Winter Wedding At Sand Creek Country Club

January 3, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom portrait at Kapitan Nursery tree farm.

Sarah was hoping for snow on her wedding day. We kinda / sorta got it - outside and inside. Follow me as we go through the highlights of Sarah and Nick’s winter wedding at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana with a church ceremony at St. Michael’s Parish in Schererville, Indiana.

Our day started with bridal prep at Sarah’s parents home where the first signs of a Disney themed wedding were spotted within the bridesmaid’s slippers. Make up by Maria Blanco with hair by Lauren Phillips.

Bridal prep for a winter and Disney themed wedding.

Bridesmaid fun during getting ready on wedding day.

Second photographer Kerrie was with the guys at their hotel while I captured Sarah, her bridesmaids and her lovable dog Madden. Then we all convened upon St. Michael’s Parish to see Sarah walk down the aisle on the arms of her Dad. Flowers by: Kristina Lynn Floral

St. Michel’s Parish looked very festive with Christmas decorations in every corner including behind the altar for all of our photographs. After the ceremony we took family pictures, wedding party and bride and groom photos and then we were off in the search for snow.

Winter wedding ceremony at St. Michael’s Parish in Schererville, Indiana.

Bride and groom pray inside the sanctuary at St. Michael’s Parish in Schererville, Indiana.

Wedding party group photo at St. Michael’s Parish.

The bride shows off her pretty wedding dress at St. Michael’s Parish.

Bride and groom church portraits with Christmas decorations.

We began our search for snow at Kapitan Nursery tree farm in Merrillville, Indiana where we set the wedding party and bride and groom up against a picturesque backdrop with frost on the ground and freezing but happy faces walking along the baby evergreen trees.

Wedding party group photo at Kapitan Nursery tree farm.

Fog surrounds the bride and groom in this outdoor winter wedding photo.

Winter wedding photos at Kapitan Nursery tree farm.

As we made our way toward Sand Creek Country Club we found that in Chesterton, Indiana quite a bit more snow had fallen. This meant some snow covered bride and groom portraits at the beautifully lit entrance to the Sand Creek ballroom.

Outdoor winter wedding photos at Sand Creek Country Club.

Upon entering the reception room at Sand Creek Country Club for Sarah and Nick’s winter wedding, the Disney theme took hold alongside winter. By the time first dances arrived, snow was now falling indoors. Music: 27 Entertainment / Snow: Ever After Events / Cake: Beck’s Crown Bakery

Disney and winter themed wedding decorations.

Winter wedding reception at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana.

First dance for the bride and groom as snow falls upon them.

Snow falls on the dance floor at a winter wedding reception at Sand Creek Country Club.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Sarah and nick’s winter wedding at Sand Creek Country Club with a church ceremony at St. Michael’s Parish. Be sure to follow the Instagram feed to see more images and fill out the Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day.

The 2018 Year In Review for Northwest Indiana and Chicago Weddings

December 31, 2018 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom steal a kiss on a hilltop at Briar Ridge Golf Course.

I’m typing this blog post on December 31, 2018 on what is supposed to be a slow day in the world of a wedding photographer. It’s not!! With several client meetings today and the final wedding of the year just this past weekend, one of my busiest years in Northwest Indiana and Chicago wedding photography is ending as it began with a very active schedule. No complaints here, but get ready because I have LOTS of images and wedding stories for the year down below. Let’s get to it…

Late winter 2018 weddings in Valparaiso, Indiana and Grant Park, Illinois.

After a busy December the previous year, I photographed Nicole and Luke’s wonderful church wedding in early March in Beecher, Illinois and followed shortly by Ashley and Adam at Aberdeen Manor.

Wedding Ceremony At Faith United Reform Church

In early Spring I found myself at Briar Ridge Country Club quite a few times starting off with Rachel and Matt with Sheri and Ryan the following Saturday. Both couples had some blazing sun for their golf course weddings.

Two Spring weddings at Briar Ridge Country Club in Dyer, Indiana.

The previous Fall I had done Ashley and Michael’s engagement session and they had such a wonderful chemistry together that I was eagerly anticipating their outdoor wedding at the spectacular Sandy Pines Pavilion with it’s beautiful bridal suite and perfectly landscaped scenery. It was a wonderful Sunday wedding.

I was also back for another golf course wedding with a touch of Disney with Abby and Sean at Sand Creek Country Club.

Bride and groom hold hands on the lake pier at Sandy Pines Golf Course.

Weddings at two golf courses - Sandy Pines and Sand Creek.

In mid May it was the first of two weddings at County Line Orchard with Jaime and Tom. The groom’s family came all the way from England for this exquisite barn wedding.

The bride and groom exit the County Line Orchard south barn after their ceremony.

Spring wedding photos at County Line Orchard.

