Finding Your Perfect Photography Match
I was particularly interested in Cari’s perspective on choosing a photographer. Her advice resonates deeply with my own approach: “When it comes to photography, obviously you need to like their product. Take the time to look at their previous work. If you don’t like their style on their website or social media, you may not like your own photos. In addition, I’d take the time to have a conversation and see if everyone vibes together. You spend a lot of time with your photographer on the day of your wedding and you should feel comfortable spending that time together!” This is something I typically tell clients during their first consult calls with me – there’s a good chance you’ll spend more time on your wedding day with your photographer than with the person you’re marrying, so make sure you vibe!
A Minnesota Wedding Planner’s Perspective on Balancing Tradition and Personality:
Making Jewish Traditions Your Own
In my experience photographing Jewish weddings, I’ve seen how each couple brings their own unique touch to our traditions. As a Minnesota wedding planner, Cari’s approach to this balance is refreshingly thoughtful. “It is important for me to simply listen and not just make assumptions. Every wedding is different and every couple is different. It is important for me to know and understand our Jewish traditions so I can help explain and guide throughout planning. It is equally just as important for me to be open to new ideas or twists on ‘the original’ that feel better for that particular couple.”
Creating Meaningful Personal Touches
Through our conversation, Cari shared some particularly moving examples of how couples have made their celebrations uniquely meaningful. “One of the first weddings I planned was a very special experience for all of us involved. Both the bride and groom had unfortunately lost their mothers before the wedding and they wanted to honor two of their biggest supporters. Under the Chuppah, we placed two chairs adorned with a single rose, symbolizing both of their moms. While their physical presence was missing, their love and support was everywhere, including under the Chuppah.”
She’s also seen beautiful ways couples honor their heritage while creating new traditions: “Recently there has been a shift to have two glasses for the end of the ceremony so both partners can stomp on a glass. And couples started asking the question — why does it have to be just the groom or just one of the partners that stomps on the glass? And I agree!”
As a photographer, these thoughtful touches create some of the most meaningful images in my portfolio – moments that tell not just the story of a wedding day, but of generations of tradition and love.
Perfect Timing: A Minnesota Wedding Planner’s Approach to Photography
When to Book Your Photographer
As a Minnesota wedding planner, Cari knows that timing is everything in wedding planning. She has clear guidance about photography specifically: “I feel there are two moments to consider your wedding photography. If you want engagement photos, you want to find a photographer fairly early on in your planning process. You will get to know your photographer early and take photos while still in the fiancé bliss. You’ll have photos delivered before you may want to use them for a Save The Date or a website!”
As a wedding photographer, most of my wedding packages include an engagement session. It’s definitely worth looking into early on in the process!
Cari continues with practical advice for couples skipping engagement photos: “If you opt out of wanting engagement photos, I’d recommend researching a photographer once you have a wedding date and wedding venue. That way you will feel confident that they are available on your date and that they feel comfortable photographing your venue.”
Crafting the Perfect Timeline
One thing I deeply appreciate about working with experienced Minnesota wedding planners is their attention to timeline details. Cari’s approach ensures we capture every meaningful moment: “I really take the initiative in putting together their timeline. And for me, it is important to add in buffer time. The buffer time is not intended to make it feel like the day is dragging on but it helps keep us on time and allow for those moments you cannot necessarily control.”
She emphasizes the importance of communication between couples and their photography team: “It is also important to have the conversations with your photographer about what traditions are most important to you and why. They will be able to give a little extra time and focus on those particular moments and traditions.”
Twin Cities Venues: A Minnesota Wedding Planner’s Favorite Spaces
Perfect Places for Jewish Celebrations
When it comes to venues that understand and embrace Jewish traditions, Cari has found some clear standouts. “There are so many venues that do an amazing job with Jewish weddings. I especially like Depot in Minneapolis, Machine Shop and Quincy Hall in Northeast Minneapolis They have all been very understanding the different needs that a Jewish wedding has throughout the day (including kosher catering!).
Building the Perfect Vendor Team
Finding the right venue is just the beginning. This Minnesota wedding planner’s approach to building the complete vendor team reflects her deep understanding of what makes celebrations successful. “My goal with putting together the perfect vendor team is connecting the couple with vendors that make them feel confident about their day, so that they don’t have to feel worried. In addition, I want their vendor partners to be folks they enjoy, feel happy to be around, match their vision, match a budget (very important!) and so on. We are lucky in the Twin Cities that we have a lot of talent around us to ensure a successful group of vendors are around you on your most important day.”
Celebrating Community: The Heart of Minnesota Jewish Weddings
What truly sets Minnesota’s Jewish wedding community apart? Cari’s answer speaks volumes. “I mentioned this before, but this is a smaller and very connected community. We want the best for everyone and rally around each other to lift one another up. For me and my business, the success of my adventure has for the most part, all been word of mouth. Folks in our community lifting up my name and suggesting my services to other family members or friends. I get overwhelmed when I think about it for too long. I am so proud to have grown up here. This community has given me so much and it feels so wonderful to give something back to it!”
Looking Ahead: Jewish Celebrations in 2025
The future of Jewish weddings in Minnesota looks bright and joyful. As Cari notes, “In 2025, it is all about having a good time and celebrating with those around you. It feels like my couples are focused on finding the best entertainment that will help get their guests on the dance floor and stay there all night long. And I’ll be out there dancing with them!”
Capturing Your Minnesota Jewish Wedding
After learning about the warmth and interconnectedness of the Twin Cities Jewish community through Cari’s eyes, I’m more excited than ever about the prospect of photographing weddings in Minnesota. Whether you’re working with an amazing Minnesota wedding planner like Cari or still putting together your vendor team, I would be honored to help preserve your wedding memories.
Ready to discuss your wedding photography? Let’s connect and talk about capturing your celebration with the perfect blend of tradition and personality. Visit Eliana Melmed Photography to learn more about our approach to documenting Jewish weddings in Chicago and beyond – including Minnesota!
