Watch out! Adina was extremely excited and feeling playful as she made preparations for her wedding day. I was happy to be with her and groom Ricky, documenting the celebration and serving as a target.
Adina’s bridesmaids were on hand to help make sure every detail was perfect.
Adina was so gorgeous. She was absolutely glowing, smiling from ear to ear. Her earrings were the final touch to her wedding day look, and then she was good to go.
Ricky was ready and waiting in the spot we chose for the couple’s first look, just down the street from their hotel.
Look at those smiles! They took a few moments to check each other out and then we got down to business. I had some big plans for this couple’s pre-ceremony shoot!
Adina’s mother spotted this sign in the restaurant at the Virgin hotel, and we made it one of the first stops on our around-town tour.
Next up was a group portrait of the couple with their wedding party…
…and then Ricky and his groomsmen gathered together for their turn in front of the camera.
Just down the street was the Kinzie St. bridge, so we made that scenic Chicago spot our next stop.
The time had finally come for Adina and Ricky to get married! We headed back to the Bridgeport Art Center, where the ceremony and reception were held, as family gathered to watch the wedding proceedings begin with a traditional Tish and Bedeken.
Shortly after the Tish and the Bedeken were completed, Adina was walking down the aisle, escorted by her mother and father. The ceremony was beautiful, too, so full of love and honored tradition.
The ceremony concluded with the newlyweds sharing a kiss, followed by one of their treasured signs of endearment: rubbing noses.
Adina and Ricky spent a few moments alone together immediately following the ceremony while guests enjoyed cocktail hour.
Soon enough, the newlyweds joined their guests and began the celebration by sharing their first dance together as husband and wife. Adina and Ricky worked hard on this dance, practicing many times over in the weeks leading up to the wedding, and their hard work paid off!
Ricky’s brother was first up to the microphone with his speech in honor of the couple…
…and then Adina’s sister gave her tribute.
Finally, Ricky and Adina had their turn, thanking everyone for sharing in their celebration.
Adina’s mom and sister watched with welled-up eyes as the bride shared a dance with her father.
Ricky and his mom had a blast as they enjoyed their parent dance together.
And then it was time for the Hora! This is one of my favorite parts of a wedding– so much fun!
The Hora was the perfect way to get all the guests warmed up for the party on the dance floor…. and party, they did! See for yourself in these images from Ricky and Adina’s dance party:
What a fun night! Thank you for sharing it with me, Ricky and Adina! Congratulations on your marriage!
