Clemens SURPRISE Elopement Part II
It’s hard to fit so much detail and joy in one post, so thanks for joining us for part II of the Clemens Wedding.
By now, you know we love surprises… but this surprise was for the guests, not the couple.
The Clemenses had the best vendors to assist us with this two-day event— April and Tyler captured the joy in these two days perfectly. Not only did Jourdan and Kennedy plan the elopement, but also this entire wedding reception and party in just 19 days. Not a single detail was left out.
Getting Ready
The day of the reception began as most of our wedding days do— hair, makeup, getting-ready photos in The Cottage. Kennedy got ready with her mom and sisters, while they enjoyed mimosas and snacks in their cozy, silk pajamas. The Red Stiletto got to work on their wedding day glam. The newlyweds had plenty of time to relax and relish in their joy of the day before, while anticipating sharing the news with their guests. The weather was perfect in every way. The birds were chirping and it felt like an early spring day. Chris and the twins arrived at 4 pm for family photos.
Once everyone was ready, April captured the bride and groom’s family formals.
She also got some stunning photos of Chris and Kennedy at the farmhouse.
The Barn
As the girls got ready, our vendors got busy setting up our buildings for the party. The barn looked lavish in black, white, and gold. The florals and greenery from Jenny Lou’s were stunning. The decor was set up by The Mill, with the help of Kennedy’s mom and sisters. It took a few hours every day for 6 days!
Cocktail Hour
Guests began to arrive around 6 pm that evening. They enjoyed cocktails, live music, and heavy appetizers served by Bon Appetite from Trine University. The appetizers were delicious— they served several things from mini crab cakes to beef tenderloin sliders. Dessert consisted of mini cupcakes from Baked by Melissa and a chocolate fountain operated by our very own, Marie.
Selena and Haley served beer, wine, signature drinks selected by the bride and groom, and a Shirley Temple at the bar. The Shirley Temple was a nod to Henry and Theo with extra cherries. Janelle at Relic Emporium hand painted the elegant bar sign.
The Surprise
Jourdan and Kennedy schemed away in their 19 days, planning a surprise “engagement party” for Kennedy and Chris. They invited close family and friends to attend on Friday, March 1st at The Mill District.
Little did our guests know, they would be coming to a wedding reception to celebrate Kennedy and Chris’s marriage that they were unaware had already happened!
The guests enjoyed cocktail hour, unaware of the news that was about to be shared with them. Chris and Kennedy knew it would be a huge deal to their guests, as they had been together for over 10 years. Chris’s best friend and best man, Pall, made an introduction speech, welcoming the guests. At the end, he announced the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Clemens! The crowd erupted in a mix of applause, gasps, and just a few sounds of confusion. The newlyweds peeked out from the balcony of the barn and shared a drink before they made their grand entrance.
Thanks to April’s quick editing skills, she was able to have The Clemens’ elopement photos edited and printed for us. We set up a little “surprise station” with the photos of their marriage the previous day and little details about that night that guests could fill themselves in on. They were able to get a first look at Kennedy’s wedding day dress, shoes, the marriage license, their cake, her bouquet, and some of their married portraits.
The reception officially began with Chris and Kennedy’s first dance as husband and wife. The couple looked starry eyed dancing to “Take Forever” by Cooper Allen.
The reception continued with traditional events: the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance, and toasts given by Kennedy’s maid-of-honor and Jourdan.
It was a spectacular evening full of love, laughter, and celebration. Live music played as guests mingled around the property. The cigar bar was enjoyed by many on the back patio, as well as the 360 photo booth and sweet treats at the chocolate fountain.
A Second Surprise
As the night continued on, Jourdan and James revealed another surprise. This time, for the bride and groom. As a wedding gift to Chris and Kennedy, The Thomsons hosted a surprise after party for everyone, complete with balloons, disco balls, and lights. They called it “The Clemens Social Club” and Kennedy’s sisters made sweatshirts to commemorate the event, which was her favorite part. Her sisters also chose a dress for her to wear for her “after after party,” totaling three dresses for the wedding. The evening concluded with late night snacks by Bon Appetite— chicken tenders, tater tots, potato chips, and a full mac and cheese bar with deluxe toppings.
The party continued on until morning and was easily one of the most memorable events we have ever hosted at The Mill District. Chris said his favorite part of the entire event was spending the weekend with friends. We could not be happier for Chris and Kennedy and wish them a lifetime of happiness. Cheers to The Clemens!
A special THANK YOU to some of our favorite and most trusted vendors for jumping on board with us and making this party come together, seamlessly.
April Hoff Photography - Angola
Tyler Shives Films - Indianapolis
Bon Appetite - Trine University
The Monument - Angola
Jenny Lou’s Greenery - Angola
The Red Stiletto - Fort Wayne
Alphalit - Fort Wayne (Marquee Letters)
Four of a Kind Entertainment - Coldwater (360 photo booth)
Cigar Bar by The Mill District