Spring Wedding At St. Paul Catholic Church

April 29, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom on the altar at St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Beth and Chad eloped on April 2nd to Maui, HI but had their church ceremony and celebration with family and friends in Valparaiso, Indiana. If there is one thing I can say about this couple it is they (and me) are like the postman - we deliver through rain, sleet and snow. More on that later!!

The day started out at the couple’s home where we captured bridal prep along with a few portraits. It was snowing when I arrived on this last Saturday in April. It was great to see Carrie from Sta-Glam who provided on site make up.

Bridal prep at the bride and groom’s home.

The bride stands alone in her bedroom in her wedding dress.

The ceremony took place at Saint Paul Catholic Church where we also did family photos along with wedding party and the bride and groom inside church.

Wedding ceremony at Saint Paul Catholic Church.

Bride and groom kiss on the altar at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Looking at my weather app for the rest of the day’s forecast pretty much said “are you kidding me, stay inside”. But as I said, Beth and Chad are pretty resilient as am I. We were supposed to go directly to an after party with pictures later but we decided to stop by Ogden Garden along the way. It was raining but this seemed to be our best (and warmest) chance for some outdoor photos. They have a gazebo on the grounds and we made our way underneath that. You can see the rain if you look closely.

Bride and groom have a laugh in the rain at Ogden Garden.

Kissing underneath the gazebo at Ogden Garden.

Bride and groom share a laugh underneath the gazebo during their Spring wedding in late April.

The weather doesn’t look too bad in these photos right now, but keep scrolling…

Our next stop was back at the newlywed’s home for an after party and then we headed to the reception venue Sand Creek Country Club. When we arrived at Sand Creek the temperatures had dropped to 35 degrees. I noticed some crazy looking fog rolling in off the lake there and out we went. I’m really glad we did. The fog was quite mystical…

Bride and groom kiss as rain and sleet falls upon them and fog rises over the lake.

A tender moment in the rain with the bride and groom.

Wedding party pictures along with our smiling bride.

Unveiled Weddings and Events had the room looking fantastic as Sand Creek Country Club hosted the dinner reception with Precision Sound filling the room with music.

A post wedding party at home and a dinner reception at Sand Creek Country Club.

This is merely a sneak peek look at Beth and Chad’s Spring wedding at Saint Paul Catholic Church with many more photos to come. Stay tuned to the Region Weddings Instagram feed. Please do fill out the Contact Form to inquire about your wedding day photography.

Wedding At Chateau Bu-Sché

February 19, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom in front of the pillars at Chateau Bu Sché in Alsip, Illinois

Erin and Mason had an incredibly fun and elegant winter wedding at Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois with a church ceremony at Carmelite Fathers. Our day started with sisters and bridesmaid gifts during bridal prep along with some emotional moments with mom while getting into the dress.

Bridal prep moments with mom, sisters and bridesmaids.

Mason and the guys read motorsports magazines and had a few toasts during groom prep at a local hotel as second photographer Jaime captured the scene.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen take a winter stroll on the grounds of Carmelite Fathers.

I loved the beaming smiles on Father and daughter while they came down the church aisle. I included two images in this sneak peak for those expressions, but also because I loved the proud look of Mom and Dad in the second image as they look at each other knowingly.

Father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle at Carmelite Fathers church.

After the ceremony we did many family group pictures as well as wedding party and the newlyweds on the altar. We then headed outside for some winter wedding portraits on the grounds of Carmelite Shrine.

Bride and groom on the altar of Carmelite Fathers.

Bride and groom on a park bench at Carmelite Shrine during their winter wedding.

Winter bride and groom wedding pictures at Carmelite Shrine.

The reception was held at Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois and we had to do additional wedding pictures at this elegant Chicago wedding venue. The staircase near the entrance with grand chandeliers was a perfect place to start. Then it was onto the dramatic pillars at the entrance along with the picturesque bridge.

Bride and groom kiss underneath a chandelier on the staircase at Chateau Bu-Sché.

Wedding party group photo in front of Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois.

Bride and groom wedding photos at Chateau Bu-Sché.

Bride and groom slow dance in the courtyard at Chateau Bu-Sché.

The wedding reception really started with second photographer Jaime covering the fun on the party bus and it carried on to the humorous speeches and soon…. the Village People would invade. Videographers Shutter and Sound Chicago swirled around them to film.

Wedding reception at Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois.

Parent dances and hula hoops during a wedding reception in Alsip, Illinois.

First dance for the newlyweds as friends and family surround them on the dance floor at Chateau Bu-Sché.

Sneak attack by the Village People during a wedding reception at Chateau Bu-Sché.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Erin and Mason’s winter wedding at Chateau Bu-Sché and Catholic church ceremony at Carmelite Fathers. Please do fill out the Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day, be it Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter!! :)

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!!