Chicago Jewish Wedding at Ravenswood Event Center | Tucson Wedding Photographer

Michelle & Tony

These photos just make me smile. :) I knew Michelle and Tony from college at Lawrence University and it was such a privilege to be a part of their wedding day. Anyone who knows Michelle will tell you she is one of the sweetest, smiley-est people on planet Earth and it’s really infectious. It was a truly happy, smiley, beautiful day. Let’s dive in…

We started at Michelle and Tony’s apartment in Ravenswood, where the girls were getting ready.

Her face when she sees her hair and makeup!!! Too much. Michelle’s bridesmaids also all went to our college and are all BFFs which made for a really fun getting-ready dynamic.

Everyone basically melted when she put on her dress.

QT!!!! Seriously can’t with her never-ending smiles. 😍 That tattoo on her back is the cupola from Main Hall on the Lawrence campus (also known as the “Nipple of Knowledge”).

While the ladies finished up, I headed off to the venue, Ravenswood Event Center, to get some shots of it empty. The setup was GORGEOUS. The reception area was so cute with all the wood and twinkle lights and navy blue accents. And the ceremony space had amazing floor-to-ceiling windows letting a lot of sunset light in. Since Michelle is Jewish, they opted for a mostly-Jewish ceremony, including a beautiful chuppah.

They of course had some signature cocktails at cocktail hour, and a cute wooden guest “book” where guests could write a note and drop it in.

Tony was already at the venue with his two groomsmen (another college friend and a childhood friend) and a few friends who they asked to be present for the upcoming Ketubah signing (coming up soon). When Michelle got there, she and her bridesmaids retreated to a getting-ready room to put her veil on and greet her family before the cuuuutesttttt first look with Tony.

Tony basically started weeping the second he saw his beautiful bride, and I don’t blame him.

Once they saw each other, everyone gathered around for the Ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract. Their rabbi explained some of the tradition behind it and then it was signed by 2 Jewish friends, Tony and Michelle, and the rabbi. After that, they were officially married in the eyes of the Jewish community!

Then they had the Bedeken, or veiling, in which the groom veils the bride himself. Which goes back to a super fun Bible story involving a guy marrying the wrong woman and not knowing until the next morning because she had been veiled… whoops. :P

OK Y’ALL IT’S CEREMONY TIME!!! Or, extra ceremony time, seeing as they were already technically married, per Jewish tradition!

Their ceremony was very efficient and filled with beautiful traditions, including: Circling, where the bride circles the groom and vice versa and then they walk in a circle together; the 7 Blessings, which they had their bridal party read; wine drinking; a prayer shawl put on them by their parents; and OF COURSE, the breaking of the glass!!

Yaaaayyyy!!! :D

During cocktail hour, I took the newlyweds, the family, and the bridal party out on the deck for some sunset portraits. Because duhhh.

Ugh too cute.

Onto the reception!! Speeches on speeches. After the welcome speech from the bride and groom, Michelle’s dad and Tony’s mom each gave a speech, and then EACH member of their bridal party insisted on giving a speech! Considering how most people feel about public speaking, that really says a lot about how loved these two are. ❤

Everyone had an awesome time mingling before heading up to the dance floor.

The newlyweds cut their cake and then had their parent dances and first dance, which was choreographed as a gift from Michelle’s cousin! She and the couple did a great job. 👏

Commence the epic dance party. 😎

And… SURPRISE HORA!!! I had already ended coverage and started dancing with my college buddies when Hava Nagila came on. They said I didn’t have to shoot it but I couldn’t not!! It was too much fun not to capture that part of the night for them. So glad I did, cos look how crazy it was. 😂

Phewwww. I’m sorry that was so long, it was just such a special day!!! Congratulations, Tony and Michelle! Your wedding was a BLAST, you two are amazing, and I’m sure your union will be filled with happiness and smiles. :) Here’s to forever. ❤

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