A Wedding Celebration at The Indiana Roof Ballroom
Some weddings feel instantly iconic, and Laura and Ronnie’s wedding reception at The Indiana Roof Ballroom was one of those unforgettable evenings. Set in downtown Indianapolis, this celebration blended classic elegance with joyful energy, all within one of the city’s most historic venues. With thoughtful planning, elevated catering, and seamless execution, Crystal Signature Events was honored to bring Laura and Ronnie’s vision to life.
Thoughtful Planning for a Seamless Celebration
With its soaring domed ceiling, intricate architectural details, and dramatic sense of scale, the Indiana Roof Ballroom offers a setting that feels both timeless and celebratory. For Laura and Ronnie, it was the perfect backdrop for a wedding reception that balanced formal elegance with joyful energy and personal touches.
Working closely with the planning team, Crystal Signature Events coordinated timelines, service, and culinary execution to ensure a smooth, well-paced celebration from start to finish. The evening unfolded with purpose, moving seamlessly from cocktails to a plated dinner, heartfelt toasts, special dances, and a full dance floor that carried the celebration late into the night.
Cocktail Hour: Elevated and Inviting
Following an offsite ceremony at St. John’s, guests arrived to The Roof for a lively cocktail hour on the promenade before transitioning into the main ballroom for dinner and dancing. This intentional progression allowed each phase of the evening to feel distinct while remaining effortlessly connected, a hallmark of the venue’s design.
During cocktail hour, guests mingled beneath soft lighting while enjoying a curated selection of passed hors d’oeuvres from Crystal’s award-winning culinary team. These bites were designed to be both flavorful and approachable, setting the tone for the evening ahead. Offerings included:
- Caprese skewers with fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes
- Peppered beef tenderloin crostini with three-pepper chutney
- Balsamic fig tarts topped with whipped goat cheese and shaved prosciutto
The premium bar featured classic favorites alongside signature cocktails created just for the couple. Guests enjoyed the bride’s The Hoosier (gin, hibiscus syrup, lemon juice, and prosecco) and the groom’s The Tarheel (bourbon, lime, ginger beer, and mint) signature cocktails, while house Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were passed during the opening portion of cocktail hour for an added touch of hospitality.
Elevated Design That Honored the Space
Design choices were intentionally curated to complement The Indiana Roof Ballroom’s grandeur without competing with its iconic architecture. Guest tables were dressed in neutral beige linens, creating a soft, timeless foundation that allowed the room’s dramatic lighting and ornate details to take center stage. Rented mahogany Chiavari chairs added warmth and sophistication, grounding the design with a classic silhouette.
Centerpieces struck a thoughtful balance between elegance and whimsy, featuring a mix of glowing candles and lush florals in pinks, whites, yellows, and soft blues. This layered approach brought movement, color, and warmth to the space while maintaining a refined, cohesive aesthetic throughout the ballroom.
The head table was designed as a statement moment. A floral-patterned linen introduced texture and personality, setting it apart from guest tables, while a trio of large brass candelabras added height, drama, and romantic candlelight. Elegant napkin folds, flickering votives, and carefully placed details completed the look, resulting in an atmosphere that felt polished, inviting, and perfectly scaled to the grandeur of the Indiana Roof Ballroom.
A Plated Dinner Designed to Impress
Dinner service unfolded in the grand ballroom, where guests were seated at beautifully styled tables and greeted with warm petite baguettes and butter. The evening’s signature moment followed with The Roof’s famed thunderstorm and salad parade, set to Be Our Guest, featuring a vibrant baby spinach salad with mixed berries, goat cheese, pickled red onion, oat clusters, and raspberry vinaigrette.
The plated entrée featured a beautifully executed duet of rosemary red wine and tomato-braised short rib paired with garlic chive butter salmon. Served with whipped Parmesan Yukon Gold potatoes and julienned vegetables, the dish balanced comfort and refinement while reflecting Crystal’s commitment to quality and presentation. Dietary needs were also handled with care, including custom chef-prepared meals to ensure every guest felt considered and accommodated.
Sweet Moments and Celebration
Following dinner, champagne was poured and the wedding cake was served with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, and raspberry coulis. This classic dessert moment provided a perfect pause before the energy of the evening shifted toward dancing and celebration.
Live music filled the ballroom as the couple shared their special dances, followed by heartfelt toasts that added warmth and personality to the evening.
Dancing, Music, and Late-Night Fun
Once the dance floor opened, the celebration truly came alive. Live music by Living Proof kept guests dancing beneath the glow of custom lighting that highlighted the ballroom’s architectural beauty. Festoon lighting, pin spots, and dynamic dance floor lighting transformed the space as the night progressed.
Later in the evening, guests were treated to late-night snacks designed to refuel the fun. Pepperoni-stuffed breadsticks with marinara and ranch, along with loaded tater tots topped with queso, bacon, scallions, jalapeños, and salsa, were served in festive striped cups. These crowd favorites kept the energy high through the final moments of the celebration.
Crafting Meaningful Weddings at The Roof
The Dickman-Schneider wedding is a wonderful example of what makes Crystal Signature Events a trusted partner for catering and event execution at The Indiana Roof Ballroom.
Our experienced team provides:
- Comprehensive planning support and seamless execution
- Elevated, customizable culinary experiences
- Attentive service throughout every stage of the event
- A professional and welcoming approach that prioritizes guest experience
We were honored to help this couple celebrate one of life’s most meaningful moments in one of Indianapolis’s most iconic venues.
Vendors:
- Venue: The Indiana Roof Ballroom
- Caterer: Crystal Signature Events
- Rentals: A Classic Party Rental
- Planner: Leslie Jones Weddings
- Band: Living Proof
- Photography: Lauren Peterson Photography
- Florals: RK Florals
- Lighting: Markey’s
- Bakery: Top Tier Cakes
Elegant Wedding Reception at the Indiana Roof Ballroom
Related Topics: Event Planning, Wedding Flowers and Bridal Bouquets, Best Indianapolis Wedding Venues