Oh my goodness! Jesse and Emily! I was so worried I wouldn’t make their Izaak Walton League Wedding after having pre-term labor and being stuck on bed rest only 2 weeks before their big day on April 23rd, but perfectly my midwife switched me to modified and allowed me to be a part of their oh so special day!

I already had a second photographer lined up for their day, as thats something I always do but I also had a third photographer on emergency back up just in case. In this situation I was able to come for the first 5 hours of the day (everything but the reception) and thanks to my amazing husband who helped me so much I documented all of Emily and Jesse’s special moments!

Their ceremony was at St. Pauls Lutheran Church with the reception following at the Izaak Walton League all located in South Bend, Indiana. Emily wore a stunning strapless dress from Simply Your Bridal Boutique, with shoes from Etsy and Jesse looked quite handsome in his suite from Louie’s Tux Shop.

Emily had some hand me down jewelry from her mom and the rest was from Van Horne Jewelers. Emily also had 2 sets of wedding rings, her first engagement ring is a sentimental heirloom from Jesse’s grandparents wedding in 1949 then she was gifted a brand new wedding band an engagement ring set from Jesse on their wedding day. Jesse’s wedding band is also an important heirloom as its a ring Emily’s brother received during his High School Graduation. I love when clients have sentimental keepsakes likes this, to honor the family members that are no longer able to be with them and to keep their memory strong.

To finish off Emily’s wedding day look her hair and makeup was done at Salon Nouveau in Heritage Square, with her flowers by Palace of Flowers.

The reception at the Izaak Walton was decorated by Emily and Jesse as well as many family members and friends. They did an amazing job transforming the lodge into a rustic wedding dream. They had cupcakes by Gigi’s for dessert, music by the Music Machine and of course a photobooth also by the Music Machine! They had some fantastic favors of custom glasses and M&M candy bags (which thanks to my 2nd shooter I got to see as she brought me some) done by Discount Mugs and M&M’s Online.

Emily is a St. Mary’s alumni, we did some of their engagement photos there but returned to do all of their wedding day photos there. The weather was a dream and everything was perfect for their special day. Like always I am honored I get to be a part of my couples day in such an intimate way. Emily and Jesse are remarkable people, kind and sweet and so deeply in love. I wish them a lifetime of special memories!