emily + chris // lake wawasee indiana wedding photographer [ private lakefront estate ]
Emily & Chris’s Effortlessly Chic Lake Wawasee Wedding
Some weddings are defined by grandeur, others by intimacy—but Emily and Chris’s Lake Wawasee wedding was the perfect fusion of both. Set against the stunning backdrop of their lakefront property, their wedding day was a seamless blend of luxury, ease, and genuine celebration, curated to reflect their personalities and the life they’ve built together.
Unlike a traditional wedding, Emily and Chris wanted a purely documentary approach, opting for a day where every moment was captured exactly as it unfolded. No posed portraits, no rigid timelines—just authentic joy and the kind of effortless elegance that can’t be staged.
A Wedding Day Without Rules
Emily and Chris’s celebration was a true reflection of lake Wawasee life at its finest, beginning with a relaxed morning of pickleball matches on the private court, wood boat rides in the Hackercraft, and lakeside games of cornhole. As guests arrived, the energy was palpable—this wasn’t just a wedding; it was a gathering of their closest family and friends, a seamless extension of the way they already live and love.
Emily stunned in a gold sequin dress, a bold yet elegant choice that perfectly matched the chic, non-traditional aesthetic of the day. As she walked toward Chris, standing lakeside, no elaborate production—just a moment of pure connection, officiated by her sister. It was everything they had envisioned: simple, intimate, and deeply personal.
A Celebration Steeped in Meaning
From the moment guests arrived, every detail of the day felt intentionally curated, yet effortlessly relaxed. Music was a centerpiece of the experience, with a talented musician flown in from New Jersey—an artist Emily’s sister had met years ago in St. Barths. This wasn’t his first time at Lake Wawasee—he had performed at Emily’s mother’s milestone birthday in the past, making his presence even more meaningful.
As the sun began to set, guests transitioned from wedding attire into cozy lakefront ensembles, fully embracing the laid-back luxury that defined the evening. The Hackercraft made another appearance, this time for sunset portraits, while a Ferrari added an extra touch of timeless sophistication to the day’s imagery.
An Evening of Indulgence & Connection
Catering was handled by Blue Spoon by Catablu, one of Fort Wayne’s premier caterers, known for their elevated yet approachable culinary experiences. Guests dined on a selection of exquisitely prepared dishes, surrounded by the glow of bistro lights and the rhythmic sounds of the lake.
As the evening progressed, the celebration naturally expanded—neighbors and lake friends joined in, proving that the best weddings aren’t confined to a guest list, but rather, an energy that draws people together.
The Power of a Documentary Approach
Emily had one special request for her wedding photography: a completely documentary approach, with no staged moments, just the day exactly as it happened. A major part of that request? Capturing her beloved dog, Stella, throughout the festivities. When she received her gallery, Emily couldn’t have been happier—especially with the photos of Stella, which perfectly encapsulated the warmth, spontaneity, and deep personal meaning of the day.
Why a Lake Wawasee Wedding Is the Ultimate Luxury Experience
For couples seeking a wedding that seamlessly blends exclusivity with authenticity, Lake Wawasee offers an unparalleled setting. Whether you envision a private, relaxed gathering at your private lake home or a grand celebration filled with custom experiences, this lakeside destination is where effortless luxury meets unforgettable moments.
Emily and Chris’s wedding was a testament to the idea that true luxury isn’t about excess—it’s about experience. It’s about surrounding yourself with the people who matter most, indulging in the things you love, and letting the moments unfold naturally.
If you’re planning an intimate yet luxurious wedding at Lake Wawasee or beyond, and want a photographer who understands the balance of refinement and authenticity, let’s connect. I specialize in documenting elegant celebrations in a way that feels natural, sophisticated, and uniquely yours.