Fall Engagement Photos At Taltree Arboretum

October 23, 2017 Steve Vansak

Sun streams through the trees like a fire mist during an engagement session at Taltree Arboretum.

Fall is upon us and the wonderful colors of the season are starting to show. For Kim and Tim's engagement session we chose Taltree Arboretum to show off their love as well as the wonderful Autumn color. We also made a quick stop before hand to the iconic old Crown Point Courthouse for sentimental reasons as the groom to be's great grandmother had gotten married there.

A couple in love in front of the old Crown Point Courthouse.

Taltree Arboretum is a lovely nature preserve in Valparaiso, Indiana. I'm always amazed by the different colors on display the various times of the year.

Autumn engagement photos at Taltree Arboretum.

We played with the sun in the background for a romantic glow as well as "falling" leaves. Kim and Tim played along with my corny jokes and I had a great time capturing their engagement photos.

A golden light engulfs a young couple at Taltree Arboretum.

Fall engagement photos at the scenic Taltree Arboretum in Valparaiso, Indiana.

One of our final shots of the day had Kim and Tim taking a walk among the wildflowers at Taltree with the setting sun putting an orange tinge upon the background.

The sun sets upon the widlflowers as a couple in loves takes a romantic stroll.

To see more images from Kim and Tim's Fall engagement session at Taltree Arboretum, check out the Instagram feed below. Also, be sure to fill out the Contact Form to schedule your own session. Enjoy those Fall colors!!

Fall Wedding At The Allure

October 10, 2017 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom from the balcony of The Allure.

The Allure is a wedding venue which is often described as "Hollywood glamour" and I always try to capture the majestic ballroom empty, but decorated in all it's glory. I know that Morganne became enamored with it's grandness, so I definitely made a point to sneak away from her getting ready photos to capture the room in a few wide shots before guests entered. Later in the day we also had her and Chris alone in the room for some romantic wedding pictures.

The Allure ballroom decorated for a Fall wedding.

In the morning I spent time with the soon to be Mrs. Chambers and her bridesmaids capturing hair and make up by Sta Glam, bridal details and of course a good amount of goofing off. Second photographer Kerrie captured the guy's prep and Chicago Cubs jerseys.

Bridal details at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

Bride getting ready in The Allure bridal suite loft.

I took Morganne and Chris and their wedding party out into the ballroom seperately for photos and then it was time for the ceremony.

Bride and groom solo portraits at The Allure.

I could very much tell that Morganne's Dad was very happy and proud to be the officiant for his daughter's wedding ceremony. He even took on shoe tying duties for the kids!! We made sure to get a portrait of him with the newly married couple signing their marriage license as their son gets a little sleepy eyed. :)

Wedding ceremony at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

As guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, we made our way up to the ballroom for romantic couple's photos and we even ventured outside as the rain let up for some images at The Laporte Little Theatre Club.

Bride and groom share a kiss in the middle of the ballroom of The Allure.

The groom and bride having fun with their wedding party.

Wedding photos at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

Bride and groom looking rad in front of The Laporte Little Theatre Club.

Mini orange pumpkins were mixed with the purple reign of table decor at this Fall wedding. The tree bark added a nice Autumn touch as well. Soon it was time for dinner and first dances and then party time!

Fall wedding decorations in The Allure ballroom.

Wedding reception from the balcony at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

Chris had some challenges with the garter toss as friends blindfolded him and tied his hands. However, he proved his skills as the garter made it's way into the crowd of single guys.

If you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Morganne and Chris' Fall wedding at The Allure and would like to see more, tune in to the social media channels listed below. To inquire about your own wedding day, please fill out the Contact Form. Happy Fall!!

Serbian Wedding At St. George's Church In Schererville, Indiana

October 2, 2017 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom illuminated by the sun outside St. George's Church

When I arrived for Tanja's bridal preparation / getting ready photos I did indeed photograph her dress, jewelry and bridesmaid camaraderie. However, it didn't take long for me to be in full "reception mode" as the band started playing at 11am and the dancing was on. Oh, and delicious food was in abundance along with a little moonshine!!

Pre-ceremony celebration at a Serbian wedding.

After the introduction of the bride, a circle of life dance broke out in the street across from their home. Soon we would be off to St. George's Church in Schererville, Indiana for the traditional ceremony.

Circle of life celebration dance at a Serbian wedding.

Wedding ceremony at Saint George's Church.

