I have been waiting all year for this day! Jillian and Patrick’s dream wedding at Notre Dame and St. Joe Farm was one for the record books! Between the perfect weather, vintage classic car, playing football on the stadium field and a rockn’ party afterwards, this wedding was EPIC! 🤩
Jillian and Patrick’s love story starts in New York City. The summer before their senior year, they were both there through as apart of the finance program of Notre Dame. Little did they know that this meet-cute would turn into a fairytale. Their dating journey involved a lot of time at the Backer and lots of home cooked meals by Patrick. As Whitney (Jillian’s maid of honor) put it so eloquently in her toast, “…The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. You can definitely say that of Jillian too!” Even Father Kevin mentioned their love of food and ice cream in his homily. 🍝
Their day began at Embassy Suites where Patrick and his groomsmen were getting ready. Jillian surprised Patrick with a gorgeous guitar as his “I do!” gift. He’d been eyeing it for months in a store window near their apartment in Manhattan. I literally couldn’t take enough photos of it; so pretty. 😍
Patrick’s groomsmen jumped at the chance to help him look his best!
Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😍
Patrick looks good with that guitar in his hands!
Bro love!
A quick drive over to the Morris Inn to start on Jillian’s details. The bridal suite had gorgeous light and was plenty big enough for her and her 8 bridesmaids. Patrick bought her a diamond tennis bracelet for her “I do!” gift so I thought it was only fitting to use it in the ring shot. 💍
Team bride! 👰♂️
Jillian wanted the dress to be a surprise so we had all the girls go outside while she got dressed with the help of her mom Chris.
The big reveal! 😱
Whitney helped Jillian with her bracelet while Patrick’s mom, Theresa, put in the earrings.
A toast to our favorite gal before leaving for the Basilica.
First look with dad in the golden hallway. ❤️
Jillian was heading to the chapel in style in this vintage Studebaker. 🚗
Ceremony time!
That perfect moment when they see one another down the aisle.
Our readers, the gospel reading and the homily. Father Kevin not only mentioned the food but also how excited we was to receive a gift bag, especially since it matched his ceremonially robes. 🤣
Exchanging of vows.
Exchanging of rings. 💍
Communion. Love this shot!
Sign of peace.
Jillian and Patrick took a flower to Mary in the beautiful Lady Chapel. 🌸
Before their final blessing, everyone sang the alma mater together. Their guests even joined hands as they sang.
Mr and Mrs Hawley! 🥳
Our wonderful newlyweds! 😍 They live streamed the ceremony so Jillian and Patrick waved to those guests that couldn’t be there.
Now it was time for formal photos on the alter. Our awesome wedding party first! 😊
The Finkelsteins and the Hawleys.
Such a beautiful couple! ☺️
Love these shots in the aisle! So unique and intimate. ❤️
Our epic shot of the all guests on the steps on the Admin building! 😃
Family formals.
As we started portraits around campus, we had to get a few with the classic Studebaker! These first few shots tell the story of Jillian and Patrick heading to church to become husband and wife. I love to give photos meaning by capturing them in a way that tells a story without words.
The sun was beating down so my assistant, Grace, shaded Jillian and Patrick for some of the photos. A lot of Photoshop but totally worth it! 😃
Now that’s a Dome shot! 😉
As we were walking around campus, we made sure to stop at Jillian and Patrick’s dorms (Cavanaugh & Morriseey) and grab a photo with their dorm mates!
Stadium time! So much fun!
Hawley football game – Gals vs Guys! 🏈
Epic wedding party photos on the field! 🤩
This photo is perfectly timed with the jump and the spike of the ball! But I can’t take credit for Patrick’s spiking ability. 😉
Game ball custom made for Jillian and Patrick!
It wouldn’t be a SSP wedding without a veil toss in front of Touch Down Jesus!
Wedding party group photos. Ladies first!
Gentlemen next!
Love the classic florals by Country Florist.
Our last stop on campus was the Grotto. Jillian and Patrick lit a candle for the first time as husband and wife.
LOVE! ❤️
Mr Hawley!
Mrs Hawley!
Now we’re off to St. Joe Farm!
As Jillian, Patrick and all their guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Grace and I headed inside the barn to capture details. WOW! Everything was done in gold and light blue. Every detail remembered and personalized down to the cloth napkins in the restrooms. I was in photographer Heaven. 😱
Let’s welcome the newlyweds!!! 🥳
Jillian and Patrick came in and immediately went into their first dance. 💃
Before dinner was served, Jillian’s dad, Dave, gave a welcome speech and blessing by Terry (Godfather) who couldn’t help but show us his custom Notre Dame blazer! 😁
After a very yummy dinner, it was time for toasts. 🥂
Whitney was up first who brought the place to tears with her words about how wonderful a person Jillian is and how perfect these two are together. 🤗
Cole made every laugh as we reminisced about his time living with Patrick at Morrissey Hall. 🤣
To my surprise, the Hawley planned a song for Jillian and Patrick. It’s a Hawley tradition at family events and boy they did not disappoint. The lyrics described Jillian and Patrick’s dating journey and the hilarious events that led us up to this day. 🤣🤣
Time for cake!
Parent dances! Dave, you’re up first!
Now Theresa, it’s your turn!
Let’s get this party started! The danced floor stayed packed all night long! 🥳
Jillian threw the bouquet at the end of night! 💐
As sunset, we snuck outside by the apple barn for some gorgeous portraits. The sky was a beautiful light pink and blue. Couldn’t be more perfect! 😍
To send these two off right, we had all the guests line up and grab a ballon. Jillian and Patrick ended their day with a parade of floating balloons surrounding them! 🎈
To Jillian and Patrick – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for not only bringing me along on this wonderful journey but for trusting me to capture this incredible day for you! You have a wonderful life ahead of you as husband and wife and I can’t wait to hear how the Lord blesses you in the future. If I’m ever in the city, you know I’ll be knocking on your door for a home cooked meal and puppy kisses! If you ever need anything, I’m always here for you! All my love – S
To see their full day, click here.
Vendors:
Photography & Photo Booth: Sarah Sage Photography LLC
Groom hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend
Bride hotel: Morris Inn
Planning: Belle Behind the Ball
Rentals: Burns Rent-Alls
Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Venue: St. Joe Farm
Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group
Floral: Country Florist & Gifts
Transportation: Royal Excursion
DJ: 27 Entertainment
Cake: Macri’s Italian Bakery
Classic Car: Studebaker Museum
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