Winter Wedding at The Allure on The Lake in Chesterton, Indiana

Mariah and Matt’s wedding day was one that just felt so intentional and just like them—full of so much love. They tied the knot in December at the Allure on the Lake wedding venue in Chesterton, Indiana. While this space is known for its summertime beauty, I’ve had the chance to photograph here in both seasons, and winter at Allure is every bit as stunning. The soft light, peaceful lake views, and cozy indoor setting made the perfect backdrop for their day.

I’ve known Mariah and Matt since high school, so getting the chance to photograph their engagement session (you can check it out here) and document their wedding day meant so much to me. Mariah is a talented hair stylist, and even did my hair for my own wedding! You can follow her work on Instagram @hairby_mariahp. From the start, it was clear how much these two care for one another, and their wedding was a true reflection of that connection.

The Details, Getting Ready, & First Looks

Mariah, her bridesmaids, and the moms spent the morning in the bridal suite at The Allure on the Lake wedding venue, getting ready together with music playing and so much joy in the room. True to who she is, Mariah did everyone’s hair herself—even on her own wedding day. It was so special to witness her care for her people like that.

She also wore a robe made from her mom’s wedding dress, which made the morning even more meaningful. And her wedding gown? A sparkly, off-the-shoulder dress with sheer sleeves and pearl details, perfect for winter!

Mariah and Matt shared their first look by the lake and exchanged private vows just the two of them. I photographed it from a distance to let them have that time, and it was one of the sweetest parts of the day.

Outdoor Winter Wedding Portraits at Allure on The Lake

We had the most unexpected warm December weather, which meant we got to take all of their wedding photos outdoors. When I found out the bridal party was wearing white, I quite literally screamed. And to top it off, Mariah and Matt asked their guests to stick with an all-black dress code so their people would really stand out. It made such a statement and photographed so beautifully.

Their wedding party was made up of siblings, cousins, and lifelong friends. People who already felt like family. That comfort between everyone made the photos effortless and so fun to capture.

We wrapped up with portraits of just the two of them by the water. Mariah looked stunning in her sparkly off-the-shoulder dress, and Matt in his white jacket and black tie. They looked like a classic, modern-day couple. The quiet setting, the stillness of the lake, and the way they looked at each other made everything come together in a way that felt calm and full of love.

An Indoor Allure on The Lake Wedding Ceremony

The ceremony space at Allure on the Lake wedding venue was clean, modern, and beautifully styled. It had white stone walls, soft lighting, and beautiful floral arrangements that framed the couple perfectly. The circular floral arch, lined with lush greenery and classic white florals, added the perfect touch. Seeing Matt tear up as Mariah walked down the aisle was one of those unforgettable moments. Every detail felt intentional, and the room was filled with love from start to finish!

The Strongs’ Allure on The Lake Wedding Reception in The Hall

The reception space at Allure on the Lake was equal parts cozy and classy. The black-and-white tablescapes, soft lighting, and floor-to-ceiling windows gave it the dreamiest winter vibe. Nothing topped the energy in that room, though! Mariah’s dad, both maids-of-honor, and the best man gave heartfelt speeches that had everyone laughing, crying, and fully in their feels. (One of the bridesmaids even blew actual “dust” off her speech paper, a hilarious nod to how long everyone had been waiting for this marriage to happen, LOL.) It was so much fun capturing Mariah and Matt celebrating with their people, and this group definitely came ready to party. And with Derald from DG Visionaries on the music, the dance floor was electric all night long!

Planning Your Northern Indiana Wedding? I’m Here to Capture the Big, the Small, and Everything in Between

Allure on the Lake truly is such a beautiful Northern Indiana wedding venue. Whether it’s snow-covered in the winter or glowing with summer sun, it’s made to host moments that feel straight out of a dream. As a wedding photographer, it’s places like this (paired with couples like Mariah and Matt!) that make my heart so full. My style blends timeless, true-to-color portraits with a documentary approach that captures the real stuff. Those in-between moments, teary laughs, and dance floor chaos you’ll want to relive again and again. You can learn more about me here, and if you think I might be the Northern Indiana wedding photographer for you, I’d love for you to inquire with me!

Riley Trott Photography | Northern Indiana Wedding Photographer

Vendors:

Venue: Allure on the Lake | Photographer: @rileytrottphotography | DJ: DG Visionaries | Makeup: Ashley Urban Artistry | Hair: @hairby_mariahp | Dress: The Bridal Bar Boutique | Florist: Thode Floral