Traditional Jewish Wedding at Planterra Conservatory

One of the things I really appreciate about Adam and Mariel is they made all things wedding their own. We photographed their engagement session at a private residence prior to their engagement party. The event was a classy yet humble affair. Their wedding was very much the same – classy and humble. There was no photographing bridal prep. No photographing groom prep. No limo chauffeuring around a large bridal party. Instead, it was a slow-paced day that focused on family and each other. Their day started at the Cranbrook Institute before ending with a traditional Jewish wedding at Planterra Conservatory.

Adam and Mariel shared a first look at the Cranbrook House & Gardens. It was the perfect fall day with peak autumn colors.

The grounds themselves are beautiful and inspiring. We only had time to photograph in one location; however, it was all we needed.

I love the classic and timeless look of Mariel and her wedding dress.

After our time at Cranbrook, we headed to Planterra Conservatory.

One of the things I love about weddings at Planterra Conservatory is the simple elegance of the venue. It is beautiful. Leah E. Moss Designs perfectly captured and complimented the essence of Planterra with her calligraphy and design for Mariel and Adam’s wedding.

After we arrived and unloaded at Planterra, I found Adam and Mariel quietly taking a moment for themselves. Anyone who reads my blogs knows that this is one of the main recommendations I suggest for couples on their wedding day. Take time to be alone! Take a few minutes to just be alone, be present, and think about from where you came in your relationship. It makes the day, the vows, and your emotions more heightened and memorable. When I found Adam and Mariel taking a few minutes to be alone and read their own vows to each other, I smiled and wanted to document the moment without interrupting it.

Soon after, family began to arrive and we photographed some formals before the rest of the guests arrived for the ceremony.

Once the guests arrived, the real fun began. Before we could celebrate their Jewish wedding at Planterra, we needed to first host their tish. Adam’s friends and family did a great job heckling, interrupting, and showering him with compliments as he lectured on the Torah. Mariel’s friends and family seemed to be a little bit kinder.

Next, it was time to present the groom to his bride. Adam rode in fashionably.

Surrounded by family and friends, Adam and Mariel made it official by signing their katubah.

When guests took their seats, it was time for their Jewish wedding at Planterra.

Mazel tov!

Mariel and Adam had a ridiculously fun hora, helped out by live music provided by Collision Six. Both families ended up being hoisted in chairs. Adam’s friends took it to the next level, hoisting him up on anything that was stable enough to hold him.

One of my favorite moments of the evening was seeing Mariel’s brother sit in the chair and celebrate the moment. Seeing him smile and laugh encompassed the whole mood of the room.

After an energetic hora and filling dinner, guests were ready to celebrate. After the dance floor was opened by the bride and groom, the party began and lasted will into the night. Collision Six did an incredible job keeping the dance floor packed.