February 18, 2023 - Saint Patrick Church, Chesterton, IN
I first spoke to Teresa in December; I had taken her sister’s senior portraits that fall and was thrilled to have been available for their celebration. Teresa is a Purdue grad and first met her fiancé, Anish, 5 years ago through an internship program. To say their love was electric from the start is more than accurate. The two met interning at Tesla and both now live and work in California for competing electric car companies.
It was on a trip to Paris when Anish got down on one knee. A picturesque scene on a bridge over the Seine with his future bride beside him, we can’t blame Anish when he forgot to actually ask Teresa to marry him, and we certainly won’t blame her for saying yes when not technically asked!
I had many conversations with Teresa leading up to their day. Mostly about where to go if the weather wasn’t cooperating. All of our ideas and options were a bust and thankfully so. February 18th was a mild winder day! The sun was shining, it was dry and in the low 40’s. A slight breeze kept the bridal party cold, but we could not have had a better day!
The sun was shining when I arrived in Burns Harbor at a bridesmaid’s rental home where the girls were getting ready. The details were captured perfectly in the clean space with blooms from Schultz Floral Shop adorning the invitations and rings. Teresa was off-site for hair and make-up. She was running a bit late so we decided to take her dress and meet at the Chandelier Room at St. Patrick’s in Chesterton. It was the perfect backdrop for the girls to get those final touches together.
The ceremony took place to a church filled with friends and family. Teresa is 1 of 13 and her parents both come from families just as large. After they sealed their vows the couple had a grand exit through tiny bubbles into none other than a Tesla Model X adorned with a just married sign and streamers.
We spent our portrait time on the grounds of Saint Patrick Church in Chesterton. There are so may spaces offering a variety of looks and I was able to set up a newly acquired and much-loved hand painted muslin cloth backdrop.
Then it was onto St. Elijah’s Hall in Merrillville, which had enough space to hold the near 250 guests. Cocktail hour featured signature offerings, the French 75 and Old Fashioned while servers presented trays of appetizers. Teresa’s father and Anish’s mother both made heart-warming toasts as they joined their families together and Fr. Declan blessed the meal.
After dinner, the dancing began….and never stopped! This family certainly knows how to party. On the dance floor I was able to capture memories that I know will bring tears to eyes and live in families’ homes for generations. A large circle of family holding hands, dancing, and center stage, Teresa’s grandparents slow dancing. A man holding his bride as they are surrounded by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The love and joy that filled the room was immeasurable and I was honored to have been able to be a part of it.
As I write this the couple is celebrating their second ceremony in India surrounded again by family and friends sure to make another day filled with immeasurable love and joy.
Florist - Schultz Floral Shop
Ceremony - St. Patrick Church
Venue - St. Elijah Event Center
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