My Chemical Engineering Romance – Emily & Dan – Chicago Wedding Photographer

wedding

Emily and Dan met their sophomore year at Notre Dame. Emily had changed her major to chemical engineering that year and met this handsome guy through their mutual friends. Emily asked Dan to tutor her but it wasn’t long before Dan realized that Emily didn’t need tutoring after all. This adorable plan to spend more time together blossomed into dating soon after. 😉

Dan made things official when we proposed at Christmas in 2020. They took a tour of the beautiful zoo lights one night and Dan got down on one knee and proposed right there in front of a snowman. When it came time to plan the wedding, they both knew they wanted to get married back where their romance began. This is Emily and Dan’s wedding day story. ❤️

This gorgeous day began with Grace and I arriving at the hotel to start details. Emily was upstairs getting her hair done so Grace stayed with her while I captured their wedding details. Emily and Dan’s invitation was so elegant and I loved the gold foil border. 😊

Emily received this beautiful hand painted photo of the Basilica as a wedding gift so I decided to use it for the ring shot. 💍

A quick squeeze with mom while the ladies finished their hair and makeup. 😊

Meanwhile, I joined the boys down the hall as they helped Dan get ready for his big day. 🙂🤣

Dan then went downstairs and shared a special moment with his mom. 🥹

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken. 😎

Now that the boys were all dressed and ready to go, it was time for the ladies to do the same. I absolutely loved Emily’s details; the hand-beaned purse especially! 👛

Cheers to our beautiful bride Emily! ❤️

The bridesmaids left to get dressed as Emily got into her dress. Her mom and maid of honor, Kelsey, made sure Emily looked her best. 😍

Emily’s dad got to see his little girl all grown up. ❤️

Emily was absolutely stunning. I couldn’t pick just 2 or 3 photos, I loved them all! 🥰

Ceremony time!

Just before heading down the aisle, we had a spare moment to capture this gorgeous portrait in the vestibule. 🤩

Dan could not contain his emotions when those doors opened. You could truly feel his love for Emily. ❤️

Father Paul opened with prayer and the singing of the of the Gloria.

Once everyone was seated, the ceremony continued with several readings, the Gospel and the homily.

Emily and Dan then exchanged vows and rings. 💍

Officially married in the eyes of the Lord. 😊

Father Paul said the nuptial prayer over Emily and Dan and then served them communion.

After communion, Emily and Dan offered a flower to the virgin Mary in the Lady Chapel. 🌸

It’s official! 🤩

Mr and Dr Shannon! 🥳🥳🥳

When the ceremony ended, we took formal photos up on the alter.

Our amazing wedding party! 😊

The newlyweds! ❤️

And of course we took a photo on the steps with all the guests! Even the bag piper got in on it! 🙂

We then finished up family formals on the east side of God Quad.

Emily and Dan walked down to the Grotto where they lit a candle together. 🕯️

Such a gorgeous couple. 🥹❤️

Across the street is the new fountain where we took full advantage of that gorgeous reflection! 🤩

A quick walk back up to God Quad where we met up with the wedding party and took a few portraits by the God, Country, Notre Dame door.

We were lucky enough that the dome was no covered so we made sure to celebrate that with an epic dome moment! 🥳

Just off to the right, we took all the wedding party individual and group shots. 😊

We made our way to the law school and Fitzpatrick arch. 🙂

Obsessed! 🤩🤩🤩

These two are absolutely amazing! I don’t think it’s possible for them to take a bad photo. 😍

Touch Down Jesus shenanigans! 🤣

WOW! 😯😳 🤩

Reception time!

The wedding party and guests enjoyed cocktail hour as Grace and I captured the beautiful details. I love that they added the 4 chandeliers. It really adds a level of elegance to the space. 😊

The cocktail hour was in full swing but that doesn’t mean we can’t sneak away for some beautiful portraits. 😍

We were allowed to shoot in the theater so we created the most elegant and show-stopping photos.

I seriously don’t know which one I love more. 🥰

Emily and Dan entered their reception from the 3rd floor balcony as everyone cheered. 🥳

A Dome cake… Why yes, of course! 🎂

Then Emily and Dan shared their first dance as husband and wife. ❤️

I’m still shocked that I was able to capture this dip, not only in focus but also compose it properly while sliding acrsos the floor. 😉🤣

This lift! 😍

Emily’s dad, Steve, welcomed everyone and then Father Paul said a blessing over the meal.

After a very yummy dinner, Kelsey and Mike toasted the happy couple. 🥂

Then Dan got up and explained why this dance and song meant so much to him and his mom.

There were tears and laugher the entire song. 😊

Next up was Steve’s dance with his daughter that quickly turned into a dance off. 💃 🪩

Open dancing! 🕺 💃

Then suddenly, all the groomsmen and Steve grabbed hats and briefcases and rang out onto the dance floor. Steve and Emily’s brother, Charlie, lip-synced as the groomsmen threw personalized sunglasses into the crowd. 😎

Bouquet and garter toss shenanigans! 🤣

As the night was coming to an end, the wedding party gave Emily and Dan a sparkler send off as their names flashed on the marque. 🧨 🍾

One last dip to end this incredible day! 😍❤️

To Emily and Dan – I can not express to you how amazing it was to be apart of this day with you. You and your families made Grace and I feel like family and so appreciated. I wish we could marry you over and over again. Congratulations on the residency placement and the next step in your lives together. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

VENDORS

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Hotel: Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in South Bend

Hair: Blushing Beauty & Co.

Makeup: Molly Sandler Makeup Artistry

Floral: Always N Bloom

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Venue: Palais Royale

Catering: Navarre Hospitality Group

Cake: C’est La Vie Cakes

Dress: Simply Yours Bridal