Erin Hart &

Joel Rainey

Indianapolis, IN April 25th, 2026

Their Love Story

The Red String Theory is the notion that despite time, place, and circumstance, the path of two destined individuals may stretch or tangle, but will remain connected. It is the belief of this bride and groom that they are at opposing ends of their own red string.

Erin and Joel shared a fleeting high school romance pulled from the lyrics of Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi - good girl inexplicably drawn to bad boy. It was this initial love that tied our own dancer and skater together before conflicting interests stretched their string to the limit.

12 years passed, marked by career and personal growth. Joel pursued Indy’s local culinary arts while Erin chased the artistic opportunities of Philadelphia. During the 2022 holiday season Joel felt an undeniable urge to contact an “old friend,” prompting him to slide into Erin’s DMs. Though they debate when the initial message was sent, neither will deny the conversation was easy and the reconnection was instant. After a quick drink date turned into closing the bar, Erin and Joel both knew this was the beginning of their forever - their string was untangled at last.

For over a year, they lived hundreds of miles apart, traveling between states every few months and FaceTiming nightly. When hardship struck the Hart family, Joel was the steadfast presence Erin desperately needed. Before the passing of Erin’s mother, Joel asked permission to marry her daughter, and seven months later, with her siblings’ blessing as well, Joel got down on one knee and asked Erin to be his wife. Now, they excitedly await tying the [red string] knot surrounded by those they love most.

What’s Happening When

  • Friday, April 24th, 2026

    This event is for immediate family and bridal party only.

    A separate invitation will be sent with pertinent details.

  • 3pm on Saturday, April 25th, 2026

    Celebration Plaza Amphitheater - White River State Park - Indianapolis, IN.

    The ceremony will begin precisely at 3pm. Please arrive with enough time to find your seat.

  • 5pm on Saturday, April 25th, 2026

    Celebration Plaza Amphitheater - White River State Park - Indianapolis, IN

    There will not be a hosted cocktail hour between the ceremony and reception. Please feel free to enjoy the near by hotel bars, or take the hour to explore downtown Indianapolis. Check the travel guide below for suggestions.

  • The reception will end at 10pm, and the wedding venue must be cleared by 11pm.

    If you’d like the party to continue, please enjoy the near by hotel bars, or check the travel guide below for entertainment suggestions.

The bride and groom request festive semi-formal attire. Think colors, textures, ruffles, and florals — have fun with it! The venue is an outdoor grassy space, so plan your footwear accordingly.
Need some outfit inspiration? Check out the images we’ve provided for guidance.

Dress Code

Travel Guide

  • PLANE - The closest airport is the Indianapolis International Airport (IND).

    TRAIN - The closest train station is the Indianapolis Amtrak Station (IND).

    BUS - Greyhound offers many intercity bus routes that drop off at both the airport and train station.

    CAR - If you choose to drive into the city, there is plenty of paid parking near the venue.

    OTHER — If you’re staying downtown, you can easily get to and from the venue by hopping on one of the Lime or Bird scooters found throughout the city.

  • There are no reserved hotel blocks, but below you’ll find the bride and groom’s lodging suggestions:

    • JW Marriott, Courtyard, SpringHill Suites, and Fairfield hotels are a 6 minute walk from the venue with the JW Marriott offering higher end accommodations.

    • InterContinental Indianapolis is a 15 minute walk, or 8 minute drive, from the venue and offers 5-star accommodations in the heart of downtown Indy.

    • Bottleworks Hotel is a 13 minute drive from the venue and a favorite of the bride and groom for its elevated Art Deco design and proximity to Mass Ave.

    • Hotel Broad Ripple is a 23 minute drive from the venue and offers a more boutique feel while being surrounded by restaurants and bars.

  • Explore Indy the Rainey-Hart way by visiting the bride and groom’s favorite spots in the city’s best neighborhoods.

    DOWNTOWN

    • The Exchange — Moody cocktail bar with seasonal flavors.

    • Modita — Asian-inspired cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.

    • Pins Mechanical + The Garage Food Hall — Community-style barcade and bustling food hall.

    • The Rathskeller Biergarten — Outdoor beer garden with frequent live music.

    • The Oakmont — Brunch spot and cocktail bar serving comfort food with club energy and trendy design.

    • Parlor Public House — Coffee shop and cocktail bar with cozy seating and pastries from local bakeries.

    • Midland Arts + Antiques Market — Massive warehouse packed with antique treasures.

    • Guggman Haus — Microbrewery with outdoor seating and hearty bar food.

    BROAD RIPPLE

    • The Quarter — New Orleans-inspired food and drinks with a patio that hosts live music.

    • BRICS — Former train depot turned ice cream shop, serving some of Indy’s best scoops along the Monon Trail.

    • Garden Table — Health-conscious brunch spot and juicery with farm-fresh ingredients.

    SO-BRO

    • Half Liter — Texas-style BBQ with outdoor seating, a beer garden, and regular live music.

    • Root + Bone — Soul food with creative cocktails and charming design.

    • Good Morning Mama’s — Former gas station turned colorful 1950s-style brunch diner.

    FOUNTAIN SQUARE

    • Bluebeard — Artisanal dining in a renovated warehouse named after a Kurt Vonnegut novel.

    • Magdalena — New Orleans-inspired cocktails and bites with an elevated, hole-in-the-wall feel.

    • Milktooth — Modern diner crafting brunch, coffee, and cocktails from local ingredients.