Oh gosh. Aliza + Trevor’s Salvage One Wedding was definitely one to remember. Being a Jewish woman myself, I especially love being a part of celebrations that feature these specific cultural traditions. And what better place to do it all than Salvage One? If you’re not familiar with it already, I hope you will be once you finish reading.

Their Story

Eight years ago, Aliza + Trevor met on a dating app, though they probably encountered one another in person before that. Trevor was coaching soccer at his former high school, and Aliza was working for a non-profit based at the very same school. A couple of years later, they moved in together, adopted two cats, and the rest was history!

Portraits

Because Aliza + Trevor valued photos of the wedding itself rather than getting ready, they wanted me to meet them at Salvage One after they had already gotten ready at a hotel. They arrived separately of course, adding some finishing touches to their wedding day outfits before a first look in one of the suites. It could not have been a nicer day, so we really couldn’t resist going out into the courtyard for some portraits with the wedding party. Family photos followed, and we had a pretty big list to get through! Thankfully Aliza + Trevor formatted the list the precise way that I needed and we got them done pretty quickly.

Ketubah Signing + Salvage One Wedding

Like many Jewish weddings, the couple decided to sign a Ketubah together. It’s a Jewish marriage contract, with language hand-picked by the couple to represent them. Lots of folks get some super unique designs as well! The Rabbi guided the couple and immediate family through an intimate signing ceremony, complete with witness signatures and champagne. Once that was completed, everyone got tucked away as guests arrived so the ceremony could begin!

Aliza + Trevor were married under a chuppah in the back courtyard of Salvage One. The top of their chuppah was a cloth woven by Aliza’s mother and her sibling, a personal touch to the day that I found incredibly endearing. Both stepped on the glass at the end of the ceremony as everyone shouted “Mazel Tov!” They kissed, walked back up the aisle, and were officially a married couple.

Reception

After cocktail hour, guests filed upstairs into the reception space. The best part about having a Salvage One wedding is that there is never a shortage of tables or chairs! Fun fact– it’s also a working antique furniture store, so just about everything was for sale. I loved that the tables and chairs weren’t always matching, it gave the evening a unique kind of charm and warm feel.

We heard speeches by both Aliza + Trevor’s fathers, followed by a very fun speech from Trevor. Being a soccer coach, he made his speech about how the people who put together a wedding day compare to particular positions on a soccer field. He even mentioned my name, which seriously brought a tear to my eye! We then did a quick sunset photo session in the courtyard, followed by more speeches a first dance and a parent dance. It wouldn’t be a Jewish wedding without the Hora! Trevor is so tall that we had to make sure his head wouldn’t hit the disco ball when being hoisted up. The couple cut their cake and danced the night away with friends and family. We took a few more nighttime photos out in the courtyard with the “Chicago” sign all lit up.

Oh, and the googly eyes you see? A reference from a recent favorite movie of theirs, “Everything Everywhere All At Once.” You’d get it if you’ve seen it ;) Mazel Tov to Aliza + Trevor! I can’t wait to see what life brings you! xx

Venue: Salvage One / Florals: Youth & Yarrow / Hair + Makeup: The Bridal Beauty Team / Coordinator: Love and Logistics / Dress: Lovely Bride NYC / Made With Love Bridal / Suit: NL Suits / DJ: Style Matters / Caterer: Jordan’s Food of Distinction / Ceremony Musicians: Chicago Klezmer Ensemble