A Night to Remember.
I have been waiting so long for Cedes and Taylor’s day! We met in October of last year at the South Bend Chocolate Cafe and just hearing all the gorgeous plans for their day made me want photograph it that very instant! An all white wedding at the Lerner in the Crystal Ballroom… uh yes please! If you know me, you know I’m a big Hollywood, 1920’s fan so any venue and/or wedding that incapsulates that, I just go crazy for! Add that fact that Cedes and Taylor are probably the kindness people ever and you’ve got yourself a recipe for the perfect wedding!
Our day started in the lobby of the Lerner where I first photographed their details. Cedes’ shoes are actually her mom’s from when she got married so I wanted to pay tribute to that by using them in a special way. What better way than to use them for the ring shot!
As the ladies headed off to the salon, our handsome gentlemen got ready in one of the Lerner’s dressing rooms. I’ll have to admit, it was pretty cool to get to see the entire theatre and all the behind the scenes areas that make a theatre of this size happen.
The guys had no problem helping Taylor get dressed. However, putting on his shoes proved to be a 2 man job. haha
Taylor knows how to put on the charm. The foray was the prefect place for portraits. I use again later and you’ll see how it adds to the grandeur of the scene. I’m always searching for how I can best tell the story and the theatre entrance gave me both context (where were are) and matched the theme of the wedding.
Before starting with the ladies, I took Cedes’ dress into the theatre and hung it from one of the balcony doors. This was no easy task as it took me and the coordinator 10 minutes just to find where the door to that particular balcony was. Definitely got my steps in today!
Cedes was breathtaking in her lace gown with tulle skirt and cathedral veil. She looked like a movie star from the twenties. I was intimidated at the thought of taking her picture because she looked so perfect I felt like I could never do her justice. That may should silly but I truly want my couples to love every image so each click of the shutter has to be perfect. I realize I’m a type A perfectionist but more importantly, these are someone’s memories… you can’t redo this moment ever again.
Taylor could hardly control himself when he saw Cedes.
Vows.
Man & Wife!
The look of sure joy here, I can’t construct that. This moment is probably my favorite at any wedding. The raw emotion of happiness, excitement, and love can’t be posed. It’s truly real.
Family formals.
Puppy love!
The guys were having way too much fun! 🙂
Sexy ladies!
Gorgeous bridal party!
The Lerner!
We were given special access to the theatre but only had enough time for a few shots.
My absolute favorite shot!
Individuals. Cedes looks like an angel and Taylor looks like a millionaire!
These portraits together are so powerful and unique. The location of your wedding needs to echo your style because it will literally be in every picture. And boy do Cedes and Taylor have style!
Portraits on the big staircase. There were a lot of objects in the background (like that large painting) that were pulling focus away from Cedes and Taylor. By making the images black and white, your eye immediately goes to them and the emotion, not the room and its contents.
Best dessert ever!!! Donuts are my absolute favorite! I was good though… I only have 1. 🙂
Reception time!
Speeches!
First dance. The ballroom’s ceiling was very high so my traditional lighting method (bouncing light off the ceiling and walls) wasn’t going to work. Plus, the ballroom is so gorgeous, I wanted a way that you could see its elements in the photos. I used a strobe on a light stand with a special modifier to focus the light on Cedes and Taylor while still having enough light to show the room. I LOVE how they turned out… so romantic! Your eye goes right to them but you can still see the elegant space.
Father/daughter, mother/son dances.
Time to cut that donut!!
Tosses!
Let’s get the party started!
Cedes and Taylor had not 1 but 3 night shot locations! We wanted to capture the marque with their names on it, the Lerner sign and of course the iconic front of the theatre.
WOW! Show-stopper alert!
To Cedes & Taylor – Your day was magical and I am so blessed to have been apart of it. It was truly one of a kind with photos to match. I’m sad that you’re now across the country but am so excited for you both to start this new chapter in your lives together! If you need anything, text me anytime. I truly hope you love your photos as much as I do… maybe more. 🙂 All my love – S
To see their full gallery, click here.
Vendors:
Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC
Venue: The Lerner Theater Crystal Ballroom
Makeup: Bride’s sister
Dress: One Fine Day
Suites: Louie’s Tux Shop
Food: The Lerner Theater Crystal Ballroom
Desserts: Martin’s Super Markets
Florals: Matzke
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