Late in May saw me heading to Chicago for Veronica and Adrian’s church wedding and then it was time for another trip to Valparaiso University and The Chapel of the Resurrection where Lauren and Edward declared victory.

May weddings in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

The groom rings the victory bell at Valparaiso University.

Bride and groom at the bottom of the spiral staircase at Valparaiso University.

The groom and his guys at Valparaiso University.

Also in late May, I made it back to the beach for Nicole and Chad’s Memorial Day weekend wedding at Marquette Park Pavilion. Then it was back to Briar Ridge Country Club for Patty and Stephen’s outdoor nuptials.

Late Spring weddings at Marquette Park Pavilion and Briar Ridge Country Club.

June saw another golf course wedding reception with Jennifer and Carl and a stop by Meyer’s Castle two weekends in a row for Valerie and Anthony and then Mallory and Ryan.

June weddings at Briar Ridge and Meyer’s Castle.

The bride is soaked by sunlight at Meyer’s Castle during a summer wedding.

June wedding at Meyer’s Castle in Dyer, Indiana.

Summer rolled on with another County Line Orchard wedding where Ashley and Zach had their un-plugged wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom smooch in the farm fields behind County Line Orchard.

Gang of bridesmaids stalk the open fields of County Line Orchard.

July saw another Chicago wedding with Lauren and Mark at The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building and Katie and Patrick’s church wedding at St. Michael’s Parish in Schererville, Indiana with reception at The Munster Center for the Performing Arts.

July weddings in Chicago and Schererville, Indiana.

The groom kisses the bride at the edge of the Centennial Park Lake.

The summer weddings rolled on with Kim and Tim at St. Maria Goretti Church as well as Patti and David and their wonderful backyard wedding in Crown Point.

Summer weddings in Northwest Indiana during August of 2018.

Summer is the height of baseball season of course, so super fans Kaitlyn and Ryan took to the field after their wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Griffith, Indiana. I also shot at the brand new Allure on the Lake for Katie and Arnie’s wedding reception.

August weddings at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Allure on The Lake.

Labor Day weekend brought an end to summer but the beginning of busy season with Josie and Victor’s bohemian outdoor wedding at Friendship Garden in Michigan City with a stop at The Market for the reception. It also saw another stop at Briar Ridge Country Club with Molly and Chris.

Kissing bridge at Friendship Garden in Michigan City, Indiana.

Outdoor weddings at Friendship Garden and Briar Ridge Country Club.

Boho bride from above during bridal prep for her big day.

A couple in love gazes romantically at each other.

It was my first “wedding selfie” shot at Tracey and Chris’ outdoor wedding at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, Illinois. The grain silo is just massive and I was so glad to take some images showcasing the bride and groom next to it. Early September also saw a stop at Centennial Park for an outdoor wedding with Julie and Jason.

September weddings in Illinois and Indiana.

The grain silo at Peck Farm Park towers over the bride and groom.

As September drifted into October, we saw the absolutely fun wedding of Emma and Kyle at Croation Center and then it was Nikki and Johnny’s wedding with a church ceremony at St. Michael’s Church in Schererville, Indiana and a rocking reception at St. Elijah Banquet Center in Merrillville.

The bride and groom sport a take no prisoners look for their wedding photo.

Bridal portrait at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

October also saw Captain America and SpiderWoman (Jess and Josh) get married at Lighthouse Restaurant as well as Erika and Mitch with a Great Gatsby themed wedding at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

Captain America marries SpiderWoman at Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake.

A wedding picture during a hailstorm in Laporte, Indiana.

The bride and groom get mischievous at The Allure.

Karen and Jason had their hometown wedding in Crown point with a St. Mary’s Church ceremony with stops at the fairgrounds and a reception at the old Lake County Courthouse Maki Ballroom.

More October weddings at The Allure and in downtown Crown Point.

Late October and November Fall weddings saw me back at Sand Creek Country Club for Marz and Tom’s big day as well as Krueger Memorial Hall in Michigan City for Ashley and Terry’s beautiful Fall wedding with Autumn leaves everywhere.

Fall weddings at Sand Creek Country Club and Krueger Memorial Hall.

Leaves fall upon the bride and groom for their Autumn wedding.

As winter finally arrived, The Uptown Center got all lit up for Kristen and Patrick’s wedding and last, but certainly not least the grand finale, last wedding of 2018 was Sarah and Nick’s snow filled day at Sand Creek Country Club.

Winter weddings at Uptown Center and Sand Creek Country Club.

Whew, thanks for making it all the way though this long review of weddings in Northwest Indiana and Chicago in 2018. Please contact me here on the website to set up a meeting to discuss the photography for your wedding day. I service Northwest Indiana, Chicago and southern Michigan but I’m also available for travel. 2018 brought me to a few new venues as well as old favorites. I’m looking forward to seeing where you take me next year and beyond. A special Thank You to Kerrie, Bridget, Schylar, Michelle, Lauren, Doug and Jaime for their help in Wedding Season 2018. Happy New Year!!

