Wedding In The Old Crown Point Courthouse

May 28, 2015 Steve Vansak

The bride and groom dance on the marble floor of the old Crown Point Courthouse.

Beth and Charlie are Crown Point residents who proudly showed off the city in their engagement photos last Fall and now with their wedding at the old Crown Point Courthouse. The day started out at their home with Krissy Vanderwoude as make up artist and Tracy Steark from Back To Your Roots as hair stylist. Emotions ran from nervous laughter to happy tears along with comforting hugs with her beloved cats.

It was a warm day with occasional sun peaking out. Perfect for a first look at the stairs of the old courthouse on the square. Charlie mugged it up for the camera as Beth anxiously awaited.

First look for the bride and groom on the Crown Point Square.

We took a quick detour for wedding photos at Ellendale Farms, a Crown Point neighborhood with a beautiful gazebo and lake. As a Crown Point wedding photographer, I've shot at this scenic location many times and it looked as gorgeous as ever as the bridesmaids strolled along the grass with Beth and the happy couple smooched over looking the lake.

Wedding photos at Ellendale Farms in Crown Point by the gazebo and lake.

The late afternoon ceremony was again full of emotion from laughter to happy tears and knowing glances between the bride and her father and mother. The flower girl and ring bearer both took a sit down break from their duties as the overhead fans of the vintage courtroom kept everyone cool.

Wedding ceremony inside the old Crown Point courtroom.

Beth and Charlie rehearsed their first dance on the marble floor of the historic building as I captured it from above. Soon they would be showing off in front of friends and family beneath the beautiful chandeliers of the courthouse banquet room.

The bride and groom dance upon the marble floor.

Friends and family were jovial for the reception that featured a late night appearance from The Hot Dog Guy, a Crown Point staple who served up freshly cooked Chicago style dogs.

Wedding reception photo collage at the Crown Point Courthouse.

This is merely a sneak peek at Beth and Charlie's Crown Point wedding. Stay tuned for more images and be sure to inquire about availability for your date via the Contact Form.

1920's Themed Wedding At Crown Point Courthouse

May 25, 2015 Steve Vansak

The bride and groom as gangsters on the run at their 1920's themed wedding.

Matt and Kelly's 1920's themed wedding was vintage Crown Point meets modern Crown Point. It was classy and elegant, sassy succinct and never overtly serious. It was a dance party in every way.

I met the groom at the old covered bridge at the Lake County Fairgrounds to prepare him for his first look with the bride. Hid Dad was our helper and encouraged some hat juggling while we waited for Kelly to arrive.

The groom awaits his bride for their first look.

We were all stunned when Kelly arrived as none of us had seen her dress. It was simply beautiful on her. Her entire look incorporated the vintage theme, but yet had modern appeal to it as well. No one would be more impressed than Matt as she slowly made her way through the darkened bridge to eventually unite with him.

First look for the bride and groom on the covered bridge t Lake County Fairgrounds.

The bride and groom took a playful dance as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day. It was the first of many dances together.

A playful dance between bride and groom after their first look.

Bride and groom look at each other blue skies at the edge of the pier at Lake County Fairgrounds

We attempted to incorporate Crown Point into most of our shots around town and at Lake County Fairgrounds. I also wanted to leave the couple alone for awhile to simply interact and capture some candid moments.

Wedding photos around the downtown Crown Point Square.

Two young men dressed as 1920's era school boys handed out a vintage newspaper all about the couple and various Crown Point landmarks and history. The ceremony took place on the third floor courtroom and featured a jazz band playing as the bride danced her way down the aisle with her father.

Wedding ceremony inside the courtroom at the Old Crown Point Courthouse.

The bride and groom dance at their Crown Point wedding ceremony inside the 3rd floor courtroom.

The wedding reception also took place inside the Crown Point Courthouse in the adjacent banquet room. A sugar high was easy to come by with a candy buffet. The 1920's themed continued with old jazz mixed with some of the best contemporary rock, funk and oldies I have ever heard at a wedding. The bride and groom made some great choices in music as did 27 Entertainment, the DJ's for the night.

1920's themed wedding reception at the Crown Point Courthouse banquet room.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Matt and Kelly's vintage wedding in Crown Point. Many more images to come here as well as on the social media listed below. I'd love to hear about your unique wedding. Please fill out the Contact Form to inquire about availability on your day.

