At the beginning of August, I found myself in South Bend, Indiana, for Maggie & John’s summer wedding. You will quickly see that Maggie has one of the sweetest, biggest smiles that lights up every room she walks into! Some of the first words that come to mind when I think back on their wedding day are precious, sweet, and FUN. With over 100 kids in attendance (not even counting all of the babies!), you better believe this was a fun wedding!

Maggie & John are two people who are just incredibly kind and genuine with everyone around them, and it’s no wonder they fell in love with each other. We started the day at Maggie’s parents’ house, where the girls got ready. Maggie shared the sweetest first look with her dad before it was time to head to their church, St. Joseph in Mishawaka, Indiana.

Before their Nuptial Mass even began, the focus was already on prayer. Maggie & John took a few moments to pray together, and then John prayed a rosary with his groomsmen while Maggie’s parents and bridesmaids prayed over her. It was such a beautiful way to begin the day and set the tone for everything to come.

St. Joseph’s was filled to the brim with their family and friends for their Nuptial Mass, which truly had some of the most heavenly music I’ve ever heard at a wedding. After Mass, we headed outside for a lavender toss, grand exit, and a super fun green vintage getaway car!

Although rain threatened all day, it held off just long enough for their exit and for their wedding party and couple portraits at a nearby garden. We only had a few sprinkles right at the beginning of portraits, and then the skies cooperated! I absolutely loved Maggie’s veil and had so much fun incorporating it into their photos. The pre-storm breeze knew exactly what to do and gave us plenty of fun veil-swoop shots!

Their reception was held at the Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theater in Elkhart, Indiana, and we were able to get permission to step into the empty historic theater for a few more portraits before the party began. It was such a fun space and the perfect little moment of quiet before the reception got underway.

And as I mentioned at the beginning, this wedding had SO many kids—and kids make receptions incredibly fun! There was even a beach ball that somehow made its way onto the dance floor at one point. Between the kids running around, the packed dance floor, and all of the laughter, the whole evening felt so joyful and full of life.

Maggie & John, thank you SO much for trusting me to capture your wedding day! It has been absolutely wonderful getting to know you both, and I’m so grateful I got to be there to document all of these sweet, joyful, and beautiful moments for you!

Xoxo,
Mary Kate

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A huge thank you to the other vendors who made this day possible:
Ceremony: Saint Joseph Mishawaka
Reception Venue: Crystal Ballroom at the Lerner Theater
DJ: InTune
Catering: Navarre Catering
Dress: Simply Yours
Groomsmen Attire: Louie’s Tux