I think I would have to start another blog to review all of the personal touches Ellie and Josh included on their wedding day. There were pieces going back many generations. Everything came together beautifully for a bright, happy, emotional day.
The engraving on the inside of their bands reads, “Ani L’Dodi” and “v’Dodi Li,” which is the Hebrew transliteration for “I am my beloved’s” and “my beloved is mine.” Josh’s band is made from a meteoroid. Because obviously.
Bringing me back to one of my favorite venues in the area, I started with Ellie and her ladies in the bridal suite at the Morris House Hotel. They giggled, gabbed, and practiced some barre moves in their matching silk robes.
A few weeks before the wedding I was talking to Ellie and she mentioned really wanting a MRS Box for her ring but it was an expense she wasn’t sure was worth it. I received an email from her about 24 hours later with a link to a contest that she had won and they were sending her a MRS Box in her chosen color! It just goes to show the power of putting those things out there (dear, lotto…). The stone in her engagement ring came from her grandmother’s engagement ring.
Josh was equally pleased. He was sporting a boutonniere with an orchid that he picked out himself. He refused to be a slave to all of Ellie’s floral decisions.
The strapless Pronovias gown was made of three layers of different laces and looked stunning on her.
We spent some time in Washington Square for pictures on the lovely day – high of 84 with a slight breeze.
Ellie and Josh were in separate rooms for a ketubah signing, first with close family and friends as Josh signed, then with Ellie.
The ceremony was held in the courtyard in front of 90 guests. Important heirlooms were threaded through the service. The kiddish cup belonged to Josh’s great grandmother (the fly in the wine was courtesy of the summer). In Jewish weddings, more simple “unbroken” rings are exchanged on each other’s index fingers. Ellie’s ring belonged to her grandmother. Josh’s came through the Holocaust via his great grandfather. The tallit wrapped around them at the end of the service dates back to the 1880s from Ellie’s great, great grandfather.
After their yichud, I grabbed the newlyweds for some pictures together in Washington Square.
Note the gorgeous antique watch on Ellie’s wrist. It was worn by both her grandmother and mother on their wedding days.
Meanwhile, guests mingled on the front patio of the hotel. Rather than a guest book, there was a station to sign vinyl records featuring some (obviously amazing) pictures from their engagement session.
The courtyard was flipped into a beautiful scene. Cross-back chairs and peach, coral, blush, and gold centerpieces adorned every table.
They shared their first dance to “Mutineer” by Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires.
Ellie’s dance with her father morphed into a game of catch, something the two have shared since Ellie was a little girl.
But wait, there’s more… Dinner featured yard-long pigs in a blanket, milkshake shots, and amaaaaaaaazing donuts from Federal Donuts (flavors: Blueberry Mascarpone, Churro, Vanilla Lavender, and Chocolate Éclair).
The last song of the night was held on the front patio, as everyone surrounded the bride and groom with sparklers.
What a crazy, wonderful, thoughtful day. Mazel tov, you two!
I was born to rock the boat
Some may sink but we will float
Grab your coat, Let’s get out of here
You’re my witness, I’m your Mutineer
~ Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, “Mutineer”
