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.

Rain Drops and Pink Roses – Paige and Alex – Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

Paige and Alex met back in 2017 at a Notre Dame football game. As the season went on, they became closer and closer. It wasn’t long before this football friendship turned into something more. Jump a head a few years to Easter weekend 2022 when Alex popped in question. He made a fun scavenger hunt for Paige and when she got to the end, he was there with a ring. So when it came time to plan the wedding, they knew they wanted to get married on the campus that started it all. This is Paige and Alex’s wedding day story. ❤️

Grace and I arrived at this adorable house that was next door to the venue. Hair and makeup was in full swing for the ladies and there were donuts galore. Grace started photographing the gals while I worked on the details. Paige and Alex’s invitation was gorgeous, so intricate. Paige’s mom designed it and each piece was personalized. 😍

Alex’s wedding day details. ⏱️

Alex’s groomsmen were eager to help him look his best on his big day! 😎

Such a good looking group! 🙂

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken. ❤️

When their photos were done, the guys enjoyed some snacks and video games as I headed back to the ladies. Paige loves pearls and that’s evident by all the pearl details in her jewelry and dress.

Even her wedding band has pearls in it. Love her style! 😍

I’m obsessed with the heart mirror photo. ❤️

Our flower girls also got their hair and makeup done. They even sat next to me while I photographed the details in case I needed anything! 🥹

Time for some PJ squeezes! ❤️

We walked across the courtyard to the venue so Paige could put her dress on in the bridal suite. The light was stunning and the space gave us so many artistic perspectives.

Paige’s mom, Cathy, helped her into her dress. 👗

Paige’s stunning portraits. 🤩

The first look with her dad and brothers had everyone in tears. 🥰

The Lancaster family. 🙂

Before we left, Paige and Alex shared a private first touch moment. ❤️

As everyone was getting on the buses, it began to sprinkle. Paige turned to me and with a big smile on her face, she said, “The knot is stronger when it’s wet.” In all my years of photographing weddings, I’ve never had a bride so excited about the rain. I knew right then that this was going to be a very special day. ❤️☔️

Ceremony time!

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

Father Tim opened in prayer and then everyone sang the Gloria.

The ceremony continued with two readings, the Gospel and a very funny homily.

Paige and Alex exchanged vows and rings. 💍

The nuptial blessing.

After communion, Paige and Alex took a flower to the virgin Mary in the Lady Chapel.

I’ll never get tired of this view. 🤩

The final prayer. 🙏

It’s official!

Mr and Mrs Raymond! 🥳🥳🥳

After the ceremony, we took family portraits on the alter. The Lancaster and Raymond families. 🙂

Our wonderful wedding party!

And of course, the newlyweds! Don’t you just love the light on them in the aisle?! 🥹

The rain stopped briefly so we could have a fun all-guest photo on the steps with bubbles! 🫧 Such a cute idea!

As the guest left to enjoy cocktail hour, Paige and Alex walked down to the Grotto to light a candle. 🕯️

So precious. ❤️

Just to the right of the Grotto is a giant sycamore tree that Paige really wanted to take a photo in front of. The rain continued but that couldn’t break their spirits. We handed them an umbrella so we could create these intimate portraits and the epic veil swoop that’s at the top of the blog post. 😍

Thank you to Cathy and Bill for getting us our own golf cart. Super helpful, especially with the rain. These two are so adorable. ☺️

We couldn’t leave campus without a quick dip on Notre Dame avenue. 😊

We hopped across the street for some fun portraits on Saint Mary’s campus. The boys had no problem tackling Alex. 🤣

Paige’s side loved the awkward laughter. 😆

The spring colors were in full bloom as we took these fun wedding party photos on the bridge.

Before we left, we had to do a few portraits of just Paige and Alex on the beautiful campus.

Love! 💕

These willow tree shots are everything! 😍

Everyone got back on the bus and headed to the venue. The ballroom space was decorated beautifully with personalized table settings, ND/SMC plates, pink roses and gold accents. No detail was forgotten. Paige’s mom, Cathy, did most of the signage and I was just blown away by her creativity. She even made Grace and I our own. 🥹

For Paige and Alex’s grand entrance, they walked in throwing t-shirts. Very rockstar! 🎵

Paige and Alex then shared their first dance as husband and wife. ❤️

Next, Cathy, Paige’s brothers, Robert and Jacob, and Alex’s best men, Jack and Dom, each toasted the happy couple. 🥂

Before dinner, Paige and Alex went around the room and got a photo with each table. In all my years of doing this, I have never had the guests be so interactive and excited before. And we did it all in less than 3 minutes… super impressive! 🙂

After a yummy dinner of BBQ, Paige and Alex cut their cake. 🎂

Then Bill joined Paige on the dance floor for their father/daughter dance.

Afterwards, Susan danced with Alex for their mother/son dance.

Let’s get the party started! 🪩 💃

At the end of the night, Paige and Alex shared a private last dance together. 😊

Before the big send off, I snuck Paige and Alex outside for a night shot under the twinkle lights. I debated whether the photo should be black and white or color but found that the color was too distracting. By changing the photograph to black and white, you immediately feel the emotion and power of the moment. 🥰

Paige and Alex’s guests lined the courtyard for a fun glow stick send off! The guests had so much fun with it! 🙂

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Raymond! 🥳😊❤️

To Paige and Alex – Thank you for allowing Grace and I to be apart of your incredible day! You two have been amazing to work with it’s been so great getting to know you. It’s easy to see how much you both care for one another. I know the Lord has big plans for you in the future. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

VENDORS:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Day of Coordinator: 1928 Planning Company

Venue: Solarium by Watermark

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Rentals: AAYS Event Rentals

Catering: Mission BBQ

DJ: Frank’s DJ Service

Floral: Crystal Springs Florist

Hair: Amanda Price

Makeup: Makeup by Kayla Maree

Dress: Becker’s Bridal Outlet

Transportation: Driverseat South Bend

Tuxedo: Macy’s

Late night snack: Silver Beach Pizza, Bumble Bee Ice cream

Cake: Bit of Swiss

comments +

  1. Beverlye Maritan says:

    What a handsome groom and a beautiful bride.
    Wedding memories for a lifetime of family and friends.
    CONGRATULATIONS on this your special day,
    Love & Hugs,

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