Once all of the rituals were completed, the ceremony ended and then it was outside into the sun for more celebrations in dance.

Post ceremony celebration at a Serbian wedding.

We then went inside the church for family photos and then I took the bride and groom outside in the wooded area between the church and the hall for some bride and groom wedding photos.

Family pictures inside of St. George's Church.

Bride at the altar at St. George's Church in Schererville, Indiana.

Golden sun flare surrounds the bride and groom.

The bride and groom on their wedding day.

Bride and groom Fall wedding photos at St. George's Church.

We finished up with some wedding party photos at Halls of St. George and then it was back inside for introductions, a meal and non stop dancing.

The Dollar Band kept the music going for first dances as well as a whole bunch of circle dances.

First dances at Halls of St. George in Schererville, Indiana.

Serbian wedding reception celebration at Halls of St. George.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Tanja and Kevin's Fall wedding at St. George's Church in Schererville, Indiana. Please fill out the Contact Form to inquire about your day and stay tuned to social media below for more images.

Wedding At Old Hebron Church And The Market In Valparaiso

September 26, 2017 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom in front of her childhood church in Hebron, Indiana.

Last year I photographed Emily and Todd's aviation themed engagement session and I was anxious to see how they brought that into their wedding decor. While the aviation part was more on Todd's side, Emily's theme was definitely her childhood Hebron home that sits right next to her old church which no longer has it's doors open. I guess you could say their wedding was the last hurrah for the vintage building.

With all of that context, let's dig in to this happy couple's big day that saw heart tugging emotional and nostalgic moments to high flying fun on the dance floor at The Market.

Bridal details at the bride's childhood home on wedding day.

As soon as the cameras were at my side emotional moments were all around, starting with the bride and her grandmother having a deep conversation with a few tears and hugs. Of course, lots of fun moments too with the bridesmaids and bride lip syncing Love Me Tender with guitar in hand.

The bride and her grandmother on wedding day.

Fun moments during getting ready on wedding day.

Emily's dress looked terrific with a wonderful back. I wanted to capture it along with the emotion of her mom assisting her getting dressed for her big day.

Mother of the bride assists her daughter on wedding day.

Emily and i had talked about doing a mini photo session of her in various areas of her parent's home and the place where she grew up. We did exactly that just before we walked next door for the ceremony.

Portraits of the bride at her childhood home.

A photo of the bride reflected in her mom's make up mirror.

The bridesmaids on the stairs leading to the loft of the bride's childhood home.

While I was capturing the women second photographer Kerrie was photographing Todd and the groomsmen at The Inn at Aberdeen.

Groomsmen prep at The Inn At Aberdeen in Valparaiso.

Bride and groom just before their church ceremony.

The aviation theme began to come into play as guests entered the old church and were greeted by some vintage airplane models along with paper versions to throw during the exit later. The tiny chapel was filled with an overflow of friends in the small lobby.

Wedding decor at the entrance of the old church in Hebron, Indiana.

Wedding ceremony at the bride's childhood church in Hebron, Indiana.

The bride enters her childhood church for her wedding.

Exchanging of the vows for bride and groom at their church wedding in Hebron, Indiana.

It's no secret that Todd is a lot taller than Emily. The officiant brought out a hidden stool so Emily could gain some height and have a proper first kiss!!

The bride steps up to her groom for their first kiss.

Paper airplanes fly toward the bride and groom during their church exit.

After family photos we did bride and groom pictures as well as wedding party all along tree lined paths around Emily's parent's home and the church itself. From old barn pictures to vintage car shots to silly face wedding party photos.

The bride and groom in front of an old weathered barn.

Church steeple in the background as the bride and groom kiss.

Too sexy for their suits - the groomsmen try to show up the bridesmaids.

Awkward and strange wedding party portraits.

Romantic bride and groom photos in Indiana farmland.

Entering the The Market for the reception in Valparaiso you were greeted by vintage typewriters, airplanes and family photos printed out in a faded sepia tone. Oh, and there were airplane engine parts as part of the wedding cake!

The emotional rollercoaster continued with the melancholy as Emily danced with her Dad to pure joy as kids of all ages kicked up their heels on the dance floor.

Wedding reception moments at The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana.

First dance for the bride and groom at The Market in Valparaiso, Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Emily and Todd's big day. Please stay tuned to this blog and the social media feeds listed below for more images from this wedding and others. As always, to inquire about your wedding day, please fill out the Contact Form.