This wasn’t just any wedding—it was a chic, love-filled celebration that still has me smiling! Nikki and David’s Upper East Kenosha wedding at the Stella Hotel was unforgettable—a perfect mix of style, love, cultural traditions, and celebration. I’m thrilled to finally share all the highlights on the blog!

From Chicago Lovebirds to Kenosha Newlyweds

I first met this gorgeous couple during their classic Chicago engagement session. It was a warm summer evening, brimming with love and excitement as they prepared for their big day. Fast-forward one year, we reunited at the stunning Stella Hotel & Ballroom in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Rainy Day Romance at The Stella

I’d never photographed in Kenosha before, so I was eager to explore its charm—and wow, did it deliver! The Stella was an absolute dream for photos. Even on a rainy day, the natural light inside was perfect, and the spacious, neutral-colored spaces gave us so much creative freedom. We made the most of the dreary day, capturing the getting-ready moments, wedding party fun, family formals, and couple portraits all in one spot. So convenient and so gorgeous!

Later, we braved the drizzle for some moody, romantic couple portraits by the lake. Overcast skies may not be ideal, but they create such dreamy, intimate images.

The Upper East – Chic, Bright & Oh-So-Dreamy

From there, we headed to the beautiful Upper East, which was just as photogenic as The Stella. Bright, airy, and full of charm, it was the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of the day. One of my favorite spots? A subtle mural paired with a chic pink couch. It made for some of the most memorable photos of the day.

Confetti Cannons, Golden Hour, & Party Time!

The ceremony was heartfelt, filled with emotion and happy tears. Afterward, everyone gathered outside for a group photo with festive confetti cannons—a fun and creative touch from Nikki and David! And just as cocktail hour began, the sun made a surprise appearance, giving us the perfect golden hour glow for more portraits.

Then it was time to celebrate! Guests were greeted with place cards that came with a signature shot (because THAT’S how you start a party!). Speeches followed, then dancing, which included a lively Horah. I absolutely love when couples incorporate meaningful traditions, and the energy of the Horah is always incredible to capture. (Read more about incorporating cultural traditions below.)

This day was pure magic. From heartfelt moments to unforgettable party vibes, Nikki and David’s wedding was one for the books. Go check it out—you’ll love every second!

Incorporating Cultural Traditions Into Your Wedding Day: A Celebration of Love and Heritage

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your life—a celebration of love, unity, and the beginning of a new chapter with your partner. But it’s also a chance to honor where you’ve come from, the traditions that shaped you, and the cultural heritage that connects you to your family and ancestors. Incorporating cultural elements into your special day enhances the meaning of your wedding and creates a beautiful, personal experience for you and your guests.

Whether you and your partner come from the same cultural background or are blending two (or more!) traditions, there are endless ways to weave these meaningful elements into your wedding day. Here are some ideas and tips to help you incorporate cultural traditions into your celebration with grace, creativity, and love.

Start With Your Ceremony

The wedding ceremony is the heart of the day, making it the perfect place to highlight your cultural heritage. Many cultures have unique rituals and symbols representing love, unity, and commitment. Here are a few examples:

• Jumping the Broom: A tradition with African American roots, jumping the broom at the end of the ceremony symbolizes sweeping away the old and stepping into a new life together.
• Handfasting: Originating in Celtic traditions, this symbolic “tying of the knot” involves binding the couple’s hands with a cord or ribbon to represent their union.
• Breaking the Glass: In Jewish weddings, the breaking of the glass is a poignant moment that signifies the fragility of life and the importance of commitment.

Consider how you can personalize these rituals or adapt them to reflect your unique story as a couple. And don’t forget to work with your officiant to ensure the ceremony feels cohesive and respectful of the tradition’s meaning.

Incorporate Cultural Attire

What you wear on your wedding day is a beautiful way to pay homage to your heritage. Traditional wedding attire often carries deep symbolism and tells a story about your origins.

• Brides from South Asian cultures often wear vibrant red or gold lehengas or sarees, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
• In many Chinese weddings, brides opt for a red qipao (cheongsam), an auspicious color for love and happiness.
• Depending on their heritage, grooms might also wear traditional garments, such as a sherwani, kilt, or barong.

If you’d like a blend of modern and traditional styles, consider wearing cultural attire for part of the day, such as during the ceremony or reception, and changing into something else later. This approach allows you to honor your roots while also embracing your personal style.

Plan a Cultural Menu

Food is a universal love language, and what better way to honor your culture than by serving dishes that reflect your heritage? Whether it’s a full multi-course meal or a few key dishes, food can provide your guests with a tangible connection to your traditions.

• Consider serving appetizers, desserts, or cocktails inspired by your culture. For example, empanadas, samosas, mochi, or baklava are delicious ways to give guests a taste of your roots.
• If blending cultures, create a fusion menu highlighting the best of both worlds. For instance, you could serve tacos at one station and sushi at another.
• Don’t forget to include a traditional wedding dessert, like an Italian millefoglie, a French croquembouche, or a Caribbean rum cake.

Your caterer or baker may even be able to put a creative twist on traditional recipes to suit your theme and preferences.

Infuse Your Music and Dancing with Tradition

Music and dance are vibrant ways to celebrate culture and bring people together, making them an essential part of your wedding day.

• Walk down the aisle to a traditional song or instrumental piece with cultural significance.
• Include a cultural dance during your reception, such as the Hora (a traditional Jewish dance), the Tarantella (an Italian folk dance), or the Garba (a festive Indian dance).
• Hire musicians or performers specializing in traditional instruments or styles, like a mariachi band, bagpipers, or a dhol drummer.

Even if your guests aren’t familiar with the traditions, they’ll love participating in the celebration and learning something new!

Highlight Symbolic Cultural Dècor

Dècor can be as meaningful as it is beautiful. Incorporate elements that reflect your culture, such as textiles, colors, or symbols. For instance:

• Use bold red and gold hues, popular in Chinese and Indian weddings, to symbolize prosperity and happiness.
• Add Moroccan lanterns or Middle Eastern rugs to create a warm, traditional atmosphere.
• Incorporate floral arrangements or greenery that are significant in your culture, like olive branches for peace or marigolds for blessings.

Honor Elders and Ancestry

A wedding isn’t just about two people coming together—it’s also about uniting families. Take a moment to acknowledge those who paved the way for you. That could mean lighting a candle in honor of loved ones who have passed or displaying family wedding photos at your reception.

In some cultures, it’s customary to seek blessings from elders during the ceremony, such as the Filipino “pa-alam” or the African tradition of libation. Including these moments adds depth and emotion to your celebration.

Share the Story with Your Guests

For many of your guests, the cultural traditions in your wedding might be new to them. Take the opportunity to share some context, whether it’s through signage, a note in your program, a quick dance lesson, or a short explanation during the reception. They may not know how or what they can participate in, so make sure to bring them into the celebration.

 

 

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