Wedding at the Loews Chicago O’Hare

Matt and Melissa’s Jewish Wedding

Wedding at Loews Chicago

There’s certain elegance in simplicity; this reigns true in the case of Matt and Melissa’s Jewish wedding. Their special day took place at the contemporary Loews O’Hare Hotel in Chicago. The sleek, unpretentious décor in the background didn’t take away from the happy couple in love.

Getting ready photos

Beginning with “getting ready” photos, true emotions were captured individually. Before making their grand entrance, Matt and Melissa posed in different parts of the Loews Chicago O’Hare hotel. Adding depth to their photos by leaning against textured walls as their backdrop, and lounge areas to create intimate sights. Additionally, the artwork that was displayed throughout the hotel served as an ideal opportunity, allowing to mimic illusions; making it look as if they were part of the paintings. Carrying on to the rooftop, the Chicago skyline was a beautiful backdrop for the couple and for photos with the bridal party.

Signing Ketubah photos

Although the spotlight was on the bride and groom, their Jewish traditions played an important role in the wedding ceremony. Prior to the service, they began with signing a “ketubah,” which is the Hebrew word for “document.”  It is a conventional kind of prenuptial agreement vital in Jewish marriages that sketches out the duties of the groom, in relation to his bride.

Wedding Ceremony at Wedding Loews Chicago O’Hare

Seven circles
Melissa and Matt circle each other seven times. Seven represents the number of days of creation (as a marriage is a creation of a new household); seven is also the number of times the phrase ” when a man takes a wife” occurs in the Torah.
Once that ritual had taken place, the wedding ceremony began underneath the clean, unadorned “chuppah,” a wedding canopy which symbolizes the new home they will create together. The chuppah is open on all four sides, recalling the tent of Sarah and Abraham and symbolizes thet family and friends are always welcome in their home. Vows were exchanged, and then the rings which is considered one of the most important moment of the wedding ceremony. The rings used in the ceremony are smooth, unadorned bands, symbolizing continuous eternal love. The ring is placed on the right index finger which is the closest finger to the heart.
Seven Blessings ( Sheva Brachot)
The seven blessings begin with the blessing over wine, then praise God for creation, for the bride and groom separately, for fertility, children and the companionship   and joy the bride and groom share together.
Breaking the glass
And finally, Matt broke the glass. One interpretation of this tradition is that marriage will last as long as the glass is broken-forever. Another is that people need to remember those who are suffering even in their greatest moments of joy and to remember the destruction of the Second Temple.  Many “Mazel Tov’s” were shouted which means good luck or congratulations.
“ Yichud”  followed the ceremony when Melissa and Matt are escorted to a private room and left alone for a few minutes. This personal moment signifies their new status of living together as a married couple.

Jewish Wedding Reception Chicago Loews O’hare

For entertainment at the wedding reception, music was performed by the Becca Kaufman Orchestra who got everyone out their seats.
We were also very impressed about Matt’s grandmother who is 99 years old. She was next to them all of the time, even on the dance floor, dancing. Speeches were made by the parents, their snapshots will indeed be in the wedding photo album.
The party was one with a lot of fun and dancing and  didn’t finish before “Krenzel” and “Hora”, other two Jewish  tradition, were taken place.
Thank you Matt and Melissa for choosing us to be your photographer. We will always be so grateful for how nice you and your family were to us. This is not the firs Jewish wedding we photographed but it did impress us the most. We love photographing the Jewish wedding ceremonies as it’s something special about it.
A big thank you to the vendors that made this day so wonderful:
Wedding Coordinator – Melinda Jacobson with To The Point
Hairdresser- Carol Borkhardt

Flowers- Sani Mar Events

Video- Express Video

Band- Becca Kaufman Orchestra

The Intercontinental Chicago O’Hare

Photography by: Doru and Claudia Halip

Engagement photos with Matt and Melissa can be seen at Chicago Engagement Photos Session.

Jewish Wedding Photographers