Jillian + Dalton | Stella Maris Styled Shoot

A Marian inspired styled-shoot, with elegantly combined celestial and nautical details, perfect for classic and coastal venues alike.

As Catholic wedding coordinators, Mary Dorhauer and Joy Foster of Something Blue Catholic Weddings always dreamed of creating a styled shoot with a Catholic theme. 

Their vision for a wedding dedicated to Our Lady, Star of the Sea, reflects the sacredness of marriage and the beauty the Lord has destined for us all in our eternal home.

From the Stylists and Coordinators:

As a Catholic wedding professionals, we occasionally straddle an unusual line between trendy pinterest/instagram wedding culture, and the dignified, spiritual side of wedding planning that is the sacrament of marriage. As wedding coordinators, we aspire to help Catholic brides and grooms to make sure they strike the right balance of both. 

Beauty is of heaven, and the Lord is the ultimate beauty, therefore, there is nothing wrong with a desire to have your wedding and photos reflect beautiful things! 

And of course, marriage is a heavenly rite and a mirroring of the Blessed Trinity, and should be treated with the utmost respect. 

It was truly a blessing to be able to create photos that reflect both aspects of a wedding, and to be joined by professionals who share a similar passion to ours; to help couples have the happiest, holiest, and most fulfilling wedding experience that they can create!

We love styled shoots because they’re such a wonderful opportunity for vendors to practice their craft and show off their creativity, without having to worry about the typical boundaries of what is practical for a wedding.

One of the first things we did for this shoot was to select models. We knew right away that we wanted to feature a married couple because there is no substitute for the love between a husband and wife, and we wanted that tenderness to read on camera. 

Jillian and Dalton, a local couple who were married in October of last year, were such an accommodating and charming pair, and really captured the romantic spirit we envisioned for the shoot. 

The theme we chose for our shoot was “Stella Maris—Star of the Sea.” We knew we wanted a Marian theme so that our shoot was automatically dedicated to the Blessed Mother, and chose “Star of The Sea” after reading a prayer penned by Pope St. John Paul II:

“Pray that we will never fail on life’s journey, that in heart and mind, in word and deed, in days of turmoil and in days of calm, we will always look to Christ and say, ‘Who is this that even wind and sea obey him?’ Our Lady Star of the Sea, pray for us.” 

Working from our theme, we crafted a palette that was neither celestial nor nautical, but an elegant combination of both; gold and cream (inspired by the celestial heavens) with accents of rich deep teal and navy (inspired by the sea). 

Our goal for the shoot was to subtly weave in both the sea and sky into every aspect of the shoot, while still creating a luxurious and classic aesthetic. 

The bridal bouquet, created by Eufloric Events, was a vibrant and rich confection of whites, blues, and greenery, with a hint of ocean foam brought in through dusty miller leaves. The gown, provided by Rouge Bridal Boutique, has a simple, flowy silhouette that highlights the grace and poise of our bride. 

For hair, provided by Laura Snyder, and makeup provided by Abby Prather, we opted for a soft and romantic look in order to reflect the natural glow of the night sky.

For our detail shots, we selected a few carefully curated items including a pair of pale seafoam blue bridal heels, a star-inspired perfume bottle, and pearl jewelry (provided by Rouge Bridal boutique). 

Our bride’s rosary, a pale green and pearl, is made from reclaimed seaglass, while our groom’s rosary, silver, is crafted from recycled fishing materials. We also wanted to support small Catholic businesses as much as possible, and featured a Stella Maris print from artist Jen Olson, and a candle from Stella Maris and Co. in their Matrimony scent.

We brainstormed for several weeks while we looked for the perfect location for this shoot, and in the end, we settled on The Allison Mansion on the west side of Indianapolis. It’s a beautiful and historic manor house on the grounds of Marian University. 

We loved the Allison Mansion because of its affiliation with a Catholic university, and—perhaps more importantly for a photo shoot—it’s opulent architecture! Built around 1911, this venue features cream colored marble, a grand staircase, hand carved leather walls, and a beautiful stained glass skylight. 

We were also fortunate enough to be able to shoot at the beautiful St. Mary’s in downtown Indianapolis, the very church in which our models were actually married last year!

The invitation suite and programs, provided by Eileen Adams (owner of Noteworthy Expressions), were a bold and upscale addition to our shoot. Eileen worked with us to craft a custom invitation suite featuring that deep teal we love so much, celestial touches, and an image of St. Mary’s that tied our two locations together beautifully. 

The menu card featuring the traditional meal prayer added a definitive Catholic touch to the formal table, which we styled with an ivory cloth and teal napkins, white and gold china, crystal wine glasses, and champagne hued flatware. 

