Jodie & Greg’s wedding was filled with nostalgia for us.  There were so many touching, emotional moments, so much love, and so many friends and family to share each one with.  This is just a glimpse into their day, mostly highlighted through the immediate family- parents, sisters, brothers, grandparents and nieces and even a newborn newphew- all together to share this amazing day with two very special people who fell in love and got married on a magnificent, warm day in February in Los Angeles.

Let’s look behind the scenes at this wonderful day.  I have so much that I want to say about this family that is so dear to my heart.  But…I promised to get this blog post up today, so matter how much WordPress likes words, I know my clients and friends want PHOTOGRAPHS!  I hope they will tell the story for you, because I am going to keep my promise, and if I start writing in detail, I will be here until tomorrow!  Enjoy! 

 

Jodie created this sculpture of her maternal grandmother as she remembered her when she was an architecture student at Berkeley.

The girls were getting ready with hair and makeup and the excitement was filling the air.

Did you notice Rebecca’s reflection in the mirror of the Sephora eyeshadow kit?

Jodie’s neice Baila took one last long look at Jodie’s beautiful gown from J Birds Bridal Boutique before Sherri helped Jodie put her dress on.

While at the Los Angeles River Center…

Greg started his portraits with his brother Jonathan helping him get ready.

We got Jodie back into her dress and down the steps to meet Greg for their first look…the photographs sum it all up!

Along with all the romance, there was lots of fun- We just had to re-create Jodie’s special request photo from their engagement session…

 

Oh, by the way, did we mention that their engagement portrait made it into the New York Times and we got photo credit!  It was pretty exciting!

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/02/08/style/jodie-mendelson-and-gregory-kay.html?smid=fb-share&_r=0

Check it out!

Family were waiting in the wings- literally, and ready to take their portraits with the couple.

And then they were off together to meet Rabbi Paskow and family to sign the ketubah and get ready for the ceremony.

And with just a few leftover minutes to spare, some candids with family and friends.

The Los Angeles sunshine and warm temperature were a pleasant surprise for February.  Guests were arriving and filling up the horseshoe seating…ready and waiting!

As is the tradition, Jodie circled Greg seven times before settling in for the ceremony.  Greg’s mom Debra held onto Jodie’s train and circled her son as well.  It was becoming more and more difficult to blink back the tears.

Let the party begin!

Grand Entrance and hora…here we go!  The Simcha Orchestra was there to coordinate it all with their awesome sound.

The toasts, the reactions, the joy!

Rabbi and Brother-in-law Ertel shared his cookies with everyone…words of wisdom to remember!

Oh yes, a Modern Love Story by Leah!

Greg’s brother Jonathan & sister Rebecca gave their toast together, so there were double hugs!

Their official first dance!

Parent Dances…and a few more tears!

And lots of fun!

Time to cut the cake…

The perfect end to a perfect day!  Mazel Tov again Jodie & Greg…we can’t wait for the next  chapter in your love story!

All the details and special thanks to:

Venue:  Los Angeles River Center & Gardens

Coordination:  Now & Forever Event Planning- Heather Lee

Bridal Gown:  J Birds Bridal Boutique

Flowers: Flowers By Susan Horn

Music:  Simcha Orchestra

Video:  Franklin Video Productions

Kosher Catering: Catering By Brenda

Makeup:  Ariel Schumow