In December of 2019, The Sixpence was still only a vision. There was no building, no calendar full of weddings – just a name, an idea, and a piece of property.
While on a family vacation in Grand Cayman that same month, co-founders Tana and Shelby stumbled upon a sixpence coin in a jewelry store. A small, simple coin – but a sign of something meaningful. That coin became the first sixpence coin, and now signifies what every Sixpence couple now receives as part of their booked package: a sixpence coin, tucked into their gift box as a nod to the cherished wedding rhyme:
“Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue… and a sixpence in your shoe.”
This tradition, and the heart behind it, has always served as a reminder: of intention, of beginnings, and of the commitment each couple makes as they step into forever.
Ownership team: Seth, Shelby, Chris, Tana shot by Honey Lens Imaging
Shelby, our CEO and the original visionary behind The Sixpence, spent over a decade as a wedding photographer and videographer, serving couples across the U.S. and beyond. That background gave her unmatched insight into what couples truly need and want in a venue—and fueled her drive to build something entirely new from the ground up.
Chris, our CFO, has spent decades managing high-performing sales teams across the Midwest. His leadership continues to shape our commitment to excellent client service, driving our team to not just meet expectations but exceed them with every interaction.
Tana, our Hiring Manager, is the heartbeat behind our culture. With a background centered on people and purpose, she’s intentional in seeking out those who align with The Sixpence values. As she puts it, she looks for “individuals who fit into the culture of the team and who possess a servant heart with a passion for extraordinary service.”
Seth, our Hospitality Director, brings over 12 years of hands-on hospitality experience – enhancing how we approach guest experiences, bringing elevated and thoughtful hospitality practices into our facilities and to our clients. Seth leads our bar and beverage programs and teams in their service excellence, insight that allows us to deliver service that is always evolving.
To mark this milestone of four years, we asked our ownership team to reflect on the journey – the origin of The Sixpence, the growth we’ve experienced, the most meaningful moments, and the vision that carries us into the future. It was a privilege to pause and reminisce on the path we’ve walked over these past four years. As we look back, and ahead, we’re reminded how important it is to honor both the beginnings and the becoming – to celebrate not only where we’ve been and where we’re going, but all the little moments in between.
Looking back
The Sixpence began as a big dream. Shelby, a wedding photographer with roots in both Zionsville and South Florida, envisioned something purpose-built from the ground up: a venue that married function with beauty, design with intentionality.
“A couple shouldn’t have to choose between a beautiful space or a functional one,” Shelby says. “I believed air conditioning and handicap accessibility should be standard – right alongside great indoor natural light and exclusive access to host the party of a lifetime. I knew it would be the very best way to serve our couples and their loved ones. So that’s what we did.”
For Chris, one of the things that stands out most vividly to him looking back was the client adoption of The Sixpence vision. “I’m continuously blown away by the support of our clients and their trust in the vision we’ve created and executed upon at The Sixpence. We have been able to be involved with more couples in the last four years than I ever would have imagined.”
The early days were far from glamorous. Seth recalls, “They were very long and exhausting, but we got through the challenges together and created something very special.” Shelby remembers, “Going from unboxing chairs, to hanging chandelier crystals, to overseeing Coca-Cola install, to giving tours to pulling weeds.” That spirit of togetherness and resilience became foundational to The Sixpence’s success.
Tana remembers how the community – friends, family, and loved ones – rallied in those beginning months. “There was a night that our daughter Riley and a dear friend hung each piece of the statement chandeliers before our grand opening,” she shares. “So many corners of the property have been touched by those who believed in this dream from day one.”
And perhaps no moment captures that culmination more than the grand opening itself. Shelby remembers that day most vividly through the weather: “The forecast called for hail, wind, torrential rain…and yet, that evening, we sat under golden skies. The storm passed around us like we were in a protected bubble of sunset. I’ll never forget it.”
Marissa Wiley’s snapshot of Shelby and Seth at The Sixpence Grand Opening
Seth also proposed to Shelby that same weekend – just one day before the grand opening. That moment, layered with personal and professional milestones, he returns to. When asked to identify a favorite moment at The Sixpence, he says, “proposing to Shelby the day before our grand opening.”
Grand Opening Video By Vito Pulverenti
The Sixpence Experience
Looking back over the last four years, we asked these owners to recall their favorite moment, memory, or event. Tana quickly described “The garden parties and Valentine’s events have been really special ways to connect with the community, and Unveiled (the runway show) was epic.” The Sixpence is well known for the weddings it hosts, but the team behind The Sixpence is continually crafting moments that invite the broader community to step into the story – from festive Christmas markets and elegant garden parties to immersive catering tastings and seasonal events. These gatherings aren’t just dates on the calendar, they’re an open door, welcoming neighbors, friends, and past and future couples into the experience and spirit of The Sixpence. Chris personally loves couples’ open houses. “I love seeing multiple couples – prospective, booked, and past couples that come together to visit or revisit the space.”
