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.

Stunning June Wedding at Notre Dame – Caitlin & Dylan – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

 

A true Notre Dame fairytale is exactly how I would describe Caitlin & Dylan’s love story. They met freshman year because they were both architecture majors. They started dating Sophomore year and also studied aboard in Rome together through Notre Dame’s architecture program. Five years later, they live in sunny California (super jealous by the way), have a husky fur baby (Selkie) and are pursuing their passions in both design and film. 🎥

Their wedding day may have started out a little rainy but that didn’t stop Caitlin and Dylan from enjoying every single moment. We started the day off at Embassy Suites where I photographed their details on top of Caitlin’s dress. Caitlin and Dylan’s style was “Old Hollywood” which made me jump for joy! That’s my style to a “T” and they carried it out in every aspect of their day. And that dress… 😱

After the details were finished, I popped over to the guy’s AirBNB to capture Dylan getting ready. When I arrived, Dylan realized his suit didn’t come with a pocket square (and all the other guys’ had) so our solution was to cut an old white tie. I want to go on record by saying that this was Dylan’s idea, lol, but yes I was the one who cut the tie in the end. This was a wedding first for me. Normally I’m fixing clothes, not destroying them. 🤣

Dylan’s groomsmen paired off and helped him with his finishing touches. It was a true team effort!

Dylan got the guys all personalized glasses so they toasted in his honor! 🥃

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😍

Back at the hotel, Caitlin’s maid of honor, Sarah, was helping Caitlin with her dress. Caitlin’s mom also helped with her finishing touches.

Caitlin the movie star! ⭐️

Ceremony time! Love that moment when you can see both of them as Caitlin is coming down the aisle!

WOW!

Readers, the Gospel and homily.

Caitlin’s train and veil were so long, everyone giggled at the amount of time it took Sarah to fix it every time she walked. ☺️

Exchanging of vows and rings. 💍

 

Communion.

Caitlin and Dylan took flowers to Mary in the lady chapel; always a gorgeous shot. And this black and white moment of them walking back is also stunning with all the architecture of the Basilica.

It’s my pleasure to introduce, Mr and Mrs Reed!!! 🥳

Formals at the front of the Basilica.

The newlyweds! 🥰

We finished family photos at the top of the steps of the Administration building to avoid the rain.

The flowers by Floradashery were stunning and they matched the wedding colors perfectly! 🌸

The rain stopped and the fun began!

A short stroll to South Quad for even more fun!

Can’t have a cathedral veil and not toss it… I mean come on!😉❤️

The weather was holding off so we snuck over to the Fitzpatrick arch for some incredible moments. These are my favorite from the whole day! 😍

Now it was time for more wedding party fun!

The wedding party headed to cocktail hour while we continued with creatives under the beautiful arch ways of the law school.

We walked over to Bond Hall, the place where their story started. It’s such a larger than life building so I wanted the photos to reflect that. We put two towels down on the steps so Caitlin’s dress didn’t get wet. A little bit of Photoshop magic later and poof they’re gone!

Our final stop was at the Grotto where Caitlin and Dylan lit a candle and shared a private moment together. 🕯

 

Off we went to Tippecanoe Place for the reception. While the wedding party freshen up, Grace and I photographed the all the beautiful details. Caitlin and Dylan gave tea and tea defusers as their gift to each guest. They also were their table place cards; so fun!

Let’s all welcome Mr and Mrs Reed!!! 🥳

Caitlin and Dylan came down the grand staircase and immediately cut their cake. 🎂

Everyone then moved into the drawing room and library. Father Kevin said the blessing over the meal and then Sarah (maid of honor) and Bryan (best man) gave their heartfelt toasts to the couple.

After dinner, every moved downstairs to the dinning room for dancing. Caitlin and Dylan ballroom danced the night away! 💃🏻

Next up, parent dances! Caitlin danced with her dad and then Dylan with his mom. They were all smiles! ☺️

Let the party begin! 🥳

Caitlin’s first attempt at throwing the bouquet ended up on the floor next to her. When she tossed it again, it went between the ladies and landed under a table. However, maid of honor Sarah was made honorary catcher of the bouquet! 💐

With the rain gone, we took advantage and headed outside for a few photos on the grounds. These two were literally beaming from ear to ear. 🥰

Epic!!! 😍

We ended this perfect day with a stunning “Old Hollywood” moment on the grand staircase. We un-bustled the dress and let it cascade now the stairs. A perfect ending to a perfect day! 😍

To Caitlin and Dylan – Thank you for bringing along on this fabulous journey with you! It’s been wonderful getting to know you and your story, and of course, capturing your incredible day. I know the Lord has so many amazing things planned for your future together. I know our paths will cross again and let me know if you need me to send more dog toys! 😉 All my love – S

To see their full story, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

HMU: Nicholas J Salon

Floral: Floradashery

Venue and catering: Tippecanoe Place

DJ: EAPro Music

Cake: The Pretty Cakery

Jewelry: Swarovski Crystals

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