matthew whitlock | photography

Kevin & Krys

It's not often that you get to photograph a wedding in a Theater, and that's exactly what I got to do at Kevin & Krys' wedding last October at the Valparaiso Memorial Opera House. It's always tough to work in an environment like a theatre - the lighting is usually pretty dramatic (plus) making it tough to get a good shot of anything other than the bride and groom (minus). Fortunately, I was able to do some really cool stuff using an off-camera flash (super plus) that you can't do in a church:

I also had a little time to experiment before the ceremony with HDR photography outside the Opera House. And no, this is not manipulated in Photoshop; it's 7 individual exposures combined in aperture to show off the greatest dynamic range of exposure:

Thanks, Kevin & Krys for making Matthew Whitlock Photography a part of your special day - it was my pleasure & honor to document your wedding. Here's the link for the full gallery - enjoy!

Seniors!

Seniors aren't a subject I photograph very often, but after how great Tiffany's portrait session went in November, I'd definitely love to shoot some more. Click here for the full gallery!

 

Katie & Jack's Wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart

What a BEAUTIFUL day. So far as wedding days in November in South Bend go, the weather for Katie & Jack was as near to perfect as a photographer could imagine. Everyone was happy and joyus, and the fact that their wedding ceremony was at 9am didn't seem to bother anyone - it was wonderful to be surrounded by so many people, and all of them wishing Katie & Jack a joyous and wonderful start to their new lives together. 

Thanks to the Zakas family, the Rutledge Family and all of their friends for making me a part of their very special day!

Here's the link for their teaser slideshow; And be sure to register for the Full Gallery!

Lexie & Michael's wedding day at the University of Notre Dame

I'll freely admit - I'm biased towards the month of October when it comes to weddings. I love the fall color, the crisp weather and the beautiful Indiana blue sky. I got married in October myself for just those reasons!

Knowing that, it should come as no wonder at all that I had an amazing time today capturing Lexie & Michael's wedding day at the University of Notre Dame. When the fall colors hit the campus, Notre Dame is hands down one of the most beautiful places I've ever been.

Check out the teaser slideshow and be sure to register for the full gallery!

Ceremony: Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Reception: South Dining Hall, Notre Dame
Flowers: Yellow Rose Florist
Entertainment: In-Tune DJ Service 
Catering & Cake: Catering by Design

Sarah & Josh's Wedding Day at the Elcona Country Club in Bristol, IN

It rained all week here in South Bend. It rained every day this week, it was miserable and cold, overcast and grey. Until today. As Sarah's Maid of Honor put it, we had a crystal blue sky - and she was dead on. I couldn't have had a better couple than Sarah & Josh to kick off my favorite wedding month of the year (I'll admit I'm partial - I got married in October myself)! Thank you so much for making me a part of your wedding day!

Click here for Sarah & Josh's Preview Slideshow and be sure to register for the full gallery!

Ceremony & Reception: Elcona Country Club
Entertainment: Event Audio DJ
Flowers/Decor: Poppie's Flowers
Cake: Adam's Cake Shoppe

Michelle & Christopher's Wedding in La Porte, IN

Shelley & Chris were without a doubt the most laid-back couple I've photographed this year - what's great about that quality is it makes them really good at forgetting the I and the camera are there documenting their day. And when people start ignoring me, I start getting amazing photos!

Be sure to take a look at their teaser slideshow and register for notification (and a discount on a photo order) of the release of the full gallery of photos!

Ceremony: Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Cake: Macri's
DJ: DJ Indipendant
Catering: Portophino Grill

Amanda & Fernando's Wedding & Reception in Paw Paw, MI

Here's a few quick favorites from Amanda & Fernando's wedding ceremony & reception in Paw Paw, MI. It was a ton of fun with LOTS of super cute kids running around. Thank goodness Amanda encouraged me to get tons of good photos of the children, because it would have been really tough ignoring their antics!  :)

What a great weekend!

I got two great thank-you emails over the weeeknd that I absolutely HAVE to share - 

I occasionally do pet portraits for Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue. Having great portraits of the dogs really helps people connect with the animals and get these beautiful dogs adopted into their new "forever homes." On Sunday, I got this email from the president of the rescue:

"...wanted to thank you SO MUCH for the beautiful photos you took at Kris J's!!!  I will tell you we had a potential foster for Harrison who thought he might be "too old" -- 'til she saw your photos!  He is doing great in foster!

 

We so appreciate you taking time to do this for us!"

This is just one of the photos I delivered for Harrison:

It's amazing to know that my photo helped a dog that needed a home and a family to love get a chance he would not have otherwise had. 

 

I often get thank-yous from, Brides, Grooms and parents after photographing a wedding, but this email was from one of the Groomsen at Friday's wedding - A truly unique missive in my experience these 8 years shooting weddings.  :)

"Good Morning,

 

I was a Groomsmen in the Obering-Van Hoegarden Wedding this past weekend, and wanted to share my thoughts on how the photography session went.

 

At each wedding I go to, I undoubtedly take away something that will forever remind me of what that day was all about.  Music, food, venue, or other...something always sticks out to me where I can say "That was so and so's wedding!"  After seeing Matt work and being a part of this photo session, I can say that I'm certain I will never be a part, of or see better wedding pictures in my lifetime.  The experiences during Matt's shoot, from location to the overall fun we were having as a wedding party is unmatched.  The pictures I've already seen are fantastic and I can't wait to see the rest.   Matt's ability to capture the people, places and things that make up such a  special day are fantastic!  Keep up the great work!

 

Sincerely,

 

Stuart"

Every wedding I shoot, I put everything I've got in to making the best photos possible, and the biggest smile I can get is when that effort is recognized and appreciated. Thanks, Stuart, you really made my day!  :)  !!

Heather & Anthony's Wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, IN

Perfect lighting combined with a very relaxed Bride & Groom crossed with a bridal party game for nearly anything makes for an incredibly happy photographer and for a huge stack of awesome photos. I'm ridiculously excited to get to work editing Heather & Anthony's wedding photos - things could not have gone better today, and it was the best day for playing with my Infrared camera I've had (literally) in years.

Thanks to the Van Hoegardens, Oberings, Heather, Anthony and all of your friends & families for making us a part of your wedding day!

Be sure to check out the teaser slideshow and to register for the full gallery!

Wedding Ceremony: Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Cake: Rascia's Creative Cakes
DJ: In-Tune DJ Service
Reception: Morris Park Country Club
Florist: Lilly Lane

Location Defeat Results In Creative Victory

The goal for the start of our eSession yesterday was to start at Buckingham fountain in Chicago - a goal that was defeated by the park being closed for Lalapalooza. 

We decided to hike up the road to Millennium park and ran across a couple of small, shady and very beautiful parks - both of which made me happy for the forced detour! Providence was certainly on our side yesterday - thanks Christine & Dan for being so flexible and enthusiastic for the alternate locations! I can't wait to get to work on editing your photos!

Now I'm re-focusing for Heather & Anthony's Friday wedding at Notre Dame. It seems our local heatwave may have finally broken and I'm stoked to get outside for some portraits later this afternoon!