An ornate Jewish wedding with the bride's grandmother's dress

Ornate Jewish Ballroom Wedding with the Brides Grandmothers Wedding Dress – Danielle Harris Photography 3

Photo by Danielle Harris via Bridal Musings

Would you wear your grandmother’s dress on your wedding day?

If you’re as lucky as Elizabeth, spoiled with a grandmother who designed & made her own gorgeous gown in 1952, we bet the answer would be yes! With beautiful lace, long sleeves, a (totally-in-right-now) high neck and buttons down the back, this heirloom gown was the perfect way to honor Elizabeth’s grandmother and mother who also donned the same dress.

But why settle for one when you can show off all facets to your own personal style?! For their elegant ballroom reception, Elizabeth changed into a very different, clean-lined sweetheart gown that could not be more perfect for this ornate affair.

Incorporating all the proper Jewish traditions throughout their ceremony & reception, this wedding photographed by Danielle Harris is everything we love and more from a classic, fancy fête.

Our Love Story

We met on Jswipe (like Tinder for Jews).

We went to Indianapolis in December to spend time with my family. He said he wanted to see more of the city (he’s from Toronto), so we went downtown one day just the two of us. We stopped at Garfield Park conservatory and wandered around and held hands.

At one point he said “I need to tell you something…I knew you were the one when…” and then listed several stories and memories, and I started weeping because I knew it was happening. Then he got down on one knee and popped the question. I said yes, obviously, and then we went to dinner on Mass Ave and had champagne.

The Dresses

For the ceremony, I wore my Grandma’s dress (Barbara Lucas) that she designed, made, and wore herself in 1952. Then my mom wore it, and now I’m wearing it.

But it’s kind of itchy and modest, so for the party, I got a Valentini Dress from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture in Chicago

The Style & Decor

Our colors were earl grey, off-white, white, gold

Also, Moshe’s mother painted silk tapestry which will hang across the ceiling of the chuppah. We used his Grandpa’s Tallit (prayer shawl) during the ceremony as well.