Spring Wedding At Aberdeen Manor

April 9, 2018 Steve Vansak

The groom dips his bride at night in front of the Aberdeen Chapel.

I had a wonderful time photographing the Spring wedding of Ashley and Adam at Aberdeen Manor Chapel and Ballroom in Valparaiso, Indiana. The temperature was chilly, but hearts were warm. The sun shown upon us all day as we made our way from bridal prep to the late afternoon chapel ceremony.

Mimosas were being served as I walked in with a strawberry twist. Hair and make up was underway via The Bride's Maids Hair and Makeup as I captured details and all of the laughter.

Bridal prep for a Spring wedding at Aberdeen Manor.

One of the most emotional moments of the morning was Ashley reading her letters to the bride from mom and dad, the bridesmaids and the happy teared eyed one from Adam.

Friends and family react as the bride reads her book of letters.

After mom assisted with the dress, it was time for a first look with Dad...

Mirror shots in the bridal suite at Aberdeen Manor.

The guys got assistance on their boutonnières courtesy of the groom's mother.

Groom prep for a wedding at Aberdeen Manor.

The groomsmen and the bridesmaids each took turns taking photos in the Aberdeen Garden and then soon it would be ceremony time.

Bridesmaids in the garden at Aberdeen Manor.

The beautiful bride in front of the gazebo at Aberdeen.

Groomsmen photos at an Aberdeen Manor Spring wedding.

The ceremony had late afternoon sun streaming into the pews of the chapel as Ashley and her Dad walked down the aisle. Their family and friends waved checkered flags in honor of the groom's passion for race cars as they exited.

Spring wedding ceremony inside Aberdeen chapel.

Wedding ceremony at the chapel at Aberdeen Manor.

The bride and groom exit the chapel at Aberdeen Manor.

Adam races cars and is passionate about it so it was with great fun that we incorporated the flags into a few of their wedding photos. The bride to her credit did NOT roll her eyes too much!! :)

Bride and groom wave checkered flags after being married at Aberdeen Manor.

By this time the sun was going down and the temperature had dropped, but our wedding party was tough as we took our celebration photos.

Wedding party photos at Aberdeen Manor in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Romantic kiss as the golden sun shines down.

Waving the checkered flags outside Aberdeen chapel.

The reception was incredibly fun from the intros all the way to the garter and bouquet toss and Trans Audio had the dance floor packed all night.

Spring wedding reception at Aberdeen Manor.

A rocking Spring wedding reception at Aberdeen Manor and Ballroom.

Light confetti falls upon the bride and groom during their first dance.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Ashley and Adam's Spring wedding at Aberdeen Manor Ballroom. To inquire about your big day, please fill out the Contact Form to set up a meeting. Happy Spring!!

Outdoor Weddings In Northwest Indiana, Chicago and Michigan

March 19, 2018 Steve Vansak

A ceremonial garden planting during an outdoor wedding at The Red Barn Experience.

A few weeks ago I had an article on Church Weddings with examples, tips and stories of the various chapels, churches and more that I've shot at. Today we showcase outdoor wedding ceremonies. I've shot at so many outdoor wedding venues that I can't possibly show them all here, but I can post a few along with some tips down below if you are planning an outdoor event.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at The Pavilion at Sandy Pines.

One of my favorite outdoor wedding venues is Sandy Pines Pavilion. What is nice about this Demotte, Indiana golf course wedding destination at that photos before and after can all be done right there along with the reception.

One of the other hidden benefits of an outdoor ceremony is I often have more area to move about as a photographer. This means I can swirl about to the front side and capture some emotional moments from family and guests like in the collage above.

If country club weddings are not your thing, we have plenty of farmland here in Northwest Indiana. The photos below from Meadow Springs Manor shows this off as does other area venues such as County Line Orchard and Red Barn Experience.

Outdoor wedding at Meadow Springs Manor.

Bride and groom at Meadow Springs Manor.

