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.

Elegant Spring Wedding at Notre Dame – Gina & Chris – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

A few rain drops couldn’t spoil this amazing couple from having the most incredible wedding day! Gina and Chris started their romance back in 2018 when Gina’s brother and sister-in-law introduced them. Their first date was St. Patrick’s day and they’d been together ever since. Gina and Chris purchased a plot of land to build their dream home on, so Chris thought there was no better place to purpose. That beautiful journey has lead us to Las Vegas and back again for their spectacular wedding day. 😊

Their wedding day began early with hair and makeup. We photographed the details first and then promptly walked down the hall to Chris’ room.

I’m swooning over Gina’s ring! 💍

With 6 groomsmen, 2 ushers, 2 dads and 1 pretty awesome ring bearer, the room was a little snug. But honestly, that makes for the best photos. 😆

Chris had all the help he could ever want thanks to his dedicated groomsmen. 😉

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken.😎

A quick toast that included the whole group… Even adorable Everett clinked his glass. 🥂

Back down the hall to check on our beautiful ladies. Gina was finishing up hair and makeup. That dress! 😍

Gina’s oldest sister, Leanna, helped her with her finishing touches.

The most gorgeous bride! ❤️❤️❤️

Ceremony time!

Everette and Ava stole the show as they walked down the aisle. Chris’ best man, Jerry, is Ava’s dad and when she ran to him, there wasn’t a dry eye in the whole church.

Seeing each other for the first time. ❤️

An opening prayer and then the readings and homily began.

Exchanging rows and rings. 💍

Sign of peace.

After communion, Chris and Gina took a flower to Mary in the Lady Chapel.

The final blessing and 1st kiss. 💋

Mr and Mrs Christopher Paluf!!!

The Maddi and the Paluf families.

Our awesome wedding party!

The newlyweds! 😊

Obsessed!!! 🤩

Let’s celebrate! 🥳

The Paluf family.

The Maddi family.

One big happy family.

Our wonderful wedding party on the steps of the admin building.

They did an awesome job walking on camera!

Snuggles!

The new Mr & Mrs! ❤️

Gina and Chris lit a candle and said a prayer at the Grotto.

Grace and I hopped on the party bus to capture all the shenanigans. 🤣

After a fun ride around campus, we parked at the stadium. It began to rain so we quickly grabbed the umbrellas and ran onto the field. 🏈

As an extra special treat, Chris and Gina surprised their wedding party with a private tour of the football locker room. It was pretty epic and what better place to do wedding party photos!

The boys may have had a little too much fun! 😉

Our gorgeous gals! 😍

Before leaving, I had Gina and Chris walk the length of the locker room. They danced and did their classic lift shot as a tribute to our time in Vegas! 😊

And no locker room visit would be complete without hitting the famous Notre Dame sign!

As the wedding party enjoyed cocktail hour on the 8th floor, Grace and I photographed the reception details of the Downes Ballroom.

Let’s all welcome Mr & Mrs Paluf! 🥳

Gina is the world’s biggest ice cream fan so instead of cake, they fed each other ice cream! 🍦

Gina’s parents welcomed the guests and Chris’ parents said the blessing over the meal.

After a very yummy dinner (loved the gourmet mac and cheese), it was time for speeches. Gina’s sisters stood up first and gave their toast together.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room when Jerry gave his best man speech. He talked about how proud he is of his little sister and how much he cares for Chris. ❤️

After everyone dried their tears, it was time for Gina and Chris’ first dance as a married couple. They danced to Speechless by Dan + Shay.

The fun continued as Gina danced with her dad to the tune of You’re My Best Friend by Queen.

The tears started flowing again as Chris danced with his mom to the song Humble & Kind by Time McGraw.

All the Notre Dame alumni! 🏈

Now let’s get this party started!!! 🥳

As our evening drew to a close, I stole Chris and Gina away for their night shots. Gina wanted a few indoors which is always fun!

With the rain coming down and the wind super cold, I worked as fast as I could to get them some amazing night shots. I shot so quickly that I couldn’t tell what I had till I got back home. I am THRILLED with how these turned out! They are so intimate but also epic at the same time. Which one is your favorite?

The perfect ending to the perfect day! ❤️

To Gina and Chris – This has been such an incredible journey. From the moment we first met, I knew we were the perfect fit and would become fast friends! This past year together has been a blast and also super funny weather wise. From extreme heat to freezing rain and everything in between. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I feel like I got two best friends out of this experience and I’m so happy that I get to keep seeing you again year after year. You know if you ever need anything, I’m always here for you! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Hotel: Morris Inn

Ceremony: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Venue: Downes Ballroom

HMU: Chicago friends

Catering, ice cream & ice sculptures: Three Leaf Catering, Venue ND

DJ & lighting: Events by ProShow

Floral: Poppies

Transportation: Gladwell Party Limo

comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE JOURNAL

Rachel and Pete’s stunning black tie wedding was the stuff of dreams. The live band combined with the Palais Royale’s grand ballroom, made you feel like you were stepping back in time to the roaring 20’s.

a few favorites from

Elegant Black Tie Wedding

Maria and Ben are true high school sweethearts. They’ve been together since 8th grade and incorporated several Mexican traditions into their catholic wedding. Featured publication on The Knot.

The Knot Feature

Wendy and Michael’s Notre Dame wedding couldn’t have been more perfect. From the gorgeous weather, amazing details and loving family and friends, these two hit the wedding jackpot. 

Notre Dame Fairytale