Anthony & Beth: Crown Point Wedding Sneak Preview

This is merely a sneak preview of the many, many more images to come from Anthony and Beth's wedding in Crown Point, Indiana.  Before we even get to some of the photographs, I have to thank the families of both bride and groom for treating me so well.  The folks at the Downtown Hair Studio in Lowell were terrific as were everyone at St. Matthias Church.  The reception at Avalon Manor was a blast and the folks at Pro Jams were great DJ's.

Our first image is from the make up chair at the Downtown Hair Studio in Lowell.  This is our bride Beth in a laugh that I saw many times during the day of her wedding.  I'm happy to have caught one of these while hanging out with her and her girls.  I promised them no donut shots.  They will have to wait for the rest of the images to see if I actually kept my word!!  :)

The girls take a vote on mom's up-do.  Looks like a thumbs up all the way around...

Speaking of "do's", here's a shot of Beth admiring her completed transformation.  The folks at Downtown Hair Studio do a great job, definitely check them out.  I may be a "dumb guy photographer", but even I know great hair and makeup.  

Our junior bridesmaid gets into the action too...

After finishing up with the girls I headed out to St. Matthias Church to meet my assistant Amy for some formal shots of the groomsmen...

Look for some winter outdoor shots of these guys when I unveil all the images.  The groomsmen got stuck out in the winter cold for awhile as the bride was whisked into the church from the front.

This next one is Beth embracing her Dad just after they walked down the aisle and as he gave her away to Anthony....

Next up in our sneak preview is our bride alone on the altar for a formal photo.  Thanks again to St. Matthias in Crown Point for giving me free reign to pose the bride alone up on the altar.

The reception was held at Avalon Manor in Merrillville and was a blast from start to finish.  Here is one of the first dance photographs...

What can I say, these girls looked SERIOUS about catching that bouquet.....

I have many more crazy dancing shots to come, but here is one of the more acrobatic moves of the night...

So there is our sneak preview of Anthony and Beth's Crown Point wedding.  Look for rest of the images to go up soon.  In the meantime, have a look around at a sampling of past wedding on the wedding gallery page.

Crown Point Wedding Rehearsal

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Last night was Anthony and Beth's wedding rehearsal in Crown Point, Indiana at St. Matthias church.  I don't always get to attend rehearsals, but I like to if possible, as I get to meet the family and of course, take a few test shots such as the one above.

This also gives me the opportunity to take in the ceremony and plot out my positions for various photos.  The example above is a time in their ceremony when I will have to immediately head for the center aisle as they will be pronounced man and wife after this moment.  I will want to be able to capture the first kiss and of course the procession out.

If I'm unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict, I will go over things with the officiator beforehand and of course the bride and groom.

When this post is published I will be already covering Beth and Anthony's big day.  We will start with Getting Ready shots in Lowell, Indiana with Beth, her bridesmaids and mom.  Before the ceremony, my assistant and I will track down the groom for formals at St. Matthias.  Then it will be time for some outdoor winter shots in the downtown Square of Crown Point and then the reception at Avalon Manor in Merrillville.

If you see a bride and groom walking down Main St., be sure to honk and yell congratulations to Beth and Anthony!!

Largest Bridal Show in Northwest Indiana

Billed as "the largest bridal show in Northwest Indiana", the event at Wicker Park Social Center on January 30th in Highland, Indiana promises to be extraordinary. I will be there spreading the gospel about Region Weddings and SBV Photography.  I will also be raffling off a complimentary Chicago Sessions Engagement Package!!  So be sure to fill out the contact form and drop it into our raffle box.  The winner will be announced that evening right here on the Merrillville Wedding Photographer Journal.

This event is sponsored by Brides Guide Magazine and will have 100's of vendors along with special discounts, prizes and tastings.

Recap:

• Bridal Fair on Sunday, January 30th, 2011 from 12pm - 4pm.
• Located at The Wicker Park Social Center on Ridge Road and Indianapolis Blvd.
• Tickets $20 from Brides Guide (219) 662-9245
• Featured raffle: Complimentary Chicago Sessions Engagement Package.

To receive a free copy of Brides Guide Magazine, fill out the contact form and let me know.  I have plenty to pass around.  Hope to see you at the bridal fair!!

Best Northwest Indiana Wedding Venues for 2010

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I'm only going to list my favorite wedding venues in Northwest Indiana that I photographed in 2010.  There are many other great spots that I shot at in 2009 and others that I haven't gotten to quite yet.  I'm certainly anxiously awaiting White Hawk Country Club in Crown Point this coming year.

Best Venue for Scenic Formals

Marquette Park Pavilion is a fantastic location if you like scenic wedding pictures.  I had my first opportunity to photograph there for Rebecca and Jack's wedding.  Besides the beautiful lagoon behind the building, the beach is within walking distance and they have a wonderful area for outdoor weddings and the building has three levels and could easily host an indoor wedding as well as reception.  It's a great all in one location for any Northwest Indiana wedding.

Above is the scenic lagoon behind the Marquette Park Pavilion and a great location for formal wedding pictures.

The building is big enough to have a large area for bride and bridesmaids to get ready without being bothered or seen.  At the same time, the banquet room can be set up as well as the ceremony area.

A photo from the wedding reception room at Marquette Park Pavilion....

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Best Value for Outdoor Wedding

The Revelli Bandshell in Hobart, Indiana is a great value for an outdoor wedding.  Heather and Flo had their ceremony there this past Fall.  It does invite onlookers who are taking a stroll around Lake George, but people are very considerate and tend to not get noisy until the bride and groom are pronounced man and wife.  Then it is only natural to cheer them on.  Brides tell me they choose this spot for the great value and also the scenic background of the lake and the large Gazebo.

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Best Place for an Intimate Wedding Reception 

If you are considering a smaller venue for your reception with great food, a small town attitude with a classy atmosphere, then take a look at Amore Restaurant in Crown Point, Indiana.  Andrew and Megan had a small, but packed dance floor with a live band.  It's a great place to be able to constantly and easily interact with your guests.  So, if the big ballrooms aren't your style then give them a call.  I especially like the idea of the grande piano overlooking the room with jazz music playing during dinner.

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Best Place for a Large Reception

The Patrician in Schererville continues to be a great place for a wedding reception.  The ballrooms are beautiful and well kept.  Austin and Megan had a spectacular celebration there in October.  The huge dance floor was packed all night long.

 

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Best Church for Large Dramatic Wedding Ceremony Images

The Chapel of The Resurrection is part of Valparaiso University.  It will knock your socks off with it's large size and incredible stained glass windows that burst with color.  The woodgrain of the seating and the choir loft also make for wonderful indoor wedding formals as well.

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These are just a few of the venues I have photographed at this past year.  Many more are deserving of mentions - Avalon Manor in Merrillville for Receptions, Ellendale Farms for nice  wedding Gazebo pictures - and many more. If you search the Wedding Photographer Journal you will find images and commentary.  

I can't wait to start compiling my list for 2011.  If you are just beginning your search for venues in Northwest Indiana I hope this helps.  Feel free to call if you have any questions about wedding photography in any of these or other venues you are considering.