Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Ballester: A Wedding at Grafton Peek Ballroom in Greenwood, Indiana
Last August, I received an email from a super sweet guy looking for a photographer to capture his proposal to the love of his life.
Nick’s plan was to recreate his and Madeline’s first date on a Friday night and then propose, while their closest friends and family waited around the corner to surprise his bride to be.
Typically, I don’t take sessions on Friday evenings, but Zach was out of town for a show, and Nick’s excitement to pop the question was so contagious that I decided to make an exception.
And, I’m so glad I did, because not only did I have the privilege of capturing Nick and Madeline’s engagement (You can see photos from the proposal and their engagement photos here!), but I also had the honor of being Mr. and Mrs. Ballester’s wedding photographer!
Today, I’m thrilled to share Nick and Madeline’s wedding at Grafton Peek Ballroom in Greenwood, Indiana on the blog!
Nick & Madeline became husband and wife on Saturday, May 4, 2019.
When you’re Star Wars fans and May 4 happens to fall on a Saturday, you absolutely take advantage!
Nick and Madeline became husband and wife on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church. Following Mass, Mr. and Mrs. Ballester celebrated their wedding at Grafton Peek Ballroom in Greenwood, Indiana.
Wanting to keep their big day relatively intimate, Nick and Madeline celebrated with their families (who are hilarious by the way) and closest friends.
Now, while their wedding included fewer than 100 guests, I think it’s important to note that their guests’ personalities are so big that Nick and Madeline’s wedding certainly felt like a giant wedding!
I mean this in the best way! Between the jokes, striking poses for the camera, and intense dancing (If you were a guest, you know exactly what I mean!), I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard during a reception!
Basically, Nick and Madeline’s wedding was a blast from start to finish, and I think it’s safe to say that their guests would agree!
Nick & Madeline’s wedding couldn’t have been anymore true to who they are.
Since Nick popped the question, I’ve loved every second of getting to know this darling couple. I admire countless things about both of them. But, I think what I admire most is the fact that they both know exactly who they are, what they believe in, and what they’re passionate about.
And, because they’re always true to who they are as individuals and as a couple, their wedding day couldn’t have been anymore them! Here are just a few examples of what I mean!
Their faith played a huge part in their big day.
Since meeting Nick and Madeline, their faith has been evident. Not only are they involved with church activities, but all of their actions and the way they treat others truly reflects Christ’s love.
Staying true to their Catholic faith, Nick and Madeline were married during a Latin Mass. While most of the Mass was in Latin, Father Flannery opened by explaining—in English—how marriage is a mirror of Christ and the Church and explained how marriage requires sacrifice.
Nick and Madeline’s ceremony was a wonderful testament to their faith.
They entered their reception to “The Imperial March.”
If you’re going to get married on May 4 (May the fourth be with you), you have to enter your reception to “The Imperial March”! (This is the Star Wars theme song in case you aren’t familiar.) And, Nick and Madeline did just that!
They surprised guests with a choreographed first dance!
I should’ve known that there was no way that Nick and Madeline were going to simply sway back and forth for their first dance!
The bride and groom opened the dance floor with a choreographed ballroom dance that was so much fun to watch!
Madeline requested all of the photo bloopers.
In terms of their photos, Madeline only had one real request. She wanted all the bloopers!
“Don’t delete them. Just send them all over!” she said.
Now, not only did Madeline want all of the bloopers, but she also wanted to create a few photos that look like bloopers! So, between posed photos, Nick, Madeline, and their bridal party made lots of funny faces! And, while not many of these images are blogged, there will definitely be a section of hilarious photos in Nick and Madeline’s full wedding gallery!
Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Ballester!
Nick and Madeline, I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for the two of you or how honored I’ve been to capture this special time in your lives.
Your wedding at Grafton Peek Ballroom was perfect and every bit as fun as the two of you are. I hope your big day was everything you dreamt it would be. But, more importantly, I hope you’re loving married life! (I mean, you’re in Belize. How could you not?!)
I pray that God fills the life you share with countless blessings and that every trial brings you closer together and closer to Christ.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Ballester, and thank you for trusting me to be your wedding photographer! I hope you love these previews!
In case you’re wondering where the first kiss photo is, Nick and Madeline’s church doesn’t do a first kiss!
While guests waited for the bride and groom, they got to enjoy a quiz about the couple. If you can zoom in, do! You’re definitely going to want to read these questions!
Check out that choreography!
Emily, Madeline’s maid of honor and sister, had us laughing all night long! It’s a if she has radar for the camera!
“Okay, can we take a funny photo now?” – The Bride
I couldn’t help grabbing a photo with the bride and groom!
Want to see more of Nick and Madeline? Check out their engagement session!
Creative Team
Ceremony Venue: Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church
Reception Venue: Grafton Peek Ballroom
Wedding Coordinator: Katie Stergar
Officiant: Father Dylan Flannery
Hair Stylist: Crystal Ryan of Anna Kate & Co. Salon
Makeup Artist: Emily Pingel
Wedding Dress: Lace Bridal Couture
Seamstress: Smoking Iron Alterations
Bridesmaid Dresses: eShakti
Tuxedos: Men’s Wearhouse
Invitations: WildeGardenArt
Rings: Kay Jewelers
Photographer: Victoria Rayburn Photography
Second Shooter: Locksley Lane Photographer
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