The day has finally arrived! Molly and Michael’s fairytale wedding is here and it couldn’t have been more perfect! Their day was extra special for me because after shooting Molly’s brother’s wedding last year, I immediately felt like one of the family and couldn’t wait to see all the DeTrempe’s again! 🥰

Molly and Michael met over 6 years ago through mutual friends. They stayed in contact throughout the years but in April of last year, they reconnected and truly felt that the timing was right for them. A few months later, Michael proposed to Molly on a very chilly January morning in Chicago. They went home and immediately started planning their perfect wedding at Morris Park Country Club. This is their wedding story. ❤️

Grace and I arrived at Molly’s parent’s home just as hair and makeup was starting. I immediately started on details as Grace captured Molly getting her hair done. I wasn’t there long before heading over to Morris Park to get the guys ready. I left Grace with the gals and off I went.

I arrived at Morris Park and found the guys chatting in the locker room. I grabbed Michael’s details and photographed them in the lounge. Molly had given him the cufflinks as a surprise gift that morning. They are in the shape of two chess pieces (the Rook and the Knight). ♟

The guys were super eager to get Michael ready for his big day. With how much fun they were having, I’m surprised we got anything done. 🤣

Cheers boys! 🍺

Look out ladies, the handsome has arrived! 😎

Micheal’s parents popped in to put on his boutonnière and make sure he looked his best. 😊

Sorry ladies, this stud is taken! 😍

The guys enjoyed lunch as I headed back to the gals. Below are Molly’s gorgeous details. She had two pairs of shoes and a special handkerchief that her mom gave her that had both their wedding dates on it. ❤️

For the ring shot, I took all 3 rings and placed them on top of Molly’s shoes. I loved the pearls and wanted them as the background. It took a few minutes to get it balanced but we got it! Also, for Molly’s rings alone, I balanced them on top of her glittery tennis shoes. So much sparkle in one photo!!! 💍

For her dress shot, I wanted something different. Molly’s mom allowed me to hang the dress from the foyer chandelier. I dimmed all the lights except the chandelier and then lit the dress separately so that only those two elements were highlighted. It gave the photo a very romantic feel, especially when I changed it to black and white.

Time to toast our gal! 🥂

Big squeeze! 🤗

Molly wanted to surprise her bridesmaids so only her mom and matron of honor, Guiliana, helped her into her dress.

I’m obsessed with these moments, so precious! ❤️

Holy moly Miss Molly, you are stunning! 🤩 😍

WOW! 😯

For the big reveal, dad was up first. Chris was all smiles. 🙂

Then I made the bridesmaids walk blindly to the backyard for their first look at our gal all dolled up!

After hugs and happy tears, it was time to get on the bus and head to the church.

Ceremony time!

That moment when you see each other for the first time. ❤️

I love that her dad kissed her on the nose. 🥰

Just beautiful!

After opening prayer and singing of the Gloria, the ceremony continued with several readings, the Gospel and homily. The service was made extra special because Michael’s sister sang all the ceremonial hymns and two of his brothers were the alter boys.

Molly and Michael exchanged vows and rings. 💍

The sign of peace and nuptial blessing. 🙏🏻

Communion.

Molly and Michael took a flower to the virgin Mary.

The final blessing. This is why I love balconies!

It’s official! 🥳

May I introduce, Mr and Mrs Buono! ❤️❤️❤️

After the ceremony, we took family formals on the alter.

Our amazing wedding party!

The beautiful newlyweds! ❤️

There was no way I wasn’t going to use that balcony for some type of epic shot before we left. I had Grace stay with Molly and Michael as I ran upstairs. I loved the hanging lights and wanted to use them as leading lines to the center of the frame (aka, Molly and Michael). By exposing the camera for the brightest light, it made everything else go dark, creating a natural vignette, straight to where Molly and Michael were standing. Grace lit them from below and done! I’m obsessed! 😍😍😍

After photos, the wedding party cheered the Buonos on as they headed for the bus. 😊

When we arrived at Morris Park, Molly and Michael went inside for a surprise room reveal. Molly’s parents were inside as well and they shared a fun toasting moment. 🥂

Now for some wedding party fun! Everyone got their own golf cart (us included) so naturally we’re going to get a photo of them on it. ⛳️

Our ushers (aka Molly’s brothers) were our security. 🤣

Our beautiful ladies were up first! These gals nailed the walking shots. 🙂

The guys, on the other hand, may have gotten a little carried away with the ‘tackle’ photo. (No grooms were harmed in the making of these photos). 🤣

Perfect weather for the perfect party!

Jump shot level – PRO 😉🤣

As cocktail hour started, Molly and Michael took extended family photos on hole 10. ⛳️

Now it was time for our newlyweds to have their portraits. We drove the golf carts down to the willow tree for their photos. I had a hard time narrowing down my favorites; there was just too many! 😊

And we weren’t leaving without an epic veil swoop under the willow. Check! ✅

I love their snuggles! 🥹

Under the veil, absolutely! 😍

So cute, I can’t stand it! ❤️❤️❤️

Reception time!!!

Poppies and Morris Park did an incredible job tranfsorming the ballroom into Molly and Michael’s fairytale reception.

Grand entrance, then right into their first dance as husband and wife. 🙂

My favorite part of this photo is the look on all the guests’ faces! 🤩

Molly and Michael were then toasted by Molly’s dad, matron of honor, and Micheal’s two best men. The laughter non-stop! 🤣

Parent dances! Molly and her dad started us off.

Then Michael and his mom showed off their smooth dance moves!

Open dancing time! And boy do these people know how to party! 🎉 🎊 🥳

Towards the end of the night, the wedding party and both families headed outside for the sparkler exit. It was raining pretty hard so we did it right there under the awning. It was perfect! 🤩

After the sparkler exit, Michael had a little surprise in store for the guests. He put on the band’s t-shirt and got up on stage and sang American Girl by Tom Petty. The crowd went WILD! 🕺🎤🎸🎹

Michael’s adoring fans! 🥳

Now that’s how you end a wedding! EPIC! 🤩🪩😎

To Molly & Michael – Thank you so much for allowing me to capture these incredible memories for you! I’m truly honored to have been apart of the whole journey and really do feel like a member of the family. You both are very special to me and I can’t wait to see how the Lord works in your lives as you enter this new chapter. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue & catering: Morris Park Country Club

Floral: Poppies by Polly

Hair: Blushing Beauty & Co.

Makeup: Thee Makeup Team

Band: Ron Tuffcurls and the Benchpress

Dress: Simply Yours Bridal and Formal Wear

Suit: Nordstrom (custom)

Transport: Royal Excursion

Desserts: Sweet Em’s Cake Shoppe