Sometimes I go into a wedding and I just know... I can tell right away that the couple is tailor made for each other and that they come from loving families. This was certainly the case with Megan and Garrett. From the groom's love letter that Megan read during getting ready to the bride singing to her new husband on the altar later that afternoon, the proof just kept on coming.
I arrived at Megan's childhood home to a very welcoming group. If there was any doubt I was at the correct house, it was erased by the outside wedding decor and gigantic 'I do' sign. I noticed that the computer was playing a Wedding Playlist of songs. Song #9 on the list would come into play a bit later.
Bride and her bridesmaids get ready for the summer wedding.
Wedding day getting ready at the bride's parent's home.
After getting into her wedding dress, Megan descended down the stairs as I'm sure she did many times in her childhood. This time however, she was "going to the chapel" as the song of the same played in the other room.
The bride descends from the staircase at her childhood home.
Before we left for St. Maria Goretti in Dyer, Indiana, we took a few fun bridesmaids photos in the front yard. Second photographer Bridget did the same with the guys at the church.
Fun bridesmaids photos before the ceremony.
Fun groomsmen photos before the ceremony.
Now, I've photographed many weddings and I'm "on the job" so to speak so I'm not supposed to get emotional. However, when the bride sings "Grow Old Along With Me", written by John Lennon and does it beautifully at that and on the altar to her groom in front of friends and family... well, you get a lump in your throat. It was a wonderful wedding ceremony at Saint Maria Goretti capped off by the bride and groom exiting with bubbles surrounding them.
Wedding ceremony at St. Maria Goretti Church in Dyer, Indiana.
Bride and groom exit St. Maria Goretti Church in Dyer to friends blowing bubbles.
Immediately after the ceremony we began family pictures inside the church as well as a few with the newlyweds, including a silhouette in front of the stained glass windows.
Family wedding photo at St. Maria Goretti Church.
A silhouette of the bride and groom in front of stained glass windows at Saint Maria Goretti Church in Dyer, Indiana.
Bride and groom on the altar as light streams in through stained glass windows.
The whole gang then took off to the reception site - Wicker Park Social Center. After a quick lunch of Jimmy John's subs, it was outside for photos of the wedding party and the newly married Megan and Garrett.
The wedding party having fun at Wicker Park.
Bride and groom portrait at Wicker Park on a bright, sun drenched summer day.
Sun was bouncing off the lake and the gazebo as we went around Wicker Park taking photos. We had to take a few featuring the wedding sunglasses as well as megan's spectacular train and veil!! Then it was back inside for the party...
Wedding photos at Wicker Park in Munster, Indiana.
The cake topper said Best Day Ever and I believe it was. Garrett was handcuffed, but he still managed to get the garter. The crowd was with the couple the entire way and the dance floor was filled at all times.
Wedding reception at Wicker Park Social Center.
First dance for the bride and groom at their reception at Wicker Park.
This is merely a sneak peek look at Megan and Garrett's summer wedding at Saint Maria Goretti Church and Wicker park. Stay tuned here and on various social media for more!!