Alissa and Michael’s private estate Highland Park wedding was a day we will not soon forget. With a focus naturally capturing the day without excessive posing or artifice, we knew that the end result couldn’t help but be images filled with emotion and memories.
Getting Ready
Alissa and her attendants prepared for the day at the Renaissance in Northbrook. Alissa has such a great demeanor – so sweet. She was happy the whole morning and couldn’t wait to marry Mike. The mood of the room was upbeat but calm.
Alissa mentioned to me that morning, “Take photos of these guys. They’re super important people to me”. And I can see why. Each person there was an amazing support to Alissa. Mike is full of genuine Moxi and fills the room with calmness. We’re always fans of a groom who is up for anything and having fun during photos, and that was Mike.
But together? They were equal parts sweet and goofy with one another. Mike was always trying to get Alissa to laugh.
Wedding Party Portraits
The forecast predicted rain ALL day. It rained the entire morning for getting ready and when we began the first look. They had their first look inside and then shared private vows with one another. I love this personal touch for couples who want to keep their vows private.
Miraculously, right after the first look right as we started wedding party photos, the rain cleared. And the best part – there wasn’t any more rain for the day, which allowed us to get Alissa and Mike the portraits they wanted around the property.
Traditional Ceremony – Times Two
For their ceremony, they honored both of their religions. Before the ceremony, they had a traditional Jewish Ketubah signing with their family, bridal party, and rabbi. The ceremony had a chuppah that contributed to the design of the floral-filled room. In keeping with the Jewish faith, the men wore yarmulkas. Half of the ceremony contained Jewish traditions, and the other half contained Catholic traditions. They ended the ceremony by breaking the glass before they kissed and walked down the aisle as husband and wife.
For Alissa’s ceremony look, she wore a blusher veil. Blusher veils are always a nice traditional touch many may not choose to do, which gave a unique flair to Alissa’s walk down the aisle. It’s always a beautiful moment when the parent or parents remove the veil for the bride.
Tented Reception
After they had completed their ceremony, the wedding party and guests transitioned into the reception space. The reception housed a custom clear top tent design that was draped to perfection. Having the clear top tent help d let beautiful light in all evening during sunset. The soft hanging florals and lush centerpieces at each table transformed the tent into the perfect space to celebrate. Custom menus at each place setting complemented the hand-made pink candles from a company in Norway. The design was capped off with their clever neon “Pucker Up” sign (and drink stirs!) over top of their completely unique bar and completed with signature cocktails.
Tradition Meets Modern
Their reception was joyous and continued the traditions that were started in the ceremony. Things really kicked up a notch when Alissa and Mike treated their guests with a choreographed first dance – complete with a live band. They continued their reception with a traditional hora with their guests.
After the first dance and the hora, Alissa changed into a festive sequin gown that was perfect to dance the night away.
The reception was a ton of fun – lively and full of joy. The love Alissa and Mike feel for each other and their special guests radiated off every face in the room – my favorite kind of night to be a part of.
Private Estate Highland Park Wedding Vendors
Photographer: Alexandra Lee Photography | Planner: NSWE Events | Florist: Bou-K Floral | Cake: Coco and Eve Cakes | Cinematography: Old North Film Company | Entertainment: The Steve Edwards Orchestra | Rentals: Halls Rentals | Lighting: Elegant Event Lighting | Beauty: Antonette White | Tent: Blue Peak Tents | Transportation: M&M Limousine | Linens: BBJ La Tavola |