Fall Wedding At St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church

October 29, 2018 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom kiss on the altar at St. Stanislaus Church in Michigan City, Indiana.

Erika and Mitch brought wind, rain, hail, fog, glam, football, the Great Gatsby and more to their epic wedding at Saint Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church and the incredible The Allure wedding venue.

Our day started with myself capturing getting ready in The Allure bridal suite with Brittany Hennings and Under The Veil handling all of the beauty. Second photographer Doug was with the guys at Blue Chip Casino.

Bridal prep at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

Getting ready inside the bridal suite at The Allure.

The bride and groom read each other’s letters on wedding day.

When I arrived at the church, the wind just about took the door off of my car. I knew were were in for some bad weather, but hoped it would just last through the ceremony while we were inside. St. Stan’s is a massive church and i always love to capture some of it’s architecture while there. After the ceremony, rain had stopped enough for an exit then it was back inside for family photos.

Wedding ceremony at St. Stanislaus Church.

Bride and groom solo portraits on the altar at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church.

Erika had an incredible veil so we definitely wanted to show it off. After church pictures we had planned to cruise around downtown Michigan City, but rain foiled that. When we got back to Laporte we had an opportunity for some pictures by the lake. Then…. a hail storm struck with a huge gust of wind!! What to do? Keep taking pictures of course!! Nothing like a stormy sky with some beautiful newlyweds in the foreground.

Storm clouds fill the sky as the bride and groom kiss on the edge of Pine Lake in Laporte, Indiana.

Wedding photos in downtown Laporte, Indiana.

The groom dips his bride in front of The Allure wedding venue in Laporte, Indiana.

Bride and groom chillin’ in downtown Laporte.

After dodging the wind / hail / rain that was off and on, we went inside The Allure for more pictures. Everybody was in a loose mood at this point so shook it up with some fun shots.

The bride says ‘I Do’ at The Allure while surrounded by fog.

How do the bridesmaids know the bride? Just read the signs.

A football game breaks out at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

The Allure was especially spectacular with the Great Gatsby theme. 27 Entertainment had the dance floor packed all night and the bride groom celebrated in more fog for their first dance.

Great Gatsby wedding decor at The Allure.

A packed dance floor at The Allure for a Fall wedding.

First dance on The Allure ballroom floor.

Wedding reception fun at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

The bride and groom exited to glow sticks as Katy Perry tunes blasted from inside.

This is merely a sneak peek look at Erika and Mitch’s epic wedding at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic Church with a wedding reception at The Allure. Stay tuned on social media below fore more images from this wedding and others. As always, please fill out the Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day.

Traditional Crown Point Wedding

October 22, 2018 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom portrait on the altar at St. Mary’s Church.

Karen and Jason had an uproarious traditional Crown Point wedding complete with a chicken dance, polka band, hokey pokey and more inside the banquet room at the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

However, our day started in St. John with bridal prep while second photographer Kerrie photographed the guys at the couple’s home.

The ceremony was at St. Mary Catholic Church in Crown Point, Indiana. Family and friends saw Karen’s mom walk her down the aisle. After the traditional Catholic ceremony we took pictures of family as well as bride and groom photos on the altar.

Catholic wedding ceremony at St. Mary in Crown Point, Indiana.

The bride and groom pray at St. Mary Catholic Church.

Bride and groom on the altar at St. Mary Catholic Church in Crown Point, Indiana.

One of our stops for pictures was the Lake County Fairgrounds with the entire wedding party and bride groom. Then it was onto the Grand Old Lady where the reception would take place.

The bride and groom take a stroll in the wood at Lake County Fairgrounds.

Wedding photos near the old covered bridge at Lake County Fairgrounds.

Wedding party group photo on the stairs to the old Crown Point Courthouse.

Romantic kiss in front of The Grand Old Lady in Crown Point, Indiana.

We visited the iconic third floor of the old Crown Point Courthouse as well as the brick basement for photos. Soon it would be time for introductions in the ballroom.

Bride and groom on the historic third floor of the Crown Point Courthouse.

The adventure begins in the the Maki Ballroom.

First dance inside the Maki Ballroom at the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

Dance floor fun at the old Crown Point Courthouse.

The entire night was leading up to the sparkler exit for the bride and groom. Smoke filled the air as they exited with one final kiss.

Sparkler exit for the bride and groom at the old Crown Point Courthouse.

Sparkler kiss in downtown Crown Point, Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Karen and Jason’s Crown Point wedding. To inquire about wedding photography for your big day, please do fill out the Contact Form.