Author: Emily Gualdoni

This was my first time photographing in the famous abandoned church in Gary Indiana.  One of my oldest friends, Brittany Bindrim got married! As I was part of the wedding, our friend Kirsten Miccoli shot the event. My wedding gift to her and her husband Jim was this incredible “trash the dress” session. Its always nice to add on to your wedding photos, and you have that opportunity to do that with a trash the dress shoot. Not only is it more fashion-photo based and focused solely on the couple, but you don’t have to worry about ruining your dress the whole time. Honestly, when are you going to wear that thing again? You’ll keep it forever of course, but its fun to go out into the world and fearlessly model it for an interesting set of photographs. Brittany’s dress was a great find. She found it at Laurel Bridal, a premier Chicago wedding boutique. As an artist herself, she chose one that really stood out, and not only was it a gorgeous addition to her gorgeous wedding by the dress’ black accents made it perfect for her trash the dress shoot in the somewhat gritty setting we chose that embodies the term “urban decay”.

The way Brittany and Jim met will always be a fun story. They both went to college at U of I, when Jim’s band Iscintilla was looking for a singer, that was the first place he started his search. Brittany found out about it and went to audition where they met for the first time. She made it into the band, and they are still both in it today. It’s played a big role in their lives, and the proof can be found through the tattoo on Brittany’s shoulder. It’s the band’s logo, and every member if Iscintilla has it. Brittany’s creative drive doesn’t stop there though, she is an independent illustrator and designer under her company; Black Dove Design Company.

While her actual wedding was held at the Zhou B Art Center, the church we held the shoot in is called the City Methodist church in Gary, Indiana. Its an abandoned church, originally built in the 20s. Its become an increasingly popular spot over the last few years for photographers and urban explorers alike. I found the setting to be an incredible spot, with a stage, debris, crazy stairs, and blown out windows, it was a sight to behold.  That church gave me more than photographs too. That day I found a kitten wandering around, clearly alone. I ended up taking her home and adopting her! That kitten has grown into being my cat, Amelia. She is a total sweetheart and so curious about everything in the world. One of her favorite things to do is sit on the desk while I edit and watch the mouse move and make changes. I thought she might outgrow that, but continues to try and get between the screen and I all the time.

Here is the beautiful main room of the City Methodist abandoned church in Gary Indiana. This church is really a photographer’s dream, so many interesting views and rooms to capture.

                                              I:Scintilla logo tattooed on Brittany Bindrim’s shoulder.