Bianca and Michael found their Buzz to their Woody when they met during their freshman year at Notre Dame. It was only fitting that they celebrated their winter Notre Dame wedding day honoring where they met. These two had a wedding that felt like a fairytale from start to finish!

Their Winter Notre Dame Wedding Day

I always start every wedding day photographing details – I love seeing what each couple decides to include in their day. Bianca and Michael found the exact same invitations that their parents had which I thought was a wonderful tribute to them. Bianca’s princess ballgown was fit for a queen and she topped it off with a gorgeous, sparkly tiara. Michael and his groomsmen wore timeless tuxedos to complete the look.

One of my favorite emotional moments from the day was when Bianca had a first look with her dad. I could this this is when it really hit Bianca that it was her wedding day and she soaked it all in as she embraced her dad with a tearful hug.

The ceremony itself took place at the Basilica on campus which is such a special place. Michael’s face absolutely lit up as he saw Bianca walking down the aisle with her parents on each side. The Catholic nuptial mass ended in a private Marian adoration for Michael and Bianca. I love when couples decide to spend their first moments as husband and wife in quiet prayer together.

Of course, no winter wedding day would be complete without a random bout of snow during family pictures! Afterwards the wedding party boarded a bus and drove around campus to some of their favorite locations – including where they first met at Dillon Hall.

They held their gorgeous reception at the Century center in the heart of downtown South Bend. This venue boasts string lights from the ceiling which give the illusion of a starry night along with floor to ceiling windows with views of the river. The whole evening was filled with toasts, laughter, and a lot of dancing! We ended our time together with some night portraits in front of the Christmas lights in downtown South Bend.

My Favorite Moment

My favorite moment of the day was probably the most unexpected one for me. I actually laughed out loud when this happened. It was their first dance. These two danced to Hooked on a Feeling and as soon as the music started you could hear giggles from the crowd. Michael and Bianca looked so happy and it reminded me how important it is to infuse your personality into your wedding day! There’s no rules when it comes to how you celebrate your day!

A Note to Bianca and Michael

Bianca and Michael – it is hard to plan a wedding. It is even harder to plan a wedding from a couple thousand miles away (especially with your travel woes the days leading up to your wedding!). You two have literally and figuratively gone the distance throughout your relationship. It’s really inspiring to see how hard you two have worked to remain close at heart when you were 3 time zones apart. I hope you two can truly enjoy everything that married life has to offer – especially FINALLY being in the same city! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your wedding day – it has been an absolute pleasure to get to know you both and I’m so grateful. GO IRISH! Pickle-OH!

Vendor Team

Ceremony: Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Reception: Century Center
Hotel: The Morris Inn
Floral: Poppies
Day of Coordination: Burns Special Events
Videographer: 27 Entertainment
DJ: 27 Entertainment
Transportation: Royal Excursion
Bridal Dress: Amare Couture
Bridal Dress Place of Purchase: Castle Couture Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Davids Bridal
Hair and Makeup: Beauty and Bliss
Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Cake: C’est la Vie
Photo booth: Tap Snap
Invitations: Ann’s Bridal Bargains

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