Wedding At Heston Hills Event Center

July 15, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom embrace on the sprawling grounds of Heston Hills in Laporte, Indiana

It had to be July 14th. “It doesn’t matter where, but it has to be July 14th.” This is what Maggie told me when I met with her and Eric for the first time. They had no venue. However, on July 14th the sun came out in force with a blue sky and puffy clouds over Heston Hills Event Center In Laporte, Indiana.

Our day started early in the morning at her parent’s house in Valparaiso. Soon we would make our way to the The Brewery Lodge in Michigan City where a close group of friends and family would arrive for the celebratory wedding ceremony.

Early morning bridal prep for a summer wedding.

A classic black and white photo of the bride on her wedding day.

Mother of the bride assists her daughter before she walks down the aisle.

The bride and groom all ready for the big day.

Second photographer Kerrie was capturing groom and groomsmen prep as family filled the ceremony room. The bride’s father officiated the proceedings and peppered the vows with humor that kept the couple on their toes.

groomsmen-wedding-prep-Heston-Hills 1.jpg

A morning wedding ceremony at The Brewery Lodge in Michigan City.

After family pictures we took off to Heston Hills Event Center in Laporte, Indiana and strolled the picturesque grounds with it’s lake, boats, metal gazebo and the white picket fence that borders the grounds for romantic and fun wedding photos.

The bride and groom surrounded by swirling greenery at Heston Hills.

Candid wedding photos at Heston Hills Event Center.

The bride and groom take a romantic stroll along the white picket fence at Heston Hills.

The groom dips his bride on their wedding day.

When I asked Eric if he was up for dipping his wife for a picture he responded with an enthusiastic YES!!

Wedding photos featuring the beautiful scenery of the grounds at Heston Hills Event Center.

The bride looks across the beautiful green fields on her wedding day.

Dinner was inside the Heston Hills Event Center where first dances and cake cutting also happened. The room was decorated in books, movies and cameras and cupcakes for the taking. Then it was time for the outdoor wedding reception featuring music, games, a garter and bouquet toss and tons of fun, candid moments to capture.

Wedding reception decorations at Heston Hills Event Center.

Wedding reception at Heston Hills wedding venue in Laporte, Indiana.

Outdoor wedding reception on the deck at Heston Hills.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Maggie and Eric’s wedding at Heston Hills Event Center. Stay tuned on the Region Weddings Instagram feed for more images from this wedding and others. As always, please fill out the Contact Form here to inquire about wedding photography for your day.

The bride blows kisses toward her new husband as they lean against a white picket fence.

Bride and groom in front of the lakeside gazebo at Heston Hills Event Center in Laporte, Indiana.

July Wedding At County Line Orchard

July 8, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom take a joyful walk in the fields at County Line Orchard.

When I arrived at Jay Marie Salon for bridal prep photos and heard all the laughter, I knew were were in for a fun day for Emily and Tyler’s July wedding at County Line Orchard. These two grew up in the same neighborhood. They actually lived across the street from each other. It’s a great story!!

While I captured all of the laughter of the bridesmaids, second photographer Kerrie got to witness the guys’ front yard golf practice!! Emily’s dress is from Marie Gabrielle Couture and the bridesmaids dresses from HCTD. Flowers are from the always impeccable Sugarfield Flowers.

Bride and her bridesmaids get ready for the big day.

The newlyweds before the ceremony at their outdoor summer wedding.

Groom and his groomsmen prep for wedding day.

Bridesmaid and groomsmen photos at County Line Orchard.

The bride leans against a rustic fence on the grounds at County Line Orchard.

Just remember, be nice to your photographer or they might give you a double chin!! ;)

The bridesmaids goof off for the camera.

A lighted chandelier towers over the bride inside the grain silo at County Line Orchard.

The bride and her girls sassing it up at a July wedding.

The outdoor summer wedding ceremony took place underneath the big oak tree at County Line Orchard. The lemonade stand was up and running as Emily and her Dad arrived via the tractor limousine.

Outdoor, summer wedding at County Line Orchard in July.

Friends and family watch an outdoor wedding ceremony underneath the big oak tree at County Line Orchard.

