Crist Family: Lifestyle Session


There’s something truly special about returning to a place where a love story began — especially when that place is the iconic campus of the University of Notre Dame. For Dayne and Hilary, Notre Dame holds deep roots in their story. It’s where they first met — Dayne as a member of the Notre Dame Football team and Hilary as a student at Saint Mary’s College — and it’s where I had the joy of photographing their wedding day just seven years ago.


Now, with their young son in tow, we came full circle for a family portrait session on campus, surrounded by all the familiar landmarks that have marked so many milestones in their life together. From quiet walks near the lakes to the golden glow of the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Golden Dome in the distance, every spot carried new meaning — this time, layered with parenthood and the joy of seeing their little one explore it all for the first time.


As a Notre Dame family photographer, sessions like this remind me just how timeless this campus truly is. Whether it’s a wedding, engagement, or family session, Notre Dame offers a beautiful backdrop that’s as rich in history as it is in heart. Seeing Dayne and Hilary return here as parents was a beautiful reminder that love stories don’t end on the wedding day — they just keep growing.

Romantic photoshoot at Notre Dame's reflecting pool with iconic Touchdown Jesus mural in background.
A family wearing coordinated blue and navy outfits poses together outdoors during a sunny summer photoshoot.
Couple poses by reflective pool outside Notre Dame's Hesburgh Library on sunny afternoon.
A couple shares a tender moment in front of a building with decorative columns and murals.
Small child learning to walk with support on a stone path near a reflective pond.
A series of playful outdoor moments captured in a park setting with natural greenery in the background.
A child explores a garden with vibrant red flowers on a sunny day.
Toddler in striped shirt and denim exploring near vibrant red flowers on a sunny day.
A toddler in a striped shirt and blue pants stands among bright red flowers in a garden.
Black and white photo of people walking along a shaded garden path.
A toddler in a striped shirt and blue shorts explores a garden path lined with vibrant red flowers.
Black and white silhouette photo of playful jumping poses against sky.
Candid outdoor family photos showing joyful interactions among loved ones in a lush green setting.
Family photo session in front of Notre Dame's golden dome and historic architecture.
Candid family moments captured on brick pathway with Notre Dame cathedral in background.
Intimate family portraits showing joyful expressions against bright sunlit background.
A happy family poses together on a sunny day in front of a grand building with a golden dome.
A family shares playful candid moments together in black and white portraits.
People walk towards a grand golden-domed building with Gothic architecture on a sunny day.
A series of photos showing visitors walking towards the iconic golden-domed Notre Dame University Main Building on campus.
Golden dome of Notre Dame's main building shines against blue sky with people walking on campus path.
Wide view of Notre Dame campus with family walking along landscaped brick pathway.
Relaxed outdoor family photography session on a wooden bench surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight.
Black and white family portraits showing tender moments in a park setting with trees.
Small child wearing a striped shirt and blue shorts walks on stone pavers in dappled sunlight.
A family enjoys a relaxing moment together on a park bench surrounded by lush green trees.
Black and white photos capture tender family moments in a park setting with natural lighting.
Couple sitting on stone wall with red flowers and campus architecture in background.
Natural light family photography session showing loving interactions in a park with mature trees.