Posts Tagged ‘notre dame university’

Wedding in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, surrounded by the love of family and friends, was the perfect way for Molly and Mark to begin their married life. The reception that followed, at the Palais Royale in downtown South Bend, IN held delightful surprises as well as thoughtful details.  As I began the wedding planning process with Molly and her mother Kathleen, I knew I was in for something special – as it turns out, so were all of the guests who attended this magical celebration.

Much of the event’s design direction was lifted directly from the custom invitation’s colors and patterns.  We used the design motif from the patterned paper throughout the event, see if you can spot the various elements we used it on!

 

 

 

 

Molly and Mark chose to see each other before the ceremony, and where else would they meet, other than the Grotto, where they paused to light a candle together.

Spring flowers perfumed the aisle! These pew markers were later transferred to the Palais Royale and used on the back of the bridal party’s chairs – see a photo of this application below!

 

 

 

 

Guest tables were named for places that were significant landmarks around the Notre Dame campus – where it all began for them!!

 

 

In lieu of a favor, a charitable donation was made to the Center of Social Concerns, at the University of Notre Dame. We love the presentation! The guest napkin was fashioned into a rosette, with the  message printed on ‘leaves’.

This shelving unit served multiple purposes! It helped divide the cocktail space from the dining area, and held images of their parents, grandparents and great grandparents on their wedding days! On each side are the gowns that Molly and Marks mothers wore when they wed – I love this image of the bride and groom – Molly in her wedding gown, standing next to her mother’s wedding gown.

 

 

Re-purposed pew markers! Can’t you just smell the hyacinth? Nothing says spring like the scent of hyacinths!

 

 

At the end of the First Dance, the centerpieces exploded with fireworks, a surprise and tribute to the brides father, who, every fourth of July wonders why he isn’t arrested for the excessive fireworks display he puts on!

Guests were treated to a dessert buffet that tasted as delicious as it looked!!

Can you believe the amazing work on this cake? Taken directly from the paper used in the custom wedding invitation! Gorgeous!

Happily ever after starts now!!

Cyndi – XO

 

Our Vendors:

Ceremony – Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame

Reception – Palais Royale

Rehearsal Dinner – Club Namoli, University of Notre Dame

Wedding Planning & Design – Cynthia Basker, Celebrated Events

Floral & Decor - MichaelAngelos

Photography – Peter Thurin, Peter Thurin Photography

Cake & Dessert Buffet – Cakewalk

Papery – Cloud Nine Invitation Design, Emily Dionne Events and Nuptials

Ceremony music – Notre Dame Folk Choir

Reception music – Dennis Keith Band

Hair – Emerald Salon and Spa

Makeup – GabGlam

Photo Booth - Fun Zone Photo Booths

Transportation – Cardinal Buses

Farewell brunch – Hilton Garden Inn

Host hotels – Inn at Saint Mary’s, Hilton Garden Inn

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, for the wedding, 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!!

Our vendors:

Ceremony site: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame

Reception site: Palais Royale Ballroom, South Bend, IN

Floral/Decor: MichaelAngelos

Photography: Adam Novak Photography

Videography: Blink of an Eye Productions

Event Design & Coordination, Specialty Rentals: Celebrated Events

Paperie: Cloud Nine Invitation Design

Wedding Cake: Rascia’s Creative Cakes

Hair: Emerald Cut Salon and Spa/ Bridal Hair Stylist: Eric Woolridge

Makeup: Gabrielle Thompson/ GabGlam

Reception Entertainment:Rica Obsesion

Favor: La Praline Chocolatier, Caracas, Venezuela

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!