We are absolutely, positively in love with Alana and Benjamin’s jawdroppingly gorgeous Chicago Jewish wedding. Swathed in greenery and twinkly lights, the ambience these two created for their day was nothing short of magical (don’t miss the stunning photos by Avery House!) – and we love that they added in some unexpected personal touches, like a cannabis bar!
Perfectly matching their color scheme focused on neutrals, white, and gold was the couple’s fabulous ketubah from beloved Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Ketubist. Featuring papercut gold peonies on a white background, the design is SO chic – and Alana and Benjamin loved working with founder Talia.
This wedding was full of so many more wonderful touches, but we’ll leave the rest to Alana, who looked nothing short of ravishing in her exquisite gown from Israeli designer Berta…
How we Met
Alana, the bride: Formally, we met on the Jewish dating app J-Swipe. However, Benjamin’s friend from Jewish summer camp happened to have been my college roommate and eventually became our Rabbi. He played a significant role in our courtship after we met. We are both psychotherapists.
Outdoor Vibes
Chicago Illuminating Company. We chose this venue for a few reasons. One, we wanted to have a cannabis bar and the outdoor space allowed this to be feasible. Two, we loved how bare it was, and the opportunity to choose everything from the chandeliers to the chairs and table cloths. It also allowed us to have an indoor and outdoor venue which better addressed covid concerns.
Neutrals and Greenery
We went with neutral tones (black, gold, white) with a lot of greenery and pearl details. We wanted a color scheme that was timeless. We used Kirsty Basch with Lola Event Productions for planning.
Invitations / stationery
Our invitations were done by Steracle Press. They had a laser cut inlet cover with a black floral pattern, gold envelopes, and formal font and language.
Hair + Make-up
I did half up half down for the ceremony and had my hair artist stay to redo my hair after the ceremony to put it up. I had seen so many brides get hot on the dance floor and throw their hair into a ponytail- I wanted a more put together look with my hair out of my face. Special shout out to my make-up artist, Konstantine who is not only incredibly talented but a doll of a human being.
Dress
My dress was from Ultimate Bride and the designer was Berta. I loved the sheer v-neck style and the buttons down the back.
Accessories
My earrings belonged to my late grandmother who died from Covid last year. She was the Yiddish speaking matriarch of our family, and she missed our engagement by 1 month. It meant so much to wear something she loved. Furthermore, the stone of my engagement ring belonged to her, too.
Shoes
My shoes were by Jimmy Choo. They had lace and pearls, which fit with our theme.
The handsome groom
Benjamin wore a black tux with pearled studs and cufflinks and a champagne coloured bow tie while his groomsman wore the same tux with onyx cufflinks/studs and a black bow tie. I loved how he coordinated with the theme and with my shoes.
Bridesmaids
I had 8 bridesmaids. They all wore different long, black dresses from Bella Bridesmaids Chicago. I figured no one is ever unhappy with black, and hoped they would be able to rewear them to future events.
Ceremony
Our Rabbi, Rabbi Simon Stratford, was the most special part of our ceremony. When Benjamin and I met, he was the only one who knew us both personally and played a significant role in our courtship. It was so special to have him officiate, as our guests could sense the intimacy of the moment because Simon knew us both so well. Additionally, during the ceremony, we drank from my great great great Grandfather’s Kiddush cup that he was gifted after 50 years of service as a cantor at a synagogue in Germany in the 1800s.
Ketubah
We got our Ketubah from Talia aka The Ketubist. We love it so much and she was very easy to work with.
Flowers
HMR Designs! I incorporated lace from my late mother’s wedding gown around the stem of my arrangement.
Food and Cake
BOKA Catering Group. Our favorite touch were the ice cubes inside one of our signature cocktails- there were photos of us in the ice cube! We went with some fall themed foods, such as grilled cheese with tomato soup. For dessert, we served a few things including monogram crème brules!
Extra details
I had dreamed of taking our photos at the South Garden of The Art Institute. On the day of, it was closed. We climbed the fence! Shout out to our photographers, Avery House, who were willing to risk getting in trouble for the shots I had been wanting!
ALANA & BENJAMIN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Avery House
Ketubah – The Ketubist {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Wedding planner – Lola Event Productions
Venue – Chicago Illuminating Company
Bride’s dress – Berta found at Ultimate Bride
Bride’s shoes – Jimmy Choo
Groom’s attire – The Black Tux
Bridesmaids – Bella Bridesmaids Chicago
Hair + Makeup – Bianca Sansosti Artistry , Konstantine
Flowers – HMR Designs
Band – The Chicago Players
Catering – BOKA Catering Group
Cake – Alliance Bakery
Stationery/Invitation – Steracle Press
Rabbi – Rabbi Simon Stratford
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
