Real Weddings In Northwest Indiana

April 21, 2020 Steve Vansak

First look at The Pavilion at Sandy Pines.

With the world in chaos and gripped by a pandemic (that is still shocking to write), I thought it was time for a feel good post. I want you to view these Real Wedding episodes as not only a look at the past, but also a glimpse into the future.

If you follow me on the Region Weddings Instagram Channel, you will know I have an IGTV series call Real Weddings. Every episode features highlights from one wedding set to music. They are all weddings from Northwest Indiana, Chicago area and southwest Michigan. Here are the first five:

Real Weddings - Episode 1: Tessa + Luis

A Spring wedding with a church ceremony and a reception at Villa Cesare. Portraits taken at Centennial Park. Press play and enjoy!

Real Weddings - Episode 1

Real Weddings - Episode 2: Josie + Victor

A bohemian style outdoor wedding at Friendship Botanical Gardens and a reception at The Market.

Real Weddings - Episode 2

Real Weddings - Episode 3: Nikki + Johnny

A church wedding at St. Michael’s Parish in Schererville, Indiana with a wonderful, tight knit family.

Real Weddings - Episode 3

Real Weddings - Episode 4: Christina + Melvin

An epic wedding at The Uptown Center in Michigan City, Indiana.

Real Weddings - Episode 4

Real Weddings - Episode 5: Beth + Keenin

Roar along in the groom’s vintage car for an outdoor golf course wedding at The Pavilion at Sandy Pines.

Real Weddings - Episode 5

I hope you enjoyed these videos of Real Weddings from Northwest Indiana. Stay tuned for more episodes from Chicago and Michigan and some winter and Fall weddings too.

As always, please do fill out the Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day.

And remember, weddings will be back, hugging will begin again and love will be celebrated!!

Wedding At Old Hebron Church And The Market In Valparaiso

September 26, 2017 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom in front of her childhood church in Hebron, Indiana.

Last year I photographed Emily and Todd's aviation themed engagement session and I was anxious to see how they brought that into their wedding decor. While the aviation part was more on Todd's side, Emily's theme was definitely her childhood Hebron home that sits right next to her old church which no longer has it's doors open. I guess you could say their wedding was the last hurrah for the vintage building.

With all of that context, let's dig in to this happy couple's big day that saw heart tugging emotional and nostalgic moments to high flying fun on the dance floor at The Market.

Bridal details at the bride's childhood home on wedding day.

As soon as the cameras were at my side emotional moments were all around, starting with the bride and her grandmother having a deep conversation with a few tears and hugs. Of course, lots of fun moments too with the bridesmaids and bride lip syncing Love Me Tender with guitar in hand.

The bride and her grandmother on wedding day.

Fun moments during getting ready on wedding day.

Emily's dress looked terrific with a wonderful back. I wanted to capture it along with the emotion of her mom assisting her getting dressed for her big day.

Mother of the bride assists her daughter on wedding day.

Emily and i had talked about doing a mini photo session of her in various areas of her parent's home and the place where she grew up. We did exactly that just before we walked next door for the ceremony.

Portraits of the bride at her childhood home.

A photo of the bride reflected in her mom's make up mirror.

The bridesmaids on the stairs leading to the loft of the bride's childhood home.

While I was capturing the women second photographer Kerrie was photographing Todd and the groomsmen at The Inn at Aberdeen.

Groomsmen prep at The Inn At Aberdeen in Valparaiso.

Bride and groom just before their church ceremony.

The aviation theme began to come into play as guests entered the old church and were greeted by some vintage airplane models along with paper versions to throw during the exit later. The tiny chapel was filled with an overflow of friends in the small lobby.

Wedding decor at the entrance of the old church in Hebron, Indiana.

Wedding ceremony at the bride's childhood church in Hebron, Indiana.

The bride enters her childhood church for her wedding.

Exchanging of the vows for bride and groom at their church wedding in Hebron, Indiana.

It's no secret that Todd is a lot taller than Emily. The officiant brought out a hidden stool so Emily could gain some height and have a proper first kiss!!

The bride steps up to her groom for their first kiss.

Paper airplanes fly toward the bride and groom during their church exit.

After family photos we did bride and groom pictures as well as wedding party all along tree lined paths around Emily's parent's home and the church itself. From old barn pictures to vintage car shots to silly face wedding party photos.

The bride and groom in front of an old weathered barn.

Church steeple in the background as the bride and groom kiss.

