Weddings at Centennial Park in Munster, Indiana

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I had a meeting with a 2013 bride last night and she was telling me about her plans for wedding photos at Centennial Park in Munster, Indiana and the reception at the banquet facility located on the grounds.  It occured to me just how popular a wedding venue this picturesque area has become in such a short time.

For a photographer it can be quite challenging on a sunny day with not much shaded area, but the gorgeous water fountains and bridges and flower gardens make it worth the effort.

There are many shelters that can be rented for outdoor weddings and I've used these areas for formal photographs as well.  Here is one behind the stage of the amphitheater on the north side of the park...

I'm still waiting to actually get a bride and groom onto the actual golf course that also sits on the property (will it be you?), but for now I'll settle for the wedding party piling onto the golf carts...

Centennial Park has also been a popular destination for engagement photos too.  Last Fall we took Stacey and Steve around the garden area for a stroll.

We were able to get many unique photos in a short amount of time just by walking the park.

The banquet room has a great wood floor for dancing.  I also liked that guests could look out at the lake through the huge patio windows and step through the doors for some fresh air as well.

Whether you are casually strolling the park for your wedding photos or jumping for joy, you will definitely come away with some beautiful scenery in your images - great for gallery wraps on your wall.  Of course, the focus is always on you, the bride and groom, but these big and wide landscape photos certainly look good in a two page spread in your wedding album.  Two thumbs up for the eco-friendly Centennial Park.

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Wedding at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Michigan City

When I entered St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Michigan City, Indiana to photograph the Catholic wedding of Natalie and Greg, I was immediately struck by the architecture and the unique green tinge in the stone walls.  It is truly a majestic buidling.

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I took my place inside the pews as Natalie and her Dad waited to walk down the aisle together...

The father and the bride were both overjoyed as they walked past family and friends toward the front of the church where Dad would give away his daughter to the groom.

This grand old Catholic church in the heart of downtown Michigan City is a wonder to see.  The balcony was quite a hike, but Catholic ceremonies tend to run at least an hour, giving me plenty of time to get some photographs from above as well as on ground level.

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Something about the tradition of this church led me to convert many photographs into vintage looking, sepia toned wedding photos from the days of old.  Here is one of the bride and groom in prayer..

One of my favorite moments was capturing this future bride peering into the aisle to get a better look...

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I love the groom's "hey, we did it" expression as the newly married couple retreats from the church...

Natalie booked me as her photograph while living in Washington D.C.  I met her and her Father when she was here on a break from school last year.  It was an honor to photograph her wedding and she did an incredible job planning it from such a long distance.

Natalie and Greg received their very own Mobile App with selections of photographs from their wedding day.  Fire up your mobile browser and click to the following link to add the Region Weddings sampler App to your iPhone, iPad or select Android device:

Download the free Region Weddings Mobile App:
http://moblalbum.com/124/gallery/1495  

Wedding at St. Ann's Church in Lansing, Illinois

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The beautiful bride above is Michele whose wedding to Nick took place at St. Ann's Church in Lansing Illinois.  It was quite warm for a June wedding, but a gorgeous day nonetheless.

This sneak peek will take us through the Getting Ready sessions at Vanis Salon and Day Spa in Schererville, Indiana all the way up to the reception at Chetniks Memorial Hall.

I can't say enough about Vanis and the staff there.  It's a great atmosphere to prepare for your wedding day with all of your bridesmaids.  Everything from the artwork on the walls to small details like the soft lighting in the makeup area made for a great experience.

Michele and her daughter Elizabeth got their hair done together.  Her little girl was somewhat scared of me at first, but as the day went on she warmed up and began posing for my camera with ease.  I like taking the little kid candids, but it always helps to gain their trust as you try to photograph them.

Wedding party formals took place before and after the ceremony at Centennial Park in Munster.  It's a popular destination with a few outdoor wedding going on when we arrived to take photographs.  I'm fond of the fun wedding party group photo on the golf carts that are assembled by the clubhouse.

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St. Ann's Church in Lansing, Illinois was the destination for this Catholic wedding ceremony.  It is located right on Ridge Road.

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Chetniks Memorial Hall is located on Route 30 just behind Illiana Speedway in Schererville.  The reception kicked off with the introduction of the twin junior bridesmaids mugging for the camera...

The bride and groom were awash in red light for their first dance of the evening.  Michele's husband Nick proved to be quite the king of the dance floor.  Stay tuned to this blog and the SBV Photography Facebook Page for images from Michele and Nick's June wedding.  Thanks for taking a look at this sneak peek!!

Baseball Wedding Anniversary at U.S. Cellular Field

One year ago today I photographed Brandi and Gary's wedding at Deep River Park.  You may remember this image of the bride and groom in front of a vintage car...

To celebrate their one year anniversary I played like the paparazzi as my assistant delivered a gift certificate for a portrait session in Chicago courtesy of her husband.  This was delivered about 30 minutes before the couple were set to leave for a White Sox baseball game at U.S. Cellular Field.  I hid behind my vehicle down the street to capture the surprise moment.

We took some photos around the couple's new home in Crown Point and then headed to the south side of Chicago for this anniversary kiss in front of the ballpark...

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At the top of the second inning, the Chicago White Sox mascot paid a visit to the right field seats to deliver an anniversary message from the family oriented baseball team.  Much thanks to the staff at the park for allowing me the freedom to take these shots.  We have more to showcase in another post.  In the meantime, Happy Anniversary Brandi and Gary!!  Great to see you guys again!!!