Real Wedding: Miranda & Bryan

From a traditional Jewish ceremony to a late-night after party, this real wedding truly reflects this adorable Chicago couple’s love for culture, family, friends, and of course, each other.

Native San Diegan and Mexican food enthusiast Bryan, met his sweet and funny midwest gal Miranda while living in Chicago (he can thank his younger brother, Ben, for the introduction). Both world-travelers with a passion to make the world a better place (one taco at a time), Ben knew they would be the perfect match.

Miranda and Bryan’s weekend began at the sophisticated boutique hotel, Public Chicago, where most of their guests stayed. Their special day was full of love, laughter, and lots of dancing! And even a little pre-ceremony McD’s (see photo below!). This couple loves a good party, and their celebration certainly did not fall short of that. The ceremony and reception both took place at Chicago’s hottest restaurant and bar in the West Loop, Carnivale Chicago. The two exchanged vows underneath a traditional Jewish Chuppa in front of their closest family and friends. The Tallis that Bryan wore during his Bar Mitzvah was draped over the altar, and just before pronouncing them husband and wife, the Rabbi wrapped both of them in this sacred blanket. The two exited their ceremony to Empire of the Sun’s “Walkin on a Dream,” and guests enjoyed the evening with signature cocktails, dinner, and dancing. The Windy City is know for its “4am bars,” and of course there would be an after-party for this wild bunch. Friends of the bride and groom continued to dance the night away at Jefferson Tap until the wee hours of the morning.

One of my favorite details from this wedding is the bridesmaids’ bouquets. Rather than putting funds toward bouquets for the seven girls, Miranda chose to support a local non-profit in her hometown of Athens, Ohio: Passion Works. They created gorgeous paper flowers for the bridesmaids that perfectly fit Miranda and Bryan’s funky Latin restaurant space and eclectic theme. It also saved them a pretty penny. Win-win!