THE SSP JOURNAL

Joyful, fine art wedding photography for real couples. Serving Chicago, Washington DC and beyond.
Based in South Bend, Indiana. Available for travel.

The Armory Wedding – Renee & Jon – South Bend Wedding Photographer

Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe Renee & Jon’s fairytale wedding at The Armory! I have been looking forward to their day since we met over a year ago. These two are just the nicest people you’d ever want to meet and their families are so welcoming. From knowing Renee’s mom from our meetings and her sister and brother-in-law from our newborn session, I kinda felt like one of the family all day. 🤗

Renee and Jon met on Bumble in 2017. Jon apparently asked Renee out several times to which her sister said, “Go out on a date with him. It’s not like you have to marry the guy.” Jon proposed on New Year’s Eve (2019) right after the ball dropped, in front of Renee’s family. I guess you do have to marry him, lol! 😆🥰

Our day started at The Armory where the guys got dressed in the bar. The groomsmen were supposed to be helping Jon get dressed but I think they preferred hugging on him instead.

Stud muffin alert! 😎

Jon’s portraits and details. Jon and Renee seriously can not take a bad picture. Plus the design of the bar area makes for the perfect background for not only amazing light but also an intimate mood.

Can’t handle all that handsome! 😍

Upstairs in the bridal suite, the ladies were enjoying their own personal cocktail hour in their adorable robes! I love when the moms join on in!

Renee, her sister Katie and her mom Karen. These 3 are like peas in a pod. This is extra special for Renee Katie because Renee was Katie’s maid of honor at her wedding just a few years ago.

Time to put on the dress!

Love this photo so much! ⬇️

We walked back downstairs to the bar area for Renee’s portraits. Not only is the light amazing but you know me… my portraits have to be cohesive for the album. I love to mirror my couples so that each one feels equally important on their big day.

She is beyond gorgeous!

We traveled to the church and did a quick first look. Renee and Jon chose to see one another before walking down the aisle so that they could have a private moment together.

The sun was straight overhead and there was no shade in sight. So we rocked that bright sun and you know what… I love it!

As the ceremony began, these two cuties stole the show! Emma is Jon’s niece and Theo (baby Theo to me!) is Renee’s nephew.

Vows and ring exchange. 💍

Taking communion and presenting flowers to Mary.

Mr & Mrs Jon Jachura!!! 🥰

A quick bubble send off before family formals.

The Mischler’s and the Jachura’s.

Our killer bridal party! ☺️

Husband and wife! 🥳

Off on the party bus we went to the University of Notre Dame for bridal party and creatives photos. The guys clearly love their sunglasses, lol! 😎

These beautiful ladies were beaming from ear to ear!

All of the awesome in one place!

Sincerely, The Jachura Club.

Creatives!!! You know it’s my favorite time!!! ❤️

These are all so breathtaking… how is a person supposed to choose their favorite???

Love the giggles! 🙃

Back on the party bus to The Armory for the reception. We snagged a few minutes of portraits in the bar before cocktail hour started.

I told everyone to point to the person who was going to get the most “silly” tonight. Renee’s brother Brian was the clear winner! 🤣

One more set of portraits and creatives!

The Newlyweds!!!

Renee’s dad’s welcome speech where he made it pretty clear that he loves how handy Jon is. He apparently has several more projects waiting for Jon once their back from their honeymoon. 😆

Katie (matron of honor) and Tony (best man) giving their speeches.

Let’s cut that cake! 🎂

First dance has husband and wife.

Renee danced with her dad and Jon danced with his mom.

Things then got a little crazy on the dance floor! 🥳

Bouquet and garter tosses!

Renee and her siblings wanted a few photos of them dancing together. It’s wonderful to see how close they are!

To end this perfect evening right, we needed the perfect night shot. I created several for them because I just could not choose. The first one is a silhouette of Renee and Jon in front of The Armory sign. I did this is both color and black and white because I seriously couldn’t pick.

And lastly, the EPIC shots in front of the whole building. I put my favorite as the cover photo at the top of this blog but here’s the other version. That blue sky and warm hues from the bricks make Renee and Jon just pop off the background. Definitely one of my all time favorite night shots.

To Renee and Jon – Words can not express how thankful I am to have been apart of your wedding and the journey leading up to it.  You have both made me feel like member of your family and I’m blessed to call you both friends. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for you now as husband and wife! All my ❤️ – S

To see their full gallery, click here.

Vendors:

Photography and photo booth: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Church: Saint Matthews Cathedral

Venue: The Armory

Florist: Always N Bloom

Makeup: Bethza Professional Makeup Artist Studio

Hair: Karla Aldecoa

Dress: Simply Yours Boutique

Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Shutterfly

Videography: 27 Entertainment

DJ: The Music Place (DJ Stickyboots)

Cater: Navarre Hospitality Group

Cake: C’est La Vie Cakes

 

 

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