A Wedding Weekend at Notre Dame!

Two of my dear friends, Jon and Sarah, got married over the weekend at The University of Notre Dame.  ND holds such a special place in my heart; I attended Saint Mary's College (across the street) and my husband attended Notre Dame. The Basilica, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Sarah was absolutely radiant, and I've never seen Jon happier. Thank you so much for including us in your day!

Paparazzi shots, courtesy of Mike. haha! 

The inside of the Basilica at Notre Dame-- it's so ornate and gorgeous.

Any time I've attended mass at the Basilica, I have to remind myself to stay focused on the homily and to not just stare at the gorgeous ceiling and architecture! But it was easy to stay engaged at Jon and Sarah's wedding; their priest was AMAZING! He was married for 45 years, has 5 kids and 15 grandkids-- after his wife passed, he became a priest. What incredible life experience! And, he was hilarious! Everything about their mass (and wedding!) was perfect. 

Mike is getting very good with the new cam! The exterior of the Basilica.

My dress comes in 11 colors! 

The back was TO DIE FOR!  

Find it here. My color was Crimson. 

The front! Haha. I hope this isn't really how I look when I dance! However, Sarah and Jon's playlist was the best! So many Backer songs (for all you Belles and Domers, "Africa" by Toto was one of the first songs!) 

Lips: MAC, Brave Red

Maria opted for Rent the Runway and looked absolutely fabulous!

Find her dress here. Maria loved the dress she rented so much that she is actually going to rent it again for New Year's Eve! 

Maria's lip color: MAC Diva. 

Maria's bracelet: mine from Fran's wedding! But here is an equally adorable one. 

Maria and Kevin looking fancy and dapper outside the Dome.

Maria's shoes: black glitter pumps!

Maria's chain link clutch: similar here. 

Earrings: on Maria (old Ann Taylor), similar here. 

Mine, old Macy's, similar here. 

Since we both wore lace dresses, we avoided necklaces, and we instead chose ornate chandelier earrings and stacked several bling-y bracelets. 

I loved the fit of this $98 B.B. Dakota stunner. 

I ordered it online from Nordstroms, and it fit perfectly. I will say, if you are between sizes, size down! It was better for me to go with the smaller size. (Also, the reviews confirm this!). 

My bracelet is old Ann Taylor (from my wedding, actually!), but here is a similar style. 

Shoes: my trusty BCBGeneration studded pumps!

I danced all night in these shoes without any pain. 

Also, no tights or coat in December in South Bend! It was 61! Crazy!

Selfie! Oh, my. Too close! haha!

Nails: OPI Edin-Burgandy (discontinued), but here is a similar OPI color! 

Our hotel room was our wedding date! 7-11!  Kismet? I think so. 

Purse: from Etsy. This shop owner is sooo talented and wonderful to work with! She makes different book clutches from several choices of novels. The books are actually the real texts! But she lacquers the sides, and cuts into the book to create a purse. It's phenomenal! The price is right, too, especially in comparison with the Kate Spade book clutches. 

I think I'm going to need to purchase this dress in more colors! I received so many kind compliments on it. Additionally, it was comfortable to the max. Fit and flare is the best style for me, and this dress exemplifies the fit and flare style.

Many congrats to Jon and Sarah!
xxoo
Mary