Marissa & Francisco’s Blush Spring Wedding

Weddings

May 24, 2019

“A celebration with friends and family, full of food, dancing, and laughter.” When Marissa contacted us six months ago, she told us this was the vision she had for her wedding day. She was SPOT ON! Their Hidden Gardens Wedding in Fort Worth, TX was absolutely perfect! After several weeks of sporadic rain and thunderstorms, we were blessed with the most gorgeous, sunny weather! Perfect for Marissa and Francisco’s sweet spring wedding!

These two, I don’t even know where to begin! We met Marissa and Francisco last November after they had reached out to us on recommendation of Shelly, the owner of the Hidden Gardens. Her initial inquiry had me smiling immediately, and our consultation further confirmed they were as amazing as they sounded. I loved listening to Marissa tell the story of how Francisco proposed at the Dallas Arboretum, with the help of her sister, BIL and little nephew! After reading a sweet letter from Francisco, Marissa was told to go into a hidden garden space where Francisco was waiting to ask her to be his forever!! (insert girlie scream of excitement!) How stinkin’ sweet is that?! The story of how they met is just as sweet, as they were brought together by mutual friendships and church!

Marissa and Francisco define fun-loving, compassionate couples and this is everything I hope for when I photograph couples. I wish for laughter, joy and down-to-earth couples with big hearts for the people in their lives. This is Marissa and Francisco to a T! We were lucky to have an amazing day for their downtown engagement session in Fort Worth and their wedding day was even more perfect!

The day started at the venue where hair and makeup was done, the guys hung out, and the girls chilled in their adorable matching PJ’s! Marissa was surrounded with so much love from her girls, her mom and grandmother as they watched her transform into a beautiful bride! The amount of love was overwhelming and had me smiling from ear to ear! Then comes the groomsmen. Now of course their “getting ready” is much more relaxed and, for these guys, involved a little playing of the video games! Listening to these guys joke around and watching them prepare for this day was so much fun.

Probably one of my favorite parts of the day, is something that I had never done before! So Francisco was adamant that he not see Marissa before the ceremony, but Marissa really wanted to take portraits before the ceremony so they would have more time for reception fun later. So, I had an idea! They had originally talked about doing a few portraits with them each standing on one side of a door and holding hands. We did this, and then took it a step further!! We actually did bride and groom portraits, but did it in a way that Francisco never saw Marissa!!! With Francisco’s trust, we were able to pose him and Marissa in different ways and at no point did he ever see her. He even made the comment, while looking at the final photos, how he has no idea how he didn’t see her the whole time because it looks like he did!

Just before the ceremony, both the girls and the guys gathered in their respective rooms and each prayed over Marissa and Francisco. They both have an unbelievable heart for serving and loving others, and to listen to their bridal party pray for their marriage and the lives they will lead, proves that the impact they made on these friends is more than anyone could imagine. Needless to say, I was a little teary-eyed!

The ceremony overlooked a beautifully wooded area with a cross framed by an archway of florals and our beautiful couple. They read their own vows, which had all of us in stitches, and chose to partake in their first communion together. When it was time to say “I do!” and kiss the bride, everyone cheered as these two had officially become one!! After the ceremony, we took family and bridal party photos and then it was time for some more bride and groom portraits (and Francisco could actually see her for these!)! After portraits everyone was seated and Marissa and Francisco were introduced to get the party started!!

All in all it was truly a perfect day, full of food, dancing, and laughter! Together, Marissa and Francisco completely compliment one another. He is always smiling (as is Marissa) and loves her deeply They are a perfect match, and I am bursting with joy that we were there to document their love.

Marissa and Francisco, no one deserves this day more than the two of you! I am so beyond happy that you chose Stephen and I to be there to witness the beginning of the next chapter of your life. Thank you so much for being so incredible! Your joy has been contagious and we loved being surrounded by it. I hope this new story gets better and better, with each day, month and year, and that your love for each other grows stronger and the faith you build together glorifies God. Cheers to you guys, and to many, many years of love, laughter and happiness!