I set out to curate a selection of favorites from Anna and Steven’s Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding, but the task proved impossible—every frame feels essential. From the early morning anticipation to the last song of the night, their day unfolded like a story too rich to summarize. A celebration in every sense of the word.

A few frames will only make sense to those who were there. After all, isn’t that half of the magic of photographs?! After over 18 months of planning, every moment felt intentional and deeply meaningful.

My hope is that in sharing these photos, you can feel just how beautiful, fun, and heartfelt this Saint Mary’s College wedding truly was. It was the kind of day that reminds me why I love photographing love stories here in South Bend.

The Details, Getting Ready, & a First Look at The Grotto at Notre Dame

The morning of Anna and Steven’s Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding was calm, joyful, and full of anticipation. Anna got ready with a few of her closest people, sharing quiet laughter, reading a note from Steven, and savoring those final moments before stepping into her strapless Mira Couture gown by Martina Liana. It had a the most beautiful elegant bow detail on the back. I always say I help 99% of my brides into their dresses (bless the moms who forget their glasses), but it’s a moment I truly love. There’s something so special about helping a bride take that final breath before it all begins.

Steven got ready nearby with his groomsmen before meeting Anna for their first look at Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Surrounded by ivy-covered stone and soft candlelight, the moment she saw him felt electric. One of those fleeting seconds that feels like time stands still. And just when it couldn’t get sweeter, their dog Riggins trotted in for a few photos, tail wagging and bowtie perfectly in place!

Many of these images were captured on film, with a few digital frames sprinkled in. The softness and depth of film perfectly reflected the emotion of this Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding morning—honest, intentional, and full of heart.

First Look With Bridesmaids & Wedding Party Photos

One of my favorite parts of this Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding was Anna’s first look with her bridesmaids. She crossed the bridge surrounded by summer greenery, and the second her friends saw her, the excitement was contagious. The laughter, the tears, the pure joy. It was such a heartfelt moment to witness. I highly recommend a first look with your ladies!

Her bridesmaids wore a mix of soft pinks, blues, and floral prints. It couldn’t have been more perfect for a summer wedding. The color palette added the dreamiest pop of color against the lush landscape.

Steven’s groomsmen kept things classic in black tuxedos with bowties. It was a choice that perfectly complemented the elegance of the day. The entire wedding party brought the best energy—fun, relaxed, and full of love for Anna and Steven.

Saint Mary’s Notre Dame Wedding Ceremony at Holy Spirit Chapel

There’s something so beautiful about wedding ceremonies inside Holy Spirit Chapel. The soft glow from the stained glass, the vaulted dark wood ceilings, and the white marble altar make it one of my favorite spaces to photograph on the Saint Mary’s College campus. Anna and Steven’s Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding felt deeply reverent yet joy-filled—a blend of quiet emotion and celebration.

As they exited the church, their guests greeted them with a petal toss that perfectly closed out the ceremony. It was full of pure laughter, movement, and that just-married glow that radiated from them both. Proof that you just can’t go wrong with a petal toss for your exit!

Cocktail Hour & A Summer Tented Wedding Reception at Saint Mary’s College

The reception took place just behind Le Mans Hall—a perfect backdrop for an elegant outdoor celebration that still felt intimate. Guests kicked off cocktail hour with handcrafted espresso drinks from Clique Coffee Catering, featuring a “Just Married” coffee bar setup that fit Anna and Steven’s classic-meets-modern aesthetic perfectly.

Under the sailcloth tent, every detail worked in harmony—soft greenery, flickering candles, and elegant white florals by LB Floristry. The seating chart welcomed guests with the words “meet me under the disco ball”. Inside the tent, a checkerboard dance floor, lush tablescapes, and hanging disco balls created the most inviting atmosphere. It was exactly what you’d hope for in a Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding reception!

Dinner was served beneath glowing lights and greenery. The evening continued with music by The DJ Firm’s DJ Daily, who kept the dance floor full all night long. Anna and Steven really cared about the energy of their reception, making sure everyone was pulled out to dance and celebrate with them. It truly felt like a reflection of their joy!

As the night went on, Anna surprised everyone with a chic dress change. She stunned in a short, sparkly gown paired with her cathedral-length veil. It couldn’t have been more perfect for the dance floor! The night closed out surrounded by laughter, candlelight, and the kind of happiness that makes this job so special.

Why I Love Photographing Saint Mary’s and Notre Dame Weddings

Weddings at Notre Dame and Saint Mary’s College have a way of feeling both grand and deeply personal. The architecture, the chapel light streaming through stained glass, the sprawling green spaces—it all comes together to create a setting that’s as breathtaking as it is meaningful. Every Saint Mary’s Notre Dame wedding feels like an opportunity to tell a story that could only happen here.

What draws me most to these wedding days is the balance between beauty and authenticity. My photography style leans into that. It’s creative and heartfelt, focusing on genuine connection while capturing the refined details that make each day feel extraordinary. I want your photos to reflect who you are, not just how everything looked.

If you’re planning a wedding at Notre Dame or Saint Mary’s College, I’d be honored to document it for you. You can learn more about me here, or if you feel like we’d be the perfect fit, inquire here to get started.

And if you loved this celebration, take a look at the Deely’s Colorful Notre Dame Wedding in South Bend, IN for more inspiration. To see more weddings outside of Notre Dame, take a peek at the blog.

Love From Anna & Steven:

“Cynthia was an absolute pleasure to work with! She has such a calm, easy-going presence that instantly put my husband and me at ease. Something we especially appreciated during the emotional moments of our big day. Even when we fell behind schedule and I worried we wouldn’t have enough time for photos, Cynthia reassured me we’d get plenty. She was absolutely right!! She managed to capture so many beautiful moments, some of which I had no idea she was even photographing, making the whole experience feel so natural.

We recently received our wedding album, and we are truly in awe of Cynthia’s artistry and talent. Her ability to tell our story through photos is unmatched. She goes above and beyond, not only on the wedding day itself, but also in the months leading up to it. She made sure every detail was perfect. We couldn’t be more grateful to have had her capture our day!!”

Cynthia Mae Photo | Notre Dame Wedding Photographer

Vendors:

Photography: Cynthia Mae Photo
Florals: LB Floristry
Cake: C’est La Vie Cakes
Band: The DJ Firm – DJ Daily
HAMU: Ronnie Wozniak & Pop & Coh
Dress: Mira Couture by Martina Liana
Bridesmaids: Billy J Boutique
Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse
Rentals: Burns Special Events
Espresso Bar: Clique Coffee Catering