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.

A Magical Fall Wedding in Downtown – Tricia & Ian – South Bend Wedding Photographer

You couldn’t have picked a better fall day for Tricia and Ian’s fairytale wedding! The weather was perfect and the day flowed effortlessly which allowed for Tricia and Ian to enjoy every minute of their celebration.

Tricia and Ian met online over 2 years ago and after just a year of dating, they moved into together. Ian popped the question on New Year’s Eve but he waited till 11:59 pm to ensure Tricia wouldn’t be expecting it. As the ball dropped on to a new year, Tricia said “Yes!” This is Tricia and Ian’s wedding day story.

Grace and I arrived at the Century Center as the girls were finishing up hair and makeup. I got started on the the bridal details and then checked on the boys. I love the intricate details of their wedding rings. 💍

Ian’s details which included custom engraved cufflinks and tie clip.

The guys were eager to help Ian look his best. Even going as far as putting his belt on him. 😂

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

Back in the bridal suite, Tricia finished up her hair and makeup with an epic hairspray shot. 🙂

Then Tricia popped open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate with her gals. 🍾

Our beautiful ladies and flower girl! ❤️

Tricia’s bridal details. 💍 I’m so glad we got the dress to hang from the grand staircase!

Tricia’s mother and sister helped her into her dress. 🥰

Stephanie helped with Tricia’s necklace and shoes while mom put in the veil.

I’m obsessed with this reflection shot of Tricia putting in her earrings. Doesn’t she look exquisite?! 🤩

Tricia then surprised the rest of the gals and Ian’s mom, Claire. 🥹

Happy tears fell during the first look with dad. ❤️

Tricia was glowing! 😍😍😍

Ceremony time! The Island at the Century Center was the perfect location for this fall celebration.

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

Tricia and Ian exchanged vows and rings. Their ceremony was short but filled with tons of laughter. Especially when John (Ian’s uncle) lowered the microphone for Tricia. 🤣

It’s official! 🥳

As Tricia and Ian walked back down the aisle, their guests blew bubbles to celebrate!

So perfect! 🥳😍

After the ceremony, we did family formals in front of the arch.

Our awesome wedding party!

Mr and Mrs Coleman! ❤️

Now that the formal photos were done, it was time to get a creative. I wanted to give Tricia and Ian some epic portraits on the island so I had them jump up on the edge of the platform. The gorgeous blue sky, mixed with the city scape, made for the most jaw-dropping moments! 🤩🤩🤩

South Bend never looked so good! 😍

Tricia and Ian hopped on the party bus and off we went to Leaper Park for wedding party photos. The guys were up first. I think they enjoyed tackling Ian a little too much. 🤣😉

The ladies looked flawless! 🥰

Tricia and Ian’s portraits in the rose garden were heavenly. 🥹🥹🥹

So gorgeous! ❤️

Such a wonderful group of friends! 😊

They nailed the jump shot! 😎

Sometimes the best locations are in full sun so we rocked it! 😊

The wedding party got back on the bus while we did a few more minutes of portraits with Tricia and Ian. These two glided with ease during their walking shots. 🙂

So much beautiful color!

So gorgeous!!! 🤩🤩🤩

I love when the sun pops out of the trees to say hello. The warm hues and sun flares give the moment so much more depth. 😊

Perfection! ⭐️

After such an epic portrait session, it was time to head to cocktail hour. The Palais was decorated beautifully with rich fall tones.

Avery (Tricia’s niece and flower girl) was all smiles during the marriage license signing. 🥰

It’s legal! 😎

Tricia and Ian made their grand entrance in style from the 3rd floor balcony! 🥳

This is why I love having two shooters all day at a wedding – Both perspectives tell a different, yet complementary part of the story. 😊

Let them eat cake! 🍰

Tricia’s dad welcomed the guests and her Godfather, Jim, said a blessing over the meal.

As dinner was coming to an end, the four of us ran outside to catch the sunset. 🥰

Love! 💕

The ‘burrito’ spin never gets old! ❤️🥹

Back inside the ballroom, it was time for speeches. Ian’s brother was unable to attend due to school so he sent his speech via video. His hilarious speech caused Ian to cry from laughing so hard. 🤣

Stephanie made sure to tell everyone that Tricia would use her low blood sugar to get out of doing chores. Stephanie then commended Ian for taking care of her baby sister from day one, even if she was just trying to get out of carrying in the groceries. 😉🤣

Tricia and Ian then had their first dance as husband and wife to the song Forever Like That by Ben Rector.

Ian spun Tricia and then started smooching her neck. 😉🤣

Breathtaking. 😍

Tricia stayed on the dance floor as her father joined her for their father/daughter dance.

Next, Ian and Claire showed off their dance moves for the mother/son dance.

Time to party! 🎉

All of Tricia and Ian’s guests joined them on the dance floor for an all guest photo. 😊

As the night was coming to a close, it was time for Tricia and Ian’s night shot. But first, the boys had one final toast with Ian. 🍻

Such an epic day deservers epic night shots. First a walk and dip under the marque. 😍

And finally, a jaw-dropping kiss with the Morris all lite up behind them! WOW! 🤩 😮

The perfect end to the perfect day!

To Tricia and Ian – Thank you for such an incredible journey to the alter! You’re amazing people and so fun to hang out with. Your laughter is definitely contagious. Grace and I were thrilled to be a small part of this day with you. I can’t wait to see you again soon for your album reveal. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Ceremony venue: Century Center

Reception venue: Palais Royale

HMU: Beauty & Bliss

Floral: Country Florist & Gifts

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

DJ: DJ Sound Solution

Cake: C’est La Vie Cakes

Transportation: Corporate Classic Limousine

Dress: David’s Bridal

Suit: Custom

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