- Sep 27, 2018

Meet Me in New York // Marisa + John

Marisa and John met one evening in the Murray Hill neighborhood in New York City. Marisa walked into the bar with her sister and John was standing right there, immediately catching her attention. And as it turned out, John was Marisa’s sister’s boyfriend’s best friend from college! Even in NYC, it’s a small world! Their meeting that special night was truly meant to be.

Their relationship grew from that day and they fell deeply in love. Then, one holiday season, John decided it was time to pop the question! When they were alone in front of their Christmas tree in their first apartment together, John asked Marisa to be his wife… and she said ‘yes’! The two were already meeting his mother for dinner shortly afterwards at a restaurant in the West Village and John had arranged for Marisa’s family to surprise her there to celebrate!

On the day of their wedding, the two got ready in separate suites at, what later would be their reception venue, The Garden City Hotel on Long Island. Marisa and her bridal party had their hair and makeup done by acclaimed artists Olivia Halpin and Ashlee Glazer before Marisa dressed into her gorgeous wedding gown. And John and his groomsmen relaxed and enjoyed their time together before they put on their classic black tuxedos and readied for this fantastic day’s events.

Wow, Marisa looked so incredible! She wore a stunning strapless Isabelle Armstrong gown, featuring a subtle ball gown silhouette all covered in gorgeous lace. She wore her beautiful long hair down, fastening a long veil to the back for her ceremony, and carried a lovely white floral bouquet from Stefan’s Floral Designs & Custom Décor.

The couple chose not to have a first look before the ceremony was set to begin. Instead, they kept it traditional and saw each other for the first time as Marisa walked down the aisle on her father’s arm. As always, this is one of the most touching and emotional parts of the entire day. The couple held their traditional Catholic ceremony in the chapel at at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Oyster Bay, NY, where Father Malcolm Burns conducted a beautiful ceremony and led the couple in reciting their solemn vows to each other. Soon, they were pronounced ‘husband and wife’!

We had the pleasure once again of working alongside Joseph Lin as he photographed the day for Marisa and John. In addition to photos at the church, they held a photo shoot with their bridal party in a delightful park across from the hotel.

Afterwards, it was time to head into their glamorous hotel for their reception. And their reception… what a fantastic party this was! Marisa and John’s arrival was announced and as they dashed to the center of the floor, they danced a wonderful first dance together as Mr. and Mrs. before everyone was invited to take part.

As guests were seated and dinner’s first course was served, toasts by John’s uncle, who served as his best man, and Marisa’s matron and two maids of honor were given. Marisa’s father then toasted the couple, welcoming John into his family, and thanked guests before the sweet, traditional parent dances took place.

And dancing was a huge part of this evening, as guests were encouraged to get out on that floor all throughout the evening’s events! Marisa and John’s band, Brian Kirk and the Jirks were so awesome! Everyone spent the evening dancing, laughing and having so much fun on the dance floor!

It was such a pleasure to work with Marisa and John on their beautiful wedding day in New York! We wish them all the best as they begin this new chapter in their lives together.