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.

Beautiful Outdoor Wedding at Gillespie – Danielle & Zack – South Bend Wedding Photographer

Danielle and Zack’s gorgeous outdoor wedding was filled with love, lots of laughter and a few happy tears. These two met about 3 years ago through mutual friends. A random instagram message led to their first date at Wings Etc. Danielle loves Zack’s good heart and Zack says Danielle makes him so very happy. You can’t help but notice how much these two care for one another the moment you meet them. They light up when the other enters the room. Their laughter is contagious and they’re just so much fun to be around. This is their wedding day story. 🙂

The sun was shinning on this beautiful July day. Grace and I arrived at the hotel to start details. The girls were in the middle of hair and makeup and munching on Chick-Fil-A. I took Danielle’s dress and details downstairs were I’d have more room and better light. I laid everything out on her gorgeous dress.

So perfect! 💍

After finishing Danielle’s details (photos below), I walked next door to Zack’s hotel. I photographed his details first then joined him and the boys in their suite. With 14 guys in a one room suite, I thought it would be best to do Zack’s getting ready photos in the lobby by the bar.

The guys had no problem jumping in to help Zack look his best. 😎

Now that’s one good looking crew! 😍

Can you spot the maple leaf? 🍁 🤣

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

Danielle’s beautiful details. 😍💍

I can think of no better place to hang the dress than on the arch for the ceremony. 😊

Danielle getting her final makeup touches done. 💄💋

The gals all hopped on the bed to toast Danielle! I was so jealous they had Harry’s cups. 😉🥂

With so many gorgeous beauties in such a small room, I again decided to finish the getting ready photos downstairs in the lobby. Danielle’s mom zipped up her dress and then the rest of the gals helped with the rest. 👠

I wanted Danielle’s portraits to mirror Zack’s as much as possible so when I saw this wooden wall, I moved all the furniture out of the way and took advantage of that gorgeous light. Isn’t she stunning! 🤩 😍

Danielle and Zack decided to do a first look in the courtyard. Zack was ready with tissues in hand. ❤️❤️❤️

After the first look, all of us jumped in our cars and headed to campus for wedding party photos. I was so glad the sun went behind some clouds so were able to have most of the photos out on the lawn. We definitely needed the space with all this extra awesome!

I don’t know what Zack is doing but it was too funny not to keep! 🤣

The boys! That’s a lot of handsome for one picture. 😎😉

I’m not exactly sure what they’re doing in this photo either. ⬇️ 🤣

Check out our sexy ladies!

The giggles were non-stop! 🤣

The wedding party relaxed in the shade as we started Danielle and Zack’s portraits. Of course we had to get a shot under the arch. Love all the greenery! 🥰

I then had Danielle and Zack sit and talk. Grace and I shot through the vines of the arch to create these intimate moments. 🥰❤️

The best photos are when no one’s watching. 😉🙂

Walking together on this journey. ❤️

The future Mr and Mrs Stanifer! 🤩🥰

Soooo cute, I can’t stand it! 😍😍😍

After portraits, we returned to the Gillespie for family formals. It was getting pretty hot outside so I decided to do them in the foyer. I think everyone was appreciative, lol. 🤣☀️

Ceremony time!

Love! 💕

Danielle’s uncle officiated the ceremony so there was no shortage of giggles. 🙂

Danielle and Zack had two readers, one of who was Zack’s grandfather. Such a precious memory. 😊

Danielle and Zack exchanged vows and rings. 💍

Closing prayer and pronouncement.

It’s official! 🥳

Mr and Mrs Stanifer! ❤️❤️❤️

After Danielle and Zack dismissed their guests individually, we took a few portraits as husband and wife. 💍

I love these photos! You’d never know that this is a parking lot. 😊

Their attempt to do the ‘burrito’ spin. 🤣

As Danielle, Zack and their guests enjoyed cocktail hour, Grace and I photographed the reception details.

I love the personalized neon sign, such a great idea!

Let’s all welcome Mr and Mrs Stanifer! 🥳

Danielle and Zack went right into their first dance as husband and wife.

The uplighting created such a cool atmosphere. 😎

Danielle stayed on the dance floor as she was joined by her dad. They too were all giggles. 🤭

Next, Zack’s mom Mandy danced with him for the mother/son dance.

As salads were being served, both Danielle and Zack’s dad welcomed the guests and then proceeded to tell embarrassing stories about the newlyweds.

There was no shortage of love and laughter as Danielle and Zack had 4 of their closest friends stand up and give a toast. 🥂

Bouquet and garter toss shenanigans. 🤣

Let’s get the party started! 🥳🕺

As our time was coming to an end, Danielle and Zack hopped on the dance floor to show off their killer dance moves. 🤣❤️

The perfect ending to the perfect day! 🥰

To Danielle and Zack – Thank you for such an incredible day! You two are so much fun and your day was a blast! I hope you, your wedding party and your guests enjoyed every minute of it! I’m so excited to see you again for you album reveal (and the ‘moms’ too). 🤣 Please let me know if you ever need anything. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn, Inn at Saint Mary’s

Venue: The Gillespie

DJ & uplighting: 27 Entertainment

Floral: FarmHouse Blume

Makeup: Allee Do My Makeup

Hair: Hair by Samye

Dress: Stephenson’s of Elkhart

Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

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