The heat index was predicted to be 100°+, there were severe thunderstorms throughout NW Indiana all morning, and the local weather stations cautioned against high winds. The wedding day had been planned for months, who would have guessed that the first weekend in July would be so uncooperative. We had been bracing ourselves all day for shooting in such extremes, checking our live radar every few minutes and listening to news radio as we drove from the Northwest suburbs of Chicago to Indiana to keep track of the conditions.

Amazingly, by the time we arrived at the venue in Munster, the clouds had parted, the winds had calmed down, and the temperature never rose to the expected blistering level. It was a gorgeous day for a wedding!

What a wonderful way to start out the Holiday weekend. The wedding outside by the lake was beautiful, and all the lovely details reflected all the hard work and planning that went into creating such a marvelous day. Fireworks could be seen and heard in the area all evening as it seemed everyone around was celebrating the love between Bekah and Solomon. Inside, friends and relatives shared memories and well wishes for the newlyweds.

We wish Bekah and Solomon many years of happiness, and thank them for the honor of letting us document their day.

We were really looking forward to Ashley & Dustin’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina for many reasons. The number one reason was the wedding day, which was beautiful of course. After getting to know Ashley & Dustin it was of no surprise that the details ( from the place cards hanging from the branches to the decorated fans for the guests) were unique and set the tone for the southern charm, grace & elegance.

They were married at the Legare Waring house in Charleston. As you can see there was spanish moss (neither spanish nor moss) on most trees. The ceremony took place in the most gorgeous grove of trees. Every part of the day was filled with love, laughter (and a few tears).

Secondly we wanted to see alligators. The signs were up all around the lake surrounding the venue warning visitors of the alligators. I saw one as we were taking the top photo around the grounds of the venue. First time we’ve ever had alligators at a venue. In Colorado we only had black bears, deer, elk, buffaloes and rattle snakes that we had to be on the look out for during weddings.

The following day before we headed out to the airport we took a swamp tour at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens. We both fulfilled our wish of seeing alligators. Many, many alligators. Some very close and just on the other side of a wire fence.

Lastly, we were looking forward to the southern food. Wow. Every meal was fabulous!! We now crave South Carolina BBQ. YUM.

We wish Ashley & Dustin all the best in their new life together : )

They tried this in an episode of “The Office” last December. Our attempt produced similar results. A request from the bridal party to get an image of the whole group jumping up in the air at the same time proved to be harder to coordinate than it sounded.

Jen loves winter, and was really hoping that on her wedding day there would be snow on the ground. Well we did have some snow left on the ground that day but there was also extrememly cold weather as well. Over the past year we had talked about getting some images outside with the snow on the ground, and fun bridal party photos.

Here is where we applaud Jim, Jen and their entire bridal for going outside in 17 degree weather to make sure we got these images that were very important to Jen & Jim. Bravo to them all for doing this and for having a great attitude and maintaining a great sense of humor. After the walking shot I told them to all move in for a group hug to warm up. I LOVE the laughter!!

The image of them holding hands around the corner was moments before they actually saw was other for the first time. We could see them both but they couldn’t see each other, they could feel each others hand and hear the others voice. We feel so priviledged to be able to witness such moving moments as these.

Look a little closer into the ornament on the tree and see if you can find them : )

The ceremony and reception were held at the Holiday Inn in Willowbrook.

We wish them all the best in their new lives together!!

Rain had been in the forescast for this day all week, so Elizabeth came prepared and brought rain boots!!

The ceremony and reception was held in Long Grove at The Season of Long Grove Inn. The annual apple festival was taking place in Long Grove that weekend, and they had their favorite freshly made apple cinnamon doughtnuts waiting for their guests as they arrived for the festivities. Yummy!!

Before the ceremony we walked through the drizzle to a nearby park for some portraits, along the way we stopped by different booths, and they played games and won some prizes. It was a hoot. They had a really good attitude about the rain and didn’t let it bother them one bit. So when they saw the band playing at the festival they just had to go out to the dance floor and let loose, even though the rain was coming down pretty hard at that time.

They had planned for an outdoor ceremony but instead they married under a tent. They didn’t let the downpour and change of plans affect their attitude one bit. Their happiness and excitement was contagious and a good time was had by all!