indy, the Bottleworks Hotel in downtown Indianapolis. It’s so exciting to see this building restored after sitting so long abandoned.

There was a calmness to the morning that perfectly reflected Tianna and Jim themselves. No rushing. No unnecessary stress. Just anticipation for finally getting to marry their favorite person.

And, of course, one very important wedding party member had an appearance to make.

Potato

Every wedding has a VIP.

At this one, his name was Potato.

Their adorable pup proudly served as ring bearer and immediately became everyone's favorite guest.

As someone who photographs plenty of dogs at weddings, I can confidently say that four-legged family members always make the day a little more joyful. Potato was no exception. He even got his own seat at the reception. The number of times I squealed that day…

A Quick Stop at Tomorrow Bookstore

One of my favorite moments from the day happened away from the wedding venue.

Because Tianna is an avid reader, we made a quick stop at Tomorrow Bookstore for portraits before heading to the reception.

It couldn't have been a more fitting location.

Surrounded by shelves filled with stories, the two of them wandered hand in hand, laughing between photographs and stealing quiet moments together.

The best wedding portraits often happen in places that actually mean something to a couple, and this stop was exactly that.

The Way Jim Looks at Tianna

Some things are difficult to put into words.

The way Jim looks at Tianna is one of them.

Throughout the entire wedding day, he never stopped checking on her, smiling at her, reaching for her hand, or finding little ways to make sure she was comfortable and happy.

It's impossible not to notice.

There is an ease between them that can't be staged or directed. They're simply happiest when they're together.

As photographers, we spend a lot of time watching interactions that most people miss. Those tiny moments often become my favorite photographs because they tell the real story of a marriage.

Jim's quiet devotion to Tianna showed up in hundreds of those little moments.

A Reception That Was Anything But Ordinary

The celebration continued with an incredibly fun reception that felt perfectly tailored to who they are.

Guests enjoyed music from the DJ, filled the dance floor, and tried their luck at casino tables set up throughout the reception. Watching friends and family gather around blackjack and roulette while cheering each other on created such a unique energy that had everyone laughing long before the dancing even started.

It was interactive, unexpected, and exactly the kind of experience guests will still be talking about years from now.

A Love Story Worth Reading

It feels especially fitting that someone who loves books found a love story this good.

Tianna and Jim, thank you for trusting me to document yours. Photographing your wedding was such a joy, and witnessing the tenderness, laughter, and unwavering love you share was something I'll remember for a long time.

Congratulations to you both—and give Potato a scritch for me.

Vendors:

Venue: Bottleworks Hotel Indianapolis

Wedding Coordinator : Erika (Modern Love) - Coordination

Band or DJ: Jason Carpenter DJ Sound Solutions (DJ) & Katie / Sue (violinist & pianist)

Content Creator - Julia Kay Creative

Bride's Wedding Attire: The Bridal Bar

Groom's Wedding Attire: Christopher James Menswear

Make-up Artist: Summer & Co Bridal

Hair Stylist: Summer & Co Bridal

Wedding Cake: Cake Bake

Honeymoon: Bali, Indonesia

Invitations and/or Calligrapher: Ordered from Minted