Traditional Jewish Wedding at St. Paul College Club | Eva + Alex

By jeanninemarie

Eva and Alex’s traditional Jewish wedding at the St. Paul College Club may have taken place in winter, but their day brought a sense of spring to life. A fresh snowfall created a stunning backdrop outside, while inside, Martha’s Gardens filled the space with soft lavender florals and lush greenery. The contrast between the crisp white snow and the delicate, airy blooms created a truly magical atmosphere.

What made the day even more special was having all of their families together under one roof, especially with many guests traveling from the East Coast. Eva and Alex chose the St. Paul College Club because it offered just enough space for guests and allowed for smooth transitions from ceremony to reception, and knowing the venue had hosted previous Jewish weddings gave them extra assurance.

HOW THEY MET

Eva and Alex’s story started at a Purim party hosted by University of Minnesota Chabad at Blarney’s in Dinkytown, where they met surrounded by celebration and community.

“I love her situational awareness and strength—she doesn’t let tumultuous times get the best of her.” – Alex

“I love his calm presence. The first time we met I instantly felt safe and incredibly calm with him.” -Eva

THE PROPOSAL

Alex proposed on the front porch of Eva’s childhood home during a sun shower.

THE CEREMONY

Rooted in tradition and filled with meaningful, personal touches, Eva and Alex’s Jewish wedding began with a kabbalat panim, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere before the main ceremony.

Many details of the day reflected family heritage and intentional design. Eva hand-embroidered both the chuppah and the challah cover, adding a deeply personal element to the ceremony. The tallit used during the ceremony was a special gift from Eva’s parents and Alex, symbolizing their support and love. Their kiddush cups carried family significance as well, with one from Alex’s bar mitzvah and the other belonging to his grandmother, connecting the day to generations of tradition.

THE RECEPTION

The celebration continued with a joyful, high-energy reception filled with laughter, music, and meaningful traditions, including dancing the hora. Alongside their Jewish heritage, Eva and Alex also honored Alex’s Swedish roots with a Krokan cake, a fun and memorable dessert that added a unique and personal touch to the evening.

At the heart of their relationship, Eva and Alex treasure their playfulness and sense of mutual support, a foundation that made their wedding day feel joyful, intimate, and full of love. I had so much fun getting to know these two and being surrounded by the amazing people in their lives. The day was beautiful, full of laughter, tradition, and heartfelt moments, and I feel so honored to have photographed it.

LOVE NOTE FROM THE COUPLE

“The quality of Jeannine’s work is unparalleled, and her previous experience working with a diverse range of couples and cultures gave us confidence.”

-Eva + Alex