Kelsey & Pat’s Notre Dame Wedding at the Basilica & Morris Inn
The Golden Dome Foundation: Kelsey & Pat’s Notre Dame Wedding
Kelsey and Pat’s story began on October 10, 2013, during their senior year at the University of Notre Dame. While Kelsey was focused on Science-Business and Pat on Marketing and Sustainability, they found a connection that would eventually lead them back to the heart of campus to say “I do.”
The Morning: Preparations & Anticipation
The day began with the quiet excitement of getting ready. Kelsey and her bridesmaids started their morning early with Beauty & Bliss for hair and makeup at the Morris Inn, while Pat and his groomsmen suited up at Irish Crossings before their walk across the iconic Notre Dame campus. One of the most touching moments to capture on film was the emotional first look at the Morris Inn before the transition to the ceremony.
The Ceremony: A Basilica Tradition
The ceremony took place at the breathtaking Basilica of the Sacred Heart: a family and wedding party processional set to Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” Kelsey’s walk down the aisle escorted by her father Bruce to the regal sounds of Clarke’s “Trumpet Voluntary,” and a traditional Catholic ceremony officiated by Fr. Claude, with readings by family members and a full Liturgy of the Eucharist.
Bagpipes and an Irish Jig on the Dome Steps
Following the “I dos,” the celebration moved outside for some of the most vibrant footage of the day. As guests exited the Basilica, they were greeted by the sounds of bagpiper David Younger. In a nod to their Notre Dame roots, the bridal party performed an Irish jig on the Main Building steps beneath the Golden Dome, a high-energy moment that is a filmmaker’s dream. The bagpiper then led a grand guest procession from the Basilica to the reception at the Morris Inn.
The Reception: Dancing and Notre Dame Spirit
The evening transitioned to the Smith Ballroom at the Morris Inn, elegantly decorated with floral arrangements by Polly McCarthy.
- The first dance: Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years (Part 2).”
- Family traditions: heartfelt parent dances, including a father-daughter dance to the “Macarena” that had the whole room laughing, and a mother-son dance to “My Wish.”
- The Notre Dame spirit: in true alumni fashion, the reception featured a dedicated TV corner so guests could keep an eye on the Notre Dame vs. MSU game.
- The farewell: after a night of dancing with ProShow DJ and fun at the Freeze Frame photo booth, the celebration concluded with a final dance and a grand farewell.
The Creative Team
- Videography: 312FILMS
- Ceremony: Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame (Fr. Claude)
- Reception: Smith Ballroom, Morris Inn
- Floral: Polly McCarthy
- Bagpiper: David Younger
- DJ: ProShow
- Hair & makeup: Beauty & Bliss
- Photo booth: Freeze Frame
Read more about this day in our blog post: Notre Dame Wedding at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart & Morris Inn. And see another campus celebration: Tori & Bryan’s Notre Dame wedding.
Planning a Notre Dame wedding? We have filmed the Basilica, the Dome, and the Morris Inn more than once, and we love the trip. Check your date →
