Justin & Blair: Wedding

I’d been eagerly anticipating this wedding for almost a year, but Justin and Blair had been for thirteen years. Thirteen! These high school sweet hearts waited through three different schools, big moves, and endless weekends of tailgating to finally get to their big day. Justin and Blair married at Notre Dame University, their alma mater, and home of many of their happiest and warmest memories. They made friends there. They got to know each other better there. They became adults there. It was such a fitting place for Justin and Blair to begin their marriage. To them, Notre Dame will always be one of their homes. I personally think that Notre Dame should be more proud of them than they are of it. These two kind hearted people are both public servants and their generosity of spirit is blatantly obvious. They both love freely and deeply. The combination of these two is going to be a potent force for good in the world. I can’t say enough nice things about this couple. I’d run out of words.

Take a look at Justin and Blair’s beautiful wedding at Notre Dame:

Shooting at the Basillica is challenging because they have very strict rules for photographers. I enjoyed the challenge though. I like feeling like a spy as I lurk through a church hoping a priest won’t catch me and kick me out. I really don’t mind rules for a venue this beautiful either. I understand that it’s a sacred place and it’s not about me. I LOVED shooting here.

This was a pretty epic first kiss. Justin picked up Blair and squeezed her so hard I thought she might pop. They’re so adorable!

My favorite part of this photo? The paparazzi!! I think every guest at this wedding had a camera with them. Blair and Justin must be popular people!

These groomsmen were really funny. They actually requested to pose like a boy band. They did all of the arranging themselves. Love it!

I think you know that if you’re at Notre Dame, you kinda sorta have’ta stop over here. Library- Touch Down Jesus, Tomato- Tomahto…

I really enjoyed these lovely ladies. Blair, you have fantastic friends!

Blair sportingly walked all over campus in those faaaaaaabulous pink shoes. Between the heat, the distance, and the shoes, I feel like she and Justin worked harder than any other couple I’ve ever shot. I really appreciate how much they did for me to be able to get great shots. It was in the mid 90′s and humid, but Justin didn’t complain once about being hot in that tuxedo. I guess being a fireman conditioned him for that sort of heat.

And speaking of heat… hot, Hot, HOT!

Justin and Blair’s reception was at Club Naimoli, which overlooks the basketball court in the Joyce center on one side and overlooks the campus with huge picture windows on the other side. It’s a gorgeous location!

As soon as Justin and Blair were introduced they took to the dance floor and did a choreographed dance. It was great!

The best man’s toast had the entire room in stitches, but it was also warm and sweet. While mom and Stephanie weren’t quite as funny, they managed to make a few people tear up. Great speeches all around!

Blair had an alternative date for whenever Justin was busy with guests. This little guy cried a couple times when Blair had to set him down and dance with other people. It was so cute!

I can neither confirm nor deny that the bouquet toss was rigged. I’ll let you judge for yourself.

Congratulations Justin and Blair on the beginning of your marriage. Your wedding was beautiful! Thanks so much for letting me be part of such an awesome day!!