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.

Classic elegance with a party flare – Mary & Jamie – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

On what can only be described as the most perfect weather day ever, Mary and Jamie said “I do!” on Notre Dame’s campus, surrounded by their wonderful family and friends. What started out as a harmless wiffle ball game junior year, has blossomed into a timeless romance steeped in Notre Dame tradition.

This gorgeous day started at Embassy Suites where the boys were relaxing and discussing their favorite European football league. As they enjoyed lunch, I captured Jamie’s details. The classic tuxedo never goes out of style and I was thrilled to see how Jamie made it is own by adding a photo of the Basilica inside the jacket lining. So unique!

Each of Jamie’s groomsmen helped him with his finishing touches.

For Jamie’s portraits, I had to make sure we showed off that jacket.

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

We took advantage of the beautiful lobby and got some family photos in; as well as a few with just the boys. 😊

As the guys finished their lunch, I drove over to the girls’ AirBNB to capture Mary and her ladies getting ready. They wore matching PJs and enjoyed some Panera before getting a little crazy with the champagne. 🍾

I love Mary and Jamie’s invitation! The Basilica photo as an envelope insert… brilliant!

There seemed like no better place to do the ring shot than on the invite itself! The gold bands matched the gold of the Basilica photo perfectly! And talk about perfect, Mary’s satin dress was the perfect combination of elegance and simplicity. Classic never goes out of style! ❤️

Mary’s mom, Nancy, and sister, Annie, helped her into her dress. A corset dress isn’t easy so it was all hands on deck! 😉

Before showing the bridesmaids, Mary and her dad, Jeff, shared a special moment together. ❤️

Mary descended down the stairs and surprised her bridesmaids who were waiting patiently in the living room. Screams of excitement and happy tears followed. 🙂

As the ladies got on the bus, I took Mary back upstairs for her portraits. Her elegance and beauty were evident in every frame. 😍

Ceremony time!

That incredible moment when you see each other for the first time. Jamie was trying to hold back tears but by the time Mary made it to the end of the aisle, he was overtaken by the moment. ❤️🥲

After the readings and the Gospel was read, Father Dan’s homily was especially unique and funny. 🤣

Exchanging of vows and rings. 💍

Preparing the alter for communion.

Sign of peace.

Communion.

Mary and Jamie took at rose to the Virgin Mary in the Lady Chapel.

I love this black and white image of Mary and Jamie looking at one another! 😍

Incredible image by my second photographer, Grace, shot between two pillars of Mary putting the flower on the alter! ❤️

It’s official! 🥳

May I introduce, Mr and Mrs Jamie Sullivan!!!

The Sullivans and the Closs families.

Our incredible wedding party!

The newlyweds! 🥰

They did it!!! 🥳

One big happy family! 😊

Once we finished family formals, it was time for our awesome wedding party to have their turn. The boys were up first! Check out Jamie playing with his sunglasses in the third photo. 😎🤣🤣🤣

Our beautiful ladies, so sassy and sweet! ❤️

The sun was bright as can be but that didn’t stop us from finding fun ways to embrace it! ☀️

This group had too much fun! 😎🙂

The wedding party hopped on the bus while Mary and Jamie did their portraits in God Quad. Im obsessed with the veil shots! 🤩

God, country, Notre Dame and giggles! 🙂

We walked down to the Grotto where Mary and Jamie lit a candle and shared a quiet moment together.

Our last stop was on the far end of the lake. Such an iconic spot! 😊

Reception time at The Brick! 🥂

Check out these gorgeous details from AAYS and florals by Poppies! 😍

Let’s get this party started! 🥂🥳

Before dinner, Mary’s dad, Jeff, welcomed all the guests and Father Dan said a blessing over the meal.

After a very yummy dinner, Jeff got up again to toast the happy couple. And he made sure to mentioned how Jamie eats oatmeal religiously very day. 😋

Next up was Annie, Mary’s sister and maid of honor. Her hilarious speech also mentioned the oatmeal and a special tribute to their late grandmother. Annie, Mary, Jamie and all the cousins toasted with a Coors Light which was her drink of choice.

Jamie’s dad and best man, Jim, spoke about how his dad was his best man at his wedding and what a privilege it was to be there for Jamie on his big day.

Lastly, Mary and Jamie got up and thanked their parents for helping them plan the perfect day and how much everyone of their guests meant to them for coming.

As the toasts came to a close, it was time to get on that dance floor. 🕺

Shortly after, all the guests surrounded the dance floor for Mary and Jamie’s first dance as husband and wife.

Jamie dipped Mary as the last part of the dance. Even though I was watching them like a hawk, Jamie still managed to turn away from me for the dip so I literally slide across the dance floor, just in time to get that incredible kiss. 💋

Mary and her dad showed off their dance moves for their father/daughter dance.

Jamie and his mom, Heather, did not disappoint with their dance either. Their mother/son dance had Heather spinning all over the room.

Open dancing continue but suddenly, the band stopped and the dance floor cleared as Jamie surprised Mary with a special song just for her. ❤️🎸

Mary, Jamie and their guests hit that floor hard. We were there for the whole thing, including getting down on the ground and capturing all the excitement from below. My dress was pretty sticky afterwards but it was totally worth it! 🕺😎

As the night came to a close, it was time to send Mary and Jamie off in style. All their guests lined the entrance of The Brick and Mary and Jamie left through a sea of sparkers. 💥💥💥

Mary and Jamie also drove off in style as their transportation for the night was a vintage Studebaker. Before they drove off, I put a small light in the car with them to create these intimate and unique night shots. Even though it was pitch black out, we still managed to get plenty of detail of the car and, of course, Mary and Jamie.

The perfect way to end the perfect day! ❤️

To Mary and Jamie – Your day was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Your family and friends were so welcoming and everyone, including you, made Grace and I feel like family! Thank you for taking us on their amazing journey with you! I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for you in this next chapter of life! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Planning: Celebrated Events

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend

Venue: The Brick

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Hair & Makeup: Beauty & Bliss

Floral: Poppies by Polly

Band: Ultrafab

Video: Vibrant Video Productions

Invitations: Banter & Charm

Rentals: AAYS Event Rentals

Transportation: Cardinal Buses

Vintage car: Studebaker National Museum

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