Lexi and Stu’s wedding at the Hilton City Ave was a blast from beginning to end. Though the weather tried to put a damper on things, we enjoyed the warmth of inside while capturing some amazing portraits.
Getting Ready at the Hilton City Ave
The weather was threatening as we arrived at the Hilton City Ave to begin capturing Lexi and Stu’s wedding day. Lexi and the ladies were all together in one of the conference rooms, hurrying to finish hair and makeup. Lexi was in high spirits. Possibly because of all the La Colombe coffee in the fridge. She even gave some to us and that made our day! She had not a care in the world, and it made getting ready so much fun. Everyone laughed together, and we knew we were in for an amazing day.
Her mom is such a sweetheart too. As Lexi’s sister helped zip her into her wedding dress, she was there in the background, fighting back the happy tears. Lexi’s simple yet entirely elegant dress slipped on with ease, and then we had a decision to make. Tempt fate and head to our outdoor location for pictures, or bag it and stay at the Hilton City Ave. We decided to go for it. But, as we exited the hotel, the window rushed in, the rain began to fall, and we scrapped the plan and pivoted to indoor portraits.
Meanwhile, Stu and the guys had hurried to get ready so they could grab an Uber over to the outdoor portrait location. We had to call them back to the hotel as the weather turned on us. Everything worked out just fine in the end though. Wait till you see the first look.
The Indoor First Look & Portraits
Inside the lounge at the Hilton City Ave, we rearranged the furniture and set Stu in place for his first look with Lexi. It was cozy and moody. Lexi came in and stood back to back with him as she read his letter to her. With tears swimming, she turned to tap his shoulder. He smiled hugely as he beheld his bubbly bride and they embraced sweetly.
We made use of the bar and a cozy booth for some more couples portraits before heading to the larger restaurant to capture full wedding party. It was a lot of fun! Especially getting the guys together sitting on the bar. Then, it was time to get ready for the ceremony upstairs. The day was simply flying.
The Ceremony & Reception at the Hilton City Ave
Lexi and Stu’s rabbi was one of the sweetest we’ve had the joy of working with. He presided over their ketubah signing and formal ceremony with aplomb. Lexi’s flower girl nearly stole the show when she did a split at the end of the aisle just before the bride appeared. With her father’s passing, Lexi’s uncle assumed his role as she walked down the aisle with her mother. The pride in his eyes had us wondering if Lexi’s dad had managed to send his joy down for the day as well.
They shared their ceremonial vows and drank the covenantal wine, then it was done! They were married. Stuart broke the glass and everyone shouted Mazel Tov.
After a delicious cocktail hour, Lexi and Stu made a triumphant entrance into their reception down the grand stairs. They shared a tender first dance, and then they both danced with Stu’s parents. It was a darling display of the familial love they all shared.
After a couple hilarious roasts, I mean toasts, the party really got going. The dance floor never stopped and then it was time to say goodnight. Congrats to Lexi & Stu!
