Wedding At Lighthouse Lodge

September 8, 2020 Steve Vansak

A setting sun engulfs the bride and groom on the edge of Lake Shafer.

Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana has always been an annual destination for Taylor and Jesus since they first met. So having their wedding at Lighthouse Lodge off the lake was always in the cards.

The day started off with bridal prep in the sun room off the deck where the reception would be held later. It was a family affair with many visitors, including their furry friends. I took the details outside to continue the theme of this beach wedding.

Bridal details with Lake Shafer in the background.

Bridal prep in the sun room of Lighthouse Lodge.

Taylor got into her dress and jewelry in one of the lodge’s rooms while photographer Kerrie captured the guy’s prep in a nearby lodge.

Bridal prep at a summer wedding at Lighthouse Lodge.

Bridal portraits inside Lighthouse Lodge in Monticello, Indiana.

Groom and bride ready for their lakeside wedding in Monticello, Indiana.

Groom prep at Lighthouse Lodge in Monticello, Indiana.

The outdoor wedding took place just off the edge of the lake as boaters passed by honking their approval on occasion. It was a beautiful, but extremely windy day and the bride’s long veil needed attending to during the ceremony as well as the two flower girls who walked beneath it during the exit.

Entrances for a beach wedding at Lake Shafer.

Beach wedding ceremony at Shafer Lake in Monticello.

After family photos it was time for wedding party and images of the newlyweds along the shore. The late afternoon reception and dinner would start soon and then we were off for sunset photos as well as a few night shots.

Wedding party photos besides the lighthouse.

The newlyweds share a real and candid moment surrounded by greenery.

Bride and groom kiss underneath the lighthouse as a sunstar shines over the scene.

Wedding photos along Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana.

Romantic wedding photos at Lighthouse Lodge.

The reception saw some spirited entrances and many heartfelt speeches from friends and family. In the middle of dancing I snuck out with the bride and groom twice for our golden hour sunset images as as some night shots along the lake.

Wedding reception at Lighthouse Lodge at Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana.

Wedding photo at night in front of the lit up lighthouse on Lake Shafer in Monticello, Indiana.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at this outdoor wedding in Monticello. This is only a portion fo the images from the big day. Please tune in to this blog or the social media channels below for images from this and many other weddings.

To inquire about wedding or elopement photography for your big day, please fill out the Contact Form here and I will get back with you ASAP on availability.

The Lighthouse Lodge is a great spot for a beach wedding or elopement. I’m so glad Jesus and Taylor were able to fulfill their dream of a wedding lakeside in the area they visited during their entire relationship. Here’s looking forward to many Anniversaries spent on the beach in future Septembers.

Summer Outdoor Wedding At Aberdeen Manor

September 2, 2020 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom have a laugh at the fountain in Aberdeen.

Jacob and Jasmine had a wonderful summer day for their outdoor wedding in the garden at Aberdeen Manor Ballroom in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Our day began at the historic Aberdeen Inn, a wonderful bed and breakfast down the street from the ballroom. So many moments and laughs were unfolding with the bride and her family and friends inside the picturesque bridal suite. I certainly was busy and on high alert with everything from opening gifts, reading love letter, dance parties on the bed and yes, hair and make up for the big day ahead!

Getting into the dress on wedding day at Aberdeen Inn.

While I was capturing the bridal prep, photographer Doug was with the groom as he prepped and read his love letter from his bride to be.

Flowers by: Blossom Shoppe

Dress: Elegance

Bridal portrait at Aberdeen Inn in Valparaiso, Indiana.

Outdoor portraits of the bride and groom.

Bride and groom read each other’s love letters on wedding day.

We took bridesmaid and groomsmen group photos separately and then it was time for an impromptu first look as Dad crashed the girls’ party over in the fountain area.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen take a walk in the Aberdeen neighborhood.

The garden wedding ceremony saw a nervous Jacob with friends and family watching as Jasmine was escorted down the aisle by her Father. The sun peeked out over the garden as the two exchanged vows.

A summer outdoor wedding ceremony at Aberdeen Manor.

Wedding ceremony in the garden at Aberdeen Manor and Ballroom.

Family photos were next along with wedding party and then off I went with the newlyweds to some nearby scenic locations for natural, candid and elegant wedding pictures. We even stopped at Family Express for some slurpees.

The groom twirls his bride for a romantic moment at Aberdeen.

Newlyweds surrounded by beautiful greenery after their summer wedding ceremony.

The slurpee machine was “out of order” at Family Express, so we settled for some Jones Cola and some very cute moments between the bride and groom.

Fun moments with the bride and groom at their summer wedding at Aberdeen Manor.

