The Wedding Story of... Katrina & Christopher Harrington

answer to a prayer

WHAT WE BELIEVE, WE BECOME

“Ever since the 2nd grade, I knew I would marry a blonde haired, blue-eyed boy,” explains Katrina Corcoran.  Her elementary premonition came true her freshmen year at the University of Notre Dame when she met Chris Harrington, a rugby-playing senior. “He is the most genuine person. The truest gentleman you’ll ever meet.”

Their relationship strengthened quickly, and both knew they were richly blessed. Katrina adds, “We are both devout Catholics. Faith is very important to us.”  One night Katrina and a friend visited the Grotto on the ND campus to pray.  She found a single rose when she knelt to pray and turned around to find Chris with ring in hand.

SETTING PRIORITIES AND A DATE

Katrina and Chris first began the wedding planning process with priorities in mind. Katrina says, “The most important part to us was the Nuptial Mass and sharing it with those we love: our family, friends and each other.”

Notre Dame’s Basilica of the Sacred Heart was the ideal place for the couple’s nuptials.  For alumni wishing to have a Basilica wedding, they first must take part in “Basilica Monday” when wedding dates become available for the following year.   Over fifty people called in on their behalf, and after four hours of dialing, the couple got their first choice: April 2, 2011.

The second day of every month had special significance for the couple, and they wanted to get married soon after Katrina’s January college graduation.  In addition, summer was too hot, fall conflicted with football, and an April wedding saved money.

GIVING LOVE IN A FAMILY DOSE

“My dad is the oldest of 13, my father-in-law is the oldest of 8 and my husband is the oldest of 11,” explains Katrina.  Needless to say, with a large family and many cherished friends, their guest count grew to over 300 guests.  In order to stay within budget, Katrina relied on her own creativity and the help of loved ones.  Her mom scoured yard sales for candlesticks, her friend designed floral arrangements, Chris’ mother made the wedding cake, Katrina’s uncle presided over the ceremony, and her brother acted as the reception’s emcee.

Katrina emphasizes, “The wedding was the collaboration of a lot of help and hard work.  Chris and I have never felt so loved!”  And to top it off, Katrina adds, “We’re expecting a honeymoon baby!”