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 Snowy November Romance – Hannah & Thomas – South Bend Wedding Photographer

These two Boilermakers tied the knot on a beautiful November day in South Bend. Hannah and Thomas met back in 2017 while at Purdue University. Their good friend, (and Hannah’s maid of honor), introduced them at a party. They were both computer science majors and hit it off right away. Thomas loves how caring Hannah is and that she brings out the best in him. Hannah loves how loving and compassionate Thomas is towards her. After a surprise proposal on the beach, it was time to plan their perfect day. This is Hannah and Thomas’ wedding day story.

The day began at the salon where Hannah and Kaley were getting their hair and makeup done. I left Grace with the girls and I headed to the Oliver Inn.

Hannah had everything ready for me when I arrived to her room. I was immediately drawn to the antique closest doors for the dress shots and all the beautiful white details Hannah had selected. 😊

Hannah’s shaw also proved to be the perfect background for the invitation and rings. 💍

Before Hannah got dressed, she opened a special gift from Thomas. ❤️

Kaley helped Hannah into her dress. I love the reflection in the 3 mirrors. 🙂

Our beautiful Hannah! She looked radiant! 😍

Meanwhile, the boys were downstairs helping Thomas get ready.

Bromance! ❤️

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

Thomas also opened a special gift from Hannah. 🙂

We all traveled to Leaper park for the first look. It was just starting to snow. Magical! ❄️

Such a good looking group! 😊

Our two beautiful ladies!

Our handsome men!

I was happy that we still had some color this late in November. The fall colors coordinated perfectly with Hannah and Thomas’ wedding colors. 😊

The rose garden was the perfect backdrop for Hannah and Thomas’ portraits. I just love these! 😍❤️

These two were all smiles. 🥹

We hopped back in our cars and headed to the church. We decided to do the family formals before the ceremony so everyone could enjoy cocktail hour.

Future Mr and Mrs! ❤️

LOVE! 💕

This was a recreation of a photo Thomas’ parents took on their wedding day. Some of the sanctuary has changed since then but we got pretty darn close to the original. 😉

Ceremony time!

After opening prayer and vows, the ceremony continued with two readings, the Gospel and a very personal homily.

Hannah and Thomas exchanged rings. 💍

Then they kneeled before the alter for their nuptial blessing.

It’s official! ❤️🥳

Communion.

Final prayer and blessing. 🙏🏻

Mr and Mrs Worns! 🥳

Hannah and Thomas greeted their guests and then we did a creative shot in back of the church. 🤩

As cocktail hour began, Hannah and Thomas shared a few quiet moments in the Armory bar. So sweet! 🥹

I wanted to do a different angle for these portraits. I kneeled on a bar stool so I could capture the chandelier and had Grace light Hannah and Thomas from the side. I love how they came out; so romantic! ❤️😍

Since it snowed and rained most of the day, the sun didn’t pop out for sunset photos. No problem, nothing a little lighting magic can’t fix. I put an orange gel over one of my lights and had Grace hold it off to the side and boom… sunset! 😊

Reception time!

The newlyweds! 🥳 I love the two perspectives here!

Hannah welcomed everyone for coming and then Father Brian said of blessing over the meal.

After dinner, Jacob talked about the ‘band’ him and Thomas were in at Purdue, while Kaley told us the real story of how these two love birds met. 😊

Let them eat cake! 🎂

Hannah and Thomas shared their first dance as husband and wife. ❤️

Then Hannah’s dad joined her for their father/daughter dance. 😊

Laura made her way to the dance floor for the mother/son dance. 🙂

Let’s get the party started!!! 🥳

As the night came to an end, it was time for Hannah and Thomas’ night shot. Since it was pitch black outside, (and cold), I decided to do something inside… but what? I didn’t want to do a copy of the photos earlier in the day. As I was looking around, I was drawn to the candles that were on the window ledges. I did a few test shots to find that perfect angle and then I brought in Hannah and Thomas. I love how these two moments came out. Very romantic and speaks to the venue we were at in a new way. 🤩

The perfect ending to the perfect day! ❤️

To Hannah and Thomas – Thank you so much for allowing Grace and I to be apart of this incredible journey with you! It was so great to work with you, from that first video call, to the engagement session at Purdue and now your wedding day! I wish you both nothing but the best and I can’t wait to see you again at your album reveal! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Planning: Belle Behind the Ball

Venue: The Armory

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Cake: C’est La Vie Cakes

DJ: EA Pro Music

Floral: Snapdragon-Designs

HMU: Salon Nouveau

Dress: Stella York

Tuxedo: Louie’s Tux Shop

Church: St. James Cathedral

BNB: The Oliver Inn

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