Caitlyn and Will’s Summer Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart & Downes Club Wedding brought their story back to the place where it all began. Nearly a decade after meeting as freshmen at Notre Dame, they returned to campus to celebrate their marriage surrounded by family and friends.
Their day was classic and timeless, with black and white attire, all-white florals, touches of greenery and an elegant reception overlooking Notre Dame Stadium. From their ceremony inside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to ice cream at Murphy’s and sunset portraits at the Downes Club, so much of their wedding reflected the place that has been part of their relationship from the very beginning.
A Love Story That Began at Notre Dame
Caitlyn and Will met on the second day of their freshman year during DomerFest. Although they lived on different quads, studied different majors and were involved in different activities, that one night brought them together. They quickly became friends and spent much of their freshman year together before Will asked Caitlyn on a date during their sophomore year.
Notre Dame remained an important part of their relationship as they dated throughout college, including studying abroad together in London. After graduation, they continued their relationship long distance between South Bend and Chicago.
Running was also a constant throughout their years together. Caitlyn and Will would run together once or twice a week during college, so it was only fitting that Will eventually proposed in the middle of one of their runs. On the morning of their wedding, they woke up early and went for another run together, beginning their wedding day in the same way they had spent so much of their relationship.
Nearly a decade after meeting at Notre Dame, they were finally back on campus to become husband and wife.
A Summer Wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart
Caitlyn chose a timeless strapless wedding gown paired with a long veil and an all-white bouquet. Will wore a classic black tuxedo, while their wedding party continued the black and white color palette.
Their afternoon wedding ceremony took place inside the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the most meaningful places to celebrate a Catholic wedding at Notre Dame. Surrounded by the Basilica’s blue ceilings, stained glass and ornate architecture, Caitlyn and Will exchanged vows and celebrated the beginning of their marriage.
After the ceremony, the newlyweds stepped outside into a beautiful summer afternoon on campus.
Summer Wedding Portraits Around Notre Dame
Notre Dame is especially beautiful during the summer months, and Caitlyn and Will’s wedding day was no exception. The campus was filled with lush greenery, blooming hydrangeas and colorful flower beds, giving us so many beautiful locations for portraits.
We photographed Caitlyn and Will around campus following their ceremony, taking advantage of both the bright summer sunshine and the softer light later in the afternoon. Their classic black and white wedding style looked beautiful against all of the greenery surrounding Notre Dame.
We also stopped at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes, where Caitlyn and Will lit a candle together. It is always such a meaningful place to include in wedding portraits, especially for couples whose relationship and faith have such a strong connection to Notre Dame.
Ice Cream at Murphy’s
With an early afternoon Basilica ceremony, Caitlyn and Will had some time between their ceremony and reception. They came up with such a fun way for their guests to enjoy the break by opening an ice cream tab at Murphy’s Ice Cream for everyone attending the wedding.
Of course, Caitlyn and Will stopped for ice cream too! After a sugar rush, we finished with a few more photos at the law school.
For couples planning an early Notre Dame wedding ceremony, this was such a fun way to fill some of the time before the reception while giving guests another experience on campus. I absolutely recommend this, we LOVE Murphy’s here!
An Elegant Downes Club Wedding Reception
The celebration continued at the Downes Club overlooking Notre Dame Stadium.
Their reception design carried the classic look of the day into the evening with white florals, soft olive greenery, gold accents and plenty of candlelight. Long tables filled with flowers and glowing candles created an elegant atmosphere, while their white tiered wedding cake featured delicate floral details.
The Downes Club also gave guests one of the best views on campus as the evening unfolded.
Sunset Over Notre Dame
During the reception, Caitlyn and Will stepped outside onto the Downes Club terrace for a few sunset portraits. The summer sky had softened into shades of pink and peach, with the Golden Dome and Basilica visible in the distance behind them. After meeting at Notre Dame and building so many of their earliest memories together on campus, it was such a fitting backdrop for a few quiet portraits together.
Then it was back inside to celebrate! The rest of the evening was filled with dancing before Caitlyn and Will shared one final dance together at the end of the night. Their guests gathered outside with glowing LED light wands to send them off, creating such a fun ending to their summer wedding at Notre Dame.
Nearly a decade after meeting as freshmen at DomerFest, Caitlyn and Will ended their wedding day surrounded by the people they love at the place where their story first began. It was such an honor to be there for you two and I am so excited to see all that life blesses you with!
VENDORS
Photographer: Cat Alkire | Ceremony Venue: Basilica of the Sacred Heart | Reception Venue: Downes Club | Florist: Poppies | Stationery: Truly Engaging | DJ/Band: Night to Remember | Catering & Cake: Three Leaf Catering | Hair & Makeup: Beauty & Bliss | Lighting: Pro Show | Backdrops: Burns | Wedding Dress Designer: MWL Bride | Wedding Dress Purchased At: Harper + Ivory | Tux: SuitSupply | Rings: Bella Cosa Jewelers, Tacori
Planning a Notre Dame Wedding?
If you are planning your own wedding at the University of Notre Dame, you may also enjoy my Notre Dame specific guides:
Getting Married at Notre Dame: A Complete Guide
Where to Take Wedding Photos at Notre Dame
As a Notre Dame wedding photographer and Catholic wedding photographer, I love helping couples create a photography timeline that allows them to experience their wedding day while making time for meaningful photographs throughout campus. I would love to capture your day!
