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.

Wedding Bells and Puppy Kisses – Valerie & Nick – South Bend Wedding Photographer

These two wonderful people had to wait an extra year to have their dream wedding at The Oaks at Southpaw Farm. However, that only made the celebration more special and full of love! Valerie is originally from this area but they both reside in California now; working in animation. Valerie and Nick didn’t want the traditional wedding. Instead they opted for a fun, laid back celebration where every guest felt like family. These two aren’t afraid to be themselves and I’d admire that. Especially on the dance floor… these two can dance! 💃

This beautiful Sunday started with details.  A lot of Valerie and Nick’s details/decor had earth tones so I wanted to represent that in how I photographed them. Their invite was captured outside on the stone walkway.

Valeries had two dresses and several unique pieces  of jewelry. I love how the rings sit so perfectly inside her bouquet. 💍

I am dying over Valerie’s makeup photos! Isn’t she breathtaking! What I also love about these photos is the fact that I was able to eliminate so much clutter simply by standing behind the door. It causes the viewer to only see the subject, aka, our beautiful Valerie! 😍

A little bubbly to get the party started! 🍾

Toasting with mom!

Outside Nick and the boys were trying to figure out how to properly tie a tie. 🤣

Nick’s first outfit was a burgundy suit with a real bowtie. I was pretty impressed he knew how to tie it correctly. I again used the door to hide all the clutter in the restroom as Nick was getting ready.

Valerie’s mom zipped up her first dress while Amanda, (matron of honor), added the sleeves to complete the look. Love this dress so much!

First look with dad. These two are very close. ❤️

Meanwhile downstairs, some serious betting was taking place over Nick’s pool abilities. 🎱

The first look. I took Valerie and Nick upstairs so they could have some privacy.

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😍

Our gorgeous bride! 👰‍♀️

These two belong in a magazine… I mean come on!

We grabbed the wedding party and headed outside for photos!

Good looking ladies!

Our handsome gentlemen!

The iconic jump shot! 🤣

Nick wanted to play a fake game of baseball with himself as the pitcher and Valerie as the batter. Because of her heels, she tagged a bridesmaid to be her designated runner. ⚾️

As the wedding party went back inside to freshen up, the three of us walked to the small garden area for bridal portraits. They nailed it! 😍😍😍

Ceremony time.

Valerie and Nick’s dog was the flower dog. David (best man) escorted her to her spot.

It’s finally time!!! 😃

They exchanged personal vows that they wrote to one another.

They exchanged rings and made it official with a kiss! 💋

Mr and Mrs Reczynski! 🥳

Family photos!

Our other flower girls! 🌺

The Summey and Reczynski family.

Signing of the marriage license.

A quick change into their second outfits.

Reception time! The whole barn was decorated beautifully with personal details. My favorite was the party animal table cards. 🐶

The newlyweds!

Before dinner, Valerie’s dad (John) welcomed the guests and toasted the happy couple.

After an amazing meal, David, (Nick’s brother and best man), made everyone laugh as he reminisced about growing up with Nick.

Amanda, (Valerie’s best friend and matron of honor) talked about how amazing Valerie is as a friend and person. “She would do anything for you.”

Valerie and Nick’s sketch group from California!

Time for cake! 🎂

Now it was time to dance! Nick and his mom where up first on the dance floor.

Valerie and her dad, John, were all smiles! 😊

Valerie and Nick’s first dance as husband and wife. And boy can they dance! 🕺

Let’s get his party started! They had a rockn’ dance floor that included several conga lines.

A little late night snack thanks to Martin’s food truck. The chicken fingers were yummy! 🤤

To end this amazing day, Valerie and Nick deserved something spectacular. I took them to the top of the hill and they danced in front of this beautiful blue sky. The perfect ending to a perfect day! 😍

To Valerie and Nick – Your day was truly one of a kind and I couldn’t be happier to have been apart of it. I know it was a year later than you wanted but I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day for you two! Thank you for your trust in me, not only to capture your day but also to care for your family and friends. I can’t wait to hear all about this next chapter in your lives together! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography and photo booth: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Planning: Belle Behind the Ball

Venue: The Oaks at Southpaw Farm

Catering, floral, cake, pies and food truck: Martin’s Supermarkets 

Rentals: Burns Rent-Alls

Bar: Callahan’s Catering

DJ: In-Tune DJ Service 

Hair: Creative Edge Hair Studio

Makeup: Looks by Maitri

comments +

  1. Kristie says:

    Beautiful and stunning wedding! This is like a fairy tail wedding! Awesome photography! So elegant!

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