June 23, 2007
For mother of the bride, Patti Walz, there had never been another time to attend to so many details within a looming deadline as she planned for her daughter Lindsey's wedding. Lindsey entrusted most aspects of the wedding to her mother knowing she would be well-equipped with the right tools--love, care, and creativity.
There were, of course, big-picture decisions including location, photographer, and caterers, but countless details were all too important for the Walz family to overlook. Estimating 500 guests, the family secured Notre Dame's South Dining Hall for the reception. Despite Lindsey's yearning for an outdoor home reception (her parents said--due to weather fears), the Notre Dame graduate accepted this second-best yet sensible and logistically sound choice. Once the room was secured for the June 23, 2007 date, Patti continued to book other vendors including the band and florist, all the while assisting Lindsey with selecting her bridal gown, ordering invitations, and sending out save-the-dates. Much headway was made and everything was quickly falling into place.
Soon, however, the family would find a major error in their guest list calculation. The invitee count had blossomed to 700, a whopping 200 guest increase, which was too many for the South Dining Hall. Save-the-dates were sent and there was no turning back. A big change had to be made...and fast.
With guidance and support from a long-time family friend, Marv Moore, Patti transitioned the wedding from Notre Dame to their private residence. With an ample 30 acres of land, Patti knew there was more than enough space for the wedding crowd. Although she didn't expect it, Lindsey got her wedding wish after all.
Vendors were contacted, meetings were held, decisions were made and, most importantly, details were addressed. On the morning of June 23 the air was misty, but the sun was coming. Day-of preparations were in full swing at the Walz residence; the decorators were placing floral, the caterers were preparing courses, and Lindsey and her maids were being treated to hair and makeup. After snapping "before" photos, the wedding limousine whisked the girls to church and guests were seated.
Seeing that Lindsey's godfather, Kroy Crofoot, had five sons and no daughters, Lindsey asked if he would escort her down the aisle on her wedding day. Delighted at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, he willingly obliged. As the anxious groom, Bret Forsyth, looked on, the beautiful bride took her slow walk down the aisle, first arm in arm with her godfather, and then was presented to her father who accompanied her to Bret's side.
Prepared in advance for a "country club casual" reception, guests arrived adorning flip flops. They were instructed to park along the front and side yards of the Walz property and then conveniently shuttled to the reception area via golf carts. Approaching the reception site, guests were struck by the property's inherent beauty as well as the fine attention to detail and decor. Vibrant summer flowers including lilies and stock and colors of eggplant, apple green, and magenta surrounded guests inside the tent. The atmosphere was exactly as Lindsey wished, comfortable, classy, and distinctive.
Beyond aesthetics, the service was impeccably planned. Immediately upon arrival guests were served appetizers and drinks from two bars. As dinner approached, six buffet lines were prepared to serve the Polish buffet dinner efficiently, and, to Patti's delight, the entire crowd was served in 17 minutes! The cake was cut early and the chocolate fondue station delighted for hours. Following dinner the local band, Blammo, hit the stage, and guests couldn't help but non-stop party and dance.
While the adults enjoyed themselves on the dance floor, the children stayed busy with their own fun. Kid-sized tables were set up with games and coloring books, while the large, open yard allowed them to run freely.
Garbage cans wrapped with decorative liners, a special walkway leading guests to outdoor restrooms with electricity and running water, and a police officer to oversee the party and make sure the premises were secure added to the event.
Guests were thrilled with the results. Looking back and smiling at the thought, "There is nothing I would change," Patti concluded. Grateful Lindsey insists the wedding day was flawless. As a testament to her mother's love, sweat, and tears, she "couldn't have dreamed of a better wedding."
St. Matthews Cathedral
South Bend, IN
Reception Location:
The Walz Residence
South Bend, IN
Wedding Planner:
Patty Walz, Mother of the Bride
Cindy Moore, Family Friend
South Bend, IN
Caterer:
Marv Moore
South Bend, IN
Photographer:
Gary Mester, Master Photographer
South Bend, IN
Videographer:
Bandwagon Video
Bristol, IN
Wedding Gown:
A L'Amour Bridal
Barrington, IL
Bridesmaids Gowns:
White House/Black Market
Hair & Nail Salon:
Salon 301
Mishawaka, IN
Tuxedos:
Bernardo's
Mishawaka, IN
Wedding RIngs:
Eternal Jewelers
Orland Park, IL
Church Flowers:
Country Florist
South Bend, IN
Reception Flowers:
MichaelAngelos "The Event Company"
South Bend, IN
Rental Company:
Burns Rent-Alls, Inc.
Mishawaka, IN
Invitation:
Apollo Printing
South Bend, IN
Wedding Cake:
Dainty Maid
South Bend, IN
Chocolate Fondue Fountain:
Chocolate Elegance
Wakarusa, IN
Reception Band:
Blammo
South Bend, IN
Bagpiper:
Alec Fisher
South Bend, IN
Rehearsal Dinner:
Knights of Columbus
Mishawaka, IN
Transportation:
Transpo Trolley
South Bend, IN
Golf Cart Rental:
Hoosier Sport, LTD
South Bend, IN
Honeymoon:
Riu Palace
Cabo San Lucas