The table was graced with a natural garland that coordinated with the bridal bouquet, incorporating blue candles and standing gold stars amidst the greenery to complement the elegant place settings. 

The vibrant cake, a small round creation by Taylor Made Cakery, was painted with swatches of blue and gold… and tasted as good as it looked!

Perhaps the most important part of the entire project was selecting our photography team. We were so excited to team up with not just one, but two talented photographers with extensive experience in Catholic weddings. 

Simple Heart Photography features a vibrant and bright style that tastefully captured the autumn colors of our outdoor portraits. Colette M Photography, a new addition to the Indianapolis area, produces a light and airy style perfect for the natural light and marble surroundings of The Allison Mansion’s aviary. 

Additionally, we were thrilled to be joined by Dylan Lee Videography, a husband and wife team who helped us capture the highlights of our shoot on film.

Overall, the shoot was exactly as we envisioned. While the vision of the shoot evolved as we added vendors and details, the final product fit in exactly with our company’s tagline; timeless, romantic, and thoroughly Catholic!

Photography: Colette M Photography

Photography: Simple Heart

Styling & Coordinators: Something Blue Catholic Weddings | Photography: Simple Heart Photography and Colette M Photography | Church: St. Mary's Catholic Church, Indianapolis, Indiana | Reception Venue: The Allison Mansion at Riverdale, Marian University | Gown & Jewelry: Rouge Bridal Boutique | Hairstyling: Laura Snyder | Makeup: Abby Prather | Floral Design: Eufloric Events | Rentals: A Classic Party Rentals | Cake: Taylor Made Cakery | Stationery: Noteworthy Expressions | Videography: Dylan Lee Videography | Models: Jillian Conrad and Dalton Kloeker

Spoken Bride Vendors | Spotlight, Vol. 11

We are proud to serve you through the Spoken Bride Vendor Guide, the first online resource for distinctively Catholic wedding vendors: hand-selected professionals from around the U.S. with not only an abundance of talent, but a reverence and passion for the sacrament of marriage that brings a uniquely personal, prayerful dimension to their client experiences.

From photographers and videographers who understand how to capture the most significant moments of your nuptial Mass, to coordinators who understand the needs of Catholic couples, artists whose jewelry, stationery, and prints become enduring keepsakes long after your wedding day, clinical and theological experts in the fields of fertility and relationships, and beyond, Spoken Bride Vendors view their work as a call and find deep joy in putting their talents at the service of the Lord.

What’s more, our vendors are truly engaging and fun. With a range of stories, hobbies, and devotions, it’s our privilege to share who they are and connect them with their ideal clients--you, faithful Catholic couples who are energized by working with like-minded, prayerful individuals. Each month, we’ll be introducing, or re-introducing, you to members of Spoken Bride’s vendor community, and we encourage you to learn more through their full vendor listings.

Featured Vendors for This Month (click to jump):

Fiat Photography
Caitlin Renn Photography
Chelsea Sliwa Photography
Simple Heart Photography

Fiat Photography

Indiana-based, serving surrounding states and the midwest; available for nationwide travel.

Even in her childhood, Claire Dezember loved taking photos. After graduating high school, she began working with wedding photographers and videographers and loved the experience.

Two years later, while serving as a missionary for Christ in the City, Claire engaged daily with the poor in Denver and worked in marketing for the mission--specifically, through photography. “I accumulated many portraits of the homeless that portrayed raw, real emotions, something I never witnessed before,” says Claire. “That is when I fell in love with portrait photography, especially photographing authenticity and emotion.” Fiat Photography launched in 2018, with Claire’s hope of “inspiring, encountering, and loving” every person she encounters.

Best places I’ve traveled: Boulder, Colorado and Charleston, South Carolina.

On my bucket list: Get married and have children (God willing), climb to the top of a fourteener (a 14,000+ ft high mountain), and travel around Europe.

What inspires your work? Fiat has had a very important meaning in my life for a while now, especially while I was a missionary in Colorado. I was always inspired by Mary and her "yes" to God's plan for her. She dropped everything to follow God. That is how I [try to live] my life, and following that calling has blessed me beyond measure (along with the hardships and struggles that come with saying yes). 

I knew I wanted to carry that mindset and love throughout my business. Therefore, Fiat Photography was created. I knew I wanted to photograph Catholic weddings because it was so close to my heart, but with my experience loving and caring for the homeless, I knew I wanted to open my arms to all couples. I want to be a light to everyone I encounter, and this business gives me the opportunity to do just that. I focus on authentic and real moments.

Caitlin Renn Photography

Serving Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, California, Oregon, and Washington.

As a new mother, Caitlin Renn began to view the passage of time in a new light, eager to absorb her son’s growing wonder and development. She took to photography to capture his growth, and felt the stirrings of a realization “that I would love to be a photographer.” 

