Wedding At Chateau Bu-Sché

February 19, 2019 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom in front of the pillars at Chateau Bu Sché in Alsip, Illinois

Erin and Mason had an incredibly fun and elegant winter wedding at Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois with a church ceremony at Carmelite Fathers. Our day started with sisters and bridesmaid gifts during bridal prep along with some emotional moments with mom while getting into the dress.

Bridal prep moments with mom, sisters and bridesmaids.

Mason and the guys read motorsports magazines and had a few toasts during groom prep at a local hotel as second photographer Jaime captured the scene.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen take a winter stroll on the grounds of Carmelite Fathers.

I loved the beaming smiles on Father and daughter while they came down the church aisle. I included two images in this sneak peak for those expressions, but also because I loved the proud look of Mom and Dad in the second image as they look at each other knowingly.

Father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle at Carmelite Fathers church.

After the ceremony we did many family group pictures as well as wedding party and the newlyweds on the altar. We then headed outside for some winter wedding portraits on the grounds of Carmelite Shrine.

Bride and groom on the altar of Carmelite Fathers.

Bride and groom on a park bench at Carmelite Shrine during their winter wedding.

Winter bride and groom wedding pictures at Carmelite Shrine.

The reception was held at Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois and we had to do additional wedding pictures at this elegant Chicago wedding venue. The staircase near the entrance with grand chandeliers was a perfect place to start. Then it was onto the dramatic pillars at the entrance along with the picturesque bridge.

Bride and groom kiss underneath a chandelier on the staircase at Chateau Bu-Sché.

Wedding party group photo in front of Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois.

Bride and groom wedding photos at Chateau Bu-Sché.

Bride and groom slow dance in the courtyard at Chateau Bu-Sché.

The wedding reception really started with second photographer Jaime covering the fun on the party bus and it carried on to the humorous speeches and soon…. the Village People would invade. Videographers Shutter and Sound Chicago swirled around them to film.

Wedding reception at Chateau Bu-Sché in Alsip, Illinois.

Parent dances and hula hoops during a wedding reception in Alsip, Illinois.

First dance for the newlyweds as friends and family surround them on the dance floor at Chateau Bu-Sché.

Sneak attack by the Village People during a wedding reception at Chateau Bu-Sché.

I hope you have enjoyed this sneak peek look at Erin and Mason’s winter wedding at Chateau Bu-Sché and Catholic church ceremony at Carmelite Fathers. Please do fill out the Contact Form to inquire about wedding photography for your big day, be it Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter!! :)

The 2018 Year In Review for Northwest Indiana and Chicago Weddings

December 31, 2018 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom steal a kiss on a hilltop at Briar Ridge Golf Course.

I’m typing this blog post on December 31, 2018 on what is supposed to be a slow day in the world of a wedding photographer. It’s not!! With several client meetings today and the final wedding of the year just this past weekend, one of my busiest years in Northwest Indiana and Chicago wedding photography is ending as it began with a very active schedule. No complaints here, but get ready because I have LOTS of images and wedding stories for the year down below. Let’s get to it…

Late winter 2018 weddings in Valparaiso, Indiana and Grant Park, Illinois.

After a busy December the previous year, I photographed Nicole and Luke’s wonderful church wedding in early March in Beecher, Illinois and followed shortly by Ashley and Adam at Aberdeen Manor.

Wedding Ceremony At Faith United Reform Church

In early Spring I found myself at Briar Ridge Country Club quite a few times starting off with Rachel and Matt with Sheri and Ryan the following Saturday. Both couples had some blazing sun for their golf course weddings.

Two Spring weddings at Briar Ridge Country Club in Dyer, Indiana.

The previous Fall I had done Ashley and Michael’s engagement session and they had such a wonderful chemistry together that I was eagerly anticipating their outdoor wedding at the spectacular Sandy Pines Pavilion with it’s beautiful bridal suite and perfectly landscaped scenery. It was a wonderful Sunday wedding.

I was also back for another golf course wedding with a touch of Disney with Abby and Sean at Sand Creek Country Club.

Bride and groom hold hands on the lake pier at Sandy Pines Golf Course.

Weddings at two golf courses - Sandy Pines and Sand Creek.

In mid May it was the first of two weddings at County Line Orchard with Jaime and Tom. The groom’s family came all the way from England for this exquisite barn wedding.

The bride and groom exit the County Line Orchard south barn after their ceremony.

Spring wedding photos at County Line Orchard.

Late in May saw me heading to Chicago for Veronica and Adrian’s church wedding and then it was time for another trip to Valparaiso University and The Chapel of the Resurrection where Lauren and Edward declared victory.

May weddings in Chicago and Northwest Indiana.

The groom rings the victory bell at Valparaiso University.

