The Wedding Story of Jenny and Jake Golic

Photos ByKatie Whitcomb Photography

Written By

Date

January 17, 2018

blue & golic: A Traditional Celebration at Notre Dame

Jenny and Jake got engaged in the exact same spot they met—their ceramics classroom at Notre Dame. She explains, “I got switched into ceramics the night before by my advisor so it wouldn’t interfere with practice. I wasn’t thrilled about an 8 a.m. start time, but I guess it worked out!” When the two returned to campus for Jake’s sister’s graduation, Jake proposed in that very place. Jenny recalls, “It was awesome, and I was a blubbery mess!”

The Planning

Realizing the importance of moving quickly when trying to plan a Notre Dame wedding at the Basilica, Jenny immediately contacted her friends who had gotten married at Notre Dame the year before for advice. Jenny and Jake also found their way to Laura from MichealAngelos Events who was instrumental in planning Jenny and Jake’s dream: A wedding filled with their loved ones by their sides, an open bar, awesome food and party atmosphere. “I met with her once and she had a vision—an incredible one,” says Jenny. “I let her guide the way so I could be surprised the night of.”

The Dress

Jenny recruited her mom and her best friend from high school for her dress-shopping getaway to New York City. “I was so lucky that my mother-in-law and father-in-law were able to come, too. Mr. Golic wasn’t going to come into the stores, but we convinced him to, and let me tell you, he was the most opinionated and hilarious.” The group made their way to Kleinfeld Bridal and then Bridal Reflections on Fifth, where Jenny ended up falling in love with her stunning Ines Di Santo dress and Galia Lahav veil. “Mrs. Golic ended up picking my dress,” Jenny explains. “When I walked out, I knew. Mostly because everyone’s face said it all!”

The Venue

Desiring to be close to the Basilica, Jenny and Jake chose The Morris Inn on Notre Dame’s campus. “I knew Laura could transform any space into a beautiful backdrop, but I didn’t want people driving and/or getting into other forms of transportation, if possible.”

The DÉcor

While the décor offered a mix of whites, champagnes and soft pinks to play off the navy blue and gold theme, Jenny loved that her wedding wasn’t anything serious but still very traditional. “Jake and I really wanted our special moments at the Basilica and the traditional speeches and dances,” Jenny explains. “For example, we didn’t want to see each other before the ceremony, and it was really worth it. Other than that, we just wanted everyone to enjoy the night with us, so we got a lot of things out of the way early and made sure the drinks were plentiful and the food kept on coming!” Extra special touches included a donut station, s’mores station and drink station with an ice luge. The reception also featured two live hashtag screens up over the dance floor. Jenny says, “If anyone posted anything with the #BlueAndGolic, it went up on the screens. It was hysterical throughout the night.”

Because of the great planning, Jenny’s only D.I.Y. project included the hotel welcome bags that her mom wanted to make. “She made about 300 homemade cookies,” Jenny says. “Insane!” What are a few things Jenny and Jake’s guest will remember? Two great nights of open bars, good food and music and the ring bearer pulling the fire alarm during cocktail hour!

Advice from the Bride

This #BlueAndGolic bride says, “Relax. It’s just a party. Not everything will go perfectly throughout planning but the most important thing is who is waiting for you on the other end of the aisle.”