A Formal Black-and-Gold Wedding Outdoors in Indiana

Updated on February 2, 2022

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Dog of Honor

Sarah's dynamite French bulldog, Napoleon, pulled double duty as train-holder.

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The Reception Entryway

Moss "S" and "T" letters, suspended by wide gold ribbons, welcomed guests.

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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.

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The Tablescape

Décor included silver candelabras and arrangements of gardenias, ranunculus, and dahlias

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True Love Weights

In lieu of traditional place cards, each guest's name was calligraphed in gold and displayed in a black paperweight.

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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.

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