Stephanie and Jordan were married at Griffith Lutheran Church, but there wedding was anything but local. Friends and family were in from California, the happy couple is from Villa Park, Illinois and we did couple's shots in a beautiful park in Elmhurst!!

When I arrived for the Getting Ready session Stephanie was very calm and went about her doing her hair and make up and wedding dress like any other day.  I simply was a fly on the wall.  Her mom showed me around and we were off to do a wedding!!  :)

I was able to coax Stephanie into a classic bride in mirror type of shot.  She was looking spectacular at this point.  I wanted to make sure I caught the swoftness of her veil.  We were very close to ceremony time...

I had not met Jordan before this day, but I could tell they were the perfect match.  As they recited their vows to the priest at Griffith Lutheran, they did so with confidence and humor.  I would see a lot more of that humor as they day went on.  I really had fun photographing their wedding.  

Speaking of fun, if the flower girl kisses her friend during the ceremony, you can bet I'm going to capture it!!

And speaking of kisses, let's not forget the bride and groom's first kiss in this close up shot at the altar... 

I captured yet another smooch as the just married couple were leaving the church.  Family and friends were applauding and taking pictures...

We immidiately began taking family group shots inside the church.  Some were up close while other such as this one were captured as I stood in the balcony...

- click image to enlarge -

When we got to Villa Park, Illinois we went searching for a park.  Jordan and one of his groomsmen found a gorgeous spot via their iPad and away we went.  I put the bride and groom up on a pedestal amidst the red flowers and greenery and let them do their thing...

I wanted a soft, almost silhouette photo and we found a hidden away spot with the sun drenching down upon it.  The happy couple naturally put their heads together and we came up with this photo.

The reception was a family affair at the couple's home in Villa Park.  Eventually they changed into their Chicago Bears jersey sweats with Stephanie retaining her veil.  Fun stuff...

There are many, many more images from every segment ofStephanie and Jordan's wedding day coming soon.  Stay tuned here on the Merrillville Wedding Photographer Journal and the Facebook page as well.