Photo: Harrison Studio
Emily Wallace never had to worry about whether her now-husband Christopher Smitson's father liked her, since he was the one who introduced the couple in the first place! "Chris's father is on the board of a non-profit organization I was consulting for at the time," says Emily. "He introduced us after a board meeting, and the rest is history!"
In 2012, after a few years of long-distance dating, Chris visited Emily in Indianapolis and took her on a "greatest hits" tour of the city, visiting places that were significant to their relationship. That evening, he popped the question over a home-cooked dinner. "It was simple and relaxed," says Emily. "Aside from the fact that he went to Ethiopia the next day for a six month research trip!"
A year later, on May 4, 2013, Emily and Chris returned to the place they got engaged, his family home in Zionsville, Indiana, for a natural wedding full of fresh flowers and lots of greenery, planned by David Jackson of Premier Events and photographed by Harrison Studio.
"I always wanted to get married outside," says Emily. "Chris's family's horse farm was the perfect location. We loved having that personal connection to the venue."
On the hunt for a dress that combined a bohemian and modern vibe, Emily fell in love with an a-line lace gown by Modern Trousseau with a beaded belt. She carried a bouquet of peonies, ranunculus, roses, and hydrangeas. "I wanted lots of color and texture," Emily says.
Photo: Harrison Studio
Chris topped his Hugo Boss tuxedo with an orange ranunculus boutonniere.
The bridesmaids donned cream-colored dresses from J.Crew—and gold flats! The perfect choice for an grassy wedding ceremony. "I wanted them to wear dresses they loved," says Emily. Turquoise and gold jewelry added a soft pop of color.
The flower girl, Chris's niece, wore a pink-and-white rose flower crown and carried a basket of rose petals. "She did a great job," says the bride.
Photo: Harrison Studio
The ceremony took place outdoors beneath a pergola built by Emily's family friend. "I'm so sentimental," she says, "so it meant a lot to me to exchange vows beneath it."
The wooden altar was draped with hydrangeas, roses, and lush branches of greenery. The ceremony was short and sweet, with Chris's uncle playing classical guitar during the processional and recessional.
Emily and her matron of honor made the escort cards. The bride used watercolor paints to decorate the pastel luggage tags, then her matron of honor wrote each guest's name in calligraphy. "Chris and I love to travel, so we drilled holes into foreign coins and attached them to each tag," Emily says.
The reception took place in a light, airy tent. Tables were topped with light green linens and lush arrangements in Ball jars that Emily and her mother have been collecting for years. "My favorite touch was the greenery and branches on the chandeliers," she says.
Photo: Harrison Studio
To continue the watercolor theme, the couple's four-tiered wedding cake was decorated with ruffled fondant fading from ivory to soft green. "The lemon cake was so good that the whole thing was eaten before Chris and I got a piece!" says Emily.
Photo: Harrison Studio
After a night of dancing and a sparkler exit, Chris and Emily headed off to the Seychelles and Qatar for their honeymoon. Emily's advice is to stay true to yourself. "Include the details that are important to you and make you happy," she says. "And treasure the little moments. My brother was in the hospital for a month before our wedding, and one of the greatest moments of the day was getting to dance with him at our reception. I'll treasure that forever."
Ceremony & Reception Venue: The groom's family's home || Wedding Planner: David Jackson of Premier Events || Bride's Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau || Shoes & Jewelry: BHLDN || Hair & Makeup: DL Lowry Salon || Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew || Groom's Attire: Hugo Boss || Groomsmen's Attire: DC Tux Shop || Flower Girl & Ring Bearer's Attire: J.Crew || Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: Reis Nichols || Florist: Enflora || Invitations & Paper Goods: Watercolor artwork by Rebecca Hawkins, Design and calligraphy by Vanessa Wilson || Music: The Impalas || Catering: Catering by Maarten, (317) 291-3330 || Cake: Classic Cakes || Photography: Harrison Studio