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!!

Spring Wedding At Villa Cesare and First Presbyterian Church

May 29, 2019 Steve Vansak

The groom dips his bride behind the gazebo at Villa Cesare in Schererville, Indiana.

If there is one thing I will always remember about Tessa and Luis from their wedding day as well as their engagement session last year, it’s that you will always catch them smiling and laughing at each other. It’s contagious in a good way.

Our day started off with me documenting bridal prep and Bridget with the guys. Gifts were exchanged, letters were read and the anticipation for the first look was on. Jay Marie Salon & Spa was on hand for hair and make up. Tessa’s wonderful dress came from Something Blue Bridal.

The bride and her bridesmaids having fun while getting ready.

Looking beautiful at her Spring wedding.

The groom prep before the first look with his bride.

Solo portraits of the bride and groom before they see each other for the first time on wedding day.

Tessa and Luis’ first look took place in the north garden at Centennial Park. Luis spun Tessa around for a look before wiping away some tears. The wedding party let them have this private moment before we went around the park for pictures.

First look for the bride and groom in the Centennial Park north garden.

I thought it might be nice to have these two have a seat under the trestle in one of the gardens and just chat for a bit while we captured some nice candid moments. Then it was onto the wedding party and a trip around the park including the lake and bridges.

The bride and groom share some candid moments underneath a trestle at Centennial Park garden.

The wedding party lined up and looking chic.

Having fun with the wedding party on the Centennial Park stage.

Blue sky silhouette of the bride and groom at Centennial Park in Munster, Indiana.

From darkened silhouettes to dips in the golden sun, it was all smiles for Luis and Tessa during their Spring wedding.

Sun shines upon the bride and groom during a romantic dip.

The always laughing bride and groom at Centennial Park.

Having fun with the bridesmaids and groomsmen at Centennial Park.

Soon we were off to First Presbyterian Church in Schererville, Indiana for the ceremony and family photos.

Wedding party enjoying the sunshine on the lake bridge at Centennial Park.

Wedding photos as Spring turns to Summer in Schererville, Indiana.

Wedding ceremony at First Presbyterian Church in Schererville, Indiana.

The ceremony was a joyous affair complete with a bubble exit.

A joyous wedding ceremony at First Presbyterian Church.

As I finished up family pictures, second photographer Bridget was at Villa Cesare capturing the decorations and guests arriving. Soon the dance floor would be alive with some major celebrating courtesy of AJ & S Mobile DJ services.

Wedding reception decorations, cake cutting and the shoe game at Villa Cesare in Schererville, Indiana.

First dance for the bride and groom center stage at Villa Cesare.

Spring wedding dance floor fun at Villa Cesare.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Tessa and Luis’ Spring wedding at Villa Cesare and First Presbyterian Church in Schererville, Indiana. Stay tuned to the social media channels below for more images and please do fill out the Contact Form to inquire about your big day.

Spring Wedding At Saint Mary Catholic Church In Crown Point

May 21, 2019 Steve Vansak

Newlyweds take a walk in the rain in front of the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

As lawyers it was only fitting that Sarah and Billy take a stroll in front of the Old Crown Point Courthouse after their Spring wedding ceremony at nearby Saint Mary Catholic Church. We also went inside for some court room shots as well.

The day started at Sarah’s parent’s home where the kitchen had been made over into a beauty salon. Lot’s of smiling, laughing faces were on hand to greet me when I arrived to photograph the details and getting ready prep.

Bridal details at a Spring wedding in Crown Point, Indiana.

The sisters of the bride gave Sarah her gift of scrapbooked memories after she got into her dress. Then I was off to meet the guys at the church where Billy’s “personal attendant / best man” handled the lint roller like a boss.

The bride gets into her dress for her Spring wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom in Crown Point, Indiana just before their wedding ceremony at Saint Mary Church.

The groomsmen reveal their socks at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Crown Point, Indiana.

