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.

Notre Dame Spring Wedding – Amanda & JT – South Bend Wedding Photographer

Today was pure perfection! From the moment Grace and I arrived at Morris Park Country Club to photographed details, to the very last photo booth photo… perfection!

Amanda and JT couldn’t have picked a better day to get married. The weather was perfect and the vendor time was definitely all Aces! ♠️

I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time. From the moment I first met them (virtually), I knew today was going to be a blast and of course, beautiful!

We started the day at MPCC with bridal details. I walked into the newly renovation ballroom and immediately knew I just had to hang Amanda’s dress from one of the beautiful chandlers. The light blue wedding colors were present everywhere I looked so I thought that would be the perfect background for the details. Grace and I snagged two linen napkins and got to work creating our lay-flat designs.

JT was up first to get ready. We met the guys in the locker room where JT’s trusty groomsmen made sure he looked his best! 😎

Then we headed to the bar for a little toast in JT’s honor! 🥃

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😍

As the guys left for the Basilica, I joined Amanda for her getting ready moments. We had the whole team there… both moms, nana and of course our ladies in blue, Amanda’s bridesmaids. Everyone was so excited to help out!

Once Amanda was dressed, we walked over to the lounge for our own toast. I think the girls had a little more fun than the guys. 😆

Could Amanda be any more gorgeous? I don’t think it’s possible. 🥰

Ceremony time! JT couldn’t take his eyes off of Amanda.

Exchanging of vows and rings. 💍

Nuptial blessing and prayer.

And let’s not forget the oops by Father as he announced Dr & Mrs Bryan instead of Barnes. The whole congregation laughed, including Amanda and JT. 🤣

Formal photos up at the front of the Basilica.

 

Husband and wife!

Love this moment!  🥰

The McGann & Barnes Families.

After family formals, we walked to the lake for wedding party individuals. Then we stopped at the Grotto for a private moment just Amanda and JT.

SWOON! ❤️

JT and 4 of his groomsmen all lived in Sorin Hall so of course we had to make a quick stop… let the shenanigans begin! 😆

After we all stopped laughing, Amanda and JT shared a few minutes on the swing together.

Our wonderful and very silly wedding party! Just wait till you see the jump shot later… 😉

These doors… always the perfect photo background!

We walked to South Quad for some serious wedding party fun!

Nailed the landing!

As the wedding party headed for the party bus, the 3 of us went over to the law school for some gorgeous portraits! These are definitely my favorite of the day!

WOW! 😱

Stunning flowers by Snapdragon Designs!

Time to start the party! Everyone jumped into the party bus and off we went to Morris Park Country Club. The room was elegantly decorated and waiting for us to arrive.

May I introduce, Dr and Mrs Barnes!!! 🥳

Amanda and JT strutted right into their first dance.  💃🏻

A very heartfelt welcome speech by Amanda’s dad, Michael. ❤️

Speeches by our awesome best man Ryan (JT’s younger brother) and beautiful Kathlyn (Amanda’s younger sister). Props to Kathlyn for including the musical Hamilton into her speech!

Dances with parents. About half way through Amanda’s dance with her dad, they invited all dad/daughter duos out onto the dance floor.

Party time!!! 🥳

I snuck Amanda and JT outside as the sun fell for a quick walk down the green. ⛳️

Once it got dark out, I decided to do something a little different for Amanda and JT’s night shot. The balcony over looking the pool seemed like the prefect place to get an epic wide of the celebration. After a lot of yelling back and forth (so they could hear me from across the pool 🤣), we managed to get these two amazing moments!

 

But I wasn’t done yet. I wanted something more. So with the help of my assistant and Elena of MPCC, we created a long line of candles along the floor and I put Amanda and JT at the very end. The warm glow of the candles mixed with the romantic feel, gave us a shot I was not expecting. Totally one of a kind! 😃

The black and white is my absolute favorite! 😍

Incredible ending for an incredible couple! ❤️

To Amanda and JT – I can’t express how grateful I am that you brought me along on this wonderful journey with you! You both are incredible human beings that have accomplished so much. And the crazy thing is, you have so much more ahead of you! I can’t wait to hear what amazing things the Lord has in store for you in this next chapter. All my love – S

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue: Morris Park Country Club

Ceremony: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Floral: Snapdragon Designs

HMU: Beauty & Bliss

DJ: DPM Events

Catering: Morris Park Country Club

Photo Booth: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Cupcakes: C’est La Vie

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