She hesitated, though, “not because I thought [my husband] wouldn’t support me, but more because I wasn’t sure I supported me. Voicing that dream out loud made it real, and that was scary. The risk of failing seemed bigger than the reward of succeeding. But when I did tell him what was on my mind and heart, when I was able to be vulnerable and share my dreams, he was so incredibly excited for me. And his excitement encouraged me to share even more, and suddenly, my dream included him, too. His affirmation helped me find the courage to explore these talents that I believe God has given me.” Caitlin Renn Photography was founded in 2019.

I root for...the Seattle Sounders, and also love the U.S. Women’s Soccer team. I was so excited when they won the World Cup!

Favorite wedding day memory: My husband and I wanted to go to Confession right before our ceremony so we could enter marriage as purely as possible. Twenty minutes before our ceremony, I stood with our priest in this dark hallway between the church and the rectory, and he heard my confession. I have never felt such peace wash over me as I received that sacrament; it still leaves me in awe as I reflect on it. My husband and I also prayed together before the ceremony, just the two of us, without seeing each other. Receiving three sacraments in one day, and starting a marriage in prayer, was such a joy!

How does your Catholic faith inform your work? I recently listened to an Abiding Together podcast episode about what restored masculinity and restored femininity should look like. Ultimately, it touched on the importance of spiritual fatherhood and spiritual motherhood. Our priests and nuns are critical in the restoration of the Church. But fathers and mothers are critical in the restoration of families. 

Mother Teresa said that if we want to change the world, we need to go home and love our families. Ultimately, I want my work to reflect that restoration. I want my images to showcase the protective love a father has for his children; the wild and deep love he has for his wife. I want people to see my photos and know the love of God is alive and real and very present in the everyday. I want people to look at my photos and not see the wedding day, the fancy flat lays and invitation suites and the perfect white dress. I want them to see the beginning of a marriage. A marriage that will bring hope back to the world that too often only sees statistics of failed marriages. Ultimately, I want people to look at my images and see Christ: the way he loves, the way he gives, and the way he brings light in the darkness.

Chelsea Sliwa Photography

Based in Dallas; available for nationwide and international travel.

“My business began out of a desperate longing to experience truth, beauty and goodness --three things I think we all long to experience in our daily lives,” says Chelsea Sliwa. “Three things that I struggled to find in my corporate job, in a cubicle ruled by structured procedure, four monitors, and binary decisions. Three things that I found with the very first shutter release.”

Chelsea first pursued photography as a creative hobby offering a contrast to her corporate routine, and says it became “abundantly clear” almost immediately that she had heard and answered a call. She began taking engagement photos for friends, and established her business shortly after. Chelsea loves wedding photography for its beauty: “the way a couples eyes look in each other’s familiar gaze.” She loves it for its truth: “that our authentic relationships are what’s really worth cherishing in this life.”And she loves it for its goodness: “in God’s gentle way of showing us his love through one another.”

Ministry work I’m involved in: I volunteer with an organization called In My Shoes, which houses, cares for, teaches, and supports homeless pregnant women in Dallas. It is a wonderful ministry and I have had some incredible moments with moms whose strength inspires me. In the worst of scenarios, they choose to bring life into the world. It is a true honor to walk next to them. 

I take my coffee: with almond milk only, please!

Favorite books: A Severe Mercy by Sheldon Vanauken, Interior Freedom by Jacques Phillipe, Into Your Hands, Father by Wilfrid Stinissen, Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly, and The Reed of God by Caryll Houselander.

Simple Heart Photography

Serving Indiana & Ohio; available for nationwide travel.

A lifelong lover of weddings, Rachel Meier was drawn in the first time she viewed one photographer’s work, observing “the details and the emotions of the day in a way I had not seen before.” Simple Heart Photography offers expert help, intercession, and a commitment to turning pure emotion and experience into art.

Now, with years of experience and as a wife and mother of five, Rachel still loves capturing emotion and reverence on her clients’ wedding days. Rachel’s husband is her second shooter, and each time they hear a bride a groom say their vows, “it’s a balm to my soul,” she says.

Favorite Devotion: the Divine Mercy Chaplet. This prayer has gotten me through some hard situations.

The best part about working in weddings: I love capturing the emotions and sweet moments that happen throughout the day: the Mother of the Bride really looking at her daughter for the first time when she is all dressed’ the bride choking up when she says "I take you as my husband;" the bride and groom exchanging glances through the ceremony; the groom playing with the new ring on his finger; the first dance and the Father-Daughter dance, which often makes me cry!

Love means: Giving all. Sacrifice. Putting the needs of others in front of yours.