Rehearsal Dinner & Ketubah Signing
Benson & Naomi got their wedding weekend started at Lakeside St. Coffee House. I met them in time for the signing of the ketubah, which is a Jewish marriage contract. Then they held a small ceremony outside for close friends and family. After, we headed inside to mingle and have dinner, catered by Banzo. After dinner, Naomi, Benson, and I stepped outside for a few quick couple portraits near the lake. Lakeside St. Coffee House has a gorgeous view of the capitol building, so I was so excited to capture a few portraits with it! The celebration continued with a few wonderful speeches, given by the couple's parents and wedding party members.
The wedding day
The next day I met up with Naomi at the hotel. I got started right away on her details, while she began hair & make up. I bopped over to Benson's room, where he was getting dressed with the assistance of his father. It was very sweet to get to watch Benson's dad get him ready for this next chapter of his life! I returned to where the ladies were hustling & bustling to finish getting ready. But of course, there was time for a few cute matching pj photos. Naomi's sisters & friends helped her get into her gorgeous gown and handmade veil. Then it was time to meet Benson at The Allen Centennial Gardens.
The couple shared a moment for their first look, which was incredibly cute. Then Benson surprised Naomi by playing her a song on his guitar. Then we enjoyed the amazing weather and strolled around the gardens for a few couple portraits. Next we headed back downtown to the Overture Center to get ready for the ceremony. Everyone took their places and the ceremony began. It was such a touching ceremony, incorporating Jewish traditions, many of their friends & family members, and of course, some singing!
After the ceremony, we took family & friend portraits, while cocktail hour began. Then the couple joined to mingle and celebrate! Nearing the end of cocktail hour, we got to hear an amazing performance from Benson & his acapella friends. We also heard a few more really sweet speeches. Benson & Naomi kicked off dinnertime with their entrance and the hora! The hora is one of the most fun wedding traditions -- friends & family lift the couple on chairs and form a circle around them. It's such a blast!
The dinner was absolutely delicious, as always with Catering a Fresco. Next up, each set of parents gave a speech, which was really lovely. Then we headed out to enjoy cake, which was also super delicious. Everyone stepped out onto the balcony to enjoy the summer air and another acapella number. It was so cool! Then we all headed back inside to kick off the dancing portion of the evening. Benson & Naomi's wedding day was one for the books! It was such a treat to be a part of their celebration!
