Allie + Garrett Traditional Jewish Wedding At Mount Zion Temple, St. Paul MN
The morning began with joyous conversations, sprinkled with Hebrew, English, and lots of laughter. Allie's sisters and closest girlfriends, giggled while they applied their last coat of lipstick and when Allie put on her Che Bella lace wedding dress her mom couldn't finish buttoning up the back before the emotions flooded over her and tears rushed down her face. One floor up, Garrett and his groomsmen fluttered around the reception room ensuring every last detail was perfectly placed before getting dressed amongst the stained glass atrium. They both nervously exited the Mount Zion Temple, to see each other for the first time as husband and wife, but their poignant first look was just the start of their perfect day.
Allie and Garrett's wedding was steeped in tradition and rich cultural Jewish history from when Garrett's mother pinned the Kippah to his head, to the glee the pair felt in signing their Ketubah, all leading up to the moment when they kissed as husband and wife under the Chuppah. As Allie and Garrett buoyantly marched out of the Temple, arm-in-arm, cheers of "Mazel tov" and clapping from their guests reverberated from the ceiling beams. As part of the Jewish tradition, the newly wedding couple reflected privately on their relationship during Yichud and enjoyed some precious time alone to rejoice and bond over their union as husband and wife before the festivities started.
They spent the evening toasting with a bottle of champagne that had been saved since Allie's parents' wedding and ensuring every guest felt comfortable, but–above all–also as a cherished piece of their day. That’s the type of couple Allie, and Garrett are a duo who makes those around them feel blessed to feel the presence of their love.
The garden solaris was the perfect spot to photograph their wedding details.
In Jewish tradition, the bride and groom circle each other a few times
After the Yichud, Allie and Garrett enjoyed more private moments on the garden terrace together.
Friends and family spoke from the heart and walked away with tears in their eyes after their emotional speeches to the happy couple, similar to my reaction when Allie and her mother gave me a blessing at the end of the night. Okay, fine, I cried a little too!
The couple spent the night away on the dance floor, making memories to last a lifetime!
Allie and Garrett, your day was nothing short of perfection, which is simply a reflection of your love for each other and those around you. I appreciate the honor of documenting your wedding and it was a blast being adopted for a day by your families, I think after your day a part of my heart is Jewish! The festivities, the joy, the emotions, and the FUN were what made your day a memorable experience and I couldn’t think of a better way to start your lives together. -Rachel
Wedding planner - Events by Melody
Ceremony venue - Mt. Zion Temple
Reception venue - Mt. Zion Temple
Photographer -Second shooting for Brookklyn Photo
Officiant - Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker and Rabbi Michael Adam Latz
Hair stylist - Melissa Cable
Makeup artist - Sherry Fredkove
Caterer - Spirit of Asia
Cake designer - Perfectly Filled Cupcakes
Florist - Arts and Flowers
Dress shop/designer - Che Bella, Designer: Eddy K
Tuxedos - Indochino
DJ/Band/musicians - Bluewater Kings Band
Stationer - A Milestone Paper Company
Chair/table/tent rentals - Apres
Jeweler - Continental Diamond
Popsicles: Saint Pops
Bartenders: With a Twist