It seems like a lifetime ago that Blair first reached out to connect about working with her and Lev on planning their wedding. I had been working with Blair’s sister, Sydney, on planning her wedding that was one of our first 2020 postponements, and so had been working with the family for over a year at that point.
Actually, Blair’s first “Wedding #2!” email came on the exact day in May of 2020 when my youngest child arrived on the scene! Things were so wild back then–the stay at home order firmly in place, everyone trying to work and school and…be a newborn from home. In retrospect I’m not sure how we were able to actually find a time or place connect (virtually) but we did and plans were set in motion to find the perfect date and location for Blair and Lev’s wedding.
Once some restrictions were lifted, we were able to visit their top choice venues in early July and we landed on Galleria Marchetti for an autumn 2021 celebration. It all culminated in October of last year with a glorious celebration for the happy couple.
Wedding day morning kicked off at the Renaissance Hotel with an abundant spread of breakfast foods and hair and makeup by the incomparable Nika Vaughan Bridal Artists team. The atmosphere was relaxed as everyone enjoyed the gorgeous views overlooking the Chicago River.
Mary from Steve’s Flower Market delivered the most gorgeous white floral bouquets and things started to get real! Smiling Toad and Caitlin Lisa Photography captured all the special moments of the gals and guys prepping for the big day.
One of my favorite moments was watching Blair’s dad walk in and get choked up seeing his daughter in her stunning gown. As a parent myself, watching the first look with dad and daughter never fails to get me all misty eyed.
Blair soon shared her first look with Lev, and then it was time to hop in their vehicle from Windy City Limo for some photos around town with the wedding party. The bridesmaids’ deep emerald dresses were show-stoppers!
Meanwhile, Galleria Marchetti was getting all gussied up for the occasion. MDM brought in some beautiful draping and lighting accents. Steve’s prepared a stunning chuppah, and I loved the position we chose for the ceremony set on an angle for the most lush and verdant fall background in GM’s stunning courtyard.
Soon guests began to arrive and we prepared for the start of the chuppah ceremony with the ketubah signing. Outside, the ceremony musicians from Stitely Entertainment played a wide array of musical selections from Guns ‘N Roses to The Beatles to Pachelbel’s Canon as the wedding party made their way down the aisle. The service was officiated by Rabbi Wendi Geffen who presided over a lovely and personal Jewish ceremony.
Once Blair and Lev were officially hitched, guests enjoyed the crisp fall weather (with a little help from some patio heaters) along with some cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Galleria Marchetti.
After cocktail hour, guests were treated to a delightful meal interspersed with heartfelt toasts from parents, siblings, and friends. Stitely Entertainment played their hearts out while guests bopped between the dance floor, pizza and craft beer station, s’mores in the fire pit, and a sweets station from Bittersweet. The whole event was brimming with Blair and Lev’s personality and was a true testament to their love.
Smiling Toad captured the whole day expertly:
Blair and Lev, it was a pleasure celebrating with you and getting to share in your joy. Mazel Tov!