Do you think that a beautiful wedding always requires booking a fancy hotel? Well, think again. Marissa and Vito organized a fabulous wedding at a fun bar downtown where there were no stuffy interiors in sight. As their Pat O’Brien’s wedding photos prove, this venue is definitely worth a second look.

Meet Marissa and Vito

Marissa and Vito had an epic start to their love story. Here is Marissa’s telling of the tale: ‘After an afternoon of sailing, Marissa was introduced to Vito by a friend. Marissa was completely casual in gym clothes, and under the impression that this handsome man was actually interested in her friend. Marissa was immediately attracted to Vito but thought she couldn’t act on it.’

‘Early in their conversations that day, Vito shared that he liked volunteering. At the time, Marissa worked for the American Red Cross. In response, Marissa jokingly asked Vito to join her at 8am the next day to install smoke alarms in a trailer park. Their fun day continued into the evening, and Vito surprised Marissa by asking about the details for volunteering the next day. Marissa gave him her business card, fully believing that this would be the last time she would see him.’

‘Sure enough, Vito showed up to install smoke alarms on a chilly Saturday morning in a trailer park. Following the event, Vito asked Marissa to lunch. When it came time for the bill, he offered to pay and Marissa declined, still not picking up Vito’s cues. Later that night after receiving texts from him, Marissa’s friend said, ‘You’re an idiot! He likes you!’ It finally clicked, and Marissa realized Vito liked her.’

So how did Vito finally propose to Marissa? ‘Vito proposed to Marissa on the beach in Norfolk. Marissa had just had a long day at work preparing for the in-bound hurricane Dorian. The surf was definitely picking up, but it was beautiful. Marissa and Vito walked to the beach from his home, and when they returned there, he had a full display of the couple’s favorite foods.’ He asked, and she said ‘yes.’

While Marissa and Vito technically tied the knot a few years ago down at City Hall, life got in the way of planning their dream wedding. With time finally on their side, this event at Pat O’Brien’s was a special moment for them both.

Getting Ready at the Menger Hotel

Marissa and Vito were fortunate to have the historic Menger Hotel right across Alamo Plaza from Pat O’Brien’s—a convenient spot to get ready for their big day. If you’ve never been, the Menger Hotel is stunning, with its original stained-glass ceiling in the lobby and charming architectural details throughout.

The hotel’s lush courtyard, filled with blooming plants and flowers, became essential on their wedding day. With construction for the Alamo Heritage Site limiting outdoor photo locations nearby, the courtyard was a perfect alternative. It provided a beautiful greenspace for portraits—much better than posing near a bulldozer! While we could have taken all the photos inside Pat O’Brien’s, having access to the courtyard added variety and charm.

Pat O’Brien‘s Wedding Photos – Portraits

Marissa and Vito made the smart decision to have a first look before their ceremony. This gave them the opportunity to complete their photography “to-dos” ahead of the wedding. We captured their bride and groom portraits at both the Menger Hotel and Pat O’Brien’s, followed by family photos before guests arrived.

I’m a big advocate for first looks unless you’re a diehard traditionalist. It allows couples to relax and enjoy their day, knowing all the formal portraits are done before walking down the aisle.

Pat O’Brien‘s Wedding Photos – Ceremony

With the portraits complete, it was time for Marissa and Vito to say ‘I do’ surrounded by their loved ones. The ceremony took place on the second floor of Pat O’Brien’s, which offers a spacious and open room illuminated by large windows along one wall. While the natural light creates a beautiful atmosphere, it can be challenging to balance the bright windows with the darker interior.

Since I prefer not to use flash during ceremonies, I typically save it for the processional, final kiss, and recessional. To address the lighting challenge, I suggested arranging the room so the couple stood against the side wall rather than in front of the windows. This avoided a heavily backlit setup and spared guests from needing sunglasses indoors!

A standout moment of the ceremony was the adorable flower girls and ring bearer carrying signs handcrafted by Marissa—always a guaranteed photo opportunity that brings charm and lasting memories.

The ceremony was officiated by Pastor Bethany Hull Somers, whose experience and warmth shone throughout. As part of the ceremony, Marissa and Vito shared a special Lutheran communion ritual with their guests. They also included a heartfelt family blessing, symbolizing the union of Marissa and Vito with Vito’s children from a previous relationship.

Pat O’Brien‘s Wedding – Reception

Marissa and Vito sealed their vows with a kiss, and the celebration began! The venue featured an open layout, seamlessly connecting the ceremony, cocktail, and reception spaces. With several rooms available, the couple had the flexibility to decorate as much or as little as they liked.

Marissa took the lead on the decorations, showcasing her creativity throughout. Living in Corpus Christi, she incorporated beachy touches like shell escort cards to reflect their coastal home. Each table centerpiece was handcrafted by Marissa, featuring painted bottles, fresh flowers, and battery-powered string lights. They also thoughtfully set up a kids’ table packed with games and coloring books, keeping the little ones entertained all evening.

Dinner was served buffet style, and instead of a traditional wedding cake, they opted for cupcakes. And who wouldn’t love a dance floor complete with a disco ball?

Enjoy the images, and I’ll have lots more photo adventures for you next week!

Vendors

• Ceremony & reception venue – Pat O’ Brien’s in downtown San Antonio
• Caterer – Pat O’Brien’s
• Officiant – Pastor Bethany Hull Somers

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If you found this article on Marissa and Vito’s Pat O’Brien’s wedding photos useful, then check out these articles:

• How to Get Married at Mission Espada
• How to Find a Wedding Photographer in San Antonio
• How to Select the Perfect Wedding Venue

Are you interested in saying ‘I do’ in San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my wedding photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com