The Perfect September Wedding – Caitlin & John – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

wedding

This past Labor Day weekend was one for the books. I knew Caitlin and John’s wedding day would be great but I had no idea it would be down right PERFECT! From the gorgeous weather, hilarious wedding party, loving families and of course, the two sweetest people you’ve ever met… This day was the very definition of perfection. 😍

Caitlin and John’s story began back in 2015 when they met as freshman at Notre Dame. Sophomore year, John invited Caitlin to his tailgate and they’ve been inseparable ever since. When you’re with them, you’ll notice that they constantly make each other laugh and can’t help but smile from ear to ear. Last July, John proposed to Caitlin at the Lily Pond in Lincoln Park. A friend captured the moment and we also re-created it during their engagement session. This amazing journey has lead us to day… This is Caitlin and John’s wedding story. ❤️

I arrived at the girls’ AirBNB to find hair and makeup in full swing. I immediately started on all the bridal details. Caitlin’s dress was absolutely stunning and I just had to use it as the backdrop for her details. I love the soft green color on the invitation. So pretty! 🙂

I left part of the way through to hang out with the guys. John’s groomsmen were more than happy to help him look his best on his big day! 🤣

Bromance toast! 🍻

John and I went up stairs for his portraits. That beautiful window light is hard to pass up.

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

Caitlin and John both wrote letters to each other. 🥹

A little champagne to start the day off right! 🥂

Caitlin’s blue shoes were the cutest and her sister made her the jean jacket. 😊

The invitation turned out to be the perfect spot for the ring shot! 💍

Caitlin’s mom and sister helped her into her dress.

The shoes proved to be a bit more challenging than the buttons. 🤣

The bridesmaids were eager to help out. 🥰

I know I have a lot of Caitlin’s portraits but can you blame me… This girl is gorgeous! And that dress! 🤩

A quick first look with dad before heading to the church. ❤️

A train this beautiful deserves to be shown off! 😍

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

Stunning! 🤩

After opening prayer and singing of the Gloria, the ceremony continued with two readings, the Gospel and the homily. Their ceremony was made extra special because the priest performing the service was John’s uncle Ken.

Shannon (Caitlin’s sister) and Eddy (John’s brother) joined them at the alter.

Caitlin and John exchanged vows and rings. 💍

The nuptial blessing, sign of peace and communion.

During communion, Caitlin and John shared a secret giggle or two. 🥹

As communion ended, Caitlin and John offered a flower to Mary in the Lady Chapel.

WOW! 🤩

It’s official!!! ❤️

Mr and Mrs Gibbons! 🥳

After the ceremony, we took family photos at the front of the church.

Our awesome wedding party!

The newlyweds! 😍

GORGEOUS! 🥹

Let’s celebrate! 🥳

As their guests enjoyed cocktail hour, it was time for wedding party photos.

Such a fun group! 😊

We had to get a few of just Caitlin and John on the steps. They just looked so perfect together! 🥹

Now that’s a Dome photo! 😊

Perfection! 😍

The wedding party kept making Caitlin and John laugh during their portraits. I loved it and it resulted in the cutest photos. 🙂

Our handsome men! 😎

Our beautiful ladies! 🥰

These two can not take a bad photo; not possible. ❤️

🥰🥰🥰

God Country Notre Dame.

Love these doors so much!

Our last stop was the Grotto where Caitlin and John lit and candle and shared a private moment together.

So romantic! ❤️

A few more squeezes before getting on the trolley. 🙂

Party time! 🥳🥳🥳

Reception time! The Brick never looked so good.

Caitlin and John walked in to a standing ovation and right into their first dance.

Such a beautiful backdrop for a first dance!

Caitlin’s father, Mike, welcomed the guests and Father Ken said a blessing over the meal.

After dinner, Eddy and Shannon made sure that all the guests knew that Caitlin and John were the over achievers in each of their families.

Let them eat cake! 🎂

Caitlin and her dad took to the dance floor for their father/daughter dance.

Then John and his mom, Monica, showed off their dance moves.

The dance floor is open! 🥳

What better way to end the most perfect day than with the most perfect sparkler exit. The wedding party and immediate families joined us outside to give Caitlin and John and proper send off! ⭐️

A true fairytale ending! ❤️

To Caitlin & John – Thank you for taking us along with you on this incredible journey! Grace and I enjoyed every minute of it! Your engagement session was a blast and now your wedding day, wow! I wish I could marry you every weekend! I can’t wait to see you both again for your album reveal and hear about all the amazing things the Lord is doing in your life. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Planner: Lori Anne Events

Venue: The Brick

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Floral: Always N Bloom Weddings

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend Notre Dame

Cupcakes: C’est La Vie Cakes

Donuts: Rise N Roll

Transportation: Club Car Limousine