couple enjoys their ceremony at the newberry library

Old and new traditions come in a variety of shapes and forms, but my favorite traditions are yours! Every family has their own unique wedding traditions, but that doesn’t mean you need to do every single one of them. Do what means the most to the two of you and the start of your new life together! (And as we say, leave the rest behind!) When I first met Elisabeth and Zach, I knew I was in store for a beautifully rich day full of storytelling and traditions that were meaningful to the couple and their family. These two practically mind-melded as they selected the moments that were the most important to them from sun up to sun down. Their wedding day will always hold a very special place in my heart.

Elisabeth and Zach’s summer wedding day started off at the Sofitel in downtown Chicago, where they got ready with groups of special friends and family. Then they had an emotional first look near the hotel before galavanting around downtown to capture some wedding party photos at iconic Chicago locations like the Wrigley Building and Olive Park. Once the wedding crew was done, they all made their way to the Newberry Library via an adorable white trolley.

couple takes photos before their wedding

Before guests arrived, the wedding party plus their closest family and friends gathered to witness the couple signing their custom designed ketubah. The ketubah signing, rooted in ancient Jewish traditions, dates back to biblical times and symbolizes the contractual agreement between spouses. It serves as a sacred document outlining the rights and responsibilities of both partners in their marriage covenant. In modern ceremonies, this moment often represents the couple's commitment to each other and their shared values. It's a moment where they affirm their mutual promises and embark on their journey together, acknowledging the importance of love, respect, and partnership within their marriage. There are often other blessings and prayers made during this ceremony. After the signing, their ketubah was put on display at the reception for all of their guests to see.

Guests were then welcomed into the Library’s Ruggles Hall, where the ceremony space had been set with a beautiful chuppah draped in florals. The chuppah symbolizes the Jewish home that the couple will build together, and represents the shelter of peace and harmony that surrounds them as they begin their life together. Its four open sides signify hospitality to guests and openness to their community. Steeped in tradition, the chuppah serves as a sacred space where the couple exchanges vows and begins their journey into marriage.

ruggles hall wedding ceremony at newberry library

There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as the couple shared their vows and the rabbi walked guests through the many rituals of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. Afterwards, we all gathered in the Library’s lobby for soft piano music and cocktails. The couple captured family photos on the library’s stunning staircase.

The reception opened with a beautiful prayer and cutting of the challah by a former BW Studio couple and dear friends, Nika and Josh. (See their stunning Botanic Garden Wedding on the blog here.) And speeches were kicked off the the world’s sweetest musical toast from the bride’s sisters, and was topped off with a delicious meal from Lula Cafe. Guests were invited to share in the challah bread from a local bakery called Hewn (Yes, the bride wanted to make her own because she’s a skilled baker, but she had enough on her proverbial plate that week!) After the meal, the dance floor started off with a rousing version of the horah, which is always guaranteed to get everyone on their feet.

traditional jewish wedding at newberry library

Guests spent the rest of the evening roaming the open gallery at the Library and snacking on late night bites from Lula Cafe. They were gifted a delicious treat of custom chocolates on their way out the door! To say the evening was an utter success would be an understatement.