Engagement Session in Gary, Indiana
Get ready for the most ridiculous engagement photos this wedding blog has ever seen. Possibly the best set I’ve ever had. Over 5 years in the making. I first heard about Gary, IN and their abandoned buildings through my friend and fellow photographer, Mike Tanner. I’ve been wanting to bring a couple here for photographs for years. But nobody took me up on the idea…until Susan + Dennis.
Abandoned Buildings!
When S+D brought their idea about shooting an engagement session in abandoned buildings…I told them about this abandoned cathedral in Gary, Indiana. They loved the idea! They drove out their to scout it out…and Susan put together some really cool props for our shoot! She made a S&D sign out of paper mache! They also brought a mini wedding cake, macaroons & other sweets in cute little glass jars!
Handmade signage inside an abandoned auditorium
One of my favorite photos from the abandoned cathedral!
Love the juxtaposition of their formal suit & dress w/the urban decay of the abandoned church
Seriously…one of my favorite locations for an engagement session!
I love the dramatic feel of the photograph
Cute smiles!
I love the intersecting vertical & diagonal lines-
Abandoned cathedral beauty-
More urban ruins
I went up to the balcony for a cool angle…
I love they symmetry of the columns…and the brokenness of the church…combined with the beauty of their pose, expression & outfits!
On the other side of the abandoned building was an auditorium! Soooooo cool!!!!
Then Susan + Dennis brought out their decor! A polished metal high boy table…complete with a mini wedding cake & glass jars! The cute jars were filled with cookies and sweets!
A photo from the balcony of the abandoned auditorium-
Sharing a cookie together!
The best way to eat a macaroon! =)
Having clients who put so much effort into their engagement session only makes me want to work harder too!
Some more fun with their candy!
Susan brought out her ghost chairs that she had bought…clear acrylic modern chairs in a run down…abandoned building-
The love the combination of fashion & beauty with the urban backdrop
A cute moment amongst the ruins
Through the window frame filled with broken glass…
Loved their outfit change!
This room had mural painted on the wall…but the weather had peeled it off-
Walls completely off the side of the building- stealing a moment while someone leaves a mark on the walls-
A room once filled with dance class + little ballerinas…we thought to take a photograph in memory of what was once here
One last photo of our time in Gary, IN
Thanks for checking out Susan + Dennis’ engagement photos! This abandoned cathedral and building was everything I was hoping it would be after waiting 5 years to photograph here! I hope you enjoyed their engagement photos! Feel free to leave a comment below!
Thanks to Susan + Dennis’ for bringing everything for this shoot! Your energy, props & heart!
with love,
Chicago engagement photographer turned urban explorer,
Kenny
RizGreat set and great job, Kenny!
Kenny NakaiThanks Riz for the support all the way from Japan! =)
NatalieSimply Breathtaking…….Your shots are incredible. It looks like it was tons of fun, as well.
Derek CasperAwesome shots! I was asked to do this exact same thing and was looking for ideas. I’m not sure if I can do as well as you did but I’m going to give it my best effort.