Jordan and Aubrey Hulls on their wedding day. Photo by Hudson Photography

Oy! What a Year

There is an existential expression that pretty much sums up the year 2020: “Man plans, God laughs.” That sentiment was certainly true for people expecting to marry in this year of the pandemic. Many weddings long planned were either minimalized or put off for another day.

The Bloom staff searched for in-person weddings that took place during the pandemic and faithfully followed the CDC safety guidelines for masks and social distancing. Alas, we could find none.

So, what we present here, in our 15th annual Wedding Guide, are four of our most popular weddings from years past. They are beautiful, colorful, creative, unique, and full of incredible ideas for couples hoping to gather family and friends for unforgettable romantic nuptials in the near future.

Here’s to better times and amazing weddings in 2021.

Mazel Tov! A Traditional Wedding in a Rustic Setting

photography by TALL AND SMALL PHOTOGRAPHY

“Michal Picked a Rose” read one of the hand-lettered signs posted on rustic wood panels that dotted the grounds of Sycamore Farm, a 20-acre working horse farm in southwest Bloomington. And indeed, Michal Adut picked DeJohn Rose to marry in an outdoor ceremony at the farm, followed by dinner and dancing in a beautifully decorated barn. Read more.

A Wedding Fit for a Hoosier Hero and His Bride

photography by HUDSON PHOTOGRAPHY

He is one of the most popular basketball players Bloomington has ever produced, but it took a little help for Jordan Hulls to get the girl. “Indiana Mr. Basketball” 2009 and a four-year standout with the Indiana University Hoosiers, Jordan met Evansville, Indiana, native Aubrey Wathen at IU where their paths crossed in the School of Public Health. But that was about it until Jordan’s teammate Derek Elston and best friend Caleb Konstanksi intervened. Read more.

Able to Celebrate Their Love With Marriage

photography by ICARUS PHOTOGRAPHY

One cold, snowy day in January 2014, Jourdan Eastling asked Sarah Hugus if she wanted to drive to Lake Monroe and have a picnic on the wintery beach. Enjoying a glass of wine, Sarah turned to find Jourdan on one knee, proposing that they spend the rest of their lives together. Sarah never saw it coming. “I thought she was kidding!” the 25-year old Indianapolis native says. As disbelief gave way to delight, Sarah said “yes.” Read more.

A Hauntingly Beautiful Wedding

photography by LAURA VON PHOTOGRAPHY

Mike Jacob admits that he’s not a particularly romantic guy. So it’s no surprise that his marriage proposal to Natascha Buehnerkemper was unconventional. “Getting on a knee—that’s not me,” he says. Yet their wedding was hauntingly beautiful and quixotic. Read more.


Click here to view a PDF version of the 15th Annual Wedding Guide.