SUMMER WEDDING AT THE BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART
Ethan & Estela June 2026
Second Photographer for Nikayla and Co. Associates
There is something incredibly special about photographing a wedding day, but getting the opportunity to second photograph a wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame was an experience I will never forget.
From the moment I stepped inside, I was in awe. The Basilica is breathtaking in every direction—from its soaring ceilings and intricate architecture to the stained-glass windows that fill the space with beautiful light. It is the kind of place that makes you pause, take a deep breath, and simply take it all in.
As a wedding photographer, I am always looking for the moments that tell the story of a wedding day: the anticipation before the ceremony, the joyful tears, the nervous smiles, the quiet glances between the couple, and the celebration that follows. But photographing a wedding in a space like the Basilica of the Sacred Heart added an entirely different layer to the day. There was such a sense of reverence and beauty surrounding the couple as they entered into the sacrament of marriage.
Second photographing is something I genuinely love because it allows me to approach a wedding day with a different perspective. While the lead photographer focuses on the main moments and storytelling of the day, I have the opportunity to capture the details and in-between moments that might otherwise go unseen. Whether it is a parent watching their child walk down the aisle, a bridesmaid fixing the bride's veil, or a quiet moment shared between the newlyweds, those images become part of the complete story.
The Basilica itself was the most stunning backdrop for the couple's vows. Surrounded by generations of history, faith, and beauty, their ceremony felt incredibly meaningful. As someone whose faith is such an important part of both my life and my work, it was especially moving to photograph a couple beginning their marriage within such a sacred space.
After the ceremony, we stepped outside onto the beautiful campus of Notre Dame for portraits. The excitement of being officially married, the joy of their family and friends, and the energy of the celebration made every moment feel so genuine and full of life.
This wedding was a beautiful reminder of why I love what I do. Photography allows me to preserve moments that pass far too quickly—the happy tears, the laughter, the prayers, the hugs, and all of the little moments in between. Getting to document a wedding at such an iconic and meaningful place made the experience even more unforgettable.
I am so grateful for every opportunity I have to tell love stories, whether I am leading the day or second photographing alongside another talented photographer. And this wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart will always be one that stands out to me—a beautiful celebration of love, faith, family, and the beginning of a brand-new chapter.
Some wedding days are beautiful because of the flowers, the venue, or the details. But the most memorable ones are beautiful because of the people, the love they share, and the sacred promises they make to one another. This day had all of that and more.
