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.

Romance in a Bookstore – Shelby & Chris – Chicago Wedding Photographer

Shelby and Chris are the ultimate Saint Mary’s-Notre Dame power couple. They met back in 2015 and decided to go to Hammes bookstore. They walked through the rows of books and quickly realized that there was a real connection here. Chris loves how much Shelby cares for him and how supportive she is of him. Shelby loves that Chris is always there, even for the small things in life and their deep trust in one another. Fast forward to 2022 when they began planning their wedding at the place where it all started. This is Shelby and Chris’ wedding day story. ❤️

Grace and I arrived at the hotel just as it started raining. The weather would change multiple times today but thankfully it didn’t affect the photos or the schedule of the day. The girls were getting their hair and makeup done as I photographed the wedding details. Don’t you just love the pastel blue/green color pallet. 😊

Meanwhile, a few doors down, the boys were getting Chris ready for the big day. 🙂

I love the golden dome cufflinks! Such a great idea. 😊

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken. 😍

Back in the bridal suite, the gals were snuggling up for a quick pajama moment with our bride. 🥹

Shelby’s bridesmaids were eager to help her look her best. 🥹

Flawless! 🤩

Shelby surprised her mom with a special first look in the hallway. ❤️

Ceremony time!

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

After opening prayer and singing of the Gloria, the ceremony continued with several readings and the homily.

Shelby and Chris then exchanged vows and rings. 💍

After communion and sign of peace, Shelby and Chris offered a flower to Mary in the Lady Chapel.

It’s official!!! 🥳

Their first dip as husband and wife didn’t exactly go as planned but they just laughed it off and kept going. 😉

After the ceremony, we took formal portraits at the front of the church.

Mr and Mrs Loo! ❤️

Shelby and Chris exited the church and celebrated with all their guests on the steps of the Administration building. 🥳

It was the perfect day, even with the dome covered.

These two could not stop smiling. ☺️

Wedding party shenanigans. 🤣

Obsessed with these portraits! 🤩

We walked down to the grotto so Shelby and Chris could light a candle. 🕯️

Just WOW! 😯😮

Our last stop on Notre Dame’s campus was the beautiful arch. 😍

A quick hop across the street to Saint Mary’s campus where we met up with the wedding party for a few more photos.

These two can not take a bad photo. 😍🥹

Epic wide shot for the win! 🏆

I love the symmetry of the willow tree to Shelby and Chris. 🥹

Everyone hopped back on the bus for a super quick ride to Gillespie. The wedding party enjoyed cocktail hour as Grace and I photographed the beautiful ballroom.

Shelby and Chris walked in to a standing ovation! 🥳

They then shared their first dance as husband and wife. ❤️

Let them eat cake! What was especially beautiful about this moment was the cake topper was Shelby’s parent’s cake topper from their wedding. ❤️

Speeches time! Alyssa, Jacky, Alex and Chris’ dad, Jesse, all stood up to toast the happy couple. 🥂

Shelby and Chris then went around and took a photo with each table. 😊

After dinner, it was time to party! 🎉 🥳

As the evening drew to a close, we went outside for some sunset and puppy photos. 😍

Machy, Shelby and Chris’ dog joined us for some sweet puppy kisses to end the night. 🐶

Congratulations Loo family! ❤️🐶❤️

To Shelby and Chris – Thank you for a spectacular day together! Grace and I have truly enjoyed getting to know you this past year and, of course, capturing these incredible memories! We wish you both all the love in the world and we know the Lord has big plans for you in the future. Give that puppy a kiss for me! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

VENDORS:
Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Church: Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Venue and catering: Gillepsie Conference Center

DJ: DJStickyBoots

Video: Vibrant Video Productions

HMU: Beauty & Bliss

Floral: Michiana Wholesale Florist

Transportation: Michiana Fun Tours

Dress Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal

Tuxedo shop: Suite Shop

Cake: Macri’s Italian Bakery

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