Taylor and Urban’s summer wedding was colorful, joyful, and full of so many personal touches. From their ceremony at St. Monica Catholic Church to portraits around Notre Dame and a celebration at the historic Palais Royale, their day felt sweet, relaxed, and completely them.
Bright wildflower-inspired florals filled the day with shades of pink, blue, lavender, coral, and green, while the bridesmaids wore a mix of pastel dresses that brought all of those colors together. And, of course, one very important member of the family made an appearance after Mass: Taylor and Urban’s golden retriever, Finn.
A Love Story That Started With a Blind Date
Taylor and Urban’s story began thanks to Taylor’s friend and bridesmaid, Kelsey, who introduced the two on a blind date.
That introduction eventually led them here, surrounded by the people they love most and celebrating the beginning of their marriage on a beautiful August afternoon.
The morning started with Taylor and her bridesmaids getting ready while I photographed all of the colorful details she had chosen for the day. Her Maggie Sottero gown was classic and romantic, paired with pearl-detailed shoes and a loose, garden-inspired bouquet filled with some of the prettiest summer flowers.
Meanwhile, Urban spent the morning getting ready with his family, friends, and Finn nearby before everyone headed to the church.
A Catholic Wedding Ceremony at St. Monica
Taylor and Urban celebrated the Sacrament of Matrimony at St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka, one of my favorite Catholic churches in the South Bend area and a place that is especially meaningful to me personally.
St. Monica is my own parish, the church where I received my First Communion and Confirmation, and the same church where my parents were married 51 years ago. Getting to document another couple beginning their marriage here is something I never take for granted.
Taylor walked down the aisle with her dad before joining Urban at the altar for their Catholic wedding Mass. From Urban’s reaction as he saw Taylor to the quiet moments during the Eucharist, their ceremony was filled with both joy and reverence.
After Mass, we stepped outside for one more very important set of photographs when Finn joined the newlyweds. He was clearly thrilled to see them and made himself right at home in the wedding portraits.
Colorful Summer Wedding Portraits at Notre Dame
After leaving St. Monica, we headed to the University of Notre Dame for wedding party and newlywed portraits.
The colorful bouquets and mix of pastel bridesmaid dresses looked especially beautiful against the greenery around campus. Rather than choosing one matching bridesmaid dress, Taylor’s bridesmaids wore different colors, textures, and silhouettes in shades of pink, lavender, blue, and green. The result felt playful and perfectly suited to the wildflower-inspired florals.
Once we finished with the wedding party, I spent some time walking around campus with Taylor and Urban for their portraits together. The summer greenery gave us plenty of beautiful shaded locations before finishing with one of the most iconic Notre Dame views: the Golden Dome.
A Palais Royale Wedding Reception
The celebration continued at the Palais Royale in downtown South Bend.
Inside, the colorful garden-inspired design carried into the reception. Wildflower arrangements filled the tables alongside blue taper candles and glowing candlelight, while an incredible floral installation surrounded Taylor and Urban’s sweetheart table.
Before guests arrived, we also took advantage of the Palais itself for a few portraits. Its historic architecture, chandeliers, marble, and dramatic ballroom gave us something completely different from the bright outdoor portraits earlier in the day.
Once the reception began, Taylor and Urban made their entrance and the party never really slowed down.
The dance floor filled quickly, and by the end of the night there were light sticks in the air, Taylor and Urban being lifted above the crowd, and plenty of moments that felt exactly like a wedding reception should: a little chaotic, completely joyful, and surrounded by the people who love them.
Taylor and Urban, thank you for letting me photograph such a beautiful day. Congratulations to you both!
VENDORS
Photographer: Cat Alkire | Ceremony Venue: St. Monica Church | Reception Venue: Palais Royale | Florist: Poppies | Stationery: Minted | DJ/Band: DJ Sticky Boots | Catering: Navarre Catering | Hair & Makeup: Black Swan Beauty | Cake/Bakery: Costco | Wedding Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero Designs | Wedding Dress Purchased At: Dearly Beloved | Tux: Men’s Wearhouse | Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie, Birdy Grey, Dessy Group, Baltic Born, Revolve | Rings: Matthew Jewelers, GLDN
Planning a Wedding in South Bend, Indiana?
South Bend is home to so many beautiful Catholic churches, historic reception venues, and incredible locations for wedding portraits. After photographing weddings throughout the area for more than 15 years, it is always such a joy helping my couples create a wedding-day timeline that allows them to enjoy their day while still making time for beautiful, timeless photographs.
If you are planning a wedding at St. Monica Catholic Church, the Palais Royale, Notre Dame, or another venue in the South Bend area, you can learn more about South Bend wedding photography and working with Cat Alkire Photography here.
You can also explore my guide to Catholic churches for weddings in the South Bend area as you plan your ceremony.
Planning your own South Bend or Catholic wedding? I would love to hear what you are dreaming up for your day. Get in touch to learn more about wedding photography and availability.
