Farm Wedding Venue Makes for The Best Outdoor Wedding Spot
How I landed photographing a wedding on a farm in Indiana is a fun story that actually still begins with Moab. I was originally scheduled to capture the couple’s marriage proposal in Moab. But, their Moab photography ended up being included in a booked airplane tour so they were already covered. They still wanted to work with me so I committed to a wedding in Indiana instead! Honestly, it felt like such a privilege to become a part of their story which started with choosing their farm wedding venue.
A Couple’s Vision for a Rustic Wedding Day
Abby and Jordan chose a barn wedding within their hometown of Fortville, Indiana. Wild Blackberry Farms is a family-owned working blackberry farm about 45 minutes from the Indianapolis International Airport.
The couple chose this site because to them “it felt so peaceful and perfect for an October wedding. Fall is our favorite season, and we dreamed of that perfect autumn weather–crisp but comfortable. That first kiss of fall feeling.”
Abby and Jordan found the owners to be kind and made the process so easy, which reassured them that this was the right fit. The owners live in a beautiful home on the property and checked in a few times on the day to make sure all was running smoothly.
The spacious 40-acre venue hosts rustic barn weddings with full access to the grounds for an entire day or full weekend (when available). The fully restored barn is climate controlled and includes a beautiful bridal suite with lit mirrors and a mini bar. The rad groom’s lounge is adjacent to a recreational area that includes basketball, pickleball and volleyball. The groomsmen had a little too much fun playing together during the getting ready time!
Best Wild Blackberry Farms Wedding Inclusions
- Accommodates indoor and outdoor weddings or combination indoor/outdoor events year-round.
- Open vendor policy, with no catering or bar service requirements (other than proper licensing and permits).
- Provided 12’ antique, solid oak church pews for outdoor ceremony.
- Included 8’x30” folding banquet-style dining tables, wooden cross-back vineyard chairs, farm tables for bridal party, and wood cocktail tables.
- Large custom bar, several wine/whiskey barrels, several large wooden spool cocktail tables.
- Outdoor firepit and propane patio heaters available for rental.
- 1953 Chevy farm truck, 1955 Thunderbird convertible and farm animals accessible for wedding portraits.
It’s All in the Details of a Farm Wedding Venue
According to the couple, their goal was to remember “every good vibe–the music, the atmosphere, the delicious food trucks, and the perfect weather (that we got so lucky with). Every element contributed to the magic of the day!”
The farm wedding venue provided the cozy, laid-back vibe they were going for that allowed guests to just hang out. As they put it, “It was the perfect place to celebrate with our friends and family all night without anything feeling too formal or stuffy.” These elements included hot cider and donuts for dessert, a live band, wandering farm animals, and a disco ball backdrop.
Thoughtfully Designed Co. also brought their rustic wedding theme to life! As Abby put it, “I wanted it to be unique but feel like us–a vibe that felt like stepping into an Anthropologie store.” The team created a space that felt warm with a touch of elegance, perfectly blending their chosen textures and different take on typical fall colors.
A Love Story That Starts With A Moab Adventure
Even though Abby and Jordan had lived in Utah for two years, they had never explored Moab so it felt like the perfect adventure! They planned a weekend getaway and brought along their dog, Archie, so he could visit his namesake, Arches National Park. This made the trip even more special!
While on a private plane ride over Canyonlands National Park, the couple landed at a spot for photos and Jordan waited for the perfect moment. He finally got down on one knee and they celebrated with champagne while fully taking in the moment!
Even though they aren’t that into exploring the outdoors, this couple does love exploring new places together. As Abby describes it, “we’ve become pros at moving across the country and enjoy finding new restaurants to try.” They believe it’s important to incorporate trips both big and small into their relationship.
The newlyweds elaborated, “It’s a way for us to grow closer and create meaningful memories together, no matter the setting.” That’s why their chosen farm wedding venue only made sense!
Wedding Event Planning That Comes From the Heart
This wedding day boiled down to two priorities: being fully present and honoring Abby’s dad. Having lost her father when she was 13 years old, it was especially important to Abby that he was incorporated into the entire day. He was truly there in every detail starting with Abby’s walk down the aisle:
- His handwriting on her wrist, a charm on her bouquet, and a special seat reserved in the front row just for him.
- Abby’s mom both walked her down the aisle and stood in for a father-daughter first dance.
- Abby’s father was woven into their vows and reflected in the diamonds of her wedding ring.
All of the details were so well thought out and beautiful, making her dad’s spirit a constant part of their day. Abby reached out months after the wedding to offer thanks again for my attention and care to her father’s details. This couple was amazing!
Being Present for a Farm Wedding Day
Knowing the day would pass by so quickly, these two made a conscious effort to engage in the moment. Abby and Jordan put their phones away and even built a pause into the ceremony. Choosing a farm wedding venue like Wild Blackberry Farms provided the perfect backdrop for absorbing every single moment.
The newlyweds recall feeling “the overwhelming love in the room, the joy on everyone’s faces, and every detail that made the day uniquely ours.” So much of that experience was due to their many non-traditional wedding choices. This included bridesmaids wearing differently styled dresses instead of matching ones. The traditional sit-down reception dinner was also exchanged for food trucks, donuts, and a coffee cart.
Another way they prioritized being present was in their really cute first look wedding photos. Jordan‘s reaction when he turned around to see Abby was priceless. It’s clear that he certainly adores her! Additionally, it was cool to watch the special relationships they had with each one of their larger wedding parties. The newlyweds just wanted the whole day to feel relaxed and true to who they are, so they made it their own in every possible way!
Wedding Vendors
Venue | Wild Blackberry Farms
Photographer | Matt Davidson Photography
Design | Thoughtfully Designed Co.
