From Loretto to the Palais – The Burns Wedding!

From midday when I met up with Sam and his friends at lunch, till the end of the evening as we left them on the dance floor, the threads holding September 29th together were the smiles, laughs, and the soundless, breathless, bonds of Sam and Avery as they celebrated with their beloved.

Avery and company got dolled across town from Sam and the guys, and a busy morning gave way to a beautiful, emotional, and dynamic afternoon. The Loretto church at St. Mary’s is very pretty and quite unique. Especially cool was the fact that it’s circular and the ceremony was in the center, allowing for 360 degrees of views. With a beautiful pair of families, dazzling attendants, a gorgeous bride, and handsome groom, it was like a cherry on top to be able to capture it all without limitation. A perfect ceremony brought them to a kiss before their guests gave them an exuberant send-off!

We stole them away for some photos and before bringing them back for their grand introduction announcement from the balcony at the Palais! The reception brought some exceptional toasts, loads of well-wishing via a text-to-projector screen feature, and countless tears, laughs, smiles, and hugs. This is a very loved couple, so much was clear. There were certain moments between certain peoples that were nothing short of heart-melting. As I recall the day, I see many different stages and events, but each one is eclipsed completely by a single image printed upon my memory. Sam and Avery hold each other on that floor, sharing their first married dance steps, locked into a bubble of their own desire. They had made each other their home. And it was absolutely pure and beautiful, and we loved it.

“Hold on to me as we go
As we roll down this unfamiliar road
And Although this wave is stringing us along

Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m gonna to make this place your home

Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear
The trouble, it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home

Settle down, it’ll all be clear
Don’t pay no mind to the demons, they fill you with fear
The trouble, it might drag you down
If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone
‘Cause I’m gonna make this place your home “

“Home”, written by Drew Pearson and Greg Holden and sung by Phillip Phillips

For good luck and to symbolize their problems and worries floating away, they released sky lanterns into the night air over South Bend, capping a wonderful day with a magical night.

The photos tell the story beautifully, far better than any words I have offered here, but one last thing must be said before you begin that trip. In the course of 2012 we’ve gotten to be part of a lot of fantastic weddings and made many new friends. We are thankful for all that we’ve been given this year. Sam and Avery are another of our all-time favorites! They are completely unencumbered by expectation and “the norm.” They are just busy being themselves and trying to be better people. They laugh so much. They always smile. They love completely. We have been inspired in a new way, and we are changing our lives this holiday season because of an awareness that they helped to quicken in us. So, THANK YOU, guys, for who you are and what you live. We are better through having known you, and we look forward to lots more awesome food and conversation!

Aragona-Burns Team Players:

Hair: Sofia Hasse, Vintage Coco
Makeup: Bethza, Bethza Professional Makeup Studio
Ceremony: Our Lady of Loretto @ St. Mary’s College
Officiant: Fr. John Pearson
Reception: Palais Royale
Cake: Sugar Rush
Flowers: Dutch Blessing
Bridesmaids: Bella Bridal
Bride: Nancy’s Bridal Boutique
Tuxes: Affairs to Remember
A special shout out and THANK YOU to the extraordinary Kris Zakula and Carolina Martinez for their incomparable assistance!