The reception inside the elegant ballroom of Aberdeen Manor saw performances during the introductions, roasting during the many speeches and of course plenty of dancing. Our last shot of the evening was a barefoot dip in front of the lit up chapel across the street.

Sounds: 27 Entertainment

Photo Booth: Laugh Booth

Wedding reception at Aberdeen Manor Ballroom.

A snowfall during the first dance at Aberdeen Manor Ballroom.

Party time on the dance floor at Aberdeen.

This is merely a sneak peek with many more images to come so please do check out the social media channels below. Also, fill out my Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day.

Summer Wedding At Ravisloe Country Club

August 31, 2020 Steve Vansak

The bride’s veil flies as the groom kisses her at Ravisloe Golf Course.

See, when you first meet and take a ride on a golf cart and then crash and get admitted to the hospital together - you have your wedding at a golf course! That’s how it goes…. for Jessica and Matt.

Ravisloe Country Club has a very scenic golf course, ballroom and a lovely courtyard for outdoor wedding ceremonies.

We started our day in their bridal suite with Make Up by Krissy V. and Maddie Rasp on hair, Flower Cottage on florals. While Jessica sat diligently in her various chairs, I captured details shots along with fun with champagne corks and other fun.

Details on wedding day at Ravisloe Weddings.

Bride and bridesmaids get ready for the big day.

The rain of the dress gets tended to in the bridal suite.

I have to say that wedding season 2020 has shown some incredible wedding dresses. Jessica’s very elegant dress came courtesy of Something Blue Bridal Boutique. I decided to take her to the equally elegant Ravisloe ballroom to show it off.

The bride shows off her elegant wedding dress in the ballroom at Ravisloe Country Club.

Bridal portraits at Ravisloe Country Club.

While in the ballroom we snuck in a fist look with Dad and photographer Bridget covered the guys getting ready. I then took the girls out onto the golf course for their photos.

Groom and groomsmen get ready for the big day.

Groomsmen and bridesmaids photos on the golf course at Ravisloe in Homewood, Illinois.

The outdoor ceremony took place in the fantastic courtyard and of course featured the bride being brought in via golf cart and then exiting the same way with her new husband.

Summer outdoor wedding ceremony at Ravisloe Country Club.

Outside courtyard wedding ceremony at Ravisloe Country Club.

Getting married outside at Chicagoland wedding venue Ravisloe Country Club.

After the ceremony we completed family photos and then went around the property, including the golf course for wedding photos in the afternoon sun.

The bride and groom kiss as the afternoon sun engulfs them.

Wedding party photos at Ravisloe Country Club.

Wedding photos on the golf course at Ravisloe in Homewood, Illinois.

Underneath the veil on the Ravisloe golf course with sun and flare.

Jessica and Matt had their wedding reception at Signature Banquets in Lowell, Indiana where the dancing started even before Precision Sound cranked up the music. You may have noticed the groom’s cast in some of the pictures and I presume this is why some power tools ended up for cutting the cake from Beck’s Crown Bakery.

Luckily, no injuries to report on or off the dance floor despite a golf cart being nearby!!

Reception details at Signature Banquets.

Summer wedding reception with cake, dancing and miter saws.

If you enjoyed this sneak peek look at Jessica and Matt’s summer wedding at Chicagoland wedding venue Ravisloe Country Club, do follow the social media sites below for more images from this and other weddings.

To inquire about your big day, please fill out the Contact Form right here.

Chicago Proposal Photography at the Lasalle Street Station

August 24, 2020 Steve Vansak

The L train roars above after a surprise proposal at the Lasalle Street station.

Ryan had met Lindsay years previously at the Lasalle Street train station in the south Loop of Chicago. When he decided to pop the question he wanted to take her to this spot.

He and I were in contact via text message and I knew their Uber driver wold be dropping them off about a half block down. I got into position as Ryan stopped Lindsay to ask her if she knew where they were. As she turned around to look at the station entrance he took out the ring. She turned around and after a look of surprise she then said yes.

This was all took place in a matter of seconds…

Proposing marriage at the Lasalle Street train station in Chicago.

Urban style engagement photos in downtown Chicago.

Ryan soon pointed me out to Lindsay and after a short meet and greet we then walked around the area for a mini portrait / engagement session.

The Chicago flag next to the American flag flies during a Chicago engagement photo session.

Newly engaged couple in downtown Chicago.

Engagement photo at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Portrait of a newly engaged couple in the south loop of Chicago.

I was very proud to have captured this moment for this very lovely couple. So cool that Ryan thought to bring Lindsay back to the spot where they first met.

We took many more images at our “mini engagement session” after she said yes, so do follow the Region Weddings Instagram feed for more from this session as well as weddings.

As always, please use the Contact Form to inquire.