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WEDDING

Summer Wedding at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana | Samantha + Mitchell

Samantha and Mitchell's summer wedding at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana with Chicagoland wedding photographer Kara Evans Photographer.

September 1, 2021

Hey, I’m Kara!
Hey, I’m Kara! A wedding and family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois! Whether I’m photographing your wedding day or everyday milestones and memories as a family, this job is my joy.

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Summer weddings have been in full swing – all summer long! We’re excited to share more about Samantha and Mitchell’s summer wedding at Avalon Manor!

You might remember Samantha and Mitchell from their Kankakee County engagement session last summer. These two are super sweet and meant to be together – plus, don’t you know that we have a soft spot for high school sweethearts! It was an honor to photograph their wedding day!

From the Bride

Our first meeting was a blind double date set up by my friend who is now engaged to Mitchell’s brother. We saw a movie. Mitchell and I were high school sweethearts and then experienced a long-distance relationship through college. We didn’t ever think once that we couldn’t get through it! Each moment with him was better than the next.

The proposal happened on a family cruise to Mexico! Mitchell and I planned our own snorkeling and private beach excursion. After swimming with beautiful fish and a stingray, we went to the private beach on St. Thomas where we walked along the sand. Mitchell had picked me up a seashell, and I went to rinse the sand off of it in the water, when I turned around he was on his knee with the most beautiful ring! 

We love to explore new places and spend quality time together and with our family’s. It is the most fun to have a “date day” where we go somewhere to look at shops and explore a town with some dinner.

The Wedding Day

Samantha and Mitchell’s wedding day took place on August 7, 2021 at Avalon Manor. When we arrived, the guys and girls were getting ready for the day ahead. Samantha’s grandma was styling her hair (so, so sweet!) and the getting ready space was filled with her bridesmaids, loved ones, and family members. It reminded me of our big family with everyone’s hands on deck!

The morning flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to meet up with Mitchell for an intimate first look outside Avalon Manor. I loved documenting their expressions as they saw each other for the first time on their wedding day, and you could see how much seeing each other calmed their nerves! Then, the wedding party met up with us outside for more photos! It was a hot and humid August day, but hey, this group was the best for hanging in there through the heat!

After photos wrapped up, the couple and wedding party tucked away to freshen up while we photographed the ceremony and reception details. Samantha and Mitchell had a vision for a simple and elegant wedding day, and I think all of the details came together perfectly! Their family and friends had their work cut out for them decorating the morning of the wedding, but they knocked it out of the park. So much love went into this process, and it was worth it!

Then, it was ceremony time! Samantha and Mitchell were married in an outdoor ceremony at the Avalon Manor gazebo. The ceremony was extra special because their uncle married them. What a beautiful sentiment! And after the ceremony, we took family photos and couples photos before Samantha and Mitchell kicked off the reception celebration and danced the night away!

Samantha + Mitchell – Congratulations again! It’s been a joy to get to know you two over the past year. Thank you for sharing your wedding day with us!

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Samantha’s Attire: Eva’s Bridal – Orland Park, IL | Mitchell’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse | Wedding Party Attire: David’s Bridal & Men’s Wearhouse | Hair: Kathryn Peterson & Teresa Prairie | Makeup: Danielle Horan | Jeweler: Rogers & HollandsVenue & Catering: Avalon Manor Banquet Center – Merrillville, IN | Wedding Officiant: Dean Bushey | Florist: Busse & Rieck – Kankakee, IL | DJ: Trans Audio | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Cake: Beck’s Crown Bakery – Crown Point, IN | Invitations + Paper Goods: Zazzle

P.S. – Wanna read more love stories and get wedding inspiration? I love sharing more wedding days here!

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Chicagoland wedding & family photographer based in Kankakee, Illinois

@karaevansphotog