Perfect fall weather? A very organized wedding planner? A super fun bridal party? And, a bride and groom who couldn’t be more fun or photogenic? I cannot begin to explain how excited I am to share Garth and Lauren Gist’s wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards in Zionsville, Indiana on the blog!
Garth & Lauren’s wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards was just like the two of them—beautiful & a whole lot of fun!
Before giving the breakdown of Garth and Lauren’s epic celebration, I can’t help sharing that I’m so glad that their wedding planner, Crista of Blissfully Simple Events, introduced me to this darling VRP bride and groom. Over the last year, I’ve loved getting to know Garth and Lauren, because they just have a great time wherever they go—even when they froze beyond belief during their engagement photos.
Thanks to Crista, a great venue team, Garth and Lauren’s loved ones, and the energy and fun this VRP bride and groom bring to all situations, Garth and Lauren’s wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards was stress free, simply beautiful, and a whole lot of fun!
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The day started with Lauren and her girls getting ready at a nearby hotel and then meeting up with Megan (my second shooter), Aaron (their videographer), and I at Finley Creek Vineyards to take Lauren’s getting ready photos. And, guys, this VRP bride BELONGS in front of the camera! I so admire how confident and enthusiastic Lauren is!
After taking PJ photos and having her mama help her get in her wedding dress, Lauren shared a sweet first look with her very fun bridesmaids. Ladies, thank you so much for being so wonderful all day long!
The girls, then, got a break and hung out in Finley Creek’s cozy bridal suite after their first look with Lauren. In the meantime, we took Garth’s getting ready photos. Garth may not have loved being in front of the camera, but he was such a good sport (with the help of a little food) all day long, because he knew how much these photos would mean to both him and Lauren in the long run.
Now, one of the amazing things about Finley Creek Vineyards is that there are so many great photo spots within steps of the venue. As a result, when it was time for photos, we were able to get a lot done in very little time.
To kick off photos and the rest of Garth and Lauren’s epic wedding day, Lauren shared a first look with her dad on Finley Creek’s patio. And, this moment was about the sweetest thing ever! Brett (Lauren’s dad) is a girl dad, and he just beamed with joy and pride when he saw his youngest daughter in her wedding dress.
After Lauren’s dad got to see her, it was time for Lauren’s groom to get to see his bride. Garth and Lauren also shared a first look on the patio where they got emotional for a second but were quickly ready to move on to photos (Lauren actually loves being in front of the camera!) and the fun of the rest of the day.
We took bride and groom photos and were then able to take all bridal party photos before the ceremony. Now, I have to say this bridal party was phenomenal! They went with the flow, were ready every time they were needed, and brought the party—both on the dance floor and throughout the day. Bridesmaids and groomsmen, thank you for being so wonderful! Garth and Lauren are incredible, and I should’ve known that their friends are just as great!
Once bridal party photos were wrapped up and Megan and I had had a chance to photograph all of the beautiful ceremony and reception decor and details that Crista and her team had put together, it was time for Garth and Lauren’s ceremony. And, their ceremony is exactly why all couples should hire a videographer. Garth and Lauren’s vows were some of the sweetest and most genuine I’ve ever heard, and I’m so glad that they have video and audio to help them remember their ceremony and vows—in addition to wedding photos.
After Garth and Lauren were officially Mr. and Mrs. Gist, we took family photos and a few more bride and groom photos. Then, it was time to party! While Garth and Lauren’s reception started laid back and with great food, once DJ Connection started playing Doja Cat, Lauren, her bridesmaids, and many of their guests never left the dance floor! I mean, their wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards was a grand time from beginning to end!
Just like they do in life, on Garth & Lauren’s wedding day, they enjoyed life & loved their people fiercely.
As a wedding photographer, there are some weddings that make me sad when they’re over, and Garth and Lauren’s celebration was certainly one of them.
As I’ve gotten to know Garth and Lauren over the last year, two things have become very clear:
- Garth and Lauren are committed to enjoying life. Whether they’re traveling or making the most or simply spending time with friends and family, you can tell that these two are truly present.
- Garth and Lauren have a fierce love for their people. While it was their wedding day, Garth and Lauren did everything they could to make the day special and fun for the people they love most. For example, they surprised their parents with a memorial table.
Basically, Garth and Lauren are such kind, fun, loving people, and because of this, I’m a little sad their wedding day is over, because I would love to relive their wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards all over again!
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Gist!
Garth and Lauren, your wedding was epic, and I have no doubt that your marriage will be too!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for trusting me to be your wedding photographer and for being so much fun to work with.
While I cannot wait to share your full gallery with you, I hope you love these previews from your gorgeous, fall wedding at Finley Creek Vineyards!
After marrying Garth, I’m pretty sure Lauren was most excited about her wedding shoes! Aren’t these amazing?! 
Before Garth and Lauren’s ceremony, their officiant—who is Lauren’s uncle—asked guests to pass their rings around and pray over them. If you ask me, this should be a tradition that catches on. 
Lauren was a little disappointed that Garth didn’t cry much during their first look, but he certainly cried as she came down the aisle! If you’re on the fence about doing a first look, let this be proof that a first look doesn’t take away from your magical aisle moment! 
Want to see more of Garth and Lauren? Check out their engagement photos at Coxhall Gardens!
Gosh. Both this venue and couple are so dang beautiful! 
Want to see more wedding photos from Finley Creek Vineyards? See more VRP weddings at this lovely vineyard wedding venue in Zionsville, Indiana!
