Kaitlin & Corey - Millcreek Wilde - Michigan

Yes, this wedding was last year… yes I am THAT behind in blogging… but ya know… I have a lot to edit!

Kaitlin & Corey are always the life of the party wherever they go so we knew they would throw an absolutely amazing party for their friends and family. This was one of my favorite wedding days.. they didnt let the rain dampen their day. They got married right there in the rain, and all those rain drops mixed with some tears of happiness for these two.

One thing I love about being a wedding photographer, is the referrals.. a lot of these people at this wedding are past and current clients. Which just always warms my heart when I see so many people I know and love at weddings. <3

Kelli & Jordan - The Pavilion at Sandy Pines, Demotte, Indiana - Wedding

One of my favorite weddings to date! Kelli & Jordan already had a small celebration with just family before this.. if my memory serves me right, on a beach in Hawaii! But they still wanted to celebrate with the rest of their friends and family.
Sandy Pines is a forever favorite venue. The atmosphere, the people who work there, and the grounds are all amazing.
Every wedding last year made me love detail photos more and more. If thats possible. Im obsessed.

Laura & Jalen - Ashley Farms - Yorkville, Illinois - Wedding

When the first picture we took, was the dress hanging on the house… we knew it was going to be a good day.
What a beautiful November day these two had! We couldn’t believe that it was almost 50 degrees that late in November. It was beautiful. Laura and Jalen planned the best day. Their ceremony was scheduled for right after sunset, in a romantically lit barn. In photographer speak, it was golden.
We caught the last few specks of sunlight for some golden hour photos, and ran straight into the ceremony.
Everything was perfect.
My favorite part of the day, was when Laura was writing her vows while simultaneously rapping to “All I Do Is Win”. It was the best.

Ashley & Paul - Demotte, Indiana - Fair Oakes Farms

Ever since Ashley & Pauls engagement session I was DYING to see these two again. Another wedding, that covid almost ruined. Thankfully Ashley & Paul have some amazing family and friends who stepped up to help them have the wedding of their dreams still. It was SUCH a beautiful day. It was the best.
AND when Ashley’s dad gave her away at the end of the aisle there was not a dry eye sitting there… Her dad grabbed her by the arm and didn’t want to let go. I blubbered like a baby. So. Sweet.

Alexis & John - Chesterton, Indiana - Running Vines Winery

I was so excited to meet Alexis & John. We had many conversations over the phone and just clicked instantly. Knowing wedding planning had been a very interesting time for them, I was so grateful they booked with me. I loved getting to know them and their sweet daughter. <3
I have said it time and time again but the best thing to come out of 2020 and covid was small elopements. Its something that I really and truly hope we can hold onto.

Lindsey & Josh - Valparaiso Indiana - Aberdeen Ballroom

Lindsey & Josh had to push back their May wedding, but it didnt stop them from getting married!
Their ceremony was still filled with tears, love and all their friends and family! <3
I cried right along with Josh watching Lindsey walk down the aisle.

I am so happy I was able to capture these memories for them! Aberdeen garden ceremonies are my fave! <3

Sam & Donnie - DeMotte Indiana - The Pavilion at Sandy Pines

Sam & Donnie had their engagement session just a few short weeks before their wedding and it was easily one of my favorites! It seemed like we got SUPER lucky at their wedding too with the sun!
And my favorite buddy Cole was able to take us to a few places around Sandy Pines I had never been to so it was even more extra special!
Oh these two. They had the best day and I am so happy that fate had other plans for them. I know it wasn't easy planning three weddings. Yes. Three. Weddings. But due to covid they had to make other plans. Third times a charm and now they are living in marital bliss! <3
Cant wait to see these two again soon! Hopefully!

Stephanie & Michael - Michigan - Backyard Wedding

I met Stephanie & Michael about 3 weeks before their big day and I just KNEW their wedding day was going to be something amazing. When we got there I was BLOWN away by everything these two did for their wedding day. They built a greenhouse. They built ALL the tables too. I went a little insane with the detail photos. as per usual.

Gabby & Jon - Meyers Castle - Wedding

This was my first time at Meyers castle and it DID not disappoint. Gabby made sure to have ALL the details. We all know how much I live for wedding details.
Gabby & Jon did things a bit more traditional and opted out of a first look! What they did do is a sweet vow reading, back to back. It was THE sweetest. Yes first looks are so fun and it helps your tog move the day along better.. but these are sweet pictures. <3
I cant wait to come back to Meyers Castle for another wedding soon!

Sam & Patrick - The Well at Thornton Distilling Company - Thornton, IL

Sam & Patrick were the besttttttt. Sam messaged me about a month or so before their wedding and just hoped that I was available. I was SO happy I was available.
This was one of the best. The best thing to come out of covid, small intimate weddings.
Sam had EVERYTHING planned. Down to the cookies of their sweet animals!
It rained, but we made the best of it. Good luck ya know ;) Cant wait to see them again in November!

