July 25, 2009
Love Founded in "The Truth"
Karey Welde and Nic Circosta first met eleven years ago while both were working at The Elkhart Truth newspaper, and although their careers would eventually take them in different directions, they remained close friends. As time unfolded, this friendship evolved, and before long the couple found themselves in a deeply committed relationship. In April 2008, Nic decided it was time to take Karey on a very special walk-a walk that Saint Mary's students and alumnae know all about. As the tradition goes, two lovers who walk together over an arched bridge to a small island on the Saint Mary's College campus will one day marry, and on April 13, 2008, it was on that island that Nic asked Karey to marry him.
After their romantic engagement, Karey and Nic decided that their ceremony would take place at the Morris Chapel in Niles, Michigan. Highly recommended by a friend, the beautiful chapel and grounds nestled in a dense grove of trees, was something out of a storybook. As Karey recounted, the quaint setting did not need many embellishments and was perfect for photos. As for the reception, the couple landed on The Woodward Room in downtown South Bend, Indiana. The warm, intimate atmosphere was the perfect place to celebrate, and the wrap-around windows overlooking downtown South Bend from the second floor sealed the deal. "We loved the view!" exclaimed Karey.
On July 25, 2009, guests took their seats in the pews of the Morris Chapel. One by one, the bridal party proceeded down the aisle. The bridesmaids, in chocolate brown gowns accented with bouquets of orange and pink floral, were accompanied by the groomsmen in light tan suits. Wanting more of their personalities to shine on their big day, Karey and Nic's goldendoodle dog, Oliver, named after their favorite winery in Bloomington, Indiana, marched down the aisle in a bow tie to match the groomsmen.
Although Oliver was a memorable ring bearer, it was Karey, a vision in an elegant, vintage-inspired gown covered in lace, who turned every head in the room. The ethereal veil, worn by her mother, was a true vintage piece that perfectly matched the color and design of Karey?s gown. She noted, "My mom passed away two years ago, and it was important for me to include something from her in our wedding."
Karey and Nic planned another unique moment after the ceremony. As the photographer snapped away, the newlyweds exited the church amidst a flurry of fluttering Monarch butterflies released individually by ceremony guests. Karey remembers, "It was the perfect scene. They were landing on flowers and flying off into the woods. One even landed on the head of Nic's daughter Lucy, our flower girl!"
Making their grand entrance into the reception, Nic literally swept Karey off her feet. Karey recalls, "He picked me up and carried me all the way to our table, spinning around and even dipping me as we entered to Jimmy Buffett's famous song The Wino and I Know" It was clear to see that this couple would be, "living their lives like a song."
This was not the only Buffet song played at the reception. Another favorite, Tin Cup Chalice, was the background music during the toasts, and the couple raised tin cups instead of traditional champagne flutes. Even the flower girl, Nic?s daughter Lucy, ?a budding parrot-head,? got into the island spirit as she and the groom danced to their own special song, Volcano.
Perhaps the most entertaining songs of the evening were the newlyweds? first and last dance. Hoping to wow their friends and family, Karey and Nic took private ballroom dance lessons and choreographed a waltz to the song, Happy Ever After in Your Eyes. Karey commented, ?I never thought he?d do it, but he loved the waltz!? Overcoming a few rhythmic hiccups during their first dance, the couple perfected the steps as the evening?s final number.
Every element of Karey and Nic?s wedding was a clear reflection of the couple?s unique sense of style, fun-loving character, and deep, unconditional love. Together, Karey and Nic have proven that a relationship founded in ?The Truth? can manifest into a beautiful, admirable, and sincere union? as long as it often visits Margaritaville.
Morris Chapel
Niles, MI
Reception Location:
Woodward Room
South Bend, IN
Caterer:
The Landing Catering
South Bend, IN
Photographer:
Jennifer Mayo Studios
Coloma, MI
Wedding Gown:
Casablanca, Greta's Bridal
South Bend, IN
Wedding Cake:
With A Wing And A Prayer presents...Cake
Mishawaka, IN
Hair Salon:
Haircrafters
South Bend, IN
Nail Salon:
Elite Nails
Mishawaka, IN
Tuxedos:
Bernardo's
Mishawaka, IN
Brides' Rings:
Hopman Jewelers
Elkhart, IN
Groom's Ring:
Rogers & Holland
Mishawaka, IN
Flowers:
Poppies
Polly McCarthy
South Bend, IN
Calligraphy:
Vanessa Cooreman-Smith
Flourish Boutique
Mishawaka, IN
Butterfly Release:
Swallow Tail Farms
www.swallowtailfarms.com
Ceremony Musicians:
Whitewater String Trio
Reception DJ:
Absolute Entertainment
Elkhart, IN
Transportation:
Dream Coach Carriages
Mishawaka, IN
Rehearsal Dinner Catering:
The Skillet
South Bend, IN
Honeymoon:
Hawaii-Kapalua Golf Resort
Maui-Ohana Beachcombs
Hotel-Cahua