Margaux + Ron | Chicago Wedding Photography

I’d really love to tell you all about my 5 day trip to Chicago to photograph one of my bestie’s wedding, but then this would never get posted. Seriously, it was a jam PACKED long weekend full of food, food, food, hugs, car rides, mani/pedi dates, massages, new babies, birthdays, and more food… oh yea and a wedding.

Instead I’ll give you a breakdown of the wedding highlights >>>
The fun REALLY started on Friday evening with the Aufruf. “Aufruf (Yiddish: אויפרוף ofrif,oyfruf, ufruf/ifrif or אויפרופן ofrifn), which in Yiddish means “calling up”, is the Jewish custom of a groom being called up in the synagogue for an aliyah, i.e., recitation of a blessing over the Torah.[1] In the Ashkenazic Jewish community the aufruf ceremony is usually held on the Shabbat before the wedding…” (wiki knows about everything!) Since this is a Reform congregation both the bride AND groom are called up …after the blessings were recited by the Rabbi we got to throw candy at them. This is wish them a sweet first year of marriage. I was waaaaaay too excited to gently, but enthusiastically throw individually wrapped soft candies at Margaux + Ron with their whole congregation at BJBE. All the other Oregon folks had arrived by then also so we had our own little section of West (BEST) Coasters who didn’t know what was going on until someone explained it to us.

Saturday was mani/pedi day followed by a rehearsal “Linner” (lunch/dinner) in the mid-afternoon, followed again by cocktail hour at a hotel near the synagogue. The whole wedding party, as well as out of town guests, stayed at the hotel that night; though most of them crashed out pretty early to rest up for the big day. …except me a Gramma. 😉

SUNDAY = WEDDING DAY!!! The morning started with a casual breakfast in the hotel courtyard then ramped up as the girls got back from their hair + make up appointments. We coordinated the everyone getting ready on different floors so that Margaux + Ron wouldn’t see each other before their first look. Once we call arrived at the synagogue it was smooth sailing as a wonderful coordination team took care of all the decorations, table settings, and lights in the reception hall… we worked their photos like a boss! It was a family filled wedding party with Margaux’s little brother, Greg, being her Man of Honor, along with his wife as a bridesmaid with two cousins and Ron’s daughter. Ron’s side was mixed with brothers, his sister, and son. Soon it was time to sign the ketubah surrounded by their closest friends and family (“Ketubah (Hebrew: כְּתוּבָּה ; “written thing”; pl. ketubot) is a special type of Jewish prenuptial agreement. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage…”), before starting the service and going under the Chuppah. (“Chuppah (Hebrew: חוּפָּה‎, pl. חוּפּוֹת, chuppot, literally, “canopy” or “covering”), … is a canopy under which a Jewish couple stand during their Jewish wedding ceremony. It consists of a cloth or sheet, sometimes a tallit, stretched or supported over four poles, or sometimes manually held up by attendants to the ceremony. A chuppah symbolizes the home that the couple will build together…”). Margaux we walked down the aisle by her Moms, Tracy + Lynn, and according to her saw nothing but Ron standing up there waiting for her. Their wedding was the first in the synagogue’s new sanctuary, and honestly there was a little concern that it wouldn’t be ready in time, but it was and it was BEAUTIFUL!!!

The Reception. Was. AWESOME! Tracy + Lynn gave a very lovely joint speech, followed by Greg who had to rewrite his speech a few times and get approval from The Mom’s, his wife – Mandy, and myself to make sure he wouldn’t get Marguax back too badly for her (hilarious) speech at his wedding. Ron’s parents and older brother, Steve, also gave funny, heartfelt speeches wishing them a lifetime of happiness. Then it was time to hit the dance floor… so much dancing and photo-boothing. By the end of the night everyone was exhausted (if I recall correctly it wasn’t even 11pm. That’s how hard they rocked it.) including Margaux’s Grams who proceed to fracture her hip on the last dance. OUCH! She’s all patched up now and ready to dance. To make the weekend even busier the next morning Mariela (Steve’s Lady) went into labor and welcomed Baby Mia later that afternoon. Wow. …just wow.
Marguax wore her Great Grandmother’s necklace for her ‘something old’. Three Generations of Strong Beautiful Women! Leave it to Greg to get the first selfie of the night …Margaux is only slightly confused. Did I mention that it was also Ron’s Grandmother’s 92nd Birthday!?!? Happy Birthday Elsie!
Venue: Congregation BJBE + Rabbi Karyn Kedar
Photography: Amanda Photographic
Catering + Dessert: Real Urban BBQ
Catering/Setup: Curt + Dian Hrabe
DJ + Photobooth: Rodrigo from Windy City Mix
Florist: Fragrant Design
Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal
Groom’s Suit: CCO Menswear
Day of Coordinator: You Name It Events
H/MUA: Carolyn Lorraine
Bride’s Earrings + Bridesmaid’s Necklaces: Impressed by Nature
Stationary: Invitesite.com

Engaged? I would love to hear all about your wedding vision and love story. Please visit my Dream Weddings page for information on booking Amanda Photographic for authentic, storytelling, and thoughtful wedding photography.