The Wedding Story of... Sarah & Brian Nicholson

While both attending the University of Notre Dame, Sarah TeBeest and Brian Nicholson potentially crossed paths everyday. For three years, the two hung out with similar friends, went to the same places, and took up boxing, a sport they are both passionate about.  But it wasn’t until they were both living in Washington, D.C. that stars aligned and the two finally connected.  

 

 

 

 

 

After graduating from Notre Dame Law School, Brian ended up at a large firm in D.C.  Outside of work, he spent time mentoring students at St. Albans School.  One day, Brian and a few mentees were on Facebook and happened upon Sarah’s profile in the “People you may know” column. Surprised by all the mutual friends the two had, Brian was dared by one of the students to friend request the pretty blonde, who was also now living in D.C.   

 

Sarah, delayed in Cincinnati airport after a recruiting trip to Notre Dame, thought what better way to pass the time than to get to know the Facebook stranger.  After a long phone conversation, the two agreed to meet up for a drink that night. The drink turned into dinner, and while Sarah was initially skeptical, Brian pursued her over the next three weeks. His hard work definitely paid off and the two became an official couple. 

 

 

 

 

Three months after that first dinner, the two faced the arduous challenge of a long distance relationship as Brian joined the Army JAG Corps. Months were spent traveling to and from D.C., Charlottesville, VA, Ft. Benning, GA , and Ft. Hood, TX, before Brian eventually left for a year-long deployment to Iraq. 

 

Prior to his deployment, Brian had two weeks of leave over the holidays to spend time with his family and friends.  While in D.C. on New Years Eve 2009, Sarah and Brian spent the especially cold afternoon walking around the National Mall.  “When we were on our way back home, Brian suddenly said ‘Oh my gosh, I think I dropped my cell phone,’” Sarah recalls. Cold and frustrated, Sarah helped Brian trace back their steps towards the Washington Monument.  As they approached the base, Brian stopped and confessed to Sarah that he did not lose his phone, rather, he brought her there to ask her something.  Brian then handed Sarah a hand written wax sealed letter which said “I love you with all of my heart. You are lovingly invited to an adventure. The adventure will take place in many locations and will last for the rest of our lives. I hope you will accept.” Sarah looked up from reading and Brian was down on one knee, holding a ring. 

 

Before Brian deployed the couple decided that Notre Dame was definitely the place where they wanted to have their wedding ceremony.  Sarah, along with a large contingent of friends and family, made hundreds of phone calls on Basilica Monday, until Sarah finally got through and was able to secure the summer date she and Brian had hoped for.  With the date locked, the real planning began. “It was definitely challenging and chaotic at times, especially with Brian gone. Planning was a bit more challenging, but we both knew we would get through it and the wedding would be amazing,” Sarah explains. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months after his safe return from Iraq, Brian and Sarah returned to their alma mater and became husband and wife. A memorable part of the day for both was returning to the boxing room at Notre Dame to capture some memorable photos in the ring.  “Taking pictures there was a reminder of our mutual love for boxing, charity, and for Notre Dame,” Sarah says.  

 

Their formal church ceremony at the Basilica was followed by a reception at the new Club Naimoli on campus. Overlooking the basketball court, the room’s décor included romantic candle lit tables with white linens and blue, purple and green floral arrangements.

 

Celebrating not only their marriage, but also Brian’s safe return from Iraq, the newlyweds, along with 130 of their closest family and friends created memories for a lifetime.