This Couple’s “Big Fat Jewish Rainbow Backyard Wedding” is Too Perfect for Words!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

After having to cancel their wedding, not once, but twice, the third time was a charm and Marc + Jess had the intimate backyard wedding of their dreams! The original wedding was scheduled for June 2020 with a guest list of nearly 200 people. However, since the original date, this couple managed to move half way across the country, have a beautiful baby boy, and purchase a new home! So they knew they wanted to celebrate with their closest family and friends after spending so much time apart due to the pandemic.

The VB Picnic Co. helped Marc + Jess change their original plans to a celebration that felt more “them” featuring a taco truck & late night pizza delivery, lots of disco balls, and a full-sized Adam Sandler cardboard cutout (we’ll explain later!!). Sharon Elizabeth captured all the magical moments of this backyard wedding that you’re about to witness!

Getting Ready for the Big Day

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

Something borrowed, something blue! We love these adorable blue wedding shoes by Loeffler Randall.

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding Floral Veil

Isn’t this bride so stunning?! And nope, this wasn’t the original gown Jess chose for her initial date three years prior. We asked her to share with us how she found this dress!

I went shopping with my best gal pals at BHLDN in Georgetown in 2019! While the gown that I initially picked out was stunning, nearly 3 years had passed since that shopping trip and I knew I wanted to wear something a little less traditional and a lot more ME. I had seen some floral gowns featured on GWS over the years and couldn’t stop thinking about going in that direction! I lusted after the Mac Duggal gown and decided to go rogue, sell my original dress, and get something a little more colorful. I waited to show everyone and reveal my chaotic change in plans until my new dress arrived and I regret nothing.”

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding First Look with Dad
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

How sweet is this first look?! The bride and groom look overjoyed to check in with one another before the ceremony begins!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

Ok, we need to talk about her floral veil!! We are in MAJOR LOVE!! Such a fun way to bring more color and detail into your wedding day look. If you are looking for a unique veil for your day, be sure to check out The Best Wedding Veils for Every Style.

Digging the groom’s digs? His look is from the Twisted Tailor!

Mann & Wife understood the assignment when it came to florals! Look how well these bouquets match with the bride’s gown!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

These bridesmaids went for the mismatched look and absolutely nailed it! By each lady wearing their own style that they feel their best in, it created the most beautiful, dynamic, and happy bridal party!!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

Welcome to the Wedding

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

There’s no need for your guests to feel the need to snap photos of your entire ceremony when you’ve hired a professional! An unplugged wedding day is the way to go, which is exactly what M + J wanted!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

There is nothing better than an intimate wedding with your loved ones present! Planning your own backyard wedding? We’ve got all the inspiration you need!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Musical Choices

Processional: Brothers & Sisters - Nefesh Mountain, Ahavat Olam - The Platt Brothers

Recessional: Dog Days are Over - Florence & The Machine

First Dance: Grow Old With You - Adam Sandler

Here Comes the Bride

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

The bride’s smile says it all! This is a moment she’ll never forget!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Most memorable moment of the wedding day? Listening to Marc's vows for the first time, where he proudly declared marriage was NOT for him, but went on to explain "Jess, having technically been married to you since our elopement two years ago, I've come to realize that marriage isn't for me. To explain this, I'll start with the Hebrew word for love which is "A-hava." Ahava comes from the root "ahav" which means "to give." True ahava, is about giving, not receiving...it is for you, not for me. I vow to provide in this marriage for you, not for me."

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

Together…Forever!!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

The couple’s first dance was to “Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler so it was absolutely fitting that he was present on their big day! :)

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding Reception
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

Guests got to sip cocktails from their own disco ball glasses!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

Tall colorful candlesticks brought in the colors from the floral bouquets and bride’s gown. A simple, yet elegant tablescape was all this reception needed since the rest of the day’s decor was bold as is!

The Better Together neon sign is such a fun element for the reception – plus then you can hang in your home to remember your wedding day!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Try not to get too bogged down with other people's opinions. We found that when we shared some of our ideas, people may have had the best of intentions, but that our ~vision~ wasn't totally understood by others and they definitely voiced that. I would say if there is something you are really passionate about doing, it may be best to just go for it!

Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding
Our Big Fat Rainbow Jewish Wedding

“My advice for brides is to go with your wildest dreams, especially if you’re one of the lucky ones who has had to reschedule! I knew I wanted our wedding to be a colorful fun party that represented who we and our friends are as people. Everyone thought I was nuts for wearing a colorful dress and having the wedding party dress in colorful outfits that showed their personalities (which is why we love them), and I couldn’t be happier with how everything turned out.”

We couldn’t agree more with Jess and encourage all of you brides out there to have the wedding of your dreams– no matter how wild! A major congrats to this beautiful couple and the wonderful and exciting years to come!

photography: Sharon Elizabeth Photgraphy // venue name: Private residence, Norfolk, Virginia, United States // event design: The VB Picnic Co // florals: Mann & Wife // wedding dress: Mac Duggal // hairpiece: Etsy // bride's shoes: Loeffler Randall // bride's ring: Lorak // bridesmaid dresses: Various boutiques // getting ready robes: Bride - Cama // hair stylist: Tabatha Monroe // makeup artist: Tabatha Monroe // groom's shoes: Kurt Geiger // groom's ring: Lorak // specialty rentals: VB Picnic Co // officiant: Rabbi Patrick Beaulier

Explore: