An Elegant and Romantic South Bend, Indiana Celebration: The Real Wedding of Brianna and Colton Davis

Though they never dated in college, that is where Brianna and Colton met. They shared mutual friends and often found themselves hanging out together. Colton moved to Chicago right after graduation, and Brianna moved there shortly after. Friends continued to ask why they didn't date, so they took the leap and dated for seven years before Colton proposed. Only eight days after their dog had surgery, Notre Dame played USC, and Colton asked Brianna to go walk around the lakes on campus beforehand to get their minds off their dog. Brianna left the house in a hurry without even putting makeup on! They stopped to take a photo where you can see both the Golden Dome and Basilica. When Brianna turned around, Colton was on one knee. Brianna was so shocked!
 

It took a couple of tries for Brianna to be successful in her dress hunt. "I found my dress at the third store I went to," Brianna shares. "I wanted something classic (surprise, surprise) with a modern element. Nothing was hitting the mark." The stylist at her third shop provided a ruffled and sparkly gown that Brianna immediately said no to. After much urging from the stylist, Brianna tried the dress on. As she saw herself in it, the dress started to grow on her. When she tried it on for the third time, she finally realized it was the dress for her! We think she looks absolutely stunning in it!
 

"I knew I wanted the wedding to be in 2022, so I hopped on the planning train quick. I knew I wanted the wedding to be romantic and timeless but didn’t exactly have a vision. I really investigated wedding blogs and magazines, of course WeddingDay Chicago and Indiana," Brianna gushes. Though her original idea involved deep moody tones since her wedding was going to be in October, Brianna quickly shifted gears to a softer palette. When thinking about the way her wedding and reception would look, she kept envisioning a warm glow, which led her down the path of whites, neutrals and plenty of candles to light the space!
 

Since she lives in such a high-demand wedding area, she was almost certain there would be difficulties getting the vendors she wanted. However, they all seemed to have openings on her day! The ballroom at their reception venue was turned into a romantic and elegant scene. The decorative table linens with the shining candleholders and centerpieces are so classic and glowy. We love the votives that illuminate the cake as well! Along with some top notch vendors, Brianna was able to book a hairstylist she already has some memories with. "I am a very sentimental person. For hair, I really wanted my hairdresser that did my first winter dance up-do. I knew she didn’t do as many weddings, but I just had to ask. She said 'yes' and it was so special that we have known each other all those years and she did my hair for big moments and was able to do my wedding hair," Brianna raves.
 

 

What We Love

Brianna and Colton incorporated some special touches to their big day like including Walter, their beloved dog, on koozies and napkins. They also chose to sing the Notre Dame Alma Mater instead of Ave Maria during their ceremony, and it was cool to see their friends and family singing along with them on their big day. Unfortunately, Brianna's grandfather passed away this summer, but Brianna's family found a way to make him a part of their celebration still. "My family had a little glass memorial made with his face etched in it that lit up, and they put him at the table with them. I cried like a baby after I saw it, but I truly felt his presence and was so happy my parents did that," Brianna admits.
 

 

Advice from the Couple

Brianna and Colton advise, "Definitely take your honeymoon or a mini-moon right after the wedding. We went to work and are taking the honeymoon later. We both agree we wished we had a few more days just to ourselves. Another thing is invest in your photographer. I know it’s expensive but these are photos you will have forever, and they are so talented and catch the joy of your people. Get a day-of coordinator. I thought I could do it all, but on the day of, Elena was truly a saint. You should not have to worry about a thing on your wedding day. DRINK WATER. I had a little water bottle up on the alter with me and I seriously needed it. All those eyes on you and being in a hot church can be uncomfortable. That little sip of water throughout mass saved me."
 

 

 

 

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