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.

Summer Fairytale Wedding on Campus – Wendy & Michael – Chicago Wedding Photographer

Wendy and Michael met over 9 years ago when they were both summer camp counselors. They started dating at the end of college and after graduation, Micheal relocated to Chicago to be closer to Wendy. Fast forward to February of 2022 when Michael took Wendy out to lunch but made a surprise detour to the riverwalk and popped the question. The whole thing was captured by a friend of theirs and they spent the rest of the day celebrating on a roof top in Chicago. Not long after, they began planning their dream Notre Dame wedding. This is Wendy and Michael’s wedding day story. ❤️

Wendy and Michael’s fairytale wedding began on a gorgeous Friday in June. Grace and I arrived at the hotel to find the girls getting their hair and makeup done. I immediately started on the details, including their gorgeous invitation suite from Banter N Charm. I’m obsessed with the styling and the pops of blue!

It seemed only fitting that the ring shot be on top of the Basilica, tied to the invitation with a blue bow.

While Grace stayed with the gals, I jumped into my car and headed over to the guys’ AirBNB. The groomsmen were more than happy to help Michael look his best for his big day. 🤣

A toast to the future Mr and Mrs! 🍻

Michael’s portraits – Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😎

Back at the hotel, Wendy was finishing up makeup. Before getting into her dress, the gals hopped on the bed to toast our beautiful bride. 👰‍♀️ ❤️🥂

Jimmy Choo for the win! 👠 Obsessed!

Wendy’s mom helped her get ready while the bridesmaids waited patiently in the other room. ❤️

Love! 💕

Wendy couldn’t be anymore breathtaking if she tried. 🥰

Surprise! I love Luna’s reaction. ⬇️🙂

Ceremony time! This view never gets old. 😊

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

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

Wendy and Michael then exchanged vows and rings. 💍

Wendy and Michael offered a flower to Mary in the Lady Chapel.

Final blessing and their first kiss as husband and wife. 😍

It’s official! 🥳

Mr and Mrs Izzo! 🥰

After the ceremony, we took family photos at the front of the church.

The newlyweds! ❤️

Amazing! 🤩

Once we finished portraits inside, Wendy and Michael took a fun photo with all their guests. 🥳

We then traveled down to the grotto so Wendy and Michael could light a candle. 🕯️

These two can not take a bad photo together… Each moment is gorgeous! 😍

Veil swoop heaven. ❤️

A short walk across to the lake for a little snuggle time. And let’s not forget the jaw-dropping veil swoop at the top of this post. 🤩🤩🤩

Back up in God Quad, it was time for wedding party shenanigans. 😊🤣

And of course, no wedding would be complete without photos under the gorgeous Fitzpatrick arch. 😍

Wow! 🤩

Reception time!

The Downes Ballroom was decorated beautifully from top to bottom. 🙂

Wendy and Michael entered their reception in style. 😎

Cake time! 🎂

Wendy and Michael then shared their first dance as husband and wife. ❤️

Kiran and Christopher toasted the happy couple after dinner. 🥂

Then Carmen joined Wendy on the dance floor for a very special mother/daughter dance. ❤️

Next was Janet’s turn to dance with her son. 😍

Michael and Wendy then took a few minutes to thank their guests for joining them on their amazing day.

As guests began to mingle, we took several group photos of Wendy and Michael’s extended family and long time friends. 😊

Party time! 🪩 💃 🕺

As the sun began to set, it was time to create the perfect end to this perfect day. Simple yet elegant sunset portraits. And just look at that sky. 🤩☀️

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Izzo! 🥳❤️

To Wendy & Michael – Thank you for bringing us along on this incredible journey with you! The day was perfect and I couldn’t be happier for you! I wish you all the love in the world. I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for you in this next chapter. All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

VENDORS

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Hotel: Morris Inn

Church: Basilica of the sacred Heart

HMU: Black Swan Beauty

Floral: Always N Bloom

Video: Vibrant Video Productions

DJ: 27 Entertainment

Catering & cake: Three Leaf Catering

Stationary: Banter N Charm

Dress: Badgley Mischka

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