When they think of The Sixpence, a variety of words surface: extraordinary, community-oriented, elegant, intentional, diligent, distinctive, authentic, beautiful, love – and from Seth, simply, “Seamless excellence.”
When asked what part of the property feels most special, the answer was unanimous: The Grotto. “Pure magic,” Shelby calls it. “Peaceful, unique, beautiful,” Chris adds with a smile.
And while they each have many treasured memories – runway shows, Galentine’s events, garden parties, and team milestones – Seth’s proposal and the grand opening still stand as deeply personal moments for the group.
Building a Legacy
In its first four years, The Sixpence has become known for its elegant, elevated hospitality – and its team’s deep care for the couples they serve. As Chris puts it, “The Sixpence was never about revenue streams, it’s about creating an experience. We’re not perfect, but we pursue perfection. We want each couple to feel like their day is the first wedding we’ve ever hosted.”
Each of the co-founders highlighted the team as one of their greatest sources of pride. “Team culture is huge for the success of any hospitality company – caring for clients and their families is truly an honor for every single member of our team and it shows,” Seth says. “We are blessed and thankful to work alongside so many diverse talents, and creating our company leadership team is our very top priority.”
Honey Lens Imaging
Chris echoes that sentiment: “Our team operates with excellence in their individual areas and collaboratively works with their peers to create a luxury experience. The commitment is respect for each other and our culture to create unforgettable customer outcomes.”
Tana adds, “The Sixpence is a family business, and the joy of engaging in something so sacred for our clients and our team has been one of the greatest blessings.”
Shelby summarizes what guides the culture simply: “Clear is kind. In leadership, in client care, in everything, we try to lead with clarity and love.”
Looking Ahead
The future is full of possibilities for The Sixpence. “Continuing the success we’ve had but constantly evolving what we provide our couples,” is a defining factor for the future of The Sixpence according to Chris. “We consistently ask ourselves ‘How do we continue to improve the experience our clients enjoy?’ “
Shelby truly cannot wait to see the growth and expansion of the team at The Sixpence, especially as Westwood | Vowery & Estate begins to take shape. “The Sixpence is a dream shared, and as Seth, Chris, Tana, and I engage in other ventures, I look forward to handing more and more leadership over to the leaders at The Sixpence that have truly earned the opportunity.”
“The Sixpence booking calendar has really demonstrated a demand for purpose-built, aesthetic and functional celebration spaces,” says Shelby. Westwood is a response to that. “A design that doesn’t currently exist in the Indy market. It’s a new adventure, with its own moments of magic and a whole new set of memories.”
Chris adds, “The success we’ve had at The Sixpence validates Shelby’s vision for a luxury event space and gives us the confidence to dream even bigger. Westwood is not a replication, it’s an elevation. And it’s exciting to shape something new.” He adds thoughtfully, “I’ve learned Shelby can lead an incredible organization. She has a unique blend of vision and exhibition and it is absolutely the magic behind the foundation of both of these venues.”
Shot by The Lang Co.
Tana views it as a testament to what’s been built: “The development of Westwood is a confirmation that the industry sees The Sixpence as a leader in Midwest event spaces. That’s something to celebrate.”
Words of Wisdom
When asked what advice they’d give others launching creative businesses, they offered hard-earned wisdom.
Chris urges entrepreneurs to “Find a gap in the market or dramatically improve what’s already being delivered. Ultimately, this is a service business, and it’s all about elevating that service with consistency.”
And Shelby’s advice? “Research is important, but at some point, you have to act. Experience is the best teacher – take the leap.”
If they could go back and give themselves advice on day one? Chris jokes about building more storage. But more seriously, he reflects: “I wouldn’t be in the wedding venue business if my family wasn’t. Working together has been more rewarding than I ever imagined.”
Snapshots from the Unveiled Bridal Runway Show
The Sixpence was just a little dream in the heart of a wedding photographer. 2 years of research, coupled with a desire to offer something distinctly different and elevated in the Midwest was the driving force behind what we now know to be The Sixpence. Within the wooden walls holds thousands of memories, and as Shelby reminisces often, “The Sixpence is a place of memories. So many beautiful ones have occurred within these walls, and I take a lot of pride in The Sixpence being a place and a team that takes care of such precious, sacred moments.”
To learn more about The Sixpence story, visit our Youtube!
As the co-owner and designer of The Sixpence, Shelby Dempsey brings her extensive background in wedding photography and videography to create a purpose-built venue that blends aesthetics with functionality. After capturing nearly 400 weddings across the country and internationally, Shelby designed The Sixpence with a photographer’s eye, ensuring that every space not only looks beautiful but also serves the practical needs of both couples and photographers on their special day.