Too sexy for their suits - the groomsmen try to show up the bridesmaids.

Awkward and strange wedding party portraits.

Romantic bride and groom photos in Indiana farmland.

Entering the The Market for the reception in Valparaiso you were greeted by vintage typewriters, airplanes and family photos printed out in a faded sepia tone. Oh, and there were airplane engine parts as part of the wedding cake!

The emotional rollercoaster continued with the melancholy as Emily danced with her Dad to pure joy as kids of all ages kicked up their heels on the dance floor.

Wedding reception moments at The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana.

First dance for the bride and groom at The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Emily and Todd's big day. Please stay tuned to this blog and the social media feeds listed below for more images from this wedding and others. As always, to inquire about your wedding day, please fill out the Contact Form.

Wedding at Aberdeen Chapel and The Market in Valparaiso

August 7, 2017 Steve Vansak

The bride and groom share a laugh among the yellow flowers at Taltree Arboretum

Samantha and Tyler had a gorgeous summer day for their wedding at Aberdeen Chapel and The Market in Valparaiso. We also stopped by Taltree Arboretum for wedding party and couples photos.

Our day started in Crown Point at Thomas William Salon with beverages courtesy of Coopers Hawk, laughter and friendship from the bridesmaids and loving advice from mom.

Sammy got into her dress in the wonderful bridal suite at Aberdeen Manor just before her first look with Tyler in the garden.

Bridal prep at the bridal suite at Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso.

Dad received a special tie courtesy of the bride while mom looked on.

Tyler is in the United States Navy and is stationed out in San Diego, CA right now. He and his guys celebrated with a pre-ceremony game of pool as second photographer Lauren captured the moments.

Groomsmen prep for a summer wedding in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Samantha and Tyler's first look was a wonderfully private moment in the garden of Aberdeen Manor. We placed the groom under a shaded trellis as Sammy walked toward him.

First look for the bride and groom in the garden at Aberdeen Manor.

Portraits of the bride and groom at their summer wedding in Valparaiso, IN.

The summer ceremony inside of the picturesque Aberdeen Chapel had lots of laughs with Reverend Doug Klukken presiding. Sammy and Tyler exited into the bright midday sun and soon we were back inside for family photos.

Wedding ceremony at the Wedding Chapel at Aberdeen Manor.

Congregation attend a wedding ceremony at Aberdeen Chapel in Valparaiso.

The bride and groom kiss as they exit the Chapel at Aberdeen Manor.

Family and wedding party portraits inside the Aberdeen Chapel.

We spent the late afternoon at Taltree Arboretum taking wedding party and couple's photos at the beautiful nature preserve.

Bridesmaid and groomsmen group photos at Taltree Arboretum.

The wedding party stars in a sequel of The Sopranos TV show.

Taltree Arboretum is a great location for romantic wedding photos and we definitely used the gorgeous colors to our advantage.

Bride and groom share in a kiss amidst the nature of Taltree Arboretum.

Romantic couples photos at Taltree Arboretum in Valparaiso.

Wedding days can be a real whirlwind, so if possible I like to have my couples take a break from pictures and just sit and talk for awhile. Of course, I am sneaking in some shots (as was the video crew at Whole Hearted Wedding Films) and these are often the most natural expressions.

Bride and groom sit and chat on a bench surrounded by greenery at Taltree Arboretum.

We had a few puffy clouds in the eastern sky so made sure we got Tyler and Sammy up on the rolling hills at Taltree Arboretum where two clouds were nice enough to hover on each side of the newlyweds. Thanks Mother Nature!!

The bride and groom slow dance on the rolling hills of Taltree Arboretum nature preserve.

The Market in Valparaiso is a relatively new wedding venue and Samantha and Tyler had it decorated to the nines. The candles were beuatiful and the tribute to deceased grandparents (along with their wedding photos) was very touching.

Wedding decorations at The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana.

The introductions featured a "flower toss" and the speeches were funny and emotional all at once. Soon it was cake cutting time, dinner and on to first dances.

Wedding reception at The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Parent dances and first dance at The Market.

I forgot to mention the delicious desserts and 27 Entertainment brought the noise...

Party time at a wedding reception at The Market in Valparaiso, IN.

First dance for the bride and groom at The Market.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Sammy and Tyler's summer wedding at The Chapel at Aberdeen and The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana. As always, please fill out the Contact Form to inquire about your big day. More images to come on Instagram and other social media listed below. Enjoy!!