Photographing a friend’s wedding hits differently — and Tim and Taylor are exactly the kind of people you want to celebrate. I’ve been lucky to call these two friends for years (we’ve even traveled through Ireland together), so standing behind my camera on their Gabis Arboretum wedding day felt less like work and more like a gift.
If you’re a couple searching for a Northwest Indiana wedding photographer who will feel less like a vendor and more like someone in your corner, Tim and Taylor’s day is a beautiful example of the kind of experience I love to create — calm, personal, and true to who you are.
Who They Are
Taylor is one of the kindest humans on the planet, with a laugh that’s truly infectious. Tim is the person you can talk to for hours — always helpful, always genuine. Together they’re not just the perfect match; they’re each other’s best friend, and it shows in every quiet glance.
That kind of connection is what I most love to document. When two people are this comfortable with each other, the images take care of themselves — natural, light-filled, and true to life.
Ceremony & Portraits at Gabis Arboretum
Their day began at Gabis Arboretum in Valparaiso, where the light filtered through the trees just right and their ceremony unfolded surrounded by all that natural beauty. Gabis is one of the most beautiful outdoor wedding settings in Northwest Indiana — well-kept gardens, old oak trees, and soft, open light that works perfectly with a romantic, timeless aesthetic.
The whole timeline was effortless — the kind of day that simply flows. And that ease shows up in the photographs.
The First Look — My Favorite Moment
But my favorite moment of the entire day was their first look. You could see the relief wash over Taylor the instant she saw Tim — that settled, soft exhale of ‘now I get to be with you for the rest of today’. That’s exactly the feeling I strive to capture: not just how a wedding looked, but how it felt.
If you’re on the fence about a first look, this is your sign. For so many of my couples, it’s the moment the nerves fall away and the day truly begins.
Reception at Innsbrook Country Club
We celebrated late into the evening at Innsbrook Country Club, a warm and welcoming reception venue in Merrillville. It was the perfect place to gather everyone who loves them — and I’m still smiling thinking about it.
A Note to Tim & Taylor
Thank you for letting me be part of your story, on this day and so many before it. Watching you two step into marriage was an honor. I love you both.
Planning a Wedding at Gabis Arboretum?
I’d love to hear about your day. As a Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland wedding photographer, I help couples feel comfortable, cared for, and fully present — so the day feels seamless and the memories last a lifetime. Most couples invest between $4,400 and $5,200 for a full wedding photography experience, and every collection includes a second photographer. Reach out to check your date.
More Northwest Indiana Wedding Venues
The Barn and Vineyard in Beecher, Illinois
