An Over The Top Wedding...On Stage!

This week's article is a wedding story submitted by 2010 bride, Kristy Hronick. Enjoy the sophisticated details, intricate planning and amazing photographs! 

"We dreamed of having our wedding at the Basilica on Notre Dame's campus. The only date that was available for the summer was August 14. Unfortunately, the Palais Royale was booked. My mom was the one who had the brilliant idea to have the reception in the theatre.

Andy and I were both architecture majors at Notre Dame. The Morris Performing Arts Center, such a beautiful, historical jewel, seemed an appropriate venue for us. However, since graduation, I have been performing as a professional dancer.

I have danced with the Radio City Rockettes "Christmas Spectacular" tour, Disney's "Festival of the Lion King," the St. Louis Ballet Company (apprentice), the Goodman Theatre (in Chicago, IL), the Marriott Theatre (in Lincolnshire, IL), the Drury Lane Theatre (in Oakbrook, IL), the Muny (in St. Louis, MO), etc. The Morris Performing Arts Center seemed only natural to choose it as the place to have our wedding reception.

As our guests arrived at the Morris Performing Arts Center, they walked down a red carpet bearing our monogram and were greeted by a white-gloved doorman. They were ushered through the box office where they received their "ticket" in place of an escort card. The cocktail reception took place in the two-story lobby of the theatre. My husband and I arrived via horse and carriage. Four-tone chimes mimicking the end of intermission of a performance rang to signify the end of cocktail hour. The theatre doors simultaneously opened and the guests entered the theatre and took a seat in the audience, serenaded by the band positioned in the orchestra pit.

Andy and I were announced, and the curtain raised, revealing our reception and our wedding party who was standing on a platform/stairs at the back of the stage. We had our first dance in the spotlight center stage, almost floating on the smoke from dry ice that filled the stage. As our parents were introduced, the spotlight illuminated them sitting in the boxes. The wedding party was introduced and they walked down the stairs to join us dancing. The guests were then invited on stage to join us for dinner and dancing.

The dance floor was in the center of the stage, so that our guests had the feeling of being on stage in the spotlight with the band at their feet when the dancing began after dinner!"

 - Kristy Hronick, 2010 Bride