Wedding Day

Our Wedding

How We Met?

Kara was living in Lincoln Park, IL at the time and Robert was living in Edina, MN and like most modern love stories, they happened to meet on Bumble. One thing led to another and they ended up falling in love. Only problem was that they lived 400 miles apart. They weren’t going to let that stop them, so for several years they dated long distance, seeing each other nearly every other weekend. They spent those years attending many Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish Football games, played many rounds of golf together, and Robert cooked countless meals for the two. Then finally Robert decided to move from Minnesota and join Kara in Illinois. So after millions of airline miles spent, millions of calls and texts between them, they were together at last. So on New Year’s Eve, 12-31-2024, Robert got down on one knee and proposed. So when it came time to find a date for their wedding, it was a no brainer to pick New Year’s Eve, 12-31-2025.

Our Story

This is Us. 

Photos

Hotel

A block of rooms has been booked at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend for Tuesday and Wednesday night. If calling, ask for “DeDecker/Szerencse wedding.” 574-234-2000 to reach the front desk dial Ext. 0 Or to speak to the sales administrator directly: 574-283-7112 All pre and post wedding related events will be hosted here. Kara & Robert and their families are staying here as well. Hotel Parking is free for all wedding guests. Located in downtown South Bend, the DoubleTree is across the street, from the Wedding Venue. Shuttle from the hotel to the wedding ceremony & reception will be provided.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel South Bend

Hotel Information

University of Notre Dame

Fr. Edward Sorin established the University of Notre Dame in 1842, before nearby South Bend was incorporated as a city 13 years later. It has since grown into one of the preeminent institutions of higher learning in the country with a worldwide reputation. Notre Dame is home to over 20,000 students when classes are in session, adding significantly to The Bend's population. Stunningly beautiful, the Notre Dame campus includes acres of greenspace and historic architecture. Iconic landmarks like the Main Building with its Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes are must-sees.

Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

“For those who know Notre Dame, no explanation is necessary. For those who don’t, no explanation will suffice.” - Lou Holtz   For those who have never had the privilege of visiting Notre Dame, we recommend taking a short trip from downtown South Bend to the Grotto. It is one of the most beautiful and sacred places at Notre Dame, and it would mean the world if you took the time to light a candle and say a prayer for the Bride and Groom or for a loved one that is no longer with us.

Studebaker National Museum

The Studebaker National Museum is a state-of-the-art, 55,000-square-foot facility that opened in October 2005. The building has three levels and features fully climate-controlled galleries and storage facilities to ensure the best possible care for the Collection. The Studebaker National Museum was designed by South Bend’s own James Childs Architects and features several design elements from Studebaker’s factory buildings. It is home to roughly 120 vehicles spanning 150 years of automotive history that all took place right here in South Bend, Indiana. The museum is also home to one of the largest collections of Presidential Carriages in the country, including the carriage that carried President Lincoln to Ford's Theatre on the night of his assassination. Studebaker National Museum is adjacent to The History Museum.

The History Museum and Oliver Mansion 

The History Museum's mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, exhibit and teach the heritage of the St. Joseph River Valley region. First organized in 1867, The History Museum is the second oldest historical society in Indiana. The site includes: The Oliver Mansion or Copshaholm, the 38-room mansion that was once home to local industrialist J.D. Oliver Worker’s Home, reflecting a Polish immigrant family in the 1930s.  The History Museum is adjacent to the Studebaker National Museum.

St. Joseph River Lights

Unveiled in 2015 as part of South Bend’s 150th birthday celebrations, the South Bend River Lights are now a fixture of the downtown landscape. Vibrant color washes over the St. Joseph River, highlighting the “Keepers of the Fire” statue and the water as it rushes downriver. The lights turn on a half hour before dusk and stay on until sunrise. They operate 365 days a year.

South Bend Chocolate Factory

Take a deep look into when, where and how chocolate was created while exploring the manufacturing facility. Learn how the Chocolate Company was created and became America’s favorite.

Indiana Dinosaur Museum

Stepping into the Indiana Dinosaur Museum is to go back through 1.9 billion years of history. The museum features 43 dinosaur sculptures and 30 skeletons. Real dinosaur skin — an extremely rare archaeological find — is also on display. But it's not just a place to look. The Indiana Dinosaur Museum is an interactive attraction for adults and children alike. Where else can kids dig for their own fossils and check out a working research lab?

Four Winds Casino South Bend

This one is pretty self explanatory. Located about 12 minutes away, the new Four Winds Casino South Bend has all of your favorite slots and table games.

Things to Do

Local Resturants

Macri's Italian Bakery Bruno's Pizza Corby's Irish Pub The Lauber The Early Bird Eatery Chicory Cafe Fatbird Fiddler's Hearth Cafe Navarre Manny’s Sports Bar Madison Oyster Bar Among many other spots

Places to Eat Nearby

Registry

For more information please visit: <a href="https://illinoistollway.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://illinoistollway.com/</a> and <a href="https://www.indianatollroad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.indianatollroad.org/</a>

Q + A

Guestbook

We are registered at the following locations:

Pottery Barn<a href="https://www.potterybarn.com/registry/wvd6cbcmd8/registry-list.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.potterybarn.com/registry/wvd6cbcmd8/registry-list.html</a> Williams Sonoma<a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/f6hmx2zzmt/registry-list.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.williams-sonoma.com/registry/f6hmx2zzmt/registry-list.html</a> Crate &amp; Barrel<a href="https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/robert-szerencse-and-kara-dedecker/r7304510" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.crateandbarrel.com/gift-registry/robert-szerencse-and-kara-dedecker/r7304510</a>

Registry Information

Shuttle Schedule 

Shuttle from DoubleTree Hotel to Morris Performing Arts Center will start pickups at 5:00pm EST running continuously until 5:30pm EST outside DoubleTree Hotel - E Washington St doors. Guests to be seated at 5:45pm EST for 6:00pm wedding. Shuttle from Palais Royale to DoubleTree Hotel will start at approximately 12:15am EST and run every 15 minutes until approximately 1:30 am. - W Colfax Doors.

Shuttle Information 

PARKING INFORMATION 

Hotel Parking is free for hotel guests. For those not staying at hotel: Main Street Garage 126 N Main Street South Bend, IN 46601 (Free after 5PM) OR You can park at hotel and ride shuttle across street.

K&R