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.

Intimate Celebration at the Basilica – Peitong & Loren – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

Peitong and Loren met back in 2019 at the University of Chicago. Their friendship grow into a loving relationship with a deep connection to their faith. When I asked them what they loved most about one another, their answer was the same; their love for the Lord.

Peitong and Loren planned an intimate wedding at the Basilica, followed by a reception at Aloft in downtown South Bend. They wanted to focus the majority of their coverage on the ceremony itself so that’s where our story begins. 😊

It was a beautiful July day on campus and Peitong and Loren chose the 9am ceremony, (which is my favorite). The sun fills the Basilica with a golden hue and paints the floor with the colors of the stain glass windows. Loren walked his parents to their seats then each person involved in the ceremony walked down the aisle behind the cross.

Peitong and Loren wanted the ceremonial mass to be as close to its original tradition as possible. For this reason, Peitong and Loren walked themselves down the aisle together. A sign of them coming together before the Lord.

Such a beautiful moment. ❤️

Singing of the Gloria and then opening prayer.

Our two readers and Father Oscar who read the gospel and gave a very touching homily.

Instead of a ring bearer, they had a very dedicated cross bearer. ✝️

They exchanged vows and rings. 💍

Kissing of the cross.

Peitong read the universal prayer.

Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Sign of peace.

Communion.

As communion ended, Peitong and Loren offered a flower to the Virgin Mary in the Lady Chapel.

The final blessing and prayer.

It’s official, Mr and Mrs Reinoso! Their guests sang as they recessed down the aisle as husband and wife.

The newlyweds! ❤️

All of their guests joined them on the steps of the administration building for a fun group photo.

Peitong and Loren’s family and dear friends. 😊

As the guests left to enjoy cocktail hour, it was time for wedding party photos. The guys were up first!

Our beautiful ladies! 😍

And of course we needed a shot in front of the dome. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky so we just embraced the sun! ☀️

The light was too pretty to pass up so I had Grace shade Peitong and Loren so we could get some intimate photos in front of the dome. Their wedding colors complimented the campus colors so well. 🙂

So many giggles! 🥰

Our awesome wedding party!

The wedding party headed off to the reception as we started Peitong and Loren’s portraits. They doors of the Basilica make for the perfect backdrop. These two were all smiles! 🤗🙂

My favorite photo! 😍

On our way to the Grotto, I had Peitong and Loren walk together for a photo. The sun was beating down on them so we only got one but it’s perfect! 🤩

Peitong and Loren lite a candle and said a prayer under the Virgin Mary.

We then hopped in our cars and drove back by the lake to the cross. This is where Loren proposed to Peitong and it holds a very special place in their hearts. ❤️

Their car was all dressed up for the wedding so we definitely needed a few photos of it. 🚗

Just down the road was the ‘tree’ where they would often pray. It was definitely off the beaten path but Peitong and Loren were up for the challenge. Peitong grabbed her dress and off she went through a very rocky and dusty path. I love this moment because it shows how much their faith means to them. ❤️

Our last stop was the Fischer Grad residence chapel. It’s a beautiful space. 😊

We jumped in the car and headed to Aloft. All of their guests were excited to welcome the newlyweds into the ballroom. They walked in and immediately went into their first dance. 💃

Peitong couldn’t stop smiling, especially when the maid of honor started the bubble machine. 🙂😃

Such a sweet moment together! ❤️

Peitong and Loren cut a piece of their cake.

As everyone enjoyed dinner, I photographed their 3 rings and the cross. It was very important to them that the cross be photographed so I had the idea to use it with the rings. I love the black and white photo. To me it looks like a crown above Jesus’ head. When I realized this, I knew this photo would mean a lot to Peitong and Loren.

Once dinner ended, it was time for toasts. Ornella, the main of honor, congratulated the couple and then sang a song for them.

Loren’s brother, Braeden, gave a hilarious speech about how Loren bought him a video game long ago and he never paid him back. 🤣

Peitong and Loren had several friends that wanted to congratulated them and, as you can see, the laughter never stopped. 😉🙂

Just as the reception was coming to a close, Peitong and Loren took a photo with every table. The perfect ending to a perfect day. 😊

To Peitong and Loren – Thank you for allowing us to be apart of your beautiful day. It’s easy to see how much you both care for one another and your deep passion for the Lord. I can’t wait to see where God leads you in this next chapter of life. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue & catering: Aloft South Bend

Floral: Friend

Cake: Friend

HMU: Beauty & Bliss

Suit: Louie’s Tux Shop

Dress: David’s Bridal

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