CHRIS & ELISE: WEDDING AT VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY PT.5

September 10, 2010 Steve Vansak

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Arriving at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana for the Reception, I realized that the couple had set aside some downtime for themselves and the wedding party to cool off, get some water and light snacks. This gave me opportunity to shoot many detail shots. I always shoot with a montage in mind. The image above I had the bands in the center knowing that I'd most likely use the free space to interweave other images. It's one of my favorite montages.

Here is one that includes the Bride and Groom's own photography....

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After this rest period, it was time for introductions. Ladies and gentleman, let's hear it for the Best Man and Maid of Honor!!!

The speeches were next and they were all great and from the heart.

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When it was cake cutting time, Elise hesitated and asked me where she was supposed to cut. I told her a little from the bottom would do just fine. Well, the cake was in no danger of toppling after her morsel size cutting!!! :)

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Time to dance!!! Very glad to have captured this moment on the floor...

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Lookout, there's a train on the dance floor...

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Girls gone wild!!!

Chris sends the garter into flight...

Here is another montage featuring the bride's parents...

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I hope you have enjoyed the posts all this week. Thanks to Chris and Elise for having me as their wedding photographer. I'll be seeing you guys soon to deliver the wedding album.

To view the entire collection of images from their big day, visit the Chris and Elise Galleries at the SBV Photography site.

The Wedding Crasher

August 31, 2010 Steve Vansak

Put this one into the too funny category. Just last week I got together with Andrew and Megan to show them the images from their wedding. They were in a great mood and very happy with everything. As they were looking at their reception pictures (from Amore in Crown Point, Indiana) they came upon the image above and asked if I knew the guy. I sure didn't and apparently neither did they!!

I had seen him at a table all night by himself, having a few drinks and taking pictures. I figured he was a guest and the couple did too. So when he caught the garter I offered to photograph him with the recipient of the bouquet (a friend of the bride) and they happily posed.

I asked if they would like to leave this image out of their wedding album, but they had fun with it and said to leave it in. Hey, it was part of their day and I'm sure they will have a good laugh about it in 20 years!!

Megan and Andrew's Outdoor Wedding Pt. 3

August 24, 2010 Steve Vansak

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Today we show some of the formal and reception images from Megan and Andrew's outdoor wedding in Crown Point, Indiana.

We immediately took family shots at the location of the ceremony in front of the old courthouse, including this shot of the bride...

We then went to Ellendale Farms, a residential area with a gazebo in Crown Point. We didn't want to make the parent's travel (even though it was close) so we only took the wedding party.

One of my favorites of the bridesmaid shots...

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For a change of scenery, we also did some formal shots inside Amore Restaurant...

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I had numerous discussions with Megan and Andrew before the big day and we all decided that some edgy bride and groom shots should be in order. So we headed out to the alleyway behind Amore...

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I really loved the fact that they had a live band at their reception. For me, there is nothing like live entertainment. Check out the fun at the reception...

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The happy couple in a candid moment at the head table...

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Wow, what a fun night and what an image to cap off the evening...

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Heather and Gordon: Hobart, Indiana Wedding

July 13, 2010 Steve Vansak

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Gordon and Heather had a June wedding at Grace Lutheran in Hobart, Indiana. It's the beautiful white church on Route 51 by the hospital. Click on the image below for a large view.

Hanging out with Heather and Holly and Kavita before the ceremony was a lot of fun. Getting to know them at this time made us all more comfortable and we were able to get natural looking shots for the rest of the day.

While Heather and the girls were getting ready doing their thing, I'd occasionally get kicked out of the room. Time to grab some groomsmen for some tough guy shots.

One of my favorites of the guys...

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Right before the ceremony began I took my place in the designated areas as requested by Pastor Frederick. In this case, behind the last pew and in the balcony. Time to break out the "wildlife lens".