Not too many people realize that there are outdoor weddings in Chicago quite often that have the city as a backdrop. So this is an option as well.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at The Cancer Survivor's Garden in Chicago.

Here are my top tips for planning an outdoor wedding ceremony:

If you think the wind blowing your veil around is annoying, think about what it might do to the decorations you have set up. Have a plan to secure chairs, lanterns, flowers and more. While I may use the wind to my advantage to have your veil blowing in the wind romantically, we certainly don't want the archway to come crashing down. :)
Outdoor weddings often have a structure like a gazebo or archway, etc. and these can often cast shadows from a blazing sun. Ask your officiant to look closely at you as they begin the proceedings. Have them move you if need be so there are no shadows or stripes coming across your face. I've seen the slats of the gazebo cast a shadow across the groom's face making it look like he has black bars tattooed on. Look at each and move a few steps if you see this happening.
If you are using a non traditional area such as a beach where you often visit or something along those lines, don't assume you have a wedding there even if it's a quick "15 minute" nuptial. You will need to secure a permit. This will be a lot less expensive than paying a fine.
If you are having an outdoor reception at say your parent's beautiful home, be sure to have generators on hand in case the electricity fails or the home simply cannot handle the enrgy of a DJ and outdoor lighting, cooking, etc.
The "R"word - also known as rain, thunder, lightning and more. If it's a slight rain, don't worry about it - get some umbrellas and let's have us a wedding and take some pictures. My equipment can handle it as can I. If it's looking to be more than that, take out the extra expense of reserving a tent company just in case.
Concerned about too much sun and guests? Consider passing out some stylish floppy hats as they enter the ceremony area. Or, simply warn them ahead that this is an outdoor venue with very little shade.

I often hear, "oh no, my day is overcast and cloudy". As photographers, we love this! I don't have to fight with the sun and we have plenty more vantage points to choose from. Just because it's cloudy doesn't mean your photos will look gloomy in the right photographer's hands.

A cloudy overcast day at Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake, Indiana.

At those church weddings I wrote about recently, I often show off the architecture. This can be done at outdoor weddings in a way as well. Clouds and sun take the place of stained glass windows, etc.

Outdoor wedding ceremony at Centennial Park.

Fun outdoor wedding ceremony photos at Briar Ridge Country Club.

Outdoor wedding ceremonies in Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan.

Outdoor wedding garden at Trinity Hall in Chesterton, Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this article about outdoor weddings in Northwest Indiana, Chicago and Michigan. Please fill out the Contact Form to inquire about photography for your big day, indoor or outdoors. :)

Wedding At Faith United Reform Church in Beecher, Illinois

March 6, 2018 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom take a romantic walk after their wedding at Faith United Reform Church.

There were so many wonderful moments at Nicole and Luke's March wedding at Faith United Reform Church in Beecher, Illinois - from the exciting first look of the bride and groom to the flower girl being escorted down the aisle in a red wagon courtesy of the ring bearer. So much to show..

Our morning started with myself documenting the girls getting ready while second photographer Kerrie was with the guys. The first thing I noticed was Nicole's wonderfully long veil and beautiful dress. Make Up by Krissy V. made sure everyone was looking their best. After details I photographed all of the laughter going on and soon we would be arriving at church for the reveal and pictures.

The sun was bright on this fairly balmy March day and it was pouring into the church as Nicole entered the sanctuary and Luke waited. Myself and Kerrie had our cameras ready as Chicago Wedding Films captured the action on video.

Sunlight streams though the church for the bride and groom's big reveal.

First look for the bride and groom at Faith United Reform Church.

We began taking bride and groom and wedding party pictures inside the church and then onto family photos before guests' arrived for the ceremony. Of course I was going to show off Nicole's spectacular veil...

The bride's long veil is draped in front of the altar at church.

Groomsmen show off their socks while the bridesmaids rock their pretty flowers.

The church was full of family and friends as a red wagon carried the flower girl and minutes later Nicole entered with her Dad.

Wedding ceremony at Faith United Reform Church.

