As the sun sets on the 2023 wedding season, I’m looking back at all the weddings I photographed (and filmed) this past year. I’ve visited many venues in Northwest Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, some very familiar and some brand new to me.
Read moreSeptember Wedding At Uptown Social
Bride and groom passionately kiss on the stage at Uptown Social.
Colleen and Michael held their September wedding in several locations culminating in an extended photo shoot and reception at the very elegant Uptown Social in Michigan City, Indiana.
Our day started out at CJ Warren Salon and Spa in Crown Point, Indiana before moving to the St. Matthias Parish Bridal Suite for bridal prep as well as groom prep. All floral is by La Petite Fleuriste.
Bridal prep at CJ Warren and St. Matthias Parish.
Bridal details at St. Matthias in Crown Point, Indiana.
Groom prep and gift exchange at St. Matthias Parish.
During this getting ready period Colleen and Michael also did a gift exchange as well as separate portraits inside the church just before the ceremony began. We also snuck a first look with Dad.
The bride opens her gifts from the groom.
Portraits of the groom.
Portraits of the bride at Saint Matthias Parish in Crown Point, Indiana.
Bride on the altar at St. Matthias Parish.
Colleen’s Dad waiting down one of the church aisles for his daughter to tap him on the shoulder before turning around to greet his daughter tearing up during the moment.
First look with Dad.
The wedding ceremony saw the couple exchange vows while friends and family looked on. Afterwards we took family photos and wedding party and then we were off to Michigan City for the big party.
Wedding Ceremony at Saint Matthias Parish in Crown Point, Indiana.
A Catholic wedding ceremony at St. Matthias Parish.
Wedding party photos on the altar.
Bride and groom in center aisle at Saint Matthias Church in Crown Point, Indiana.
The newlyweds in the backseat of a classic car.
Bride and groom arrive at Uptown Social in Michigan City for their wedding reception.
Wedding portrait in front of a red door.
Looking suave and elegant at the entrance to Uptown Social in Michigan City.
Colleen and Michael made both the ballroom and cocktail area their own with unique decor including drawings from caricature artist Nate as well as their very own drink commemorating the year 2020.
Wedding reception decor at Uptown Social in Michigan City.
Cocktail hour and wedding reception speeches and cake cutting.
Parent and first dance at a wedding reception at Uptown Social Center in Michigan City.
27 Entertainment played the soundtrack for the evening and 99.9% of guests were into the vibe except for the flower girl. I think it may have been pajama time for her! :)
#GetDownAtUptown for Colleen and Michael’s wedding reception.
Franklin Street in Michigan City is lit up wonderfully in the evening so we slipped out into the street for some night time wedding photos showing off the explosion of light and love on the big day.
Night portrait of the bride and groom.
Romantic night time wedding pictures in downtown Michigan City.
I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Colleen and Michael’s elegant September wedding at Saint Matthias Church in Crown Point as well as Uptown Social in Michigan City. Be sure to fill out the Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day.
Getting down at Uptown during a wedding reception.
Spring Wedding At Aberdeen Manor
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...
Bride with her parents on wedding day.
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.
Snuggling close on wedding day.
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!!
Church Weddings In Northwest Indiana, Chicago and Michigan
Newlyweds walk down the aisle at Immaculate Heart Of Mary Church
I have photographed at many different churches of many different faiths in many different towns and cities. Some have been quaint chapels and others have been around a hundred years and are the size of a city block. The wedding of Maria and Seth who are pictured above was two hours in length and performed entirely in Latin. While I approach them all uniquely (because they are), I do have certain common things in mind when I photograph a church wedding.
Balcony photos of church weddings at St. Andrew's and St. Stanislaus.
Wide architecture wedding photos come to mind right away for church weddings. This is certainly at the forefront for the large sanctuaries like St. Stanislaus in Michigan City or St. Andrew in Calumet City. One of the largest I've photographed at is St. Josaphat Roman Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois.
Wedding ceremony at St. Josaphat Roman Catholic Church in Chicago.
Wedding from the balcony at St. Josaphat Church in Chicago.
During the ceremonies themselves I'm looking to capture the same emotions I would anywhere. I love to get a reaction shot of the groom if possible and if the flower girl gives a sudden thumbs up in the middle of the proceedings, myself or one of the second photographers are always at the ready. Details of religious symbols or mementos that mark the day are also important.
Moments at various church wedding ceremonies in Northwest Indiana and Chicago.
Church weddings do have their challenges with often dim lighting and reflections that throw color off and more. I pride myself in being able to deliver high quality church wedding photos from 10 years of experience.
The church is also a great time to show off the bride's dress with some bridal portraits that also show off the architecture and stained glass.
Church bridal portraits.
Bride at the center of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Bride and groom church wedding portraits.
Beautiful married couples at their wonderful churches.
An article about church weddings would not be complete without mentioning the church exit. Whether the happy couple is showered by bubbles or paper airplanes or greeted by a live band, this is always a joyous portion of the day.
The bride and groom walk through bubbles at Oak Glen United Reform Church in Lansing.
To inquire about your wedding date, church wedding or not - please fill out the Contact Form to set up a meeting.