Alexandra and Nick’s Spring Notre Dame Basilica Wedding Day was one you never wanted to end! What a joyful day with a couple that could not be more deserving of it.
Their Catholic wedding mass was right in the heart of Notre Dame’s Incredible campus at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Alexandra and Nick both attended school at the University of Notre Dame and were introduced to another by a mutual friend. This made getting married at the basilica have an extra special meaning. One of the most important saints in their relationship is St. Joseph and it was clear his intercession was involved in the day! It can be a challenge to have your wedding mass at the basilica due to its popularity. However, Alexandra and Nick booked their date at the Basilica for May 1st, the feast of St. Joseph the worker and in the year of Saint Joseph! How is that for providence?
While I haven’t known Alexandra and Nick for that long I instantly liked them from our first phone call and was touched by how thoughtful they both are. I mentioned this before on their Instagram post but I loved how Alexandra and Nick choose to keep God at the center of everything they did that day and not just let the “faith part” start and end with the ceremony. They made it a priority to pray together before mass and even put spots in their busy schedule to light a candle at the Notre Dame Grotto, pray to Our Lady, and offer a prayer of thanksgiving to St. Joseph.
You always hope and pray for good weather on your wedding day but Alexandra and Nick got *perfect* weather! The sunny skies complimented Alexandra’s pale blue, blush pink, and yellow wedding colors beautifully and the portrait time we had together was just incredible. Not only are Alexandra and Nick kind and genuine, but they also have the best sense of humor! They were so much fun to be around! I just loved their energy and willingness to walk almost miles around campus to visit their favorite spots. Also, Alexandra and Nick allocated over an HOUR of time for bride and groom portraits which just made my photographer heart sing! If you are a bride and groom that really value portrait time, I highly recommend building in that extra time in your schedule. The reception was held at The Armory in downtown South Bend, nestled on the banks of a river. The reception space was the perfect combination of elegance and charm!
Enjoy the story of their day, in picture form, below! Alexandra and Nick, thank you for letting me share in the joy of your most beautiful wedding day!
Students come through constantly to say a prayer or a light a candle which I just love.
We walked around St. Mary’s lake for wedding pictures and the view did not disappoint!
One of my favorite parts of the reception was all 3 speeches by Alexandra’s Father, Her maid of honor, and Nick’s best man. All 3 speeches were the most genuine and eloquent toasts to Nick and Alexandra’s character and relationship.
The last part of the night that stuck out to me was Alexandra and Nick’s first dance! They danced to the stripped version of “Black and White” by Niall Horan while twirling under the Armory’s Stunning Chandeliers. It was a song that I never thought about for a first dance but absolutely loved!
Thank you for reading! – Colette
Ceremony | University of Notre Dame Sacred Heart Basilica
Reception | The Armory
Videographer | Steve Toepp
Florist | Merry Me Events
Dress Designer | Kelly Faetanini
Bridal Store | Bridal Room in McLean VA
Cake | Gigi’s Cupcakes
Bridesmaids Dresses | Dessy
Groomsmen Attire | Generation Tux
Photography | Colette M. Photography assisted by Abbey Rez Photography