Summer Wedding At Sand Creek Country Club

June 15, 2015 Steve Vansak

The bride and groom kiss romantically underneath a chandelier at Sand Creek Country Club.

When I first met with Dolores and Erich to discuss their wedding photography we talked about music and the arts about 80% of the time. The bride and groom love music as do I and the groom's Dad is a retired photographer. We had a lot to chat about.

On wedding day it did not surprise me to hear classic Motown playing during Getting Ready. Nothing like music to get your mind off of a rainy day. Yes, that's right, it rained on Dolores and Erich's big day. It doesn't matter. The emotion that played out during the ceremony said it all - love conquers!! They couldn't wait for their wedding day and they both embraced it in every way.

Getting Ready for a summer wedding in Chesterton, Indiana.

Erich gave Dolore's a book of love stories as a gift that she proudly displayed on the table as her friend Heidi did her hair and Cora from Bella G's did make up. You can see the rain through the window in the silhouette above. Friends were also popping in with gifts, including a wonderful heart keepsake that displayed a loving message when turned up.

Our second photographer took guy's shots at Sand Creek out front while I took the girl's onto the golf course for photos. We did a peek-a-boo shot of the bride and groom before the ceremony and brought them together afterwards for couples photos.

Wedding photo collage at Sand Creek Golf Course in Chesterton, Indiana.

As I mentioned, the ceremony was incredibly emotional with happy tears from bride and groom and family as well. It may have been dark outside, but inside the room was lit up with joy, including the wonderful officiant Rebecca Armstrong.

Indoor wedding ceremony at Sand Creek Country Club.

The reception was decorated by Claddaugh Wedding and Events with entertainment by Avant DJ. Erich and Dolores chose to have the Portraits at the Reception add on where we brought out studio lighting and backdrop for portraits. Myself and Lauren Petersen took turns covering the portraits and dance floor action. If you look closely at the photo collage below, you will see the wonderful engagement photos that Erich's Dad, a retired professional photographer, took of the couple. He did an awesome job!!

Wedding reception photo collage from Sand Creek Country Club.

Colored sky balloons overlook the bride and groom's first dance.

Wedding season is in full swing, so please stay tuned for more photos from Erich and Dolore's summer wedding at Sand Creek Golf Course in the weeks ahead. You can check back on this page as well as social media.

The bride and groom share a romantic kiss on the stairwell at Sand Creek Country Club in Chesterton, Indiana.

Summer Wedding At Centennial Park

June 12, 2015 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom hold hands underneath a deep blue sky at Centennial Park.

It was a warm summer day with deep blue skies at Ashley and Matt's wedding at Centennial Park. The wonderful weather certainly contributed to all the smiles and laughter through out the day along with the joyous occasion of the newlyweds. I would say it was definitely a family affair throughout the day from Getting Ready all the way to kids and parents on the dance floor at the reception.

The day started at Pure Envy Salon in St. John, Indiana with fruit and pastries for breakfast and a whole lot of laughs as hair and make up were readied.

Getting ready for the wedding at Pure Envy Salon.

The outdoor wedding took place on the terrace overlooking the lake at Centennial Park. Reverend Doug Klukken oversaw the nuptials as family and friends soaked up the bright sun.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Centennial Park.

For bride and groom images, we took advantage of the bright sun for some dramatic and artistic wedding photos. The bridesmaids got to wear some fun sunglasses too.

The bride and groom kiss underneath a sunburst after their outdoor summer wedding.

Wedding photo collage from Centennial Park in Munster, IN.

I had not taken a jumping shot in awhile, but since the wedding party seemed up for it - away we went. The groomsmen took off like flying martial arts ninjas. Thankfully the bridesmaids landed safely as plenty of dancing was coming soon.

The wedding party jumps into the air in celebration. — The wedding party jumps into the air in celebration.

The phrase 'Love is the key to happiness' was Ashley and Matt's wedding theme and that was apparent with their key decor. Guests used these to find their table and they made for great detail shots for us.

