Brandi and Gary: Sneak Peek at Deep River Park and Crown Point Courthouse Reception

Brandi and Gary had a wonderful outdoor wedding at Deep River Park in Valparaiso, Indiana.  We've had a LOT of rain here recently, but this June wedding escaped any downpours.  There was no need to pile guests underneath the wonderful gazebo.  The previous rains even brought out a tremendous amount of green in the ceremony and formal photos.

The day started in Crown Point, Indiana with the girls getting their hair done.  The flower girl was liittle shy at first, but she soon warmed up to the camera as the day progressed...

Our bride Brandi could not stop smiling the entire day.  That sure makes a wedding photographer's job easy!!  It was great fun laughing and joking with them for their Getting Ready photos.  A big "thank you" to the staff at Thomas William Hair Salon on Summit St. in Crown Point for being so accommodating and letting me roam freely to take photographs!!

After hair and make up were done, we made a brief stop at Brandi's parent's home where mom adjusted her veil and we got a few family photographs in front of the house she grew up in.

Soon it was time for the ceremony in front of the gazebo at Deep River Park.  It's important to catch the traditional moments, but silly candids such as the ring bearer mugging for the camera are just too good to pass up!!

Here are father and daughter, radiant during their entrance at the start of the ceremony....

I usually post a first kiss shot (and we have plenty of those), but I really like this wonderful "post first kiss" candid moment.  It's pure "just married" happiness in front of great friends and family.

After a whole bunch of family photos, I got the newlyweds alone for some romantic snuggling and kissing on one of the many benches at the picturesque Deep River Park.

If there is an old classic car around, chances are I'm going to put a bride in front of it!!  Lucky for me, a family member lent this (Model T Ford?) beauty for the newly married couple to ride to the reception in.


The reception took place inside the old courthouse in the middle of the Square in downtown Crown Point, Indiana.  This is where I caught this shadow dance of the bride and groom...

Wedding reception photographs can sometimes turn into never ending crazy dancing shots.  We have plenty of those as well, but this doesn't meant the emotion of the day has evaporated.  This is the time for laughter, smiles and happy tears...

Mother and daughter in a joyous moment on the dance floor...

Okay, I admit it - crazy dancing shots with multi colored lights are fun too!!!

Brandi and Gary are very grateful for all their friends and family who attended their wedding and wanted to convey that in a photograph taken after the ceremony at Deep River.  Keep in mind that this is only a sneak preview.  Subscribe to this Wedding Journal on the right of the page and "like" us on Facebook for an update when the entire gallery of wedding photos goes live.

 

Engagement at Indiana Dunes: Anthony & Morgan Stroll the Beach

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Anthony and Morgan are from LaPorte, Indiana and are having their wedding in Indianapolis next year as a convenient middle ground for both of their families.  My assistant and I met them at Washington Park beach at the Indiana Dunes for their engagement photo session.

We started off with a "family" shot with their dog Grady and the couple in rival sports uniforms.  After these shots, Anthony's Dad picked up Grady and we strolled the beach for some cute, romantic shots.

Very often I will add the wedding date to a few photos like this one of their walk down the sand dune with a cloudless blue sky for our backdrop...

Okay guys, time to rest and do some snuggling.  How about a sun drenched, beach kiss?  Never mind the lighting girl and my zoom lens!!  :)  These two were actually quite comfortable in front of the camera and definitely up for the session.

One of my favorite photos from the engagement session is this romantic beach walk with the seagull keeping an eye on our two lovebirds...

I didn't get these guys into the water, but I definitely had a "From Here To Eternity", romantic vintage vibe that I wanted for some of the photos.  I think we captured it the best on this one thanks to Morgan's kick of the leg...

I noticed right away that this was a fun couple so I didn't hesitate to ask some beach goers if we could borrow their football for a few minutes.

I guess Morgan is proclaiming a touchdown on this one!!

I like my engagement sessions to last about 90 minutes so we can chat and get to know each other.  This always makes for better photographs.  In the case of Anthony and Morgan, this also gave them time to change outfits.

With the sun beginning to set, it was time to have these guys chill and enjoy the romantic setting with the picturesque Michigan City lighthouse in their view...

As the sky was about to go dark for nightfall, Anthony and Morgan climbed up on the top edge of the pier with nothing but Lake Michigan and blue sky behind them.  A perfect ending to a fun, romantic engagement session!!

 

 

Sneak Preview: Kristal and Steve's Wedding at Avalon Manor

Here's a sneak preview of some upcoming photos from Kristal and Steve's wedding at Avalon Manor.  An outdoor ceremony was planned, but a rainy day with storms brewing put a damper on that.  The above shot is from the bridge at Deep River Park in Valparaiso.  Our steps were limited due to the heavy rains the previous days that flooded the park.  Another wedding couple can be scene contemplating a walk across the wet grass. A couple of umbrellas combined with an antique look combine for a classic looking wedding photo.  Kristal and Steve are not married at this point so he was hanging on to her dress for more than just a cute look.  :)

The day started out with all the girls (and me) at A Kut Above in Highland, Indiana for some Getting Ready shots...

In mid afternoon we moved on to the Hilton In Merrillville where the newlyweds would be staying.  I coaxed Kristal into writing a silly love note to her future husband and she came through with her sense of humor...

The guys were staying in another room where I grabbed this candid shot of Kristal and Steve's son.  Notice the Chicago Cubs shirt?  Mmmmm.... see below for why I'm even mentioning this here at all.

Things were still undecided on whether we were going outside for the ceremony at Avalon Manor or not.  While we waited to see if the storms would calm down, Kristal was primping for her entrance where I caught this shot in front of the big mirror in a preparation room at Avalon Manor.

Steve and Kristal were glowing in white as they did a traditional "pouring of the sand" at their ceremony inside the hall at Avalon Manor...

You could sense the passion in this kiss as the bride and groom danced their first dance together...

Kristal and Steve opted for Portraits at the Reception where I bring a studio background and lights.  their guests took advantage of this all night...

There were a few "trouble makers" in the bunch.  Like these two who decided to taunt the groom with this Chicago White Sox banner!!  Sorry Steve, there are more photos like this...  :)

I'm currently editing the wedding photos for Kristal and Steve's wedding at Avalon Manor.  So stay tuned for the full gallery coming soon.

 

Wicker Park Bridal Show Raffle Winner

If you attended the Wicker Park Bridal show this past Tuesday, you probably stopped by my booth and (hopefully) filled out an entry form to win a Chicago Sessions Engagement Package.  Before you scroll down to see if you are the winner, I want you to thank you for talking with me and filling out the form.  If you did not win and book your wedding with me, I will include a complimentary 11x14 Wall Print.  I encourage you to set up a meeting so we can chat about your wedding without all the noise of the bridal fair.  Fill out the Contact Form and let me know your availability and wedding date.  Remind me that you were a Wicker Park Bridal show attendee as well.

And now, our winner is.................

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JEN HERNANDEZ!!

Congratulations Jen!!!  I will be contacting you shortly to give you more information and to set up a date to go to the Windy City and take photographs.  It's going to be a blast.

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