There are some wedding days that stay with you—and Sophie and Nick’s Notre Dame wedding was one of them. From start to finish, the day was filled with joy, laughter, and the kind of love that’s impossible to forget. These two just fit—beautifully, effortlessly, and completely.

Their guests came from all over the country to celebrate, which says a lot about who they are as a couple. Being there to document it all reminded me exactly why I do this work. While words will never fully capture how special it was, I hope these photos offer a glimpse into the magic we all felt that day.

The Details & Getting Ready for a Notre Dame Wedding

Sophie and Nick got ready separately, surrounded by their favorite people and so much anticipation. Sophie wore a stunning Elenora Bridal Dress by Emilia Wickstead with a sweetheart neckline paired with soft glam and the kind of smile that lit up every room she stepped into. Her morning felt calm, joy-filled, and incredibly grounded in the love of her girls.

Nick kept things classic in a black tux and bow tie, looking effortlessly sharp as he shared laughs with his groomsmen. A gold Notre Dame football even made an appearance—because what’s a Notre Dame wedding without a little campus pride? From meaningful moments with family to the personal touches woven into every detail, it was a morning that set the tone for a truly unforgettable day.

The Deelys’ Notre Dame Basilica Wedding Ceremony

Sophie and Nick’s Notre Dame wedding ceremony took place inside the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacred Heart. It was gorgeous with it’s golden light, towering ceilings, and all. Before the ceremony began, the groomsmen gathered for portraits outside while Sophie made her way to the chapel doors, surrounded by her girls and soaking in those final pre-aisle moments. One of the sweetest was her dad waiting inside with open arms, ready to walk her down the aisle.

The ceremony itself was full of emotion and reverence. From their hand-in-hand vows to the quiet glances exchanged during the Eucharist, everything felt intentional and sacred. You could feel the excitement as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife. It was truly an unforgettable moment surrounded by love, faith, and the most joyful crowd!

Notre Dame Wedding Party Photos & Romantic Portraits of the Bride and Groom

After the ceremony, we stepped outside into the warmest spring light—ready for portraits that felt just as joyful and grounded as the couple themselves. The Notre Dame campus was glowing, with the perfect blend of natural beauty and historic charm. Between the wisteria vines, grand arches, and tree-lined paths, every corner felt romantic.

The wedding party added so much fun to this part of the day. Classic black tuxes, soft pink dresses, and the biggest smiles all around—it was the best kind of energy.

Sophie and Nick made time for just the two of them, wandering hand in hand beneath the trees and laughing between shots. These portraits were soft, sentimental, and totally them—equal parts elegant and relaxed. The stunning grounds at Notre Dame gave us a backdrop that felt both peaceful and full of story—like the kind of place where love just lingers.

A Joyful Wedding Reception at The Morris Estate

After their ceremony, Sophie and Nick took time to mingle with guests during cocktail hour, soaking in every hug, laugh, and clink of glasses. You could feel how loved they are by every single person in the room.

Once the reception began, the energy shifted from heartfelt to full-on celebration. They danced, laughed, and stayed fully in the moment with the people who mean the most to them. It was the kind of night that felt so joyful. There were no forced moments, just genuine connection.

Couples like this remind me why I do what I do. If you care more about being present than perfect, and want photos that reflect that, I’d be so honored to document your day too.

Why Notre Dame Weddings Will Never Get Old

The quiet stillness, the golden light, the way the ivy wraps around every arch. It all comes together to create something that just feels special. Notre Dame isn’t just a backdrop. It’s part of the story. If you’re planning a wedding here and want photos that capture all the emotion and beauty of the day, I’d love to hear from you.

Want to see if we’re the right fit? You can learn more about me here and explore what the wedding experience with me looks like. If I sound like the Notre Dame wedding photographer for you, I’d love to connect. And if you’re still in the inspiration stage, feel free to browse more real wedding stories on the blog!

Love From Sophie & Nick:

“Choosing Cynthia as our wedding photographer may have been the best decision we made among all of our wedding plans. She is an absolute joy to work with and her work speaks for itself – stunning, real, and inspired. Her level of care and close attention to detail were apparent from the start. She sought to learn all about our excitements and concerns for the big day – any and all details so that she could bring our vision to life in photos. Her system to collect information and document plans was streamlined, professional, and made collaboration easy.

At the same time, she was only a text message away. At any stage where I felt stuck with our timeline or overwhelmed, Cynthia was ready to jump on the phone and talk me through it. I felt like I had a friend coaching me through – a friend who knows weddings like the back of her hand. More than anything, photo shoots with Cynthia were so fun. From the engagement photo shoot to wedding day portraits, our time with Cynthia was so enjoyable – a time where we got to be together, laugh, and celebrate the moment. And I can’t even begin to describe how beautifully the moments were captured. The small details, the candid memories, everything.

Thank you Cynthia! With love, Sophie and Nick Deely”

Cynthia Mae Photo | South Bend Wedding Photographer

Wedding Vendors:

Photography: Cynthia Mae
Florals: Cherry Road Florals
Ceremony: Notre Dame Basilica
Reception Venue: The Morris Estate
Cake: Black Currant Bakehouse
DJ: EA Pro
Makeup: Artistry by Tay
Hair: Girl On The Glow LLC
Dress Designer: Emilia Wickstead