There’s a timeless romance to the Indiana Dunes beach, where the golden sands meet the rolling waves of Lake Michigan under an endless sky. After photographing their engagement session here and now, they chose this breathtaking backdrop for their wedding photos. It’s clear that Katie and Matt are drawn to its natural beauty.

The gentle rustle of dune grasses and the light reflecting off the water created a serene, dreamlike setting—perfect for starting their lifelong journey together.

Before we could get to this moment, they needed to prepare to unite and be married. I captured all of the wonderful moments of bridal prep, while Wendy documented groom prep.

Here is a sneak peek at the details, emotions, and laughs of their epic day—from a first look with Dad to a blue hour slow dance on the back deck of Allure On The Lake wedding reception venue.

Katie and Arnie had a wondrous day for their summer wedding at St. Paul Catholic Church with the reception at The Allure On The Lake in Chesterton, Indiana. We started our day at Vanis Salon in Valparaiso for bridal prep while second photogrpaher Bridget captured the guys.

Katie's mom helped with her dress and it's flowing train. After some stained glass window shots in one of the church chapel rooms, it was time to her walk down the aisle in her Dad's arms.

The bride at the stained glass window of Saint Paul Catholic Church.

The groom and his guys get ready for the big day.

Saint Paul has wonderful architecture and we definitely wanted to show it off in some wide shots along with all of the emotions on the altar as well. After family photos inside the church, we jetted off to Coffee Creek Nature Preserve for wedding party and couple's pictures.

Wedding ceremony at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The great architecture of Saint Paul Church.

Bride and groom on the altar of St. Paul.

We had a wedding crasher of sorts with a Great Egret bird making an appearance for the bridesmaid group picture.

Bridesmaids on the rocks of the lake at Coffee Creek.

Bride and groom under a big tree at Coffee Creek Nature Preserve.

After leaving Coffee Creek, we walked around the back area of The Allure On The Lake for some scenic wedding photos before heading inside for the party.

Wedding photos at Coffee Creek and The Allure On The Lake in Chesterton, Indiana.

The Allure On The Lake is a fairly new Northwest Indiana wedding venue that has a great deck overlooking the lake where guests can mingle. They also have a beautiful indoor ceremony area. We photographed Katie and Arnie's decor before some spirited introductions, dinner and then dance floor fun. The circular lighting of the ballroom is especially great for epic first dance pictures.

Wedding reception decor at The Allure On The Lake in Chesterton, Indiana.

Wedding reception fun at The Allure On The Lake in Chesterton, Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Katie and Arnie's wedding at St. Paul Catholic Church and The Allure On The Lake. Be sure to follow the social media channels below for more images from this wedding and others. To inquire about your big day, please fill out the Contact Form.