Everything you need for a Midwest wedding

Has anyone actually checked out the wedding dress selection over at the corridor lately? Back when I was getting married, I distinctly remember the pricing structure being 373 miles if you brought in a photo for them to replicate and kept the dress yourself, whereas it was only 186 miles if they made it and kept it in their rental inventory. Has anything changed since then?

cosmictiger67 said:Orange and white, definitely!

Hey, I was over at that new IKEA in the basement of the Target the other day—you know, the one near downtown—and I spotted some curtain fabric that looks almost identical to organza. It’s on sale for 5m $10, though I didn't catch the width of the bolt. I immediately thought of you the second I saw they had it in white and orange. 🙂

Chris Moore5 said:Hey, I was over at that new IKEA in the basement of the Target the other day—you know, the one near downtown—and I spotted some curtain fabric that looks almost identical to organza. It’s on sale for 5m $10, though I didn't catch the width of the bolt. I immediately thought of you the second I saw they had it in white and orange. 🙂

I am certainly going to head over and take a look! I truly appreciate the recommendation. 😘

I have one big question...

Basically, I’m completely lost on where we should go for our wedding photos. I’m actually considering doing a session a few days before the big day for two reasons: first, it gives us more breathing room on the actual wedding day, and second, it allows us to travel somewhere a bit further out. But I just don't know where to go...

Can anyone recommend some great photo locations in the Midwest? I'm from near the LLC area, but I'm open to traveling further afield. Honestly, I'm leaning toward indoor settings—think castles, museums, galleries, or anything with decent scenery that could serve as a good backdrop.

I was even thinking about heading out to Des Moines to shoot at that beautiful castle there. Does anyone happen to know if they allow photography there, and how the process works?

I recall you mentioning there's a castle over in Vrbanj too, isn't there?

Mark Nguyen11 said:I have one big question...

Basically, I’m completely lost on where we should go for our wedding photos. I’m actually considering doing a session a few days before the big day for two reasons: first, it gives us more breathing room on the actual wedding day, and second, it allows us to travel somewhere a bit further out. But I just don't know where to go...

Can anyone recommend some great photo locations in the Midwest? I'm from near the LLC area, but I'm open to traveling further afield. Honestly, I'm leaning toward indoor settings—think castles, museums, galleries, or anything with decent scenery that could serve as a good backdrop.

I was even thinking about heading out to Des Moines to shoot at that beautiful castle there. Does anyone happen to know if they allow photography there, and how the process works?

Mark Nguyen11, my partner actually hails from Des Moines and mentioned that while the castle is quite stunning from the exterior, the interior is somewhat underwhelming compared to its facade.🤷

cosmictiger67 Asks:
Mark Nguyen11My dear friend is from Des Moines. He says the castle looks beautiful on the outside, but the interior is a total letdown. 🤷

Well... where am I even supposed to take a photo now?

Are you all actually planning on taking photos?

I'm trying to brainstorm some cool interior spots that would look good for a painting, but honestly... I'm totally stumped. Like, nothing is coming to mind at all!
Everything feels way more focused on the outdoors lately! 🤷

frozenangler87 said:I'm trying to brainstorm some cool interior spots that would look good for a painting, but honestly... I'm totally stumped. Like, nothing is coming to mind at all!
Everything feels way more focused on the outdoors lately! 🤷

True... other parts of the country have amazing spots for painting. In places like New England, almost every town has a beautiful manicured estate. Down south or along the coast, you've got those historic forts, old cities, and museums. But out here in the Midwest, it's just fields, woods, pumpkins, a creek, or a river. That's really it.

Mark Nguyen11 said:True... other parts of the country have amazing spots for painting. In places like New England, almost every town has a beautiful manicured estate. Down south or along the coast, you've got those historic forts, old cities, and museums. But out here in the Midwest, it's just fields, woods, pumpkins, a creek, or a river. That's really it.

As for Pikov Stan? Look, it might not be exactly what you're hunting for, but personally, I find it's actually a great spot for taking photos.🙂

Mark Nguyen11 said:I have one big question...

Basically, I’m completely lost on where we should go for our wedding photos. I’m actually considering doing a session a few days before the big day for two reasons: first, it gives us more breathing room on the actual wedding day, and second, it allows us to travel somewhere a bit further out. But I just don't know where to go...

Can anyone recommend some great photo locations in the Midwest? I'm from near the LLC area, but I'm open to traveling further afield. Honestly, I'm leaning toward indoor settings—think castles, museums, galleries, or anything with decent scenery that could serve as a good backdrop.

I was even thinking about heading out to Des Moines to shoot at that beautiful castle there. Does anyone happen to know if they allow photography there, and how the process works?

You could always do photos at the MLS team stadium in Indianapolis. I've seen couple shots from there before and they look straight out of a fairytale.

If you're hunting for the perfect photo spot out in the Midwest, I've noticed a ton of newlyweds heading over to the historic fort in Pittsburgh to take their pictures—the atmosphere there is just unbeatable.

