Submitted by: Shane Lawrence Photography

This was definitely one of my favorite 2025 weddings, and it’s hard to pinpoint just one reason why it stood out. 

For starters, Jessica and Tommy have the kind of chemistry and expressive love that photographs beautifully. From their first look to the ceremony and dances, the day overflowed with joy, which made capturing candid photos effortless. 

The vendor team was incredible, some of my favorites and others I’ve been fortunate to work with often. Northwest Indiana truly has some talented wedding professionals. 

Journeyman in Valparaiso was the perfect setting. Having both the ceremony and reception in one location gave us more time for photos without losing moments to travel, and the staff kept everything running seamlessly. I even had time to stop by before meeting the girls at Clawdia’s Beauty Salon and capture details since so much was set up early. 

The ceremony space offered endless angles while allowing me to stay unnoticed. A touch of cloud cover and a soft breeze worked in our favor, too. Even though we had done a first look, I still loved seeing Jessica and Tommy’s faces as she walked down the aisle, it was as if they were seeing each other for the very first time. 

The reception glowed with natural light pouring in from both ends of the hall, creating a stunning backdrop for their first dance. I rarely get to capture that moment in such beautiful light, and it added to the magic. 

The party, food, and desserts were outstanding, and we wrapped up the night with some gorgeous outdoor photos. I have no doubt Jessica and Tommy will share a lifetime of joy together. It was a true privilege to capture their wedding.