Sarah and Tom
Renowned sculptor Tom Sachs proposed to Sarah Hoover on a deserted Mexican beach in true artist's fashion. The ring box was carved from a Con Edison (the NYC electric company) construction barrier, a longtime favorite "found" medium of the artist's. Inside the box, on which he'd inscribed "cartier," was a memento-mori ring from 1750s England.
To achieve the look the couple wanted for their nuptials in Indianapolis, Sarah's hometown, she watched Stanley Kubrick's film "Barry Lyndon" for lighting schemes, studied 16th-century dutch still-life paintings for décor inspiration, and looked to John Singer Sargent portraits for dress ideas.
The Museum Venue
The wedding venue was a natural choice for the artsy couple. The 26-acre Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, is tucked away on the grounds of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.
Burnished Landscape
Scattered arrangements of fall foliage and flowers echoed the autumnal tones outside. "I wanted the special evening fall light as a backdrop for the ceremony," says Sarah.
Heartfelt Ceremomy
Sarah's father officiated—with the help of the rabbi—after walking his daughter down the aisle to a Bach cello suite. "It was played in honor of my grandfather, who not only took me to the museum every weekend as a kid, but was a classical music aficionado."
For the ceremony, the bride wore a Carolina Herrera gown accented with Stone Fox Bride veil, using Solstiss lace.
Dog of Honor
Sarah's dynamite French bulldog, Napoleon, pulled double duty as train-holder.
The Reception Entryway
Moss "S" and "T" letters, suspended by wide gold ribbons, welcomed guests.
The Bride's Family
Sarah's sister, Rachael (left), who has a master's degree in sustainable food practices, selected the day's cheeses. Their mom, Martha, a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, co-hosted the rehearsal dinner at Petite Chou, one of her eateries.
The Tablescape
Décor included silver candelabras and arrangements of gardenias, ranunculus, and dahlias
True Love Weights
In lieu of traditional place cards, each guest's name was calligraphed in gold and displayed in a black paperweight.
Personalized Linens
A white linen napkin monogrammed in gold by Caroline Brackenridge of Monogram Inc. graced each place setting except for the bride's. Hers was monogrammed in white with gold accents.
Bountiful Wedding Cake
Lauren Bohl-White adorned the couple's wedding confection with marzipan and sugar pomegranates and foliage.
The Stylish Couple
The new Mrs. in her second ensemble for the evening: an Azzedine Alaïa gown and a crown of magnolia leaves and roses.
Sources
Location: Oldfields-Lillyhouse and Gardens
Event planning: Detail + Design
Catering: Hoaglin Catering
Flowers: The Empty Vase
Photography: Stacy Newgent, with Austin Warnock
Stationery and calligraphy: Bernard Maisner
Cake: Lauren Bohl-White
Groom's suit: Prada
Videography: Van Neistat
Music: The Inception; Lockerbie String Quartet and Slim Pickin's (both leonardscorp.com)
Rentals: A Classic Party Rental; Cloth Connection; Eventsource; Vintage Plate Rental
Hair: Bryce Scarlett with deFacto
Makeup: Ashley Thompson
Bridesmaid dress: Balenciaga
Groomsmen attire: J.Crew
Transportation: Lew White Tours
Photo Booth: Stacy Newgent