Katie Rose and Luke’s St. Pius X Catholic Church & Dahnke Ballroom Wedding was a celebration rooted in faith, tradition, and the place where their love story first began—the University of Notre Dame. What started as a friendship between two freshmen on the Notre Dame track team quickly grew into something much deeper through football Saturdays, late-night walks to the Grotto, piano duets in Duncan Hall, countless miles logged together, and a shared commitment to growing in their Catholic faith.
When it came time to plan their wedding, choosing a St. Pius X Catholic Church & Dahnke Ballroom Wedding wasn’t simply about selecting beautiful venues, it was about celebrating in the places that helped shape their relationship and prepare them for the Sacrament of Marriage.
From an elegant morning at the Morris Inn to a joyful Catholic Mass, unforgettable portraits across Notre Dame’s campus, and an incredible celebration inside Dahnke Ballroom, every part of their day reflected who they are: joyful, faith-filled, and completely devoted to one another.
Getting Ready at the Morris Inn
The day began at the beautiful Morris Inn on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. As family and friends gathered, there was an overwhelming sense of excitement mixed with the peaceful anticipation that often comes before a Catholic wedding day.
Katie Rose looked absolutely timeless in her dress, with the most perfect lace overlay. She created a classic bridal look that perfectly complemented the setting of St. Pius X Catholic Church. Her bridesmaids wore soft light blue gowns while carrying white bouquets, creating a color palette that felt soft and elegant. And perfectly suited for a summer wedding.
Meanwhile, Luke spent the morning with his groomsmen sharing laughs, getting ready, and preparing for the day ahead. Their excitement only continued to build as they anticipated celebrating the beginning of a new chapter together.
The weather couldn’t have been more fitting for a Notre Dame summer wedding. Soft morning light gave way to sunshine and dramatic clouds throughout the day, creating beautiful conditions for photographs while adding so much character to the iconic campus backdrop.
St. Pius X Catholic Church Wedding Mass
Although many Notre Dame couples choose to marry inside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Katie Rose and Luke always knew that St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger, Indiana was where they wanted to begin their marriage.
During their years at Notre Dame, St. Pius became much more than a parish they attended on Sundays. It became a place where they grew individually and together in their faith, finding a welcoming Catholic community that helped shape their relationship throughout college and beyond. Choosing to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage there was one of the most meaningful decisions they made while planning their wedding.
Their ceremony was reverent, joyful, and deeply rooted in the traditions of the Catholic Church. Beautiful music filled the sanctuary as family and friends witnessed their vows before God. Every part of the Mass reflected the importance of the sacrament, from the readings and prayers to the celebration of the Eucharist.
One of my favorite parts of photographing Catholic weddings is documenting these quiet, sacred moments that often become some of the most meaningful memories for couples years later. The stunning architecture, natural light, and beautiful sanctuary at St. Pius X created the perfect setting for such a heartfelt celebration.
Wedding Photos Around the University of Notre Dame
After the ceremony, we made our way back to Notre Dame for portraits, and this is where the day became even more fun.
Katie Rose and Luke received special permission to photograph inside Notre Dame Stadium, including access to the locker room and the football field. As a Notre Dame wedding photographer, opportunities like this are always exciting, but what made these portraits so memorable was the energy of this incredible group of family and friends.
The entire wedding party was ready for anything.
They laughed together, celebrated together, and fully embraced every moment. Katie Rose even insisted on doing Notre Dame touchdown push-ups in her wedding dress—a moment that perfectly captured her personality and had everyone cheering from the sidelines.
Between portraits on the field, in the tunnel, and throughout campus, we also visited several of Notre Dame’s most iconic locations. The timeless stone architecture, tree-lined walkways, and historic buildings continue to make the University of Notre Dame one of my favorite places to photograph weddings.
An Elegant Dahnke Ballroom Wedding Reception at Notre Dame
Following portraits around campus, everyone gathered inside Dahnke Ballroom for a reception that perfectly reflected Katie Rose and Luke’s timeless style.
Soft blue linens, elegant white florals, glowing candlelight, and classic details transformed the ballroom into a warm and inviting celebration. Heartfelt toasts, joyful dances, and a packed dance floor made for an unforgettable evening.
One of the most memorable moments came just before the dance floor opened. Katie Rose and Luke’s parents are both celebrating 30 years of marriage this year. Because of that, they invited them to share a dance on the dance floor but the surprise was Katie Rose singing and Luke playing the keyboard. And the other surprise, it was the song her parents were supposed to have their first dance to, but their DJ lost the CD just before the dance so they never danced to it. It was such a beautiful moment shared between families.
As the evening continued, we stepped outside for a few sunset portraits overlooking Notre Dame’s campus. With the Golden Dome glowing in the distance, Katie Rose and Luke shared a quiet moment together before returning to celebrate the rest of the night surrounded by the people who mean the most to them. It was the perfect day.
Thank you to the new Mr. and Mrs. Phillips
Katie Rose and Luke’s St. Pius X Catholic Church & Dahnke Ballroom Wedding was the perfect reflection of their relationship—faith-filled, joyful, and centered around the University of Notre Dame community that has meant so much to them.
Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, thank you so much for trusting me to document such an incredible chapter of your story. It was an absolute joy to celebrate alongside you, from your heartfelt Catholic ceremony at St. Pius X to dancing the night away at Dahnke Ballroom. Your wedding was a beautiful reflection of your faith, your families, and the Notre Dame community that has played such an important role in your relationship. It was an honor to witness the beginning of your marriage, and I can’t wait to see all that God has in store for you in this next season of life together.
If you’re planning a Notre Dame wedding or a Catholic wedding in Northern Indiana, I’d love to help tell your story. You can learn more about working together as your Notre Dame Wedding Photographer here.
Vendor Team
Photographer: Cat Alkire | Ceremony Venue: St. Pius X Church | Reception Venue: Dahnke Ballroom | Florist & Planner: Merry Me Events | Stationery: Zazzle | Rentals: Burns | DJ/Band: Bluewater Kings Band | Videographer: Covenantal Films | Catering: Three Leaf Catering | Hair & Makeup: Beauty & Bliss | Cake/Bakery: Three Leaf Catering (Chef Sinai) | Lighting: Pro Show | Wedding Dress Designer: Stella York | Wedding Dress Purchased At: Miss Ruby Boutique | Tux: The Black Tux | Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy Blue | Rings: Kessler’s Diamonds
