Real Bride | Marissa + Andrew

bride and groom taking wedding photos on their wedding day

Marissa & Andrew got married on 11/20/2021 at the beautiful Sanctuary on Penn. The venue set the perfect tone for their moody beautiful photos. Keep reading for some wedding details, advice, and beautiful photos!

What was your partner’s reaction when they first saw you?

He loved it! We had a first look and I just remember him smiling and saying “you look beautiful”. He also appreciated the fact that my dress had pockets!

How did you feel in your dress on your wedding day?

This dress made me feel so beautiful and confident! I truly felt like this was the dress I was meant to have. If you have a dress similar to this, I recommend investing in a “Misses Kisses” bra because it made all the difference to me.

What piece of advice would you give brides planning their wedding?

Get a dress you’re going to be comfortable enough in to dance the night away. I never left the dance floor during our reception!

Additionally, make sure after the ceremony that you and your partner go to a quiet, uninterrupted space for a few minutes, uninterrupted to have a moment for yourselves. Our venue set out champagne and small bites for us to enjoy together. It was really nice to have this moment especially since we didn’t get much one-on-one time during the reception. We also did a sweetheart table so we could just focus on each other during dinner.

What was your favorite part of your wedding day?

I have many favorite parts, it’s impossible to choose! However, having my grandma walk me down the aisle was a highlight. She passed away a few short months after our wedding, so I will cherish that memory and those pictures forever. At one point during the reception put her hand on my waist and took a good look at my dress and said “you look beautiful”. I love that I have a picture of this moment, too.

Did you go on a honeymoon? If yes, where?!

We did! It was a dual honeymoon/visit my family in Puerto Rico. We spent two weeks on the island together and I loved finally getting to introduce him to my family out there.

Any other stories or things you’d like to share?

We read our personal vows during our first look and I’m so glad we did! Took a lot of the pressure off so we could relax more during the ceremony and take it all in without being nervous to read our vows in front of everyone.

How was your experience with Sophia’s?

I really enjoyed my experience with Sophias! I initially went with just my maid of honor to get an idea of the styles I’d like and that’s when I first tired on this dress and fell in love. Then several months later I had the real appointment and brought my maid of honor, sister-in-laws, mother-in-laws, and my mother. I tried on this dress last to see if I still loved it, and I did!