Marisa & Bryan | Creating Core Memories: A Joyful Celebration of Love at the Drake Hotel | Chicago, IL - Chicago, IL Wedding & Portrait Photographer

The Gold Coast Room at the Drake Hotel was warm and welcoming. The sea of pink and gold decor emanated a cotton candy sky within the four walls of the room. They dimmed the lights. The band was grooving and the music was lively. There wasn’t an inch of untouched dance floor as all of Marisa & Bryan’s loved ones were showing off their best moves. And let me tell you, those were some mighty fine dance moves. The party had officially begun! And it was truly just getting started. Amidst the laughter and joy radiating off of the dance floor I found myself standing to the side of the party with Marisa and Bryan. It was that unfortunate time of the day where I had to say goodbye. I really do hate saying goodbye, it's the saddest part of a wedding day for me. Especially on a day like Marisa & Bryan's. As we were chatting, Marisa was telling me that she felt like the day FLEW by and she wished she could slow it down. It was the perfect segue for one more surprise that I had up my sleeve. I handed Marisa and Bryan a tiny gray book. Marisa gently held it in her hands as they both looked at me with a hint of confusion on their faces. She sweetly questioned what it was with the biggest smile on her face. So, I told them to open it. The awe and joy that followed are officially the beginning of a new core memory with M & B that I will cherish forever. They flipped through the book to relive their day in Polaroids. Marisa looked at me, stunned, as she questioned if I seriously put it together that day. I jokingly asked them what they thought I was doing all day and we shared another belly laugh before continuing our conversation. I didn't know it was possible, but their smiles seemed to grow bigger by the second and they instantly pulled me into a big hug. I was so overwhelmed by their love and their gratitude, I couldn’t do anything but smile. To see two already happy people become an even brighter light because of a small gesture is an honor to say the least.

Now, I will admit, talking about having core memories was not originally my idea. Bryan’s brother gave a speech about a core memory he has with Bryan. And I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. It was heartfelt. It was raw. It was so incredibly wholesome. And it just makes sense. Marisa and Bryan are absolutely the type of people you make core memories with without even realizing it. It seems that every moment spent with them is core memory worthy. Sure it has something to do with the fact that they are just two delightful people. They're an absolute joy to be around and they like to have a good time. But it's more-so because these two make every moment memorable and are such a light in this life. Talking to them is like chatting with your closest friends. Marisa and Bryan have so much love in their hearts, they welcome everyone with open arms and ecstatic joy. You are always met with the most genuine, joyful smiles, and the warmest, loving hugs. It's hard to feel anything other than complete peace and happiness when you're around them. They laugh more than anything and always have a smile on their faces. I find myself in awe when I think about how much gratitude and grace these two carry with them in every situation. Which is why I feel so drawn to my final encounter of the night with them. Marisa and Bryan just have this special way with words. They express their gratitude, love, and thanks in every situation so eloquently it’s poetic. They see the good in every situation and every person. And they simply love hard. They love each other so incredibly much that it abundantly overflows onto every person they meet. It's contagious. And honestly, now that I think about it, I don't know why I didn't see a moment like this coming. Marisa and Bryan showed me this same love and care after we first met at their engagement session. And honestly, that's another core memory that I want to bottle up forever. These are moments that go beyond the frame of a picture and embed themselves in our hearts forever. Which is an amazing reminder of the beauty and simplicity of what I do. It's not just taking pictures. It's about freezing time, encapsulating joy, and preserving love. And when those moments are shared with friends, the experience becomes even more meaningful.

Marisa and Bryan... all I can say is thank you. Thank you for your trust in me. Thank you for welcoming me into your lives as if we've been friends for a lifetime. Thank you for being the type of people that I strive to be daily. It has truly been such an honor to work with you and a blessing to call you my friends. Cheesy, but I thank God that we were brought together to celebrate your beautiful relationship because you're the type of people who bring out the best in me. You've made me laugh harder, smile wider, and appreciate life more deeply by simply being you. So thank you for doing just that. Being you. Cheers to you. Cheers to forever and then some. And cheers to all of these irreplaceable moments that make our hearts fuller and our lives richer!

Vendor Team:

Venue: The Drake Hotel

Church: Assumption Catholic Church

Planner: Luis Reveles | Sarah Kathleen Events

Band: The Chicago Players

Videographer: Acosta Cinema

Florals: Juliet Tan Floral Design

Hair Stylist: Bianca Sansosti Artistry

Makeup: Izabela Beauty Co.

Gown: Vwdion (By Carla)

Shoes: Nina

Tux: The Black Tux