A small bespoke gown designer, an artist who silkscreens wedding invitations in their studio, a fun, local band– these are just a few examples of the types of artisans available at Indie Wed, the longest running independent wedding show in the country. For a quick look at the product of this “wedding planning… redefined,” check out the angle Indie Wed producer Kelly Maron Horvath took on this shapely shoot.
Modern Weddings: For people who aren’t familiar with Indie Wed, can you tell us how this wedding event is different from the rest?
Kelly Maron Horvath: Unlike most traditional ballroom wedding expos, Indie Wed only features smaller independent businesses. The show is also curated, meaning we hand pick from a pool of applications to ensure a diverse and interesting selection of vendors. We don’t just stick our vendors in little trade show booths, but instead we allow them to create unique displays where attendees have the ability to actually experience their goods or services rather than just snag business cards. Each event offers guests a fun filled day that can include gourmet foods and sweets to sample, craft beers and signature cocktails, live bands and DJ’s, current fashion trends, and so much more.What also makes Indie Wed stand apart from every other bridal show is that many of our artisans are actually selling their goods on the spot. So if you see that one of a kind necklace you must have for your big day, you can get it right there at the show.
MW: What can brides expect to learn or find at Indie Wed?
KMH: Indie Wed is a great resource to not only find out who the up and coming talents are in the wedding industry, but it is also a place to be inspired. There is not one corner of Indie Wed where you wont find something interesting to look at. While we hope you will find several amazing vendors for your wedding day, what you will certainly leave with is a head spinning with creative ideas for transforming your event.
MW: Who do you think this event is best for: Brides or Bridal Industry Professionals?
KMH: Both. For couples, I guarantee this show will be different than all the other big wedding shows you go to. What many people don’t know is that many of those “expo” type events allow anyone to participate as long as they can pay the expensive booth fees. Our event is carefully curated and I am proud of the fact that we actively support independent businesses by focusing more on the quality of the vendor. The wedding pros also benefit since those who wouldn’t have otherwise been able to exhibit at a large event due to prohibitive costs, can find an affordable space at our event, knowing they are in the company of other like-minded business owners. Better yet, because we appeal to attendees who appreciate handmade, artisan, or otherwise unique wares, vendors know that they will have a much better chance of appealing to a more targeted audience. It is really a win-win for all.
MW: Tell us how you came up with the inspiration for this shoot.
KMH: I was really hung up on geometrics towards the end of last year and started working on all the artwork for the summer show around the same time, which led to wanting a few promo shots with a model or two to help with the show marketing. As I started planning it out more, I decided it might be fun to just do a big production with an awesome team. I contacted a bunch of my favorite Indie Wed vendors and the shoot developed from there.
MW: What was the most fun part about designing the shoot? Your favorite element?
KMH: Overseeing and art directing everything is really fun. I think I’ve got the art directing bug because I already have another shoot forming in my head. I loved hand picking all the vendors to work with and while the initial concept was mine, it really was a team effort. Everyone involved with the shoot, from the vendors to the models, are all a part of Indie Wed in some way, either as regularly participating vendors or staff members. The shoot is the epitome of what Indie Wed is all about and really shows off what you can find at our events.
Be sure to check out IndieWed’s second Summer Indie Wed show on Sunday, July 28 in Chicago.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Concept & Art Direction: Kelly Maron Horvath from Indie Wed
Photography: Amanda Megan Miller Photography
Styling & decor:Jayne Weddings & Events
Cake, mini-cakes & cookies: Elysia Root Cakes
Chocolate bon-bons & dipped marshmallows: truffle truffle
Florals: Pollen
Dresses: Mignonette Bridal
Jewelry: Glint & Gleam
Hair: Debra Petrielli
Make-up: Jennifer Brown
Bow tie & neck tie: DIBI Ties
Suits: Dessy
Stationery, cut paper garland, cake topper, placecard holders: Paper Stories
Rentals: Tablescapes
Venue: room 1520
Models: Mary Nisi (bride) of Toast & Jam DJ’s, Kelly Connolly (bridesmaid) of Nimble Well, Erin Coleman (bridesmaid) of Indie Wed John Pirnat (groom), Matt Gassman (groomsman) of The Traveling Photo Booth