Zach and Marissa wedding photos Smith’s Central Garage in McHenry

I’m so excited to share images from a recent wedding we did that took place at Smith’s Central Garage in McHenry, which was obviously the PERFECT location since the newlyweds had a romantic, rustic-inspired wedding! Zach and Marissa thought this thing through from beginning to end, and there wasn’t a shortage of dreamy, Pinterest-worthy moments.

We asked Marissa what made this venue “the one”!

Well, we came across the venue in a very non-traditional way. Zach and I went up to McHenry for the fiesta day’s parade and my dad told me how they converted the Hostess factory into a reception hall. So we went over and we actually crashed the mayor of McHenry’s party so we could look at it. We fell in love with the exposed brick and the iron work. The venue has come a long way from the day we first walked in there, but the feel stayed the same. It is simple, rustic, and elegant.

I mean, check this out:

Marissa got ready with the bridesmaids at her father house in McHenry while Zach and his groomsmen at Holiday Inn in Crystal Lake.

Marissa said that she purchased this from David’s Bridal, and I don’t think she could have chosen a more flattering gown. Do you?

What made the day really special to you?

The people who were there. So much love and hard work went into our wedding. Not only from us, but from Zachery’s parents, my parents, Kathy and Tori Marulli, my sister Kate (who did the flowers) my cousin Sam (who asked if she could be my day of coordinator) and our whole bridal party. But I think the most special part of the day was having a little piece of Zachery’s church there with us. Not only was it his pastor that married us, but the podium up there is the podium from his church. “

The Ceremony took place in Veteran’s Memorial Park right by the wedding venue.

Soon after the ceremony, we took the bridal party by Fox River for a short wedding photo session.

We will never grow tired of rustic weddings, especially when they’re done so impeccably like this one. Congratulations again on your wedding, you two, and may your years be filled with happiness and plenty of mason jars!

Wedding reception at Smith Central Garage:

How would you sum up your wedding in a few sentences?

Our wedding was perfect. Yes, things went wrong, but it was exactly what we wanted. It was simple. We had the people we cared most about celebrating the most important day of our lives. The ceremony was about our love for each other and God’s love for us, and the reception was a room full of people that loved us and just want what’s best for us.

What advice would you give to brides and grooms planning their day?

Plan early, finalize early, don’t fret about how many people are on the guest list, but most importantly, remember what really matters. The ONLY thing that matters is that you are about to marry the person you love. The only part of the day that is really important is when you and your soon to be spouse are standing in front of the God and country becoming one.

Where did you go on honeymoon?

We spent one night in downtown Chicago, but we will be going on a real honeymoon around May to an Island somewhere. We aren’t sure yet.

You guys are going to rock this whole being married thing. Thanks for sharing your day with us!

Here are the vendors that helped the wedding run smoothly:
Flowers:   Kate Sweeney
•             Groom’s suits:   Brass Horn (Decatur, IL)
•             Accessories: Jewelry:  rings are from Bremer Jewelry
•             Cake: Kiera Confections (McHenry, IL)
•             Photographers: H Photography
•             Makeup & Hair: Jenna Walner
•              Dj: Derek’s Digital DJ Service – Derek Galviciuis
• Wedding coordinator – Samantha Murphy (Marissa’s Cousin)
Centerpieces – Kathy Marulli

The Drake Oak Brook Hotel Wedding

This post was last modified on October 2, 2018 2:18 pm

Michelle and Dan Engagement Photos in Geneva IL »

« The Best Dress Cuts That Will Work for Any Party or Wedding

H Photography: Always looking for new and creative ways to show the beauty of people. Love the light, shadow and contrasts. I've been working as news photographer, cruise lines photographer, sport photographer and of course wedding photographer. Love Chicago and love traveling around the world and meet new people!

View Comments (1)

Soulseeker says:

October 1, 2018 at 5:43 pm

Very cool wedding!