Wow, this wedding day was a dream! I’m over the moon excited to share Marybeth and Ryan’s summer wedding day at The Odyssey on the blog!
We’ve been ready for this wedding day and anticipating it for what seems like so long! Marybeth and Ryan first connected with us back in November 2018 after getting engaged. They found our work through the wonderful, Lyndsey – one of our past brides that we adore dearly!
Then, in May 2019, I photographed their stunning engagement session in downtown Chicago, and we were even more excited for their wedding day at The Odyssey the following summer. But then spring of 2020 rolled around, and the pandemic forced Marybeth and Ryan to postpone their wedding day (twice). These two have been through so much between a longer than anticipated engagement, two wedding postponements, a cross country move, new jobs, and planning a wedding during a pandemic… But you know what? They’ve done it all with grace and so much kindness even when it was difficult to be optimistic!
We absolutely love this couple and are so thankful to finally be sharing their beautiful wedding day with the world!
From the Bride
We met outside of Marian Catholic while we were waiting for our parents to pick us up from school early freshman year in August 2008. We were both a bit shy, but our friends introduced us and we exchanged numbers. Ryan and I have talked every day since we met and are truly best friends. Marybeth knew Ryan was the one because he was incredibly genuine, loyal, and easygoing. We did long-distance for 5 years, and Ryan showed his love to me every day. Whether that was a nice text, call, surprise visit, or note in the mail, Ryan just made everything so natural and easy. It did not take me long to realize that my happiest place in the world was by Ryan’s side.
Ryan proposed while we were home for a long weekend in November 2018. I had been suspicious for many months, but he was so good at keeping his cool. It was our last night home. Ryan explained how it would be nice if we could go to a nice dinner with his parents. I agreed and drove over to his house that night to meet up with them. My older sister, Megan, was following behind me in her car because Ryan’s parents were moving and asked if she wanted to come by and check out any of the books that they were going to donate.
When I got there all of the cards, pictures, notes, and cheesy gifts I’ve given Ryan throughout the years were laying throughout the kitchen. Ryan explained that his parents needed us to decide what we wanted to keep so they could only move what they needed to the new house. Ryan and I laughed until we cried over the funny memories we shared and how cheesy we really were. At this time, I had no idea that Ryan’s dad, Kent, was not just loading books into my sister’s car. He was also giving her the roses, candles, and ring to set up at the proposal spot.
Shortly after, Ryan explained that his mom was running late from work and that they would meet us at the restaurant. We left his parents’ house and he refused to tell me where we were going for dinner. Ryan pulled into our high school parking lot, and I think my heart stopped beating for a second. I was now pretty suspicious and couldn’t believe that this might actually be happening. As we pulled into the parking spot that he always used to park in back in the day, he held my hand as we walked towards the area where we first met. I saw candles and my legs stopped working. I started crying and Ryan laughed as he explained we had to get to the area for the magic to happen.
We got to the entrance of the school where we first met and he had roses and candles around the ring. I’ve always teased Ryan and asked what the top 10 things he loves about me the most. He also avoided answering, but before he got down on one knee he told me the 10 things he loves most about me. Meanwhile, my sister was hiding in the bushes taking pictures. After it happened he told me we were actually going to dinner but surprised me with both of our families at our favorite restaurant. Princess Cafe has always been one of our favorites restaurants. Now it is extra special to us because I later found out that Ryan had asked my parents for their permission to marry me at that location. We celebrated our engagement there that night as well.
Ryan and I love all things sports! We love to travel and explore new places and all of the amazing restaurants. You can always find us trying a new bottle of red wine and we love anything/everything that has to do with seafood. We value family and quality time with one another and those that we love.
The Wedding Day
Marybeth and Ryan’s wedding day at The Odyssey was one for the books! The people, the weather, and all the details between were AMAZING!
The day started with Marybeth getting ready at her childhood home while Ryan got ready for the day ahead at his parents’ home. These two rooted into tradition and opted not to speak or see each other on the morning of their wedding until they saw each other for the first time at the ceremony. So, so sweet!
I loved spending some time photographing Marybeth’s beautiful details and the hustle and bustle of getting ready. The morning flew by, and then it was time to get Marybeth into her wedding dress! After Marybeth was dressed (gosh she looked gorgeous morning to night!), we had a fun little reveal with her wedding party and grandmas – I love those photos!
Then, we traveled to the church where Marybeth and Ryan shared a Catholic mass wedding ceremony. The church, St. Liborius, is gorgeous and very sentimental to this couple. Marybeth attended St. Liborius from pre-school to 8th grade and her family was always involved in the church growing up. Ryan was also baptized at St. Liborius. What a beautiful place with such special meaning to this couple!
After the ceremony, we traveled to the place where it all started – Marion Catholic High School – for photos of the newlyweds. It was only fitting that we stopped for photos at another very meaningful place to this couple, right?! Then, we made our way to Downtown Frankfort for wedding party photos at a nearby park. Cue the pretty summer greenery and heart eyes! The locations were perfect and made Marybeth and Ryan’s wedding vision come to life!
As photos wrapped up, the wedding party was excited to continue the celebration at the reception at The Odyssey. This was our first time at The Odyssey wedding venue in Tinley Park, and we hope to be back again! Marybeth and Ryan joined cocktail hour to mingle with guests before kicking off the reception with toasts and dancing.
My absolute favorite part of this day was sneaking out for sunset photos (shocker, I know!) at The Odyssey… You guys, that sweet summer sunset light and this couple were a dream! A true dream come true. After all these two have been through, I can’t help but believe that Marybeth and Ryan’s loved ones were looking down on them through these special moments on their wedding day.
Marybeth & Ryan – Where do I begin?! We are forever thankful that you found our work and asked us to be a part of your wedding day. We adore you two and always love when clients become dear friends! Cheering you on in married life! XO
Creative credit goes to…
Marybeth’s Attire: Allure Bridals at Something Blue Bridal Boutique – Schererville, IN | Wedding Party Attire: Morilee at House of Brides – Orland Park, IL | Menswear: Men’s Wearhouse | Hair & Makeup: Bridal Brigade | Jeweler: Beard’s Diamonds – Jacksonville, FL & Albert’s Diamond Jewelers – Schereville, IN | Ceremony: St. Liborius Catholic Church – Steger, IL | Reception Venue: The Odyssey – Tinley Park, IL | Guest Accommodations: Hilton Garden Inn – Tinley Park, IL | Florist: Phillip’s Flowers – La Grange Park, IL | DJ: Tone Productions DJ Service – Oak Lawn, IL | Transportation: Windy City Limousine – Broadview, IL | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Videographer: This Charming Heart – Chicago, IL | Catering: The Odyssey – Tinley Park, IL | Cake: Creative Cakes – Tinley Park, IL | Invitations + Paper Goods: Minted | Calligrapher: XO Art & Design – Chicago, IL
