Alex and Carolynn wanted their wedding to feel classic, personal, and easy for guests. They also wanted it to feel like them, not like a cookie-cutter ballroom day. So they built a celebration that hit both.
Their Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame wedding was a one-stop-shop kind of day, which made planning smoother and made guest logistics way less stressful. Everything flowed in one place, and it gave them the freedom to focus on what mattered most, spending time together, keeping the vibe fun, and soaking up the night.
Why They Chose Embassy Suites Near Notre Dame
Carolynn said it best, they loved having a “one stop shop.” That mattered for planning, and it mattered for guests too. When ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are all in one location, nobody’s driving all over town or stressing about timelines. People can actually relax and be present.
It also gave them a clean, classic canvas for their black-and-gold vibe, with off-white accents to keep everything looking timeless instead of heavy.
Getting Ready With Inside Jokes And Soccer Stories
Carolynn’s bridal party dynamic was one of the coolest parts of the day, because everyone was truly friends. Sisters, bridesmaids, all in the same orbit, all with ten-plus years of history, and a ridiculous amount of inside jokes. Add in years of working at Martin’s together and you basically have unlimited story fuel.
Alex’s crew brought their own energy too. A bunch of soccer guys who love soccer, but not the same teams, so you know the debates were loud and passionate. They also had that “we’ve played together for years” kind of friendship, which always makes getting ready feel more like hanging out than posing.
First Look And Private Vows: The Real Core Of The Day
Alex and Carolynn chose a first look, and it wasn’t just for the schedule. This was the moment they were most excited about.
They wanted private vows and time alone together. That space in the day is everything, especially if you’re even a little shy. It turns the volume down, lets you breathe, and reminds you this wedding is about the two of you first.
Carolynn said that moment will stick with them forever, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. It’s the kind of memory you replay in your head years later.
An Unplugged Ceremony That Kept Everyone Fully Present
They went unplugged for the ceremony, which is always a win. It keeps phones out of the aisle, keeps guests actually watching instead of recording, and it makes the room feel more connected.
Their ceremony was straightforward and meaningful. Readings, vows, rings, and a short prayer. Nothing overcomplicated, just solid, intentional, and centered on what they were actually there for.
And the post-ceremony detail that made us laugh, when they exited the ballroom they were handed old fashioneds. That is such a strong “this is a party, welcome” move.
Handmade Details: 3D Printed Decor And Flowers Made From Books
If you want a wedding to feel personal, make stuff.
Carolynn and her bridal party created their decor, including 3D printed pieces and all the flowers made from books. That detail alone tells you everything about this day. Creative, hands-on, and built with intention. It also tied in perfectly with Carolynn’s whole “classic but kind of old-timey regal” inspiration, especially once her friends told her she looked like a fairy after she found the dress.
It wasn’t just pretty decor. It was the couple showing up in the details.
Reception Vibes: Glow Sticks And Going Full Send
They planned big foam glow sticks for the dance floor, which is one of those simple choices that instantly changes the energy of the room. The second those come out, people loosen up, the photos get more dynamic, and the party feels less like “formal wedding reception” and more like “our friends are about to go feral.”
They also had parent dances and speeches, and even though they didn’t have every detail locked in ahead of time, the day still flowed because the priorities were clear. Celebrate hard, stay present, and keep the focus on the experience.
The Moments They’ll Never Forget
Carolynn’s favorite part of the day was the nighttime rooftop shots, which tells you the vibe was immaculate once the sun went down. Rooftop portraits have this cinematic, end-of-the-night glow that just hits different, especially with a black-and-gold theme.
The biggest surprise was the cake cutting, because they 10000000% forgot about it. Which is honestly relatable. Even the best planned days have one “oh yeah, that’s a thing” moment, and it always ends up being funny later.
Then there was the alley aquavit situation, with her family pouring shots for everyone like it was a secret side quest. That is the kind of moment you cannot script and absolutely should not try to.
Quick Planning Tips If You Want This Kind Of Wedding Day
If you’re planning a ballroom wedding but want it to feel personal, pick one major handmade element and commit to it. Book-flower arrangements and custom decor instantly make the day feel like you.
If you’re shy, schedule private vows or a quiet moment together. It changes the entire experience and it helps the rest of the day feel calmer.
If you’re worried about the timeline running smoothly, build in buffer time and let your vendors guide the flow. Carolynn said being flexible and going with the flow made a huge difference.
And if you want the dance floor packed, give people a prop. Glow sticks are chaos in the best way.
Alex & Carolynn’s Wedding Day Vendors
Photography: @WestleyLeonStudios // Venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame // Officiant: Fr. Ted Stanley // Rings: Athens Jewelers (Carolynn) // Carolynn’s Dress: Here Comes the Dress (Justin Alexander) // Alex’s Attire: Louie’s Tux Shop (Kenneth Cole) // Hair: Salon Nouveau // Makeup: Ulta // Florals: Carolynn & bridal party (book flowers) // Cake: C’Est La Vie // Stationery: The Knot // DJ: South Bend Premier // Catering: Embassy Suites
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