Yay, Kristopher and Marisa’s wedding photos are here!
This wedding at Northfork Farm was extra special because it’s my brother-in-law, Kristopher, and his new wife, Marisa! She’s been part of the family for almost five years, but now it’s official. I loved creating these beautiful photos on their special day together!
I don’t quite remember when we met Marisa for the first time – maybe a dinner date in the city comes to mind? But ever since she’s been in Kristopher’s life, she’s been a constant for him. It’s been a joy to see them grow together over the past five years. We’re cheering them on in marriage.
After their engagement photos last winter, I’ll never forget how many people reached out to me wondering what happened with Kyle & why he was in photos with another woman, ha! This will all make sense as you read more of Kristopher and Marisa’s story, look through their wedding photos below, and of course, when I tell you that my husband Kyle is Kristopher’s identical twin.
From the Couple
Kristopher and Marisa met at a Halloween party in 2017.
Marisa told her friend, Jolyn, that she thought Kristopher was cute, so when they walked past each other, Jolyn pulled a “Barney Stinson”, looked at Kristopher, and said, “haaaave you met Marisa?”. Marisa was mortified, but Kristopher was cool as a cucumber and said, “No, I haven’t. Hi, I’m Kristopher”. They talked for a long time that night as they enjoyed the festivities. As Marisa was heading out, Kristopher asked for her number, texted her the next day, and they went out on their first date that week.
The proposal was beautiful. Kristopher and Marisa went hiking in the Red Rocks in Nevada. As they were taking in the views, Kristopher got down on one knee and asked Marisa to marry him.
Kristopher and Marisa love living in Chicago and have resided in multiple neighborhoods over the years. They enjoy taking advantage of the local restaurants, parks, and shops that the city has to offer. While planning the wedding, they’ve been settling into their new home with Olive, their Frenchie, affectionately by their side.
The Wedding Day
After a beautiful rehearsal and dinner the night before, Kristopher and Marisa’s wedding day kicked off on a mild August day. As a photographer, I always expect late summer wedding days to be hot and humid, but their loved ones were looking down on them and pulled out all the stops for a lovely summer day!
The day started with Marisa and company getting ready at the venue, Northfork Farm, while Kristopher, Kyle, and a few friends gathered at the hotel to help Kristopher get ready before he traveled to the venue.
Kristopher and Marisa’s wedding was our first visit to Northfork Farm. They chose the venue because they wanted an outdoor wedding and for its connection to Kristopher’s days living on a horse farm in high school.
As the morning passed into the afternoon, it was time for their first look. Looking back on these photos, it makes my heart happy to see the pure joy Kristopher and Marisa share for one another. I’m thankful to have been the one to document these moments for them. After seeing each other for the first time, they shared a quiet moment and exchanged letters with each other. One of my favorite parts of their day!
Their overall inspiration for the day centered around the outdoor farm venue and paired colorful jewel tones with lots of greenery. I loved photographing and seeing the details come together!
Kristopher and Marisa opted not to have a wedding party but to share the day with a best man (Kristopher’s twin and my husband, Kyle) and maid of honor (Marisa’s sister). Kyle and Sabrina were with us every step of the day throughout getting ready, taking photos, exploring the venue, the ceremony, and beyond. They were some of the best I’ve seen in the business!
As the afternoon went on, we met up with Kristopher and Marisa’s families for photos before the ceremony. These two have big families on both sides, so it was a joy to document their loved ones all in one place. Once photos wrapped up, it was time to get these two married!
Kristopher and Marisa asked two friends to officiate their wedding ceremony. And I especially loved seeing our niece and nephews playing their roles of flower girl and ring bearer during the ceremony. After they sealed their marriage with a kiss, it was time for a few more photos and lots of celebration at Northfork Farm!
Another favorite part of the day took place at the reception. My husband Kyle gave his best man toast – I’m so proud of him! It was incredibly personal & memorable (of course, I cried), and even though I’m biased, you better bet I’m telling the truth because we’ve seen countless toasts over the years.
The rest of the evening brought lots of celebrating and ending the night with a sparkler exit. These photos are among some of my favorites from the day, too!
Kristopher & Marisa – Thank you for trusting me to photograph your wedding day and for asking Kyle to play such a big part in your day. The only missing piece from your wedding day was Olive! Always remember that you’re on each other’s team, there’s no one that cares for you more than your spouse, and you’ll have a friend in each other throughout all of life’s hills and valleys. We love you both!
Creative credit goes to…
Marisa’s Attire: Aisle Chic – Chicago, IL | Kristopher’s Attire: Hockerty | Hair: Brooke Klay – Chicago, IL | Makeup: Bianca Sansosti Artistry – Chicago, IL | Jeweler: AaLAND Jewelry – Crown Point, IN | Venue: Northfork Farm – Oswego, IL | Wedding Officiant: Stephanie Favia + Guy Patterson | Guest Accommodations: Home2Suites by Hilton – Joliet, IL | Florist: Floral Expressions – Oswego, IL | DJ: Toast & Jam DJs – Chicago, IL | Transportation: First Student Charter | Photographer: Kara Evans Photographer – Kankakee, IL | Catering: Uncle Bub’s – Westmont, IL | Donuts: Firecakes Craft Donuts – Chicago, IL | Stationery: The Knot | Favors: Donation to the Chicago French Bulldog Rescue
