Jennifer & Josh’s Jewish Wedding at Chicago Botanic Garden
Botanic Blooms: Jennifer & Josh’s Cinematic Jewish Wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden
Step into Jennifer and Josh’s incredible Jewish wedding at the breathtaking Chicago Botanic Garden on September 1st, 2024: 140 guests, a ceremony on the Rose Terrace, and a celebration that filled the Garden with music until the last dance.
A Love Story Five Years in the Making
Their journey began on a dating app, where a picture of Josh on a beach with his dog caught Jennifer’s eye. Their first date at a Nola wine bar in 2019 was the start of a deep connection built on mutual respect and authentic values. As Josh said in his vows, while the world faced uncertain times, he gained “absolute certainty” that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Jennifer.
The Wedding Weekend
The celebration began the night before with a rehearsal dinner at Swift & Sons, and on the wedding morning our team split in two: filming Josh and his groomsmen at The Langham while Jennifer got ready at her family home, surrounded by her bridesmaids and mother. The first look by the lake at the Botanic Garden gave the couple a serene, private moment before the day swept them up.
A Ceremony of Tradition on the Rose Terrace
After a soulful ketubah signing, the ceremony unfolded under the chuppah on the Rose Terrace. The processional flowed from “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” to Coldplay’s “Yellow,” and then came the moment that gave us chills behind the camera: ten seconds of complete silence before “Moon River” began and Jennifer appeared. The circling ceremony, the kiddush cup, the tallis, and the joyous breaking of the glass completed the traditions, and the newlyweds recessed to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love).”
An Unforgettable Celebration
Cocktails in the English Wall Garden gave way to a grand reception in the Pavilion, and the evening never slowed:
- A first dance to remember: Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” ending on a perfect dip, followed by Jennifer surprising Josh by singing to him from the stage.
- Blessings and tradition: the grandparents’ blessing of the wine and the family’s blessing of the challah, followed by heartfelt toasts from both families.
- Family dances: a mother-son dance to Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” and a mother-daughter dance to Carole King’s “Where You Lead.”
- The Hora: the whole “village” of family and friends lifted the couple as the dance floor erupted.
- The grand finale: late-night grilled cheese, and a last dance to “Higher Love” and “With a Little Help from My Friends” before a Sunday farewell brunch back at The Langham.
The Creative Team
- Videography: 312FILMS
- Planning: The Creative Planners
- Venue: Chicago Botanic Garden
- Photography: Clary Pfeiffer Photography
- Floral: Floral Firebrand
- Band: Gold Coast Events
- Lighting & draping: Remarkable Events
Planning a Jewish wedding or a Chicago Botanic Garden celebration? We film the chuppah, the Hora, and every tradition in between with the care they deserve. Check your date →
