There’s nothing like a wedding on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. If you are a graduate, the chance to return to that gorgeous campus and be married in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a once in a lifetime moment. If you are a guest, the opportunity to be a part of it and drink in the atmosphere can be nearly as special in itself.
Now, reality check: Imagine trying to plan for these moments in the midst of a pandemic where the University is threatening to close everything down after spike in COVID cases on campus. Things just got real.
For Chicago couple Gracie and Andrew, the planning process started back at the beginning of the year, but then abruptly stopped once the country shut down. We along with their other vendors put the contracts on hold and held our collective breath, hoping for the best. When it appeared that the wedding would take place on the date planned in late August, adjustments were made, the guest list was shortened, and more than a few prayers were said at The Grotto on behalf of the couple that things would go as planned.
And they did! Miraculously the Basilica stayed open, the weather was perfect, and nearly 90 guests made their way to South Bend for a picture perfect ceremony on campus and reception in downtown South Bend at the incomparable Palais Royale, which is always at the top of any Notre Dame couple’s list of wedding venues.
After a fun cocktail hour, Gracie and Andrew and their thirteen attendants (which was actually a smaller number than planned due to COVID traveling restrictions) were introduced to the cheers of the other guests, with Gracie and Andrew themselves making a dramatic entrance on the balcony overlooking the Ballroom. The tech crew at the Palais are also superb, and everyone had a spotlight on them for their appearance, not to mention pin lighting for all the beautiful floral centerpieces on every other table.
Gracie’s dad did a wonderful, heartfelt welcome explaining how he had prayed for these two to find each other and prayed for the success of this day; all prayers that were answered in abundance. Dinner and cake cutting followed, and then the dance floor opened.
Let’s just say it can be challenging to motivate a small group of guests, especially in a massive ballroom which threatens to swallow them up. Not these party people however! We saw almost full participation from every guest for the next two and half hours, for every song, all night long! And we didn’t even need to play the typical cheesy “Cha Cha Slide” or “Cupid Shuffle”. This group was ready to go from the first song and partied like rockstars for every song, from 80’s classics, to the newest hits from Lady Gaga.
It was such a fun evening, and most guests even hung around the ballroom singing and laughing for another half hour, wishing the party didn’t have to end. It was a perfect curtain call for a wonderful evening of celebration and fellowship!
THANK YOU NOTE FROM FATHER OF THE BRIDE:
“Angie/Richelle/Blake: Finally home and catching our breath. Just wanted to say thanks for your role with an event and a weekend that far exceeded our expectations. You are all true professionals and I appreciate how well you all worked together. …
Blake, with your help, the guests seemed to bring the energy of a much larger group. You did a great job with the proper volume during cocktail hour. I’ve been to many weddings where the music was great but it overpowered the ability of guests to socialize. And, especially now with masks, that was an even bigger concern. But it all worked perfectly. It seemed to me that guests showed up with months worth of pent up energy and arrived ready to have a good time. So glad to see everyone dancing the way they did. Piano Man to end the night was a high note that left everyone talking on Sunday and will be remembered for a long time.
I wish you all continued success and happy to serve as a reference, if needed.” - Joe
READ THE WEDDING WIRE REVIEW:
Gracie · married on 08/29/2020
5.0 Stars
Great Night!
Blake was the DJ for our wedding, and he did a great job! From the beginning, he provided us with helpful suggestions and created a plan that reflected our tastes and would be fun for all of our guests. The reception itself was a blast. Blake's intros and announcements were well-timed, and our guests danced all night. We would definitely recommend Blake and The Music Place!
SEE THE INSTAGRAM STORY:
Reception song selections:
Grand Entrance: You Make My Dreams Come True – Hall & Oates
Cake Cutting: How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
First Dance: Into the Mystic – Van Morrison
Father-Daughter Dance: My Little Girl – Tim McGraw
Mother-Son Dance: What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Bouquet Toss: Bad Romance – Lady Gaga
Vendors:
Palais Royale Ballroom
Belle Behind The Ball Planning
OMG Photography
Slye Films
Navarre Catering & Events