After family pictures at the ceremony area, I took Emily and Tyler all around the grounds of County Line Orchard for pictures and then we met up with the wedding party at the front of the big red barn. Then it was introductions, dinner and party music courtesy of 27 Entertainment.

Bride and groom chill against the wooden fence at their rustic wedding venue.

Summer wedding photos at County Line Orchard.

A romantic kiss underneath a giant oak tree.

Having fun with the wedding party and all of the farming equipment at County Line Orchard.

A wedding party group photo in front of the big red barn.

I asked Emily and Tyler what kind of apple they wanted and Golden Delicious was the answer!!

The bride and groom choose golden delicious apples at County Line Orchard.

Wedding receptions at County Line Orchard usually have the wedding party entering from the outside and it’s impossible to tell what they might have cooked up for introductions. I think our winner may have been the human wheelbarrow with flowers in his mouth.

The room was adorned in literary decorations and the signature CLO donuts were part of the treats. 27 Entertainment definitely blew the roof off of the big red barn as friends and family descended upon the newlyweds while chanting Sweet Caroline.

A July wedding reception at County Line Orchard.

The big barn is decorated in a literary theme for a wedding reception.

Party time at County Line Orchard during a summer wedding reception.

If you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Emily and Tyler’s July wedding at County Line Orchard, please follow the Region Weddings IG account to see more. Also, fill out the Contact Form here to set up a meeting to discuss your very own wedding photography.

Summer Wedding At Briar Ridge Golf Course

June 11, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom among the greenery of Briar Ridge Country Club.

Gabrielle and Matt had a wonderful summer wedding at Briar Ridge Country Club. The green hues of the expansive golf course were everywhere and made for some very romantic, nature filled photos.

Our day started in the brand new, modernized bridal suite with Hannah Nottingham providing make up and Texture Pointe Hair Salon also on hand. Kathy’s Florist designed some wonderful bouquets and flower arrangements as well. Second photographer Kerrie captured the arrival of the groom and his guys and soon it was time for our bride and groom reveal.

Detail shots at a summer wedding at Briar Ridge Country Club.

The bride and bridesmaids get ready inside the new bridal suite at Briar Ridge Country Club.

The groomsmen arrive at the Briar Ridge clubhouse.

Matt practically leaped with excitement as he turned around to see Gabrielle in her dress for the first time. He walked all around her until they embraced with a kiss.

Bride and groom reveal at Briar Ridge Country Club.

We strolled around the gold course grounds taking romantic wedding photos as these two embraced, hugged, kissed and embraced. I played paparazzi to their celebrity status for the day. We had fun in the near perfect summer weather.

Loving eyes of the bride and groom with purple flowers in the foreground.

Wedding photos on the golf course of Briar Ridge.

Wedding photos at Briar Ridge Country Club golf course.

As we made our way back toward the clubhouse we met up with the wedding party for group pictures and family photos. Then it was time for the late afternoon outdoor ceremony.

Bride and her bridesmaids on the golf course of Briar Ridge.

Groom and his groomsmen at Briar Ridge Country Club.

Wedding party group photo at a summer wedding at Briar Ridge golf course.

Gabby made an entrance to the ceremony with her father and son as the SRO crowd of guests looked on. The location was incredibly scenic and vows were lighthearted and heartfelt.

The bride makes her ceremony entrance alongside her father and son.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Briar Ridge Country Club.

Wedding ceremony at Briar Ridge golf course.

The cocktail hour was outside and inside with lots of laughter and banter between guests and congratulations for the bride and groom. The cake was provided by Calumet Bakery and the room drapery and entertainment by Ever After Events.

Cocktail hour at Briar Ridge Country Club.

A rousing introduction for the bride and groom at their Briar Ridge wedding reception.

First dance inside the clubhouse at Briar Ridge golf course.

We had two of the most excited recipients of the bouquet and garter for sure! And the dance floor was so full that I had to stand on chairs for many of my photos to capture all of the fun.

The exuberant dance floor at Briar Ridge during a summer wedding reception.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Gabrielle and Matt’s summer wedding at Briar Ridge Golf Course. To inquire about wedding photography for your big day, please do fill out the Contact Form right here. Stay tuned to the social media channels listed below for my latest work.

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!!