Grisha is really Greg, but Grisha is such a wonderful nickname and this is what Abby calls Greg so it kind of sticks. They met in a camp for learning Russian language and this is the name Greg was given in camp. Theirs was a delightful wedding in the area called the Back Bar at the Top of The Hill restaurant in Chapel Hill. I love it when couples tell me what they want so that they are celebrating who they are and so they and their love shines through. I had no worries about Greg and Abby - they had their own ideas. Yay!
They had grown their love long distance that first year. Now 3 years later they were marrying in a ceremony that honored some Jewish customs that were dear to them. The colorful huppah they're standing under was pieced by Grisha's mother. Abby's father offered the blessing of the wine, and immediately after the breaking of the glass, everyone began dancing the Hora. It was great fun.
Grisha and Abby invited guests for drinks then when the moment was ripe, we all walked into the big reception room, Greg and Abby greeting guests then. It was a great size for their around 70 guests. I tucked in some pictures of the Back Bar to show you how well it served for their wedding and how creative their decorations were. This first picture is the front of the room. We gathered here in front of the huppah.
This is looking back toward the back of the room. The back right is the entrance into the room.
Carolyn Scott of Carolyn Scott Photography took these wonderful photographs. I love working with her. She's fun as well as professional. I think that's how she can get such amazing shots. Thank you Thank you Thank you, Carolyn. I don't know that people realize how important it is that the photographer be someone the couple can relax with. They spend most of the hour before the wedding with them and then need to be in a good mood and not stressed. Not easy. Crissy Brady, of Not Your Grandmother's Wedding, was our coordinator extraordinaire. Thank you, Crissy!
Thanks, Carolyn of taking a fun picture of me as I wait for Abby, Grisha, and guests to gather.
Greg and Abby created just the ceremony they wanted. One touch they chose was to combine the section of the vows and rings into one section where at the completion of their vows they slipped the ring onto the other's finger. With the pronouncement, the kiss, the breaking of the glass and turning around to guests they were married, and the Klezmer band started the music to dance. Later pie was served baked by the Top of The Hill. I can attest to their desserts. They are wonderfully decadent.
Greg and Abby's wedding feels like a small town wedding to me. My husband, Ruben, was Abby's Middle School Science teacher, and some of this other former students are employees at Top of The Hill. For me it had the feeling of coming home. How much more must it have felt that way for them. It was a gathering of close friends and family who love and support them, and celebrate their love. It doesn't get any better than that!
I wish them every blessing and Mazel Tov!
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