Westwood Vowery & Estate made her long-awaited debut with a weekend that felt both deeply personal and unmistakably grand. Over the course of several days, more than 1,000 guests stepped through our doors to experience the space fully realized for the very first time.
Soft Opening
The celebration began on April 24th with an intimate Soft Opening Party that welcomed friends and family, offering a moment to pause and reflect on the journey that brought Westwood to life.
The Lang Co.
Sharing the finished estate with those who have supported the vision from the beginning carried a sense of gratitude that filled every room. We took time to look back on the process and recognize the people who made it possible. Architects of krM helped us bring our vision to life from the beginning, and Fairmont Construction brought the building from groundbreaking to opening in just 14 months, a remarkable timeline made possible through leadership from Drew Fairchild and a team committed to excellence. Jefferson Electric worked tirelessly in the final days leading up to the opening, ensuring every chandelier glowed and every lighting detail was perfected. Alongside them stands a growing Westwood team whose dedication to hospitality, service, and thoughtful execution has shaped the experience from the inside out. As Shelby Dempsey shared during the evening, “Westwood is not Westwood without the people who fill it,” a sentiment that defined the heart of the weekend.
The Lang Co.
“Westwood is not Westwood without the people who fill it,” – Shelby Dempsey
Grand Opening Party
The following evening, April 25th, transformed that heartfelt beginning into a full-scale party as more than 750 of Indianapolis’ most stylish guests arrived for Westwood’s Grand Opening Party. The theme drew inspiration from the Studio 54 era, and guests embraced it completely. The space became a living runway filled with sequins, bold textures, dramatic silhouettes, and vibrant color. Couples entered in striking fashion, each look contributing to an atmosphere that felt electric and alive.
The evening was made possible by partners who played an integral role in both the building process and the vision for Westwood’s future, including Fairmont Construction, The Wedding Studio, Pella Windows & Doors of Central Indiana, North Salem State Bank, Premier Group, Lux Lab Hair + Body, and Minky Couture.
Marissa Wiley Photo
Kassidy Ilayne Studios
Throughout the venue, immersive design elements brought the experience to life. Ace Party Rentals, MichaelAngelos Events, and Elsie’s Flower Shoppe layered the space with statement installations, curated furnishings, and lush florals. The iconic celebration was supported by featured planner Detail + Design.
The Lang Co.
Guests gathered for the official ribbon cutting before moving into The Vowery, where owners Chris Henry and Shelby Dempsey shared reflections on the vision behind Westwood. Shelby spoke of creating a place for legacy experiences and raising the standard of hospitality in the Midwest, a vision shaped in collaboration with the talent and creative community of the city.
Marissa Wiley Photo
From there, the evening unfolded across every corner of the property. Guests wandered through The Library, the Terrace Suite, and The Vowery, each space offering its own atmosphere and discovery. The Deoc Ensemble welcomed attendees with live string music, setting the tone as guests explored five distinct bar experiences that ranged from our 32 foot main bar with striking mirrored digital displays to the breezy Sunset Cocktail Courtyard Bar, The Vowery Bar, a VIP lounge bar, and Henry’s Wine and Bourbon Tasting Bar. Cunningham Restaurant Group designed stunning tablescapes of food and sweets, offering a unique and diverse menu alongside passed appetizers, refined and elevated.
Marissa Wiley Photo
Kassidy Ilayne Studios / Marissa Wiley Photo
Art and fashion were woven seamlessly into the night. The Pure Paintress created a live painting of Westwood while Dihel Art offered interactive pieces that guests could take home. The Wedding Studio showcased new designs on live models adding another layer of movement and visual storytelling to the evening (Makeup by The Glam Lab). Seth Dempsey and Chris Henry were outfitted by Tailored Society, adding bespoke fashion of menswear to the night. Across the venue, a diverse mix of guests gathered, from booked couples and industry professionals to local leaders, family, and friends, all sharing in the excitement of experiencing Westwood for the first time.