Wedding reception at the Centennial Park Clubhouse.

So there you have my sneak peek look at Ashley and Matt's summer wedding at Centennial Park. Stay tuned at the social media below for more images. Happy summer everyone!!

First dance for the bride and groom at the Centennial Park Clubhouse.

Engagement Session In Downtown Valparaiso

June 8, 2015 Steve Vansak

A couple kisses in front of the Porter County Courthouse for their engagement photo.

Gabrielle and Kevin live in Valparaiso and decided to showcase the historic buildings and rich architecture of the downtown square for their engagement session. We took photos all around the Porter County Courthouse and went inside to the Porter County Museum for some very unique engagement pictures.

We started on the porch of the couple's home where they posed with their new puppy. Then it was into the museum for some playful photos along with romantic kisses on the stairwell.

Engagement photo session in downtown Valparaiso.

A couple in love kisses inside the Porter County Museum in Valparaiso.

I was really enjoying this unique take on an engagement session as we shot in and around the Porter County Museum. For me, different is always good. However, I did want to make sure we captured some classic images of the couple smiling for the camera as well as a stroll amongst the beautiful flowers with their colors beginning to really pop as summer begins. Speaking of color, what a great dress Gabrielle chose for the session!!

Close up engagement photo in downtown Valparaiso.

A young couple takes a stroll around the downtown square in Valparaiso.

Weekends are extremely limited with wedding season in full bloom, but weekday engagement sessions are available. Please fill out the Contact Form to reserve your day.

Wedding At St. Peter's Catholic Church In Laporte, Indiana

June 5, 2015 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Laporte, Indiana.

We all knew there were possible storms brewing on Kelly and Danny's wedding day. Thing was, the joy and laughter and smiles won out. Also, we had a determined bride and groom and I'm a determined photographer. Like mail delivery, neither rain nor sleet and snow was going to stop us.

The day began at The Blue Heron Inn right off the lake in LaPorte. The girls were in high spirits as MUA's and stylists from LeRoc were on hand to bring out the beauty.

St. Peter's Catholic Church has some wonderful architecture and the priest was very gracious in giving us free reign to capture this glorious ceremony from all angles, including the tall balcony.

Wedding ceremony at St. Peter's Catholic Church in LaPorte, Indiana.

Wedding ceremony photo collage of St. Peter's Parish.

We had entered the church for the ceremony at 2pm and by the time we exited an hour or so later, the temperature had dropped by 30 degrees and storms were brewing. the newly married couple made a quick dash amid bubbles and then back inside for family photos.

Bride and groom exit the church amidst bubbles with an umbrella to keep dry from the rain.

After the last of family pictures were taken, we headed out to the lake where fog had overtaken everything. Rain was pelting us from all sides and the temps were chilly. Still, Danny and kelly remained in good spirits. I think I muttered "you only live once" and they agreed. Their adorable son, the ring bearer and the flower girl got to it out the outside shots. They were all smiles inside for their photos.

The bride and groom brave the rain for their wedding photos.

The reception took place at The Allure and the venerable ballroom did not disappoint. The ring shot below sums up the mood and i was pleased to see the Wish Book that I made for the couple from their engagement session on display and being signed by guests.

A photo collage of a wedding reception at The Allure.

The bride and groom cut the cake at The Allure during their wedding reception.

As you can see from the above images, the name of the game was fun and the bride and groom set the tone with their cake smashing. Hey, after getting pelted by rain earlier, why not!!

The dance floor was packed all night and the groom even took over the microphone for a vocal performance as the crowd cheered him on.

The groom performs during his wedding reception.

Kelly and Danny booked me last year for their late May wedding. If you would like to secure your date for next year, please fill out the Contact Form. I promise to get back to you right away.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at this fun couple's wedding at St. Peter's Catholic Church in LaPorte. Stay tuned to the social media listed below for more images.