Guests began arriving and mingling and soon it would be time for Sarah and her Dad to come down the aisle. The flower girl decided to make a run for it as well. One of the nicest aspects of Saint Mary’s is the great view from the balcony. I made a point to get up there for a few images during the ceremony.

Friends and family mingle before the ceremony.

Wedding ceremony at Saint Mary Catholic Church.

The view from the balcony of Saint Mary’s Church in Crown Point during a wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony we quickly took family photos before the next service was to begin and then wedding party and Sarah and Billy. It was then we noticed an unscheduled rain storm had come over the area. Fortunately the Old Crown Point Courthouse was open and we were able to stop in for pictures in between the rain.

Bride and groom solo portraits at the altar of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Crown Point, Indiana.

Bride and groom at the altar of Saint Mary’s Church.

Wedding party on the steps of the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

Top: America’s Next Top Models - Bottom: Auditions for the Zoolander movie sequel.

Bride and groom inside the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

Some candid moments for the bride and groom in between raindrops.

Wedding party group photo on the marble floor of Old Crown Point Courthouse.

Bride and groom share a moment outside the gazebo at Villa Cesare.

Our next stop was Villa Cesare for the reception and what a celebration it was. It started out with mingling during cocktail hour and generational hugs, but soon turned into a full on dance party as 27 Entertainment brought the beats.

Reception decor at Villa Cesare in Schererville, Indiana.

Two generational hugs within moments of one another.

Introductions and first dances at Villa Cesare Banquet Hall.

Dance floor fun during a wedding reception at Villa Cesare.

Please take out your light sabre and head on over to the Region Weddings instagram feed for more images from this wedding and many others. To inquire about wedding photography for your big day, please fill out the Contact Form right here. Enjoy!!

Summer Wedding At Saint Mary's Church In Crown Point, Indiana

August 14, 2017 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom kiss in front of the Old Courthouse in Crown Point, Indiana

Ashlee and Ryan had a beautiful summer day for their wedding at Saint Mary's Church in Crown Point, Indiana. Our day started at State of Mind Salon and Spa with Ashlee getting all glamoured up for her big day. Her mom was on hand to tie her lovely dress and soon we were off to meet up with the groom for the ceremony.

Bridal prep at State of Mind Salon in Crown Point, IN

Vintage glamour wedding day accessories.

As Ashlee's Father walked her down the aisle, friends and family were crying. I loved the fist pump that Ashlee gave after Father pronounced them married. Right after the ceremony we took family photos as well as wedding party and church bride and groom pictures. Then we walked to the Crown Point square for some small town flavor.

Bride and groom pray in front of the statue of Mary.

Summer wedding ceremony at Saint Mary's Church in Crown Point, Indiana.

Bride and groom photos inside Saint Mary's Church.

It was such a lovely day that we walked from the church and all around the downtown square of Crown Point. We took photos outside and inside the old courthouse as well as near the old jail.

Passionate moment for the bride and groom.

Wedding photos in downtown Crown Point, Indiana.

Bride and groom slow dance on the vintage lobby floor of the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

The bride and her bridesmaids have fun in in downtown Crown Point.

We strolled by the Halls of Justice on the Square for this silhouette in the lobby. The vintage piano also made for nice backdrop for Ashlee and Ryan's elegant wedding theme.

Bride and groom at the entrance to The Halls of Justice in Crown Point, Indiana.

The groom relaxes next to the vintage piano at The Halls of Justice.

The last of our downtown Crown Point wedding photos was this dipping shot in the middle of the intersection.

The groom dips his bride in downtown Crown Point, Indiana.

The reception took place at Villa Cesare with photo booth, kissing bells and some eager single ladies on the dance floor!! A very touching moment came with Ryan brought his mom out during the father daughter dance,

Parent dances at Villa Cesare during a wedding reception.

This sneak peek look at Ashlee and Ryan's summer wedding is only the tip of the iceberg with many more images to come. To inquire about your own wedding be sure to fill out the Contact Form and I will let you know if your day is available. Enjoy!!