Groom's Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

We will be using our website to communicate all the details of our wedding. You should be able to find everything you need! We will not be sending out formal invitations, so please RSVP here. And feel free to reach out to Tess if you have any questions.

Our Wedding

How Dom & Tess Came To Be...

Dominic and Tess both grew up in good ol' Michiana. They spent a majority of their time in the same 5 mile radius. They even had a plethora of mutual friends. Yet the twain did not meet until the fateful day when Gracie Williams married Stephen Jagla July of 2019. Dominic and Tess sat at the same giant oak table, feet apart, not even laying eyes on each other. They would not have met eyes if Tess did not take a break from the dance floor and the gin &amp; tonics. She returned to a practically empty table to say hello to her friend, and brother of the bride, Charlie. Unbeknownst to her, she sat beside her future husband. Dominic and Tess got to talking and instantly hit it off. Gracie &amp; Charlie noted their connection and were determined to set them up after the wedding. Although they did their best -- Tess was hesitant because of the timing and Dominic was hesitant because, as he puts it, "Charlie had dibs". So the star-crossed love match went their separate ways and plunged into their senior year with zeal and determination. However, come April, Dominic returned to South Bend to quarantine and Tess was hauled up in her cute little apartment downtown. Gracie and Charlie's matchmaking senses must have been tingling because once again they rose up to manifest this dynamic duo. The Williams siblings decided that a global outbreak was the perfect time for Dominic and Tess to begin their love story. With some master manipulator text messages and 100 nudges leading up to that for Dominic, Tess agreed that Dominic could have her number. Tess had decided, "If Dominic makes an effort, I will go on a date, but if he is lame then I will drop it". Well, praise the Lord, Dominic's earnestness is so pure it oozes out, even in text messages. He invited Tess to go on a walk at Potato Creek Park. One funny caveat is that Tess didn't remember what Dominic looked like, nor did she know his last name, so it was TRULY a blind date (Tess's optical issues aside). They had a very fun first date. They talked for hours, got lost, choked on apples, stomped in mud, discussed Pope Francis and discovered all their insanely overlapping history of which they were completely unaware. On this date a light-hearted friendship was built. On the way home, Tess handed Dominic a granola bar, unwrapped so he could drive and eat. Apparently for Dominic this symbolized a nurturing spirit which to him meant Tess was wifey material. Their subsequent dates consisted of 12 hour hangouts: doing homework, cooking, bike rides, walks, swimming, movies, attempts at puzzles, taking personality quizzes, building blanket forts and mostly talking and talking and talking. About what? The Catholic church, fjords, family history, the perfect chicken sandwich, childhood memories, dream jobs, party politics, WWII, classic rock &amp; pop, botanicals, our dream vacations, names of our future children, our greatest influences, favorite teachers, personal identities, quirks and everything else under the sun (or over the sun too, I guess). Many adventures were had throughout the spring and summer. And even into the fall as Tess moved back to Portland and Dom started a Masters program in Bloomington. It did not take too long for Dominic &amp; Tess to decide they had met their match. So much so that Tess had to set a clear rule and mandate that Dominic was not allowed to propose until after Christmas. So, Dominic proposed THE DAY after Christmas.Tess's response? "Yes, please". You might say it is a classically Mid West love story. Tess likes to think she is so complex, but what is more simple and dear than being set up by hometown friends? It's a timeless tale and Tess is more than happy with that.

Our Story

Hospitality 

This is a favorite place of Dominic and Tess! And where Dominic began his proposal to Tess.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

A South Bend classic. Tess's favorite cafe, especially when she lived downtown. Her favorite drink is "The Nola" and all their Mac &amp; Cheese is supreme.

Chicory Cafe

You haven't been to South Bend if you have never gone to PEGGS.

PEGGS

See some of South Bend's historical architecture and learn about Dominic and Tess's beloved hometown.

The History Museum

If you need to stretch your legs and see some cute animals this is great place to explore. It's a very humble zoo, but delightful nonetheless. They also have a pretty epic park outside the zoo.

Potawatomi Zoo

A super cute boutique owned by Tess's good friend Kelsie! Heritage Square is where Dom &amp; Tess spent plenty of time their first couple months of dating because Tess worked at the boutique and it is a two minute drive from Dominic's childhood home.

The Pink Pineapple Boutique LLC

A fabulous place for a manicure or pedicure! A couple store fronts down from The Pink Pineapple!

