There are people you meet and keep meeting without even realizing what they mean to you and how close at heart you two might be. Marissa and Jason had been in the same friends’ group for years before they realized that they were in love. The two got married at St. John’s Lutheran Church and hosted a reception at Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. I had the honor of being Marissa and Jason’s wedding photographer.

…And The Proposal Came

Marissa and Jason had known each other for years but it was only three to four years ago that Jason tried wooing her. Marissa wasn’t very welcoming about it. Jason said he always had a thing for Marissa but Marissa says her initial thought of him was an annoyance. A year and a half later they were sitting next to each other at one of their friend’s birthday parties. Marrisa jokingly told me that she lost her sassy attitude after a glass or two of wine and realized Jason wasn’t so bad. They talked for hours on the phone prior to their actual first date. They broke up for a brief period but Marissa realized they were meant to be when Jason came back into her life.

Jason proposed to Marissa at his birthday dinner which surprised her completely. After she sang happy birthday to him along with a few friends and family members and after he blew out the candle, he stood up in front of everybody and asked Marissa to marry him. The rest is history.

Marriott Hotel and Conference Center Wedding Photography

arissa and Jason had a lovely November wedding at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Marissa dressed up in a white fish-cut gown, adorned with a lovely hairpin. Her jewelry was so elegant. Jason was suited up in black for his Marriott Hotel wedding. The bridesmaids were graceful in their purple dresses. They even matched down to their earrings and necklaces. The groomsmen matched up with the theme by wearing purple striped ties and purple pocket squares on their black suits. The flower girl was so cute in her lavender floor-length frock.

I photographed the couple as they got ready before reaching the wedding venue. Next, it was the St. John’s Lutheran church where they were to be married. Marissa’s parents walked her up the altar where Jason was waiting for her eagerly. Those were such beautiful moments which I captured on camera.

The wedding was a simple Lutheran ceremony with a twist of some family music. A violin and a piano duet is Marissa’s family tradition. So this wedding was no different and the duet entertained and mesmerized the guests at the venue. It was held in honor of her paternal grandparents.

After getting some good family portraits and group photographs with the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. I proceeded over to get a few lovely photos of the newly-wedded couple. Marissa and Jason held each other with so much love. The photos came out incredible.

Then, it was time for the reception party at the Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The decorations at the venue were a combination of classic and elegant. The reception night was all about cake-cutting, some love-filled speeches by the family members, the first dance, the father-daughter dance and lots of fun.

Marissa and Jason, I am thankful to you for making me your wedding photographer. I wish you two much happiness and excitement for years to come!

Featured Illinois Wedding Vendors

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/bmimc-bloomington-normal-marriott-hotel-and-conference-center/
Florist: Vera & Buck Floral, Bloomington, IL
Cake/Dessert: Janet’s Cake & Catering, Bloomington, IL
Stationary: Shutterfly
Calligraphist: Bob Pisut, Father of the Groom
Decor: Absolute Light & Sound, Hudson, IL, Vera & Buck, Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Sam Nowatski, Bloomington, IL
Rentals: Absolute Light & Sound, Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Sam Nowatski, Bloomington, IL
Caterer: Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Sam Nowatski, Bloomington, IL
Band/DJ: Absolute Light and Sound, Hudson, IL
Makeup Artist: Ashley Doyle, Frankfort, IL
Hair Artist: Caryl & Marilyn, Ltd., Pontiac, IL
Wedding Rings: Creative Jewelry, Orland Park, IL
Bridal Dress Boutique: Eva’s Bridal, Orland Park, IL
Jewelry: Swarovski, Von Maur
Bridal Shoes: Nina Shoes
Bridal Headpiece or Veil: Eva’s Bridal, Orland Park, IL
Bridesmaids Dresses: White by Vera Wang, David’s Bridal
Bridesmaids Accessories: Cescabelle from Von Maur
Getting Ready Location: Parent’s Home
Ceremony Venue: St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL
Reception Venue: Bloomington-Normal Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, Sam Nowatski, Bloomington, IL