Nicole and Jeff didn’t just have a wedding day. They had a wedding weekend, and it was the best kind of layered. Our team covered both days, with Wes capturing photo and video for their Friday Lao wedding, then our associate team stepping in to cover video for their wedding day at The Gillespie.
If you’re planning a multi-day celebration, this is exactly why it’s worth it. You get space for the cultural moments, the family moments, the party moments, and the quiet “holy crap we’re married” moments, without trying to cram everything into one timeline.
The Friday Lao Wedding: Heart, Culture, And Family Front And Center
Their Friday Lao wedding day was about honoring where they come from and who got them here. It had that special kind of energy that feels both intimate and powerful, because it’s not just a celebration. It’s a gathering of family, tradition, and meaning.
Wes covered photo and video for this day, and the focus was simple. Capture the moments that matter, the interactions you can’t recreate, and the pieces of the story that make the weekend feel complete. This is the kind of coverage that ends up being priceless later, because you’re not just remembering a wedding. You’re remembering your people.
The Gillespie Wedding Day: Garden Ceremony Vibes And A Full-On Reception
Their main wedding day took place at The Gillespie Conference & Special Event Center, with an outdoor garden ceremony that felt soft and romantic without trying too hard. Nicole and Jeff chose to wait to see each other until the ceremony, which always adds a little extra electricity to that first moment.
They also chose an unplugged ceremony, which is a win every time. Guests are actually watching, actually reacting, and actually present. The aisle stays clean, the photos stay timeless, and the whole ceremony feels more emotional because people aren’t hiding behind screens.
Nicole’s Details That Carried Real Meaning
Nicole had a few must-capture details that weren’t just “pretty,” they were deeply personal. A bouquet charm, moments with her mom, and an audio guestbook, plus a memorial table and something even more powerful.
Nicole’s father passed away in 2021, and the way they included him was beautiful. She had a bouquet charm with his photo, and during the reception her sister draped her father’s jacket around her while they danced with their moms at the same time. That is the kind of moment you feel in your chest, even if you’re across the room.
These are the parts of a wedding that make it bigger than the party. It becomes remembrance, gratitude, and love all in the same breath.
Portraits With “All The Direction” Energy
Nicole straight up told us she wanted all the direction, and honestly, we love that.
That tells us you want portraits that feel intentional, flattering, and still real. Romantic, cozy, playful, silly, plus creative lighting and natural moments. The goal is never stiff posing for the sake of posing. The goal is to make you look like yourselves on your best day, and to guide you enough that you’re not wondering what to do next.
A Reception That Balanced Emotion And Fun
The reception had the perfect mix of meaningful and celebratory. Nicole and Jeff planned a welcome speech, a blessing from Grandma, and then the night flowed right into the fun.
Their first dance song choice was “If You Love Her” by Forest Blakk, which is one of those songs that hits hard in the best way. They also planned cake cutting and intentional family dances, and with a guest count like this, the room energy was always going to be strong.
And if you’ve never experienced an audio guestbook at a wedding, it’s one of the coolest keepsakes you can add. People say things they’d never write down, and years later, hearing voices you love is a whole different kind of memory.
Quick Planning Tips If You’re Doing A Lao Wedding Weekend
If you’re planning a Lao wedding plus a full wedding day, give each day a purpose instead of trying to make both days “the same wedding twice.” One can be more cultural and family-focused, and the other can be more ceremony-and-party focused, which makes the whole weekend feel intentional.
If you want to wait until the ceremony to see each other, build in a little breathing room after the ceremony for portraits so you’re not rushed and you still get to enjoy cocktail hour.
If you’re including a loved one who passed, pick one or two meaningful touches that feel like you, like a bouquet charm, a memorial table, or a jacket moment during a dance. Those moments land because they’re personal, not performative.
And if you’re considering an audio guestbook, do it. It’s one of the only “extras” that gets better with time.
Nicole & Jeff’s Wedding Day Vendors
Photo + Video (Friday Lao Wedding Photo + Video): Westley Leon Studios (Wes) // Video (The Gillespie Wedding Day): Westley Leon Studios Associate Team // Venue: Gillespie Conference & Special Event Center // Officiant: Luis Soler // Rings: J.R. Fox Jewelers // Bridal Shop: Simply Yours Bridal (Granger, IN) // Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero // Groom Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Bridal Party Attire: Men’s Wearhouse & Azazie // Hair: Mariah Hammer // Makeup: Jenn Martz & Stephanie Saros // Florals: Martin’s // Bakery: Costco & Whole Foods // Stationery: Canva // DJ: ProShow // Audio Guestbook: After the Tone
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