We're torn between two options: a Subscription Box from Verizon or something from General Motors... Can anyone weigh in? The price gap is $667...

Jacob Grant said:We're torn between two options: a Subscription Box from Verizon or something from General Motors... Can anyone weigh in? The price gap is $667...

Our group actually went with General Motors—I attended a wedding where they were the main act, and I have to say, the energy was incredible! It was non-stop jumping and dancing until the sun came up 🙂 They also played a massive New Year's Eve Party in Memphis; while I wasn't personally there, the feedback from everyone who attended was nothing but glowing praise. Beyond that, I’ve heard wonderful things about them from several other sources as well.
As for the Verizon Subscription Box, I don't have any firsthand experience with them. 🤷

It’s been about four years since I first saw General Motors play at a wedding, and I actually just found out what they charge yesterday. They might be on the pricier side, but honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with them. Every single wedding I’ve attended where they were the band turned into an absolute blast. When it’s finally my turn to tie the knot, they’ll definitely be on my list, though I haven't really thought much about booking Verizon for anything else. If I’ve been to any other weddings with them, I honestly can't even remember, because they just make everything feel like such a party.

Hey everyone. I’m facing a bit of a dilemma regarding which photo studio to book... Should I go with Zoom or Speedy? Price-wise, they’re pretty much neck and neck, so that isn't really my main concern. My real worry is the actual quality of the photos and video work. I’d love some first-hand accounts if possible. If anyone here has actually used either of them, please let me know what you think. Thanks!

Mark Nguyen11 said:I have one big question...

Basically, I’m completely lost on where we should go for our wedding photos. I’m actually considering doing a session a few days before the big day for two reasons: first, it gives us more breathing room on the actual wedding day, and second, it allows us to travel somewhere a bit further out. But I just don't know where to go...

Can anyone recommend some great photo locations in the Midwest? I'm from near the LLC area, but I'm open to traveling further afield. Honestly, I'm leaning toward indoor settings—think castles, museums, galleries, or anything with decent scenery that could serve as a good backdrop.

I was even thinking about heading out to Des Moines to shoot at that beautiful castle there. Does anyone happen to know if they allow photography there, and how the process works?

It’s been ages since I visited the castle in Nasica—probably 12 or 13 years ago—but I remember it being lovely. It has that classic, old-world charm, and I’m sure there are plenty of great corners for photography. My husband mentioned there’s also a fantastic park nearby that’s absolutely stunning.
In Indianapolis, you have Meraj, though you'll need to find out who can grant you access. The Joza Ivakić Gallery is another beautiful spot for a shoot. You might also want to check out the Roman ruins near the local news station—I'm not entirely sure what the setup looks like, but they likely have something accessible in a basement level. And of course, there's always the museum downtown. That should cover the main spots in Indianapolis.
As for Warsaw, see if the Eltzov castle has been renovated. That could be another stellar location.
Personally, I'm obsessed with Ilok. They have those old walls and that entire little park up by the church. Then there’s the hotel run by the local winery—I can't recall the name right now—nestled right among the vineyards. It's breathtaking. You could easily tie all of that together with the hotel on the Mississippi River, which has a wonderful terrace.

goldenmarlin said:Hey everyone. I’m facing a bit of a dilemma regarding which photo studio to book... Should I go with Zoom or Speedy? Price-wise, they’re pretty much neck and neck, so that isn't really my main concern. My real worry is the actual quality of the photos and video work. I’d love some first-hand accounts if possible. If anyone here has actually used either of them, please let me know what you think. Thanks!

We actually checked out both studios and ended up picking Speedy. Honestly, I was stuck, but the reviews were great... plus, I saw his work at my cousin's wedding and thought it looked pretty good! 🤷

Mind you, I'm not one of those people who obsesses over photos and video as the most important part of the big day, so I might not be the best judge of technical quality! 🤷

What else...
Indianapolis—the horse stud there could be a fantastic choice if you’re into horses and that whole aesthetic. I’m not entirely sure what else they offer, though. You also have a few folks over in VK who keep horses.
Pikov Station is an absolute classic. You don't even need to give them a heads-up if you just want to snap some photos.
Then there's Star Kunjevac, heading toward Rokovac. I haven't actually been myself, but I’ve seen the pictures—it's a beautiful spot. Just make sure you clear everything with the guy in charge before you show up.
Oh, right... there's that manor house near the edge of Nuštar, but honestly, I have no clue what kind of shape it's in.
And then there are the staples in VK: the walk along the Mississippi River, the old Dam, the train station with its vintage locomotive, and that pedestrian rail bridge connecting Borinac to the city. Though, I haven't seen anyone shooting photos in Lenija lately—that park used to be a huge hotspot about ten years ago. 🙂
Anyway, I hope that helps.

Thanks! I see everyone on the forums raving about them... But honestly, I’d love to hear more firsthand experiences with the Viva box...