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 Spring Fairytale Wedding – Margaret & Nick – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

What started out as a simple group project in engineering class has blossomed into a real life fairytale. Margaret and Nick shared several classes together but it wasn’t until that faithful day when they were paired up together that really started talking. Nick walked Margaret back to her dorm that day and from that moment, Margaret knew they’d end up together. 🥰

Margaret loves Nick’s big heart and how genuinely kind he is to everyone. Nick loves how supportive Margaret is; that’s she’s always in his corner. In December of 2021, Nick popped the question on a a very cold Cleveland afternoon. He planned for them to walk to the town square and got down on one knee under the beautiful gazebo. It wasn’t long after that they jumped right into wedding planning knowing that they wanted to get married back where it all started. This is Margaret and Nick’s wedding story. ❤️

The Lord blessed Margaret and Nick with the sunniest, most gorgeous March Saturday ever. I arrived early to the hotel to find the girls relaxing and getting their final make up touches done. Before I left to photograph the boys, I started prepping the details. Isn’t their invitation gorgeous!? 😍

As the girls ate lunch, I walked over to the Nick’s room to get the boys camera ready. I first photographed Nick’s details which contained custom cufflinks from Margaret and Nick’s grandfather’s antique Rolex watch. 🤩

The guys were very eager to make sure Nick looked his best. 🤣

Such a handsome bunch! 🙂

The morning wouldn’t be complete without a hug from dad. 🤗

Groom portraits – Sorry ladies, this one’s taken. 😎

As the guys left for lunch, I walked back to the ladies who were ready to celebrate our gal in style! Cheers!🍾

While the bridesmaids got dressed, I finished the rest of Margaret’s details and can I say… WOW! I loved the reflection of her dress in the large windows and the ring shot reflection on the grand piano in the foyer. 😍

Margaret’s beautiful champagne dress made for the perfect backdrop. 😊

It was finally time to get Margaret dressed! Her mom and sister helped her into her dress and then we did a big surprise first look for the rest of the bridesmaids.

Awe! 🙂

Before we left for the Basilica, Margaret did a first look with her dad and then shared a special moment with her stepdad and godmother. ❤️

Margaret couldn’t be more beautiful. I could not narrow it down, I loved all of them too much. 🥰

Ceremony time!

Before walking down the aisle, Margaret and Nick said a prayer together from behind the vestibule doors.

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

The ceremony began with opening prayer and singing of the Gloria.

Then continued with several readings, the Gospel and a very hilarious homily by Father Nate.

Margaret and Nick exchanged vows and rings. 💍

Preparation of the alter for communion.

Sign of peace. 🙂

Margaret and Nick took communion, followed by their guests.

After communion concluded, Margaret and Nick took a flower to Mary in the Lady Chapel.

Final blessing and prayer.

It’s official! ❤️

May I introduce, Mr and Mrs Hasou! 🥳🥳🥳

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

Our awesome bridal party. 😊

And of course, the newlyweds! 🥰

There were so many amazing shots! I had a hard time choosing just a few. 🤩

Outside the Basilica, we finished family formals before starting wedding party photos.

Such a great group! 😊😊😊

Our handsome guys! 😎

Our gorgeous ladies! 😍

Now it was time for Margaret and Nick’s portraits. I know they were cold but they never stopped smiling. ☺️

LOVE! 💕

A surprise gust of the wind took Margaret’s veil up over their heads…

…but it turned out to be an even better photo than I could have imagine. I’m obsessed! 🤩🤩🤩

Down in the Grotto, Margaret and Nick lite a candle and shared a prayer together. 🙂

The wedding party hopped on the bus and off we went to the Palais Royale.

We arrived to find the ballroom decorated beautifully by Poppies and the whole Palais staff.

Margaret and Nick entered the reception in style! 🤩🥂

They walked from the balcony right onto the dance floor for their first dance was husband and wife.

Let’s cut that cake! 🎂

Margaret and Nick thanked their guests for coming and their parents for helping them make this magical day possible. Then Father Nate said a blessing over the meal. 🍽️

After a very yummy dinner, Courtney (Margaret’s sister) and Will (Nick’s best man) gave their hilarious and heart felt speeches to the bride and groom. 🥂

Then Nick’s dad, Andre, and Margaret’s dad, Gregory, toasted the happy couple. 🙂

Gregory then joined his daughter on the dance floor for their father/daughter dance. Followed by Deborah and Nick for their mother/son dance.

Party time! 🥳 💃 🪩

Before leaving, I wanted to give Margaret and Nick an epic night shot. I surprised them with access to the MPAC theater where we took this gorgeous photo in the seats and the epic stage photo at the beginning of the blog. 🤩

And what better way to end the most perfect day then with your name in lights! 🤩🤩🤩

To Margaret and Nick – Thank you so much for bringing us along on this wonderful journey with you! It’s been such a pleasure getting to know you both and planning for this day. You were amazing to work with and I truly hope you love and cherish these memories. I wish you all the best as you go onto the next chapter together. All my ❤️ – Sarah

To see their full day, click here.

VENDORS:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Day of Coordinator: Belle Behind the Ball

Hotel: DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton South Bend

HMU: Beauty & Bliss

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Venue: Palais Royale

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Floral: Poppies

DJ: Events by ProShow

Cake: Macri’s Italian Bakery

Videography: Fiat Films

Dress: David’s Bridal

Tuxedo: Black Tux

Transportation: Elite Whiteman Limo

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