The bride and groom exchange vows at Faith United Reform Church in Beecher, Illinois.

Bride and groom share a kiss during portraits inside church.

Our next stop was Lourde's Friary for outdoor pictures of the newlyweds and all of their wedding party.

Bride and groom on the outdoor staircase at Lourde's Friary.

The bride and her bridesmaids celebrate the big day.

The wedding party gathered around the outdoor staircase in Cedar Lake, Indiana.

Bridesmaid and groomsmen photos in the sun at a March wedding.

Bride and groom cozy up within the rock formations at Lourde's Friary.

When we arrived at Halls of St. George for the reception, I was not surprised to see greenery as part of the decor seeing as Nicole's family runs Woldhuis Farms Sunrise Greenhouse. The donut cake was colorful (and smelled great) and we even caught some munching on the dance floor going on.

Wedding reception fun at Halls of St. George banquet center.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Nicole and Luke's March wedding at Faith United Reform Church in Beecher, Illinois. Be sure to fill out the Contact Form to inquire about your big day!!

Centennial Park Bridal Show 2018 Raffle Winner

March 2, 2018 Steve Vansak

Wedding photo at Centennial Park with cloud cover at golden hour.

The 2018 Centennial Park Bridal Show had a great turnout with lots of happy brides to be visiting a host of vendors such as myself. I met many lovely couples too as a few 'grooms to be' bravely entered the ballroom with enticements of cake samples and cocktails. Oh and the weather was great too!! (except for the rain as I was leaving)

Thanks to everyone who stopped by my booth to view my work and chat. When I do these shows, I usually raffle off a prize at my booth and The Centennial Park 2018 Bridal Fair was no exception. This year the Region Weddings prize is a Local Engagement Session + an 11x14 Canvas Print - a $600.00 value. Engagement photos can be found on the Gallery Page.

A newly married couple gazes across the Centennial Park bride as sun engulfs them.

For those of you who were not picked, keep reading to the end as I have something special for you as well. For now, let's unveil our winner.

Our winner is Grace Matke. Congratulations Grace!! Please follow up with me to receive your prize.

Here is how to claim your prize:

Respond to the email I will be sending you shortly or call 219-779-7137 by May 31st, 2018.
Schedule a meeting where I will hand you over the prize certificate in person.
Use the prize by December 31st, 2018 (scheduling is subject to photographer's availability)

If you are not a winner of the prize and you hire me as your wedding photographer, please mention that you were at this show. I will add a complimentary 11x14 Professional Print to your package as a thank you. Fill out the Contact Form to schedule your meeting.

Question of the day: I'm often asked - "Why should I hire you over the 12 other photographers here?" I'm not arrogant and I would hate to denigrate other people's work, but here is the honest answer:

Quality. Please take a look at my gallery page and pay close attention to eyes, expression, lighting, uniqueness, etc. Now go compare. Pay attention to the eyes. Are they dark and not well lit? Is the picture simply not exciting? You are going to look beautiful on your big day. Let's capture that - no raccoon eyes for those sunny day pictures, no flat unexciting lighting for those couples photos, no grainy church or reception pictures, etc. These things are simply unacceptable. I've worked hard for 10 years to master techniques to have you, your family and guests looking great and I would love to employ them for your big day.
Experience: I'm a full time photographer which means my livelihood depends upon giving you great service, good and honest advice, and images that you are going to want to show off to your friends. Referrals are a big part of my business.
Hard work: If a photographer is resting on their back foot on wedding day, they are doing you a disservice. Moments happen in an instant and part of the job is being on constant alert. No photographer is perfect, but if they aren't striving to be then they should be doing something else.

I have many other tidbits of information for you and I would love for you to schedule an appointment to visit my office so I can show you more of my work and answer more of your questions.

Lastly, I want all potential clients to have awesome wedding photos. If I have your date booked, I'd be glad to send you to another highly qualified wedding photographer whom I trust. You deserve great images!! See you soon.