There are weddings that feel beautiful—and then there are weddings that feel deeply grounded in something greater than themselves. Michaela and George’s October celebration at Basilica of the Sacred Heart was exactly that: reverent, intentional, and overflowing with meaning.
Surrounded by fiery autumn color on the campus of University of Notre Dame, the couple exchanged vows beneath soaring painted ceilings and golden light in one of the most iconic Catholic churches in the country. Every detail reflected the life they were building together—one rooted in faith, sacrificial love, and deep devotion to family and community.
After a candlelit celebration of the Mass, guests gathered at Palais Royale for an elegant reception that blended timeless style with joyful celebration. From Michaela’s custom lace-sleeved Monique Lhuillier gown to the rich fall foliage framing the campus, the entire day carried a cinematic sense of warmth and reverence.
“Life is hard, but love is what makes it worthwhile.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
In February 2023, we met while stationed at Camp Pendleton as U.S. Marine Corps officers.
We actually met in the elevator of the apartment complex we both had just moved into—we literally lived down the hall from each other.
George is 6’6”, so Michaela definitely noticed how tall he was immediately. But beyond that, we both found each other smart, funny, and incredibly attractive. Honestly, after the first date, we both knew this was it.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
George’s tuxedo almost didn’t make it to the wedding.
When we flew into South Bend before the wedding week, we loaded our luggage into the rental car, unknowingly placing George’s tuxedo garment bag too close to the edge of the trunk. Somewhere while driving away from the airport, the tailgate popped open and the tuxedo flew out onto the road.
We only realized it was missing once we got to the Morris Inn. George and my dad immediately drove back while calling the police, and when they arrived at the airport there was literally a police car waiting “at the scene of the crime.”
The tuxedo bag had clearly been run over several times and was soaking wet—but somehow the tuxedo itself survived with only minimal damage. After an emergency dry cleaning appointment, George wore it perfectly on our wedding day.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Just months before the wedding, we moved across the country from Southern California to Washington, D.C. for a new job opportunity.
By July, we had both started new jobs while simultaneously planning the wedding and adjusting to an entirely new city and lifestyle. It was a season full of transition and pressure, but also one that brought a lot of excitement and growth for us together.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Our shared Catholic faith shaped every part of the day.
Celebrating a Nuptial Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart felt especially meaningful because so many generations of our families have centered their marriages around the sacrament. George grew up watching Notre Dame football with his father, a lifelong fan who instilled in him a love for the university long before we would one day marry there.
Family was also physically woven throughout the celebration. Michaela comes from a family of seven children, so our wedding party included siblings, cousins, and lifelong friends standing beside us at the altar. Being surrounded by so much family felt like one of the greatest gifts of the day.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
Without question, the Mass itself.
As Catholics, we believe no true celebration is complete without the Eucharist. Standing together at the altar and entering into the sacrament of Matrimony within the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was the heart of the entire day.
Sharing the Eucharist alongside our family and closest friends made the experience feel even more profound.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the importance of giving one another the benefit of the doubt.
Very rarely does someone say something hurtful with the intention of causing pain—especially within marriage. Assuming the best intentions behind each other’s words has helped us navigate difficult conversations with far more grace and understanding.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
George loves Michaela’s sacrificial love for others—her instinct to care for people before herself and the way she consistently shows up for those she loves.
And Michaela admires George’s genuine kindness and inclusivity. Coming from a large family with many personalities, she’s constantly amazed by his ability to make everyone feel welcomed, valued, and deeply loved.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
For Michaela, choosing the wedding dress was unforgettable. For George, it was definitely the food.
But together, our favorite memories were the quiet moments in between—sitting on the couch in our new apartment in D.C., grabbing coffee from a local café, planning wedding details together before wandering off for oysters and lobster rolls afterward.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Never hesitate to remind your spouse of the qualities you cherish in them.
Life moves quickly, and difficult moments can make it easy to lose sight of each other. Sometimes the simplest reminder—that you see the goodness in them and value who they are—can bring someone back to themselves and strengthen your relationship in ways you don’t realize.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is not hard. Life is hard.
Too often those two things are confused with one another. Since getting married, we’ve faced some of the hardest moments of our lives—but through all of it, we’ve realized that love is what makes the difficult parts of life worthwhile.
Photography: Cat Alkire Photography / @catalkirephoto
Ceremony Venue: Basilica of the Sacred Heart / @ndbasilica
Reception Venue: Palais Royale / @palais.royale
Getting Ready: Morris Inn / @themorrisinn
Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Downes Club
Florals & Planning: Merry Me Events / @merrymeevents
Band: David Rothstein Music / @davidrothsteinmusic
Videographer: LEAP Videography / @leapweddings
Catering, Bar & Beverage: Navarre Catering / @navarrecateringandevents
Hair & Makeup: Beauty & Bliss / @beautyandblissonsite
Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses: Monique Lhuillier / @moniquelhuillier
Bagpiper: David Younger / @ndbagpiper
Transportation: Royal Excursion / @royalexcursion
Transportation: DW Luxury Transportation / @dw.luxury
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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