Bride and groom at the bottom of the spiral staircase at Valparaiso University.

The groom and his guys at Valparaiso University.

Also in late May, I made it back to the beach for Nicole and Chad’s Memorial Day weekend wedding at Marquette Park Pavilion. Then it was back to Briar Ridge Country Club for Patty and Stephen’s outdoor nuptials.

Late Spring weddings at Marquette Park Pavilion and Briar Ridge Country Club.

June saw another golf course wedding reception with Jennifer and Carl and a stop by Meyer’s Castle two weekends in a row for Valerie and Anthony and then Mallory and Ryan.

June weddings at Briar Ridge and Meyer’s Castle.

The bride is soaked by sunlight at Meyer’s Castle during a summer wedding.

June wedding at Meyer’s Castle in Dyer, Indiana.

Summer rolled on with another County Line Orchard wedding where Ashley and Zach had their un-plugged wedding ceremony.

Bride and groom smooch in the farm fields behind County Line Orchard.

Gang of bridesmaids stalk the open fields of County Line Orchard.

July saw another Chicago wedding with Lauren and Mark at The Signature Room on the 95th floor of the John Hancock Building and Katie and Patrick’s church wedding at St. Michael’s Parish in Schererville, Indiana with reception at The Munster Center for the Performing Arts.

July weddings in Chicago and Schererville, Indiana.

The groom kisses the bride at the edge of the Centennial Park Lake.

The summer weddings rolled on with Kim and Tim at St. Maria Goretti Church as well as Patti and David and their wonderful backyard wedding in Crown Point.

Summer weddings in Northwest Indiana during August of 2018.

Summer is the height of baseball season of course, so super fans Kaitlyn and Ryan took to the field after their wedding at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Griffith, Indiana. I also shot at the brand new Allure on the Lake for Katie and Arnie’s wedding reception.

August weddings at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, St. Paul’s Catholic Church and Allure on The Lake.

Labor Day weekend brought an end to summer but the beginning of busy season with Josie and Victor’s bohemian outdoor wedding at Friendship Garden in Michigan City with a stop at The Market for the reception. It also saw another stop at Briar Ridge Country Club with Molly and Chris.

Kissing bridge at Friendship Garden in Michigan City, Indiana.

Outdoor weddings at Friendship Garden and Briar Ridge Country Club.

Boho bride from above during bridal prep for her big day.

A couple in love gazes romantically at each other.

It was my first “wedding selfie” shot at Tracey and Chris’ outdoor wedding at Peck Farm Park in Geneva, Illinois. The grain silo is just massive and I was so glad to take some images showcasing the bride and groom next to it. Early September also saw a stop at Centennial Park for an outdoor wedding with Julie and Jason.

September weddings in Illinois and Indiana.

The grain silo at Peck Farm Park towers over the bride and groom.

As September drifted into October, we saw the absolutely fun wedding of Emma and Kyle at Croation Center and then it was Nikki and Johnny’s wedding with a church ceremony at St. Michael’s Church in Schererville, Indiana and a rocking reception at St. Elijah Banquet Center in Merrillville.

The bride and groom sport a take no prisoners look for their wedding photo.

Bridal portrait at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

October also saw Captain America and SpiderWoman (Jess and Josh) get married at Lighthouse Restaurant as well as Erika and Mitch with a Great Gatsby themed wedding at The Allure in Laporte, Indiana.

Captain America marries SpiderWoman at Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake.

A wedding picture during a hailstorm in Laporte, Indiana.

The bride and groom get mischievous at The Allure.

Karen and Jason had their hometown wedding in Crown point with a St. Mary’s Church ceremony with stops at the fairgrounds and a reception at the old Lake County Courthouse Maki Ballroom.

More October weddings at The Allure and in downtown Crown Point.

Late October and November Fall weddings saw me back at Sand Creek Country Club for Marz and Tom’s big day as well as Krueger Memorial Hall in Michigan City for Ashley and Terry’s beautiful Fall wedding with Autumn leaves everywhere.

Fall weddings at Sand Creek Country Club and Krueger Memorial Hall.

Leaves fall upon the bride and groom for their Autumn wedding.

As winter finally arrived, The Uptown Center got all lit up for Kristen and Patrick’s wedding and last, but certainly not least the grand finale, last wedding of 2018 was Sarah and Nick’s snow filled day at Sand Creek Country Club.

Winter weddings at Uptown Center and Sand Creek Country Club.

Whew, thanks for making it all the way though this long review of weddings in Northwest Indiana and Chicago in 2018. Please contact me here on the website to set up a meeting to discuss the photography for your wedding day. I service Northwest Indiana, Chicago and southern Michigan but I’m also available for travel. 2018 brought me to a few new venues as well as old favorites. I’m looking forward to seeing where you take me next year and beyond. A special Thank You to Kerrie, Bridget, Schylar, Michelle, Lauren, Doug and Jaime for their help in Wedding Season 2018. Happy New Year!!

