Posts Tagged ‘notre dame university’

Tina and James chose to marry  at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. They met in the fall of 2003 as freshman in Italian class, and seven years later, brought their relationship full circle, by tying the knot where it all began! Guests came from as far away as Caracas, Venezuela, where the bride spent much of her childhood, so incorporating elements that reflected her background was important to her.  Chocolate bon bons, hand carried from Venezuela by her Mother, served as the guest favor. A Latin salsa band delighted and entertained guests during the reception, and the evening was topped off with a custom called ‘cotillion’. Guests were invited to don feathered masks, top hands, shake maracas, blow horns and join the conga line in this custom that feels like a combination of Mardi Gras, New Years Eve and a Masquerade Ball!


Tina’s clutch was embroidered with her new married name, and wedding date – what an amazing keepsake! I absolutely adored it!

This bench on campus was where Tina and James shared their first kiss! They spent a few quiet moments there before the ceremony.

Just before it was time to go to the Basilica to await the ceremony – the skies opened up!! James, with an assist from a couple of his groomsmen, made sure Tina got to the church safe and dry!

Tina, in her cotillion mask and…..

more cotillion shenanigans!!

I met today with Meghan Phillips who is sales manager for 4 Marriott properties here in South Bend and Mishawaka. While we talked about those properties ( Courtyard, Spring Hill Estates and Residence Inn), I have to admit I had an ulterior motive. I’ve been trying to get accurate information about the hotels that are supposed to open up in the Eddy Street Commons, across from Notre Dame University. Without getting into the confusing world of hotel properties and their managing companies, I finally lucked out with Meghan, whose properties are managed by the same company that will manage the proposed hotels in the Eddy Street Commons.  Here is what she was able to tell me – there will be a Fairfield Inn & Suites, due to open in September 2010 and a full service Marriott, due to open in approximately 2 years (there is no guarantee on this time frame, however).  The Fairfield will have 200 + rooms. The Marriott will have a ballroom as well as meeting space.   While it is exciting to have not one but two hotels literally across the street from Notre Dame, there will also be a new venue for wedding receptions! For those of you who are planning on having your wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart some day, this is great news! Most of you, as well as your guests, will be coming into town from out of town, so this scenario will be ideal! You can host your wedding reception at the Marriott, and your guests can stay at one of the two properties, all within walking distance of the campus!