Ballroom at the Ben Wedding | Marylin & Stephen

Marylin and Stephen’s love journey began in the confines of a general chemistry class during their undergrad years in 2011. Stephen, being the supportive soul he is, helped his partner navigate through the challenges of lab work, yet remained silent about his feelings for four long years. After college, they parted ways to pursue their respective paths in grad school.

Years later, fate intervened when Stephen reached out via Instagram after his partner graduated from her graduate program in 2021. What started as a simple invitation to catch up turned into a serendipitous first date. As they strolled along the boardwalk, fate seemed to play its hand as strangers likened Stephen to Clark Kent, igniting childhood memories and planting the seeds of attraction. It was a moment when the universe seemed to conspire in their favor, nudging them towards each other.

Despite the subtle signs of affection, it was Stephen’s respectful restraint at the end of their first date that solidified Marylin’s realization of his specialness. A fortuitous encounter with Stephen’s extended family on their third date further cemented their bond, leaving no doubt in his partner’s mind about their future together.

The love blossomed with every interaction, fueled by Stephen’s close-knit family bonds, his chivalry, and his endearing dimples. It was during their third date that the realization of spending a lifetime together crystallized, setting the stage for the beautiful journey ahead.

The Proposal:

The proposal was a momentous occasion that took place in the scenic tranquility of a gazebo by a lake during the fall.

As they look forward to their wedding day, the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time in church fills their hearts with joy and excitement, marking the beginning of a new chapter filled with love, commitment, and shared dreams.

Here are our favorites from their enchanting wedding at the Ballroom at the Ben beautifully captured by Ralph Deal Photography.

Getting Ready

A stunning display of the bride's wedding accessories, featuring sparkling diamond-studded high heels elegantly placed atop a mirrored surface. The reflection adds depth and glamour to the arrangement, highlighting the intricate details of the accessories and enhancing the overall beauty of the bridal ensemble. A dazzling arrangement showcasing the bride's exquisite diamond drop earrings delicately paired with her gleaming wedding rings. A charming display featuring delicate paper cutouts spelling out the phrase "miss to mrs" delicately placed on top of the bride's elegant wedding gown. A heartfelt tribute adorning the groom's suit, featuring miniature frames showcasing photographs of his beloved grandparents. These cherished mementos are lovingly pinned onto his attire, serving as a touching reminder of their presence and influence on his special day. A sophisticated display featuring the groom's wedding accessories meticulously arranged beside his polished wedding shoes. A picturesque scene capturing the bride in her white bridal robe, adorned with her delicate wedding veil, as she gazes thoughtfully out of the window. The soft light filtering through the sheer curtains illuminates her radiant presence, creating a captivating silhouette against the backdrop of the window. In this enchanting moment captured in time, the bride emanates an aura of timeless elegance as she sits gracefully on the bed, enveloped in the luxurious folds of her exquisite bridal robe. With legs crossed delicately, she exudes poise and confidence, her gaze filled with anticipation for the joyous day that lies ahead. The soft fabric of her robe drapes around her like a veil of sophistication, enhancing her natural beauty and adding to the overall sense of serenity in the room. The bride, adorned in her delicate veil and elegant wedding robe, stands by the window, gently holding the drapes aside as she gazes thoughtfully outside. Bathed in soft light, her silhouette exudes an air of anticipation and quiet contemplation. Through the window, she looks out onto the world beyond marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-18 A delightful moment unfolds as the bride and her bridesmaids, dressed in their matching robes, come together around the bed. With infectious smiles and laughter, they joyfully toss confetti into the air, creating a whimsical cascade of color. The room is filled with the sounds of merriment and excitement as they share in the anticipation of the wedding day ahead. The bride and her bridesmaids, dressed in their elegant robes, come together in a joyful toast, their wine glasses raised high in celebration. With smiles on their faces and laughter in the air, they clink their glasses together, sharing a moment of camaraderie and excitement. A delightful moment unfolds as the bride and her bridesmaids, dressed in their matching robes, come together around the bed. With infectious smiles and laughter, they joyfully toss confetti into the air, creating a whimsical cascade of color. The room is filled with the sounds of merriment and excitement as they share in the anticipation of the wedding day ahead. the radiant bride, adorned in her pristine white robe, and her bridesmaids, resplendent in their sky blue silk robes, come together on the bed with beaming smiles. marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-10 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-14 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-23 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-9 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-15 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-25 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-11 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-28 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-30 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-36 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-29 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-35 marylin_stephen_ballroom_at_the_ben-33

Bride and Groom

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Ballroom at the Ben Wedding Reception

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Reception: Ballroom at the Ben | Music: Stealing Savanah and DJ David Gonzalez | Hair: Jess | Make-up: Sierra Ortiz | Cake: The Master’s Baker | Florist: Passions Florist

Let’s Talk About Your Wedding!

If you’re looking for a photographer for your big day, contact Ralph Deal Photography today!

Contact Ralph Deal Photography My wedding was 9.23.23. Ralph and his team were a DREAM to work with. I would recommend them to family, friends, and/or strangers in a heartbeat. We chatted with many potential photographers, but once we met Ralph we knew he was the one for us. He ensured us that our photos would genuinely reflect who we are (which they did) and guided us through the magic that was our special day. Ralph provided us with ideas, reassurance, & validation throughout months of planning. He quickly (and successfully) adapted plans when the rain pushed our outside ceremony inside; he was available to us whenever we needed him and was full of insight that extended well beyond the photography world. Beyond all of that, we just had a “wedding day gallery reveal part in Ralph’s elegant and endearing home studio. My family got to be by my side as we saw our photos for the first time on Ralph’s big screen! He poured us wine and truly took his time helping us choose our favorites… which were basically every single one of them. Wonderful person and INCREDIBLE artist! If you are looking for a sign, this is it!!! You need Ralph Deal & his team at your wedding! 🤍
                                                                                                         -Amanda
The bride and groom stand side-by-side, their hands entwined as they smile at at each other. In the background, a grand building with glass windows provides a breathtaking setting for their photo.