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.

Outdoor Fairytale Wedding – Stephanie & Brandon – South Bend Wedding Photographer

If you’re looking to hang out with two very awesome people, then look no further than Stephanie and Brandon! They are so loving and kind that they have no shortage of wonderful friends! So many friends in fact that they broke my record for largest wedding party with twelve groomsmen and nine bridesmaids. This kind of love and support is rare but once you meet Stephanie and Brandon, it’s easy to see why their friendship cup overflow-it. 🥰

Our day started at the Inn at Saint Mary’s where Brandon and his crew were getting ready. I snuck downstairs to photograph his details before we got him dressed. His many friends had no problem getting him ready for his big day. I loved that even Stephanie’s dad was there and that both dads helped Brandon prepare for the big day.

Since there was 15 guys total in that small room, I brought them all downstairs to the bar area where they could show off their Buffalo Bulls mugs properly.

The back of the var had very cool wooden design that I thought gave Brandon’s portraits a very unique feel. But of course, no matter where I put him, Brandon would have shined! 🙂

I left the guys and headed to Stephanie’s mom’s house, just up the road. While our beautiful ladies finished hair and makeup, I photographed Stephanie’s details. My favorite detail is this antique purse. It belonged to Brandon’s great grandmother and it was carried by each bride on her wedding day. What an amazing story and tradition.

These ladies are pros when it comes to pictures. No one does an awkward laugh like these gals! 😆

It was now time to get Stephanie ready! Her dress fit her perfectly and of course she had a cathedral veil… girl after my own heart! ❤️

Stephanie is very close with her dad and brothers so we arranged a first look with them. There wasn’t a dry eye to be found.

After the tears were dried, we hopped on the party bus and headed to Notre Dame for the first look. We were very careful to not left Brandon see Stephanie before it was time. I escorted Stephanie to the Fitzpatrick arch on campus and hid her behind a pillar so Brandon couldn’t see her until he turned around. It was a beautiful and heartfelt moment. 😍

Wedding party photos were up next! Ladies first!

Our handsome gentlemen!

I wanted to do something different here. I had the girls swoon over Brandon while the guys fought for Stephanie (except for her brothers who acted as her security). 🤣

The sun was beating down but I wanted to get a cool walking photo with the whole group so we embraced the sunshine!

Can you tell that they were excited for Stephanie and Brandon?! 😉

Creative time! A dip in the arch with Stephanie’s beautiful veil was a must!

Even though the wind played hard to get, we managed to get several gorgeous under the veil shots!

Swoon! 😍

Poppies by Polly did a fabulous job on the flowers and decor!

We jumped back on the bus and off we went to the Blue Heron. We did all of our family formals before the ceremony and I snagged a few more minutes of creatives.

Time to get hitched!!! 💍

Stephanie and Brandon exchanged vows and rings and also wrote notes to one another that they placed in a special keepsake box. If there is anytime during their marriage that their love is tested, they are to open the box and read the letter that the other one wrote to them about how much they love them. The hope is that they never have to open the box but it will always be there as a reminder of their love.

First kiss as husband and wife! 😘

May I introduce Mr and Mrs Brandon Broad!!!

Once all the guests got through the receiving line, we took a few large family photos on the lawn. Stephanie and Brandon both come from large families so this was a great way to include everybody.

Time to party! The ballroom of the Blue Heron was decorated top to bottom, just as Stephanie and Brandon envisioned it!


The Newlyweds! 💍

Stephanie and Brandon walked in and started their first dance.

After dinner, it was time for speeches. Jessica (one of Stephanie’s sisters and maids of honor), Matt (best man) and Stephanie’s dad all gave tremendous speeches that brought tears to all our eyes. Stephanie and her dad have a secret handshake which they did as part of his speech.

Parent dances!

College photos! Brandon went to Hamilton College and Stephanie went to Indiana University.

Put on your dancing shoes!!! 💃🏻 🕺🏻

To end this momentous evening, we needed a WOW shot! The Blue Heron over looks a golf course so there’s no better place to capture a sunset shot. We had to walk onto the green of one of the holes so we had to move fast. We actually just missed getting hit by a golfball. 🤣 But it was worth it for this! ⬇️

EPIC to the max! LOVE!!!

To Stephanie and Brandon – I don’t even know where to start. You two are such amazing people and I’m so lucky to call you friends! Your wedding day was perfect and I couldn’t imagine not being apart of it! I wish you both all the love in the world and I can’t wait to see how your love story unfolds as husband and wife! If you ever need anything, I’m always here for you. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue and catering: The Blue Heron

Dress: Simply Yours Bridal & Formal Wear

Makeup and Hair: Beauty & Bliss

Floral and decor: Poppies by Polly

DJ: Bov Knows Music

Cupcakes: C’est La Vie Cakes

Suit: The Groomsmen Suit

Hotel: The Inn at Saint Mary’s

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