Sacrament of Matrimony

Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Ceremony

The Brick

Reception

Our Wedding

The Choir Couple

Truth be told, it is a miracle Sara and Teddy ever started dating, considering Sara wilfully ignored Teddy's initial attempts to become friends. Sara joined the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir her sophomore year, and Teddy was quickly smitten with the new soprano 2. Despite his desire to get to know her better, Sara remained aloof and was always "leaving early to study (sorry Teddy, Sara had to pass organic chemistry 2). Teddy lovingly remembers that one of his first attempts to talk with Sara involved her dismissing him with the words "your tie almost matches your shirt." Many group dinners after choir rehearsal and community board game nights later, Sara asked Teddy to watch Groundhog Day together for her theology homework (shoutout Fr. Kevin). Fast forward through movie nights, pool games, and choir concerts, Teddy and Sara decided to formally begin dating...five days before Teddy's graduation. Thus began a two year long distance relationship that augmented their love for each other even with thousands of miles between them (Teddy was in Salt Lake City, UT while Sara was completing her undergraduate degree at Notre Dame). During this time, Teddy and Sara saw each other in person for less than twenty days out of the year, instead learning quickly how to overcome communication challenges together. After her graduation, Sara moved to Rochester, Minnesota to pursue an M.D.-Ph.D. dual degree from the Mayo Clinic while Teddy found a teaching opportunity in Minneapolis to be closer to her. During this first year, Teddy and Sara were able to see each other every weekend (short distance is so much better!) and grow closer. Finally, after spending a year building their love and community in Minnesota, Teddy proposed to Sara during a family vacation in Florida (She said yes ❤️). In thanksgiving for their time with the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir and their time spent serving in the Basilica, Teddy and Sara decided to get married at Notre Dame. They are so thankful to everyone who has helped them on their journey in Christ together and ask for your prayers as they continue in this period of engagement!

Our Story

Photos

The bride's older sister Amy has always been a model of living life with a quiet joy.  Sara is incredibly thankful to have such a beautiful and uplifting woman as her matron of honor. She is the mother of flower girls Zelie and Lucia.

Amy Depew

As the older brother of Teddy, Simon has been a constant example throughout Teddy's life of faithfulness, maturity, and brilliance. Teddy is looking forward to having the taco-eating extraordinaire by his side.

Simon Whiteman

Roommates for two years at Notre Dame, no one knows Sara quite as well as Kate does. From late night philosophical discussions to Doctor Who marathons, Kate has been a quirky, intelligent, and dependable presence in Sara's life. Sara is excited to honor this friendship on the altar.

Kate Mealey

Sean is a close and long-time friend of Teddy, a relationship that began in the middle school chess club! From chess tournaments to boardgame nights and virtual D&D, he has always been a clear example of generosity and humility. Teddy is looking forward to having the fellow teacher and board game strategist at his wedding.

Sean Duda

Senior year roommates at Notre Dame, Addie and Sara met while singing in the Liturgical Choir. Aside from a ridiculously talented singing voice and penchant for talking in an Irish accent, Addie boasts a wicked sense of humor, professional baking skills, and a deep love for Christ. Sara is ecstatic to have her support on this momentous day.

Addie Clark

Daniel is a dear friend of Teddy. They initially met briefly as undergrads and solidified a friendship during their graduate studies in Echo and together in Salt Lake City. Teddy has loved their theologically rich conversations and debates, and is looking forward to having the master Balthasarian there on his special day.

Daniel Perez

Assigned to create a presentation about each other their freshman year at ND, Julia and Sara have stayed best friends (and roommates) ever since. Julia is a grounded, witty, and faithful friend who has modeled a life of virtue for Sara. Sara is grateful that she will have Julia as a role model on her wedding day.

Julia Elwell

Brian is one of Teddy's close friends, a relationship that began with computer games during middle school, developed throughout high school, and continues to grow even today. Teddy is excited to have the master financier and strategic wargame pro with him.