Luxury Nails

South Bend Farmer's Market

Exploring South Bend

You'll never meet another person like Genna. Unless Tigger is real? She is the only one. With eyebrows akin to Frida Kahlo and a soul as deep as the ocean, Genna has been the greatest of friends and truest of sisters to Tess since the early days. 

Genevieve Olsen 

Emily & Tess have been thick as thieves since they lived together at "The Cole Train" back in 2015. United in Portland again, they are living out their final days as single women in their cozy apartment, up to every type of shenanigans that suits their fancy. This is their dream come true. 

Emily Gaffney 

It is unclear whether Tess's parents paid Rob & Suzanne Thomas to provide Tess with a sister, but what we do know is that Tess & Grace were born on the same day, in the same hospital, 5 hours apart and they have been inseparable ever since. These two ladies may seem very different, but they have always understood each other on the intimate level of sisterhood. Tess and Grace have seen it ALL together and they look forward to continuing to go through every stage of life with each others' love and support. 

Grace Feeks

Tess first met Jolai when she transferred to Trinity School at Greenlawn and showed up to her first volleyball practice. Within seconds Tess began to tell Jolai her life story in far too much detail in hopes that Jolai would have no choice but to befriend her. Jolai's appeal is as exponential as her wisdom. She loves lemons. And always dances like somebody *IS* watching. It's more fun that way. 

Jolai Michel

Few people make Tess laugh harder than Jane Pingel almost Morin, or affectionately known to Tess as "Bah".  Jane & Tess are cousins, but at the foremost they are friends. This friendship is marked by delighting in one another, sharing their innermost thoughts, TV references, memes and junk food. What else could a gal want? 

Jane (almost) Morin

It's tough growing up with a cousin who has every gift & talent that you don't. Tess & Sarah both felt this way about each other for a long time. Then one day they decided to go to Burger King and have a heart to heart. Over a chocolate milkshake and some fries they forged a new and strong bond that took their relationship to the next level and majorly improved their quality of life. This made high school and family events not only bearable, but also a blast. And the gossip flowed like a fine wine. 

Sarah Behrens

Genevieve earned her rightful place as President of the Dom & Tess fan club when she encouraged Tess to go on a date with Dom in the first place. Genevieve has championed Tess through many of life's highs and lows - as both kindred spirit & beacon of unconditional love.  Nothing is off the table for the self named "Co-Op". 

Genevieve Kane 

Charlie Williams is Dominic's longest lifetime friend starting all the way back from kindergarten at St. Anthony's. He also is recognized as the longest groomsman coming in at an alleged 6 foot 5 inches tall.  Need to reach something off the top shelf at the wedding? Just stop over at the bridal party and ask for Chuck.

Charlie Williams

Mikey is one of Dominic's really good friends from high school. He is more recognized as the groomsman with the best singing voice.  Having starred as a lead role in Notre Dame plays at age 10 theres no telling where Mikey's voice will take him.

Mikey Nolan

Mike Sykes is one of Dominic's good friends and newly crowned champion of the title of groomsman with the longest hair. Mike can let you know which aisle any item is located at in Martins and has a knack for mowing the grass without shoes. 

Mike Sykes

Dominic met Jake three years ago when Jake started dating his sister. Jake used to be most known for being the groomsmen with the longest hair until he recently cut his hair. Now "All Business Jake" Herk will be keeping us all on our feet with his next big moves.  

Jake Herk

Reid Schmidt is Dominic's cousin but is more famously known as the groomsman most likely to survive through a zombie apocalypse. His persona is a mixture of John Cusak and Bear Grylls. Not only will he survive but he'll look good doing it.

Reid Schmidt

Austin is one of Dominic's best friends dating back to 5th grade football, however, Austin is most known for being the strongest person in the entire wedding party.  Need a tree stump removed? No problem. Call this dude up and his ox like thighs will pull it out in one go. 

Austin Clark

The Wedding Crew

A little love gallery... 

Photos

Registry

Our ceremony will take place at St. Anthony de Padua Parishat 2 o'clock in the afternoon.2310 E Jefferson Blvd, South Bend, IN 46615

We are planning to have our reception at the People of Praise Center at 53666 N Ironwood Rd, South Bend, IN 46635. Cocktail hour will begin at 3:30 p.m. and the bridal party will arrive around 4:30 p.m. for dinner and dancing.

More details regarding the wedding weekend festivities will be posted shortly.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at tess.pingel@gmail.com

Thérèse & Dominic