Fall Wedding at Seven Springs
Liz and Ilya had a fantastic fall wedding at Seven Springs! The weather didn’t cooperate with the plans for an outdoor ceremony but we were still able to have some time outside. Plus, you know that the Seven Springs staff is going to do a great job of moving things indoors.
Anyway, by the time that the reception was in full swing the rain had passed through and there were fireworks.
Getting Ready
Ilya and his guys got ready at a room in the Main Lodge. My dear friend Nancy Andrews started out with the guys. She’s simply amazing and I’m very grateful for her help. It’s a treat to work with someone who is so accomplished and widely respected.
Liz and the girls had hair and makeup done at the Forest Lodge. Liz is so beautiful and I love her body language as she brushes back her hair while looking out the window.
Liz’ mom Pam was very moved to see her daughter wearing her wedding dress.
Liz walks down the stairs at Forest Lodge with a parasol.
First Look
We kept an eye on the radar. With storms approaching Liz and Ilya figured they’d at least have time for their first look at Meadowoods where they’d planned to hold their ceremony. Usually the weather is pretty dry for an early fall wedding at Seven Springs, but sometimes you’ve just got to adjust. Liz and Ilya didn’t let the change in plans due to the weather bother them.
After the first look we returned to Forest Lodge for the Ketubah signing. After everyone had signed Rabbi Art Donsky held it with Liz and Ilya and Liz’ aunt Chris who was serving as reverend for the ceremony.
Liz’ mom is a kind-hearted soul. Instead of smashing a late season wasp she caught him in a glass and set him free.
Liz’ mom Pam and her aunt Chris share a private moment before heading over to the ceremony.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was held in the main lodge in the Exhibit Hall.
The couple wrote their own vows to each other.
Liz and Ilya lit a unity candle beneath the chuppah. The ceremony had a number of different elements from each of their faith traditions.
Liz’ aunt Chris said a few words about the couple and their relationship with each other.
Then she invited all of the guests present to come up front and gather around the couple.
Everyone had a hand on another person so that the entire group was connected. It was beautiful and moving. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.
At the end of the ceremony both Liz and Ilya broke glasses!
We went out on the front deck of the lodge for some portraits. You can see that Liz is well loved by her friends.
The Reception
The shuttle bus picked us up right there and took everyone over to the Timberstone Room for the reception. The bus ride was short, but very fun!
Some details including the thoughtful favors with succulents planted in coffee mugs and Nancy’s very cool photo of their champagne flutes.
The couple cut a small cake on top of their cupcake tower.
First dance.
Liz was very happy!
Parent’s dances. Ilya is such a gentleman bowing to his mom Irina. He shows so much respect and love for his parents.
Liz and her mom shared a very lovely and emotional dance.
Liz and Ilya have been together a long time. Since high school, in fact. So they had a lot of their old friends join them at the wedding.
The Horah is so much fun! I love their expressions!
They had a good time with the bouquet and garter.
There was a box of lighted toys next to the dance floor. The kids had a great time with those.
Dancing was a LOT of fun!
Taking a break outside to escape the sweaty craziness of dancing, we had the perfect opportunity to take one last photo at the end of this wonderful fall wedding at Seven Springs.
DJ: DJ Chaz
Wedding dress from M’Jourdelle