What a better way to bring in the new year than with an incredible engagement session! Molly and Michael decided to brave the cold for their engagement. Molly is an alumna of Notre Dame and since they aren’t getting married on campus, it was perfect spot for their session! I was lucky enough to already have met Molly and Michael before today. Molly is the sister of one of awesome grooms from 2021 (Kate & Sam DeTrempe). So we had already spent an awesome day together at Sam’s wedding and now it was Molly and Michael’s turn!
Before the session, Molly and Michael joined us at the studio for some pampering and good conversation. While Molly got her hair and makeup done, the 3 of us talked about everything from their wedding plans to Schitt’s Creek. The laughter never stopped, even into the session! 🤣
After hair and makeup was finished, we jumped in our cars and headed to campus. It was a brisk January afternoon with the sun shinny overhead. We parked at the bookstore and started walking to God Quad.
With zero clouds and no shade in site, we had to get creative when it came to locations to take photos. I happen to notice a small shady spot in between a two buildings so that’s where our session begins. Even though this location wasn’t planned, it’s actually my favorite of the whole session. Funny how that happens. 😉
It wasn’t hard to get them to snuggle on each other; the cold was a great motivator. 🤣❄️
Just off to the left was a large pine tree that would not only offer shade but add color to their images. I love when I can shoot through or around something because it makes the moment all that more intimate and special. Plus the green was a nice contrast to cream and white in the background. 🌲
I don’t normally photograph my couples so close in but Molly and Michael have this incredible intimacy that deserved the emotional power that only close up shots can give.
I had Molly and Michael move further inside the branches to create this natural vignette of green. Someone had a case of the giggles! 😉
Obsessed with their closeness! ❤️
Their session truly captures the real them – silly, romantic, fun, intimate, and of course loving! 😍
Molly wanted a photo with Mary before we went to our next location. Again, super intimate even though its a wide shot. I’m obsessed with these two! 😍
We walked to the Dome and at first I was going to have them sit on the step but the sun was so bright that you wouldn’t have been able to tell that that’s where they were sitting. So we changed it up and went to the center of the quad and for a full size Dome photo. Again, the sun was extremely bright so I had Grace shade them for part of the shot while I flipped the exposure back and forth (between the background and them). You can’t even tell in photo that it’s a culmination of multiple shots. 😊
A careful walk down the steps to the Grotto. Mass had just gotten out so it took several tries for us to get a few shots without people walking through them.
The beautiful light at the Grotto makes it one of my favorite places to shoot. Plus it’s small which adds to the intimacy of the moment.
Gorgeous ring suspended between two candles… Yes please!💍
As we were heading back to our cars, I wanted to stop at the law school for some of that gorgeous light in the arch way.
Michael took his time getting a kiss from his future bride. Romance level = expert! 😍
Our last stop was actually in the middle of the road. Michael embraced Molly up in the middle of Notre Dame Ave. The blue sky matched Molly’s dress perfectly and the Golden Dome peeked through for the perfect end to this fairytale session! ❤️
To Molly and Michael – Thank you for an incredible day together! I had such a blast getting to know you both better and of course, capturing your unique affection for one another. I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true. Not a lot of couples can express their feelings so openly like you can. The photos really tell the story of how much you care for each other. And, of course, that you cant’ stop laughing. 🙃 I’m so excited for August; I wish it was here now! It will be the most perfect day and I can’t wait! Congratulations M&M! All my ❤️- Sarah
To see their full session, click here.
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Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC
Location: University of Notre Dame
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