Weddings In Downtown Chicago

December 17, 2018 Steve Vansak

Bride and groom blow kisses at Dylan’s Candy Bar on Michigan Avenue in Chicago.

I absolutely love downtown Chicago and I have shot many Chicago engagement sessions there, but I have also photographed some wonderful downtown Chicago weddings. We are going to concentrate on windy city weddings today with lots of images and a few tips.

Dylan’s Candy Bar (shown above) was sentimental to the bride and groom and while it took awhile to get a wedding photo on Michigan Avenue on a busy Saturday with no shoppers in the frame, we finally succeeded. So my first tip is to be prepared to have people in your pictures and to leave some time for working around them for certain shots.

Sometimes we are able to wait it out or I can angle in a way to make it look like the couple is all alone in the big city. For the most part though, let’s embrace the crowds and make them part of the ambiance.

Bride alone on North Avenue Beach with Chicago skyscrapers in the background.

Bride and groom on the streets of Chicago on their wedding day.

A popular outdoor wedding ceremony location is the Cancer Survivor’s Garden where you will have a view of Lake Michigan as well as the Field Museum.

Outdoor Chicago wedding ceremony at the Cancer Survivor’s Garden.

One of the best things you can do with your wedding party is to have a party bus to drives us all around the city. I think it’s also wise to a have a space for myself as well as my second photographer. This way we can just hop out along with you and your group, take our pictures and move on to the next location. If we drive separately, there is the issue of parking and time wasted.

Wedding party group photo at Adler Planetarium with the skyline of Chicago as a backdrop.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen off Lake Michigan in Chicago.

Just because you are getting married in Chicago doesn’t mean you are land locked. The Mystic Blue, Odyssey and Spirit of Chicago all have wedding ceremonies on the ship as it’s docked onto Navy Pier. They then sail Lake Michigan for the reception and bring you back to land.

I know the skyscrapers and the gritty streets and bridges, etc. are usually thought of as the backdrop for Chicago wedding photos, do not discount some beautiful Fall color in certain areas such as Millennial Park or Lincoln Park as seen below.

Adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo is the nature boardwalk with the famous “honeycomb” artwork. This is one of my favorite spots for an outdoor wedding and reception as well as wedding portraits.

Bride at the Nature Boardwalk near Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Bride in Lincoln Park Zoo with a view of the city of Chicago.

There are many Chicago hotels, churches and wedding venues in the windy city but today I wanted to concentrate on where we might take those epic wedding portraits showing off you on your big day along with showcasing the wonderful city of big shoulders. Be sure to check out my engagement gallery for even more Chicago images. And as always, please fill out the Contact Form for photography for your Chicago wedding.

10 Years Of Wedding Photography

August 6, 2018 Steve Vansak

Modern bride portrait in a vintage tone.

In 2007 I began my portrait photography business that still exists today. I photographed my friends, their kids, their events and more. Late that year I received a phone call from a father of the bride who saw one of my portraits hanging at a local car repair shop. He wanted me to photograph his daughter's wedding based upon these images. I promptly said no.

Weddings are too important and frankly too difficult a task for newbies with only a year of experience in portraits. I told him this again and again and it was all true. He recognized my voice. It turns out I had worked for him in the past and based upon these images in the store and the fact that I "always showed up on time and worked hard" he was going to hire me, case closed. He would not take no for an answer. Oh, and his daughter liked the portraits too. I had 10 months to prepare and in August 2008 I shot my first wedding. It took a number of years, but it soon became my full time job and this is what I do today. Oh, and Teresa and Jimmy (my first clients) are doing well and I ran into them a few years ago here in Crown Point. You can see them at the 47 second mark of the video below.

If I write anymore, this could become my LONGEST POST EVER, so I'll just simply say that I love the job and I'm very much looking forward to all of the upcoming weddings here in 2018, my Anniversary Year and the 2019 weddings already on the calendar and beyond. To all of my clients - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!

Now, and if I start posting images from the past 10 years into this article, your computer may very well blow up. So..... how about we press play on the video slideshow below for a condensed version of the past 10 years of weddings in Northwest Indiana, Chicago and Southwest Michigan. Enjoy!!

A collection of images from 10 years of wedding photography in Northwest Indiana, Chicago and southwest Michigan from Steve Vansak, lead photographer at Region Weddings.

As always, to inquire about wedding photography for your big day, simply fill out the Contact Form. I can't wait to hear from you.

Did you know I started this blog in 2010? Yep, keep clicking on older post and eventually you will get there. The Region Weddings Instagram feed is another place to see my latest work and once in awhile I post some throwback images.