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.

The Story of Two Hoosiers in Love – Lauren & Jordan – South Bend Wedding Photographer

I was beaming with excitement when Saturday morning of Lauren and Jordan’s wedding finally arrived!  Through several fun photo sessions and dinner dates , I got to know Lauren and Jordan really well. I knew we’d be the great fit when the first time we met, Lauren suggested we go out for drinks to get to know each other better. Their engagement session was an absolute dream and I’ve wrangled Lauren into several sessions since then. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait!

Lauren and Jordan both attended Indiana University and have a strong relationship with the Lord. One of the first things Jordan asked Lauren on their first date was if she was born again. Their faith made their relationship stronger and has lead us to today!

The weather was absolutely perfect; a sunny 80 degrees which is unheard of for April. The day started with hair and makeup and me gushing over Lauren’s dress. Grace went downstairs to capture all the pampering shenanigans while stayed in the main living room and started on details. That dress!😱

I wanted to do something different for their ring shot so I decided to try a reflection. It took a few minutes but totally worth it! 💍

Hair and makeup fun!

Caroline, the flower girl and Lauren’s niece, got some much needed pampering too. 😍

Lauren lost her grip on the champagne cork and proceeded to spray myself and Jake (videographer) with champagne. 😆🍾

As Grace stayed with girls, I left to check on the guys. Jordan and his groomsmen were at Aloft watching a soccer game and trying to figure out how to wear the pocket square. 🤣

Jordan helped Conner, his future nephew and ring bearer, get into his tuxedo. 😎

Once the boys were ready, it was Jordan’s turn to look his best.

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

Lauren and Jordan wrote a special note to each other.

Before Lauren got dressed, little Caroline had some fun playing in Lauren’s dress. 👗

Lauren and her mom shared a special moment together as she was zipping up the dress. ❤️

Lauren’s two sisters, Kat and Andrea, helped her with her shoes and veil.

Finally Lauren’s grandma put the finishing touch on with the necklace she gave to Lauren.

First look with dad. I love Bob’s expression! 😊

Our gorgeous bride. 😍

SWOON! 😍😍😍

Lauren and Jordan decided to do a quick first look at the house before heading to the church. Couldn’t have picked a more beautiful background.

The whole wedding party hopped on the bus and headed for the church. A few minutes before the ceremony, Conner and Jordan kicked the soccer ball around the church lawn. ⚽️

Ceremony time!

Caroline and Conner stole the show as they walked down the aisle.

Conner made sure to get the rings to Taylor, Jordan’s best man and twin brother. 💍

That moment when the church doors open. Even if couples do a first look, this moment is just as special. It’s the walk to the alter to become husband and wife.

A quick stop to hug mom got everyone in tears.

Paster Trent spoke about the definition of marriage in God’s eyes and Mikayla read the scripture.

Lauren and Jordan prayed and then gave each other communion and tied the knot on the cross.

Exchanging of vows and rings. 💍

It’s official!!! 🥳

Mr and Mrs Jordan Kleyn!

Formal photos up at the alter. First with Conner and Caroline and their grandparents.

The Wade family and the Kleyn family.

Our awesome wedding party.

The newlyweds!

I ran up to the balcony to create an epic shot of the whole sanctuary. With Grace lighting Lauren and Jordan from below, I was able to create these two breathtaking moments. The second shot exceeded my expectations with its gorgeous reflection. 😱

Off we went to Saint Mary’s College for wedding party photos. The ladies were up first!

And then the men who I might add, had way too much fun tackling Jordan. 🤣

Time for just the newlywed photos! ❤️😍😱🥰🤩

A walk to the willow trees to create this beautiful, intimate moment. They nailed it!

We quickly got back on the bus and headed for the Palais Royale. As Grace started reception details inside, the wedding party and myself had some fun outside in front of the marque.

 

Reception time!

Mr and Mrs Kleyn!!! 🥳

Lauren and Jordan went right into their first dance.

Lauren’s dad, Bob, welcomed everyone and said a blessing over the meal.

After dinner, it was time for toasts! 🥂

Taylor was up first and boy did he have the jokes ready. If he’s ever thinking of a career change, I think stand up comedy would be a great fit. 😆

Kat and Andrea talked about this little person who invaded their twosome and how they wanted to officially invite Jordan into the ‘Guy’s club. He accepted. 😊

Let them eat cake! 🎂

Lauren and Jordan walked about to each table to greet their guests.

Parent dances time! I’m not ashamed to admit that I got a little teary-eyed during Lauren’s dance with her dad. In my defense, they were dancing to “Butterfly Kisses” which is the cutest daddy-daughter song ever.

Jordan and his mom showed off their ballroom dancing skills to the tune of “Do I make you proud” by Taylor Hicks.

Party time! 🥳

Lauren’s grandparents danced the Jitterbug in celebrated of being married the longest. ❤️

Jordan’s mom and brother said a quick thank you to everyone who made the day possible. It was a team (soccer reference) effort. 😉⚽️

All IU alumni.

Before wrapping up the evening, I wanted to take Lauren and Jordan into the Morris lobby for photos. The intimate location and gorgeous architecture made it the perfect place for their night shots. The first two were from a lower angle just inside the lobby. I wanted to create a few different looks than you normally see in this space and do so quickly. All four shots took a total of 4 minutes.

I had Lauren and Jordan stand up and I shot from the side of the lobby while back lighting them. This creates an intimate feel without requiring them to move locations at all. And the black and white is heavenly.

Lastly, I ran all the way to the other end to get this grand shot of the whole room. Even though they maybe smaller in the frame, the impact is still huge. ❤️

To Lauren and Jordan – This is been a wonderful journey to the alter together! I’m so glad I got to be apart of the planning process and of course, capture each moment from the beginning to the very epic end. I wish you both the best as you continue with your education and careers. You have so many incredible adventures in front of you and I know the Lord will bless you in each one. If you ever need anything, you know I’m always here for you! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography

Planning: Belle Behind the Ball

Church: Redemption City

Venue: Palais Royale

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Hotel: Aloft South Bend

Hair: Blushing Beauty & Co.

Makeup: Thee Makeup Team

DJ and uplighting: Events by ProShow

Floral: Poppies by Polly

Rentals: Burn’s Rent-Alls

Cake and desserts: C’est La Vie Cakes

Dress boutique : One Fine Day Bridal

Tuxedo: Men’s Wearhouse

Stationary: Maddie Laidig Designs LLC

 

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