Emily & Dan - Merrillville, Indiana

Wedding season would not have been complete without these two. What an AMAZING day they had!
The rain put a small damper on the day, but didnt last long at all.
This was the first time I had the pleasure of photographing a wedding in this beautiful Greek Orthodox Cathedral. - I mean.. look at it!!
It was a pretty unique ceremony, nothing I have ever photographed before. These are some of my favorite ceremony images.. The cloudy day really made those stained glass windows pop.

Kaitlyn & Nate - Hobart, Indiana

Can I just say, how much I looooove backyard weddings. If you're wanting to host your own backyard wedding, take notes from these guys… I know they worked SO hard on their house and yard that year to make sure it was perfect. Kaitlyn & Nate are the two sweetest people, and their day was just perfect.

The daddy, daughter first look was my favorite of this season. It was the sweetest thing ever.

Basically their day was amazing and one of my favorites this season. <3

Karessa & Austin - The Red Barn Experience - LaPorte, Indiana

The forecast said it was going to rain all day during Karessa & Austin’s wedding day. It drizzled in the morning, then again in the afternoon, then quit! It was perfect! Perfect day for a perfect couple! I was looking forward to their wedding, because their engagement session was so fun and they were naturals in front of the camera.

We pulled them out for golden hour, we waited, and waited for the sun to pop under the clouds and it just took forever. SO we walked back to the dance floor, about to start their first dance, when Austin ran back and said “the sun came back out! We should go now!” - and boy. was it worth it…

Their day was filled with good luck rain, love, and beer. Best day ever!

The Importance of Golden Hour - On Your Wedding Day

AH! Your wedding day. Your timeline is packed, you have tons of portraits scheduled for the day. First look, family formals, bridal party, and of course getting ready shots! - But dont forget to add some time for golden hour portraits!

I always always always, will stress how important it is to leave at most, 15 minutes in your wedding day timeline for golden hour portraits. I know, your groom is over photos, he just wants to eat. You want to go mingle with people and maybe grab a drink. There will be TONS of time for that after the sun goes down.
I promise you, you want these photos.

What is golden hour? - Golden hour is my favorite time of day! About an hour before sunset, you can see the light casting a very beautiful golden light on you skin, thats what we photographers will look for! Which is why I only hold sessions (family, maternity, etc) about an hour before sunset because the light is so beautiful. I want the same thing for you on your wedding day!
I will say, my golden hour images from my own wedding, are all over my house. Those are my favorite images besides the ceremony images.

Here are some golden hour images from one of my favorite weddings this year. Karla & Francisco were GAME for golden hour images. - We spent over 30 minutes outside. The sun went behind the clouds and BAM right before we went back inside, the sun poked down underneath the clouds and put on a show for us. <3

Mackenna & Erik - Wedding - Downtown Valparaiso

OOOOH Mackenna & Erik.. You guys were so fun, bubbly, and happy on your wedding day (as anyone should be). But that is just how you guys are. I had been WAITING for your wedding day ever since your engagement session last year.. We had such a blast and I knew your wedding day was going to be amazing. You guys are such sweet, and unique people. Your wedding showed that. I hope to see you guys soon!! <3

Navarro Family - Beach Session

Its been a hot minute since I have seen this adorable family! Since, they have added a new addition!
They were my first beach session of the season <3 I loved it so much!
The light was perfect. The family was perfect.

Maggie & Aaron - Sandy Pines - May 4th

May the 4th be with you! These love birds got married on a very special day. Their love for Star Wars did not go unnoticed on their wedding day…
Ever since their engagement session last year I was very impatiently awaiting their wedding day. They were so fun to work with, I knew their wedding day would be filled with good times, and smiles.
I have already spent some time with their bridal party as I photographed one of the groomsmen weddings last year! I knewww they would keep Amanda & I on our toes. I loved everything about this day.
Wedding season is officially in full swing! <3

Vendors:
Venue: The Pavilion at Sandy Pines Golf Course
Makeup: Makeup by Morgan
Hair: Mad About Hair
Dj: REEB Entertainment

Danielle & Jennifer - December 1, 2018 - The Allure On The Lake

Danielle & Jennifer were my last couple of 2018, and they really did not disappoint. After talking to Jennifer so many times closer to the wedding, I felt so incredibly close to them. I cant tell you how many times I would start to tear up during their ceremony. I don’t think I have ever seen two people more perfect for each other. I say this all the time, but I really mean it with them. These two ladies really have my heart. I wish them all the happiness and love in the world. It was so hard to pick the images for this blog post. SO many images.

Jessica & Adam - September 8th - Valparaiso Indiana

Jessica & Adam, your wedding was a whirl wind day of so many giggles, and belly laughs. I dont think I have ever laughed at a wedding like I did at yours. Adam was goofy from the minute I met him at their engagement session a few months back. So I knew he wouldn’t disappoint. My favorite moment? When I told him no tongue during their under the veil shot, and he did. So Jess bit him. I was rolling.

Jessica & Dixie - Trash the dress

When Jessica booked her wedding with me last year, she made sure I knew that she wanted a “trash the dress” session with her horse Dixie. Who was I to deny her that!
Seriously one of my favorite sessions this year… hands down. <3