Chelsey Barhorst Photography / Marissa Wiley Photo
Henry’s offered its own distinct energy, hosting guests in both the Executive Lounge and the Cigar Lounge. The spaces invited conversation and connection through bourbon tastings, wine selections, billiards, and live jazz from Outside Corner, while the Cigar Lounge featured a live cigar roller, adding a tactile and memorable element to the experience. Music carried throughout the night as DJ Lockstar, DJ Hope Flows, and DJ Gno kept the dance floor moving and the energy high.
Oh and we had a surprise proposal?!
The Lang Co.
As the evening reached its peak, guests made their way to the west patio for a fireworks display by WYN Pyrotechnics that lit up the night sky and brought the celebration to a striking close. Two of our guests truly went west and found love, and the question was popped right out on our Cocktail Courtyard, met by many a raised glass and cheers.
We couldn’t have been more delighted to see every corner of Westwood filled with fabulous guests all evening long: gowns sparkling in the sunlight out on our Cocktail Courtyard, at our outdoor ceremony space overlooking the water and the colonnade between the main building and Henry’s, the pool table at Henry’s was broken in in style, lipstick was touched up in the many vanity mirrors of the Terrace Suite, and custom lounge hubs of the day provided the perfect reprieve from the full dance floor. Along with gorgeous furnishings by MichaelAngelos and striking floral design by Elsie’s Flower Shoppe, our VIP lounge and Booked Couples Lounge featured divinely soft blankets by Minky Couture, proving that glamor and comfort can absolutely go hand-in-hand.
The Lang Co.
Transportation for the evening was seamlessly handled by Aadvanced Limousines, while a select group of VIP guests carried on the celebration at an exclusive after party complete with disco ball dance floors and a continuation of the night’s vibrant energy.
The Lang Co.
Every moment of the event was captured by an incredibly talented media team including Camden Claire, Chelsey Barhorst Photography, Marissa Wiley Photo, The Lang Co., Hive & Honey Creative, and Kassidy Ilyane Studios, preserving the spirit of a weekend that marked a significant beginning.
Westwood Vowery and Estate partnered with Westfield Education Foundation to support the next generation of hospitality professionals by contributing to annual scholarships for Westfield graduates pursuing a future in hospitality. Ashley Knott, The Executive Director of Westfield Education Foundation shared, “The partnership reflects a shared commitment to investing in our students and our community. Through the Westwood Hospitality & Event Leadership Scholarship, two Westfield High School graduates each year will receive support as they pursue hospitality studies at an Indiana college or university. It’s a meaningful way to encourage students who value service and leadership.”
The Lang Co.
Looking back on the past 14 months, from the first day of construction to a fully realized and celebrated space, the overwhelming feeling is one of gratitude and anticipation. Westwood was built to hold moments that matter, from grand celebrations to intimate gatherings, all grounded in a commitment to thoughtful hospitality. Shelby expressed what the whole team agrees with, “I hope you get the chance to host a party here, so we can have some fun together.”
The Lang Co.
Westwood’s unforgettable Grand Opening Party debut was made possible by invaluable sponsors:
PRESENTING SPONSOR: FAIRMONT CONSTRUCTION
FEATURED BRIDAL SPONSOR: THE WEDDING STUDIO
PLATINUM SPONSOR: PREMIER GROUP
PLATINUM SPONSOR: PELLA WINDOWS & DOORS OF CENTRAL NDIANA
PLATINUM SPONSOR: NORTH SALEM STATE BANK
GOLD SPONSOR: LUX LAB HAIR + BODY
GOLD SPONSOR: MINKY COUTURE
Attended the party? Grab your pictures here!
To learn more about Westwood Vowery & Estate, visit our website at westwoodvenue.com. Excited to see the space in person? You’re in luck: Consider this your invitation open to the public to attend our upcoming Spring Party at Westwood on May 13th, 2026. Kindly RSVP here or email rsvp@westwoodvenue.com so we know to expect you & get inspired with dress guide and event details here.