Brian Helfrich

Josie and Sara met in 2020 at Notre Dame. A joyful, caring, and spontaneous friend, Josie has always inspired Sara to dive deeper into every aspect of life, from faith to athletics. Sara is blessed to have Josie by her side as she enters the next chapter of her life.

Josie Ciaravino

Brendan is a long-time friend of Teddy, mostly through time spent playing board games and computer games (when not practicing his musical talent over the microphone). Teddy will look forward to having the legendary guitarman to support him on the altar.

Brendan Clyons

Elizabeth and Sara met in Air Force ROTC during their freshman year at Notre Dame and became fast friends. An avid adventurer and outdoorswoman, Elizabeth has accompanied and supported Sara figuratively and literally (on the Camino de Santiago!). Sara is glad that she has such a fierce and loyal friend to support her on the altar.

Elizabeth Van Caster

Matt and Teddy met at their dorm during their time in undergrad. Their relationship continued to bud through joint Avalon games, discussions on the famous 4th floor couch, and casual conversations at doom room doorsteps during the Covid Pandemic. Teddy is excited to have the faith-filled individual and animal lover with him.

Matt Gaborek

Wedding Party

We kindly ask that guests choose polished, classic looks that reflect the formality of this day and emphasize the significance of this event in our lives. A tuxedo is recommended for those who have one, and a dark, well-tailored suit with a dress shirt and tie is required. For women, we recommend a floor length dress.

Dress Code

Q + A

By Car

South Bend, Indiana, is easily accessible off of I-80/I-90 toll road for those driving from the West. For guests coming from Minnesota, continue on I-90/I-94 through Wisconsin and Chicago to get to South Bend. The average drive time from the Twin Cities is 8 hours, while the average time from Rochester is 7 hours.

By Plane

Those traveling by plane can either fly into Chicago (ORD or MDW) or directly into the South Bend Airport (SBN). If flying into Chicago, either take the South Shore line (from MDW) to South Bend, or rent a car for the 90 minute drive.

Lodging

We have reserved hotel blocks at the following hotels: Fairfield Inn and Suites, the Inn at Saint Mary's, and the Varsity Club. Additionally, for those looking for a convenient, high end hotel on Notre Dame's campus, we recommend the Morris Inn (although we do not have a wedding block here).

Minutes from Notre Dame campus and Stadium, the property is five miles from downtown South Bend. The Mishawaka River Walk is within 15 minutes, while downtown Chicago is under a two-hour drive. Enjoy the fitness center, indoor pool, and putting green.

Hilton Vacation Club Varsity Club South Bend, IN

This cozy inn features an extensive gym, free WiFi and rooms with a flat-screen TV. It is located on the Saint Mary’s College campus, adjacent to the University of Noter Dame. The elegant rooms are decorated in soft neutral colors. Each room offers a coffee maker and work desk. A comfortable seating area is also provided. Guests can relax in the sauna. The Inn at Saint Mary's offers free airport transportation to/from South Bend Regional Airport, 6 miles away. Inn at the Inn at Saint Mary's serves a hot breakfast buffet every morning and cocktails in The Exhale Lounge in the evening. The Potawatomi Zoo is 10 minutes away by car and Noter Dame Stadium is 2.3 miles away. Guests should not that this hotel requires that you call to make a reservation.

The Inn at Saint Mary's

Located within 2.9 miles of Bethel College and 15 miles of Midwest Museum of American Art, Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites South Bend at Notre Dame has rooms in South Bend. Featuring a fitness center, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom. The hotel has an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, rooms contain a desk. The rooms in Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites South Bend at Notre Dame are equipped with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or an American breakfast. Popular points of interest near Fairfield Inn &amp; Suites South Bend at Notre Dame include Notre Dame Stadium, University of Notre Dame and Compton Family Ice Arena. South Bend Regional Airport is 4.3 miles from the property.

Theodore & Sara

Theodore & Sara

Photos

March 25, 2022

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