Roane & Brandt’s mid-December elopement was blessed with a gorgeous, mild, sunny day. Wanting to keep things intimate, they got ready together, joined by a select few loved ones, and drove over to the State House, less than 10 minutes from their Indianapolis home, to meet their officiant and say their vows under the soaring ceiling. I’ve worked with Brandt for years as his branding photographer, and it was an honor to get to tell this story for him and his beautiful new wife.

My all-time favorite wedding emcee is this absolute pro named Dave Kennedy. He’s a class act, and he likes to mix in the Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole duet “Unforgettable” into his dance-floor mix. It’s just a fantastic song: classic and unexpected, happy and romantic. And it’s also what everybody hopes their wedding day will be, not just for them, but for all their favorite people, too— unforgettable. From my experience, here are ten things that will unequivocally heighten the experience of your wedding day.

Katherine and Elliot met on the shores of the same water over which they said their marriage vows. Elliot signed up for sailing lessons, not knowing that his instructor would one day be his wife— and co-owner of their sail boat. Since Lake Michigan and nautical life are a centerpoint to their lives, Columbia Yacht Club was a natural choice for their venue.