A DIY Autumn Wedding at The Ritz Charles in Carmel, Indiana

Erica Sutherlin, 24, a visual manager, and Johnathan Sutherlin, 27, an operations manager, exchanged vows in an elegant fall wedding in Indiana. The couple met at a mutual friend’s birthday party and dated for a year before becoming engaged. They chose the Ritz Charles as the venue for their big day because it had both a ceremony and reception space. “The glass garden pavilion we used for the reception gave the feeling of being outside, without the risk of inclement weather, which was perfect since it poured during dinner!” the bride says. “It was set near a large open field and a woods, which you could see the trees changing color.” Erica and Johnathan used the natural autumn landscape as inspiration for their color palette and décor, which included bright floral arrangements and white pumpkins. Rather than focusing on a specific style, they focused on creating an elegant but comfortable atmosphere for everyone. Following the chapel ceremony, the wedding’s 150 guests were treated to a cocktail hour and sit-down dinner of apple cider-glazed pork and a chicken and steak combo at the reception. A four-tier white wedding cake for dessert, dancing and a sparkler send-off finished off the night.