Movie Themed Engagement Session

May 21, 2015 Steve Vansak

A couple watches a film at the Art Theater for their engagement photos.

Melissa and Dustin are movie buffs, so it was no surprise that this is the theme of their wedding next year. We wanted their engagement photos to incorporate this theme as well. What a better place than the iconic Art Theater in downtown Hobart, Indiana. Now that you know the set up, let's go to the movies...

An engaged couple's names adorn the marquee at the Art Theater.

With their names on the marquee and a 'coming soon' designation, it was time to pick up the tickets and head in to see the show. How about a quick smooch on the way in...

A couple kisses outside the movie theater for their engagement photo.

The Avengers are playing and this is a real popcorn kind of film, so time to hit the concession stand for some snacks. Nothing like a little bit of vintage Three Stooges for some comedy relief before the main event. Be on the lookout for rowdy customers throwing popcorn!!

A movie themed engagement session photo collage.

Matinee shows tend to be less crowded, so a perfect opportunity for a quick kiss on the way out. Gotta love the unique mural on The Art Theater walls as well as the red curtain.

A young couple kisses on the way out of the movie theater.

A quick stop at the ticket booth for some pictures before the evening crowd arrives was in order and then off for part two of Melissa and Dustin's movie themed engagement session.

As with most films, there is usually a sequel. Our obvious next step is dinner and then some nightlife in downtown Crown Point. I will have Part 2 from the downtown square up next week. In the meantime, here's a sneak preview...

A couple enjoys the night life in downtown Crown Point.

I hope you have enjoyed this look at Dustin and Melissa's engagement session at the Art Theater. Please stay tuned to the social media sites listed below and stop by here next week where I showcase this couple again all around the Crown Point Square.

Wedding At Trinity Hall In Chesterton, Indiana

May 18, 2015 Steve Vansak

The bride and groom dance at twilight in front of the gazebo at Trinity Hall.

It was a gorgeous day for an outdoor wedding at the gazebo at Trinity Hall in Chesterton, Indiana. Part of St. Patrick's Parish, it's a great destination for a summer wedding. In the above image, our bride and groom Kelsi and Peter dance alone at dusk in front of the gazebo where they were married. It was a fabulous day. Let me tell you all about it...

The girls got ready in downtown Chesterton at The Waterbird Hotel. I was a fly on the wall taking candid photos, detail shots and taking in all of the warmth and laughter.

Close up of the beautiful bride before her wedding at Trinity Hall in Chesterton, Indiana.

Hidden away behind St. Patricks Parish, the school and Trinity Hall itself is a gorgeous valley of greenery with a gazebo in the center. The late afternoon sun shined down upon the guests and the bride and groom during their ceremony.

We captured the first kiss of course, but I always say my favorite is the moment that occurs just after the kiss. Kelsi and Peter had a laugh that I imagine was part joy and part relief as well. The nervous part was done. Now it was time for some pictures and then party time.

An outdoor wedding ceremony at Trinity Hall in Chesterton, Indiana.

I knew I wanted to use the balcony to overlook the wonderful view of the ceremony area so I lined the wedding party up for the following shot along with some fun ones too.

A photo of the wedding party shot from above at Trinity Hall in Chesterton.

Now, if you look closely at the following collage and the preceding ceremony photo collage, you will notice that the bridesmaids have gone barefoot. Yes, The Great Shoe Rebellion of 2015 was underway!! Don't worry Kelsi, I think they still love you anyway.

Wedding photos at the Trinity Hall gazebo.

The bride and groom kiss by the gazebo as sun rays are cast upon them. — The bride and groom kiss by the gazebo as sun rays are cast upon them.

I love it when I see lots of dancers at wedding receptions and the beautiful wood floor at Trinity Hall saw plenty of them. I like to see the couples enjoy their party and I have myself and my second shooter capture the action from afar. So much joy in the bride and groom's first dance as well as the mom dances.

Wedding reception photo collage at Trinity Hall in Chesterton.

First dance for the bride and groom at Trinity Banquet Room at St. Patrick's Parish.

Today's post is merely a sneak peek with many more images to come. Follow the social links below for more images on Facebook and Instagram. Our final image sums it all up. Kelsi and Peter have a whole lot of heart!! Enjoy...