Miriam & Jonathan: A Sun-Kissed Celebration of Love & Tradition
Miriam & Jonathan:
A Sun-Kissed Celebration
of Love & Tradition
A Wedding Story Through Our Lens
At Alex Knight Studio, we capture the most meaningful moments in our couples’ lives. Miriam and Jonathan’s wedding at Trump Doral, Florida, was breathtaking—from heartfelt traditions to high-energy celebrations, every moment was picture-perfect. Their love story began eight years ago at a mutual family friend’s bar mitzvah, never expecting they’d one day celebrate their own wedding with those same friends in attendance. Their journey is a testament to fate, family, and friendship. Let’s take you through their wedding story, one frame at a time.
Trump Doral: A Grand & Meaningful Setting
As Miriam and Jonathan prepared for their big day, we explored the breathtaking Trump Doral, capturing the details that made their wedding so extraordinary. The venue’s grand architecture, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms provided a stunning setting, while sunlit courtyards and intricate interiors created an atmosphere of timeless romance.
Beyond its natural beauty, the venue was transformed by the creative vision of Josh Spiegel from Birch Event Designs. Every detail, from the Chuppah draped in elegant fabric to the ceremony aisle covered in lush flowers, was thoughtfully curated to enhance the couple’s vision. Soft candlelight, delicate blooms, and luxurious drapery brought warmth and intimacy to the grandeur of Trump Doral, creating the perfect backdrop for their dream wedding.
For Miriam, choosing Trump Doral was about more than aesthetics—it was deeply personal. Miriam and her family spend Passover at Trump Doral every year. This beautiful venue was the obvious choice for her. With its impeccable service, expansive grounds, and sophisticated ambiance, it was the perfect place to celebrate surrounded by loved ones. Thanks to the artistry of their wedding planner, every space reflected the magic of their love story.
Getting Ready: The Anticipation Builds
A Bride’s Perfect Touch: Dress, Sneakers & Sentiment
Miriam’s Monique Lhuillier gown hung elegantly, its delicate lace details glowing in the Florida sunlight. Beside it, her bouquet and the earrings gifted by her mother were beautifully displayed, set against the lush greenery of Trump Doral. Every intricate detail—from the lacework to the way the gown flowed—was a dream to photograph. Adding a sentimental touch, the earrings were a symbol of love and tradition that completed her bridal look.
For a fun and personal twist, Miriam also designed her own floral sneakers to wear to the party. They were a reflection of her creativity and added the perfect touch of personality to her wedding ensemble.
Bridal Bliss: The Morning of the Big Day
Miriam’s bridal suite was buzzing with laughter, music, and excitement. The air was filled with anticipation as she and her closest family shared in the final moments before the ceremony. Her mother, sister, and loved ones surrounded her, offering words of love, wisdom, and support. There was an undeniable sense of joy as they helped her into her gown, adjusted the final details, and made sure everything was perfect. The emotions were palpable—happy tears, warm embraces, and an overwhelming feeling of love that made this part of the day truly unforgettable. We captured those precious interactions, preserving the beauty of these quiet yet significant moments before Miriam stepped out to meet Jonathan.
Suited Up: A Groom’s Morning with Family
Meanwhile, Jonathan prepared for the day ahead, looking effortlessly sharp in his Tom Ford tuxedo with classic piqué lapels. As he made his final adjustments, his mother and sisters, wearing custom hoodies, surrounded him with love and excitement, making the morning all the more special. His father and brothers were also there, sharing in the excitement and offering words of encouragement. Lauren Pankow from Brides & Bowties ensured that every bowtie was expertly styled, adding the perfect finishing touch. The quiet moments of final adjustments, a deep breath, and the excitement building before heading to the Tisch were captured beautifully.
Effortless Elegance: The Glam Behind the Glow
Miriam had the absolute dream team when it came to hair and makeup. Angelique Deltete worked her magic with Miriam’s makeup, while Duber Osorio created the perfect hairstyle. More than just their artistry, it was their energy that made the morning so special. Their calming presence made Miriam feel relaxed, knowing she was in the best hands. They not only made her feel gorgeous but also took care of her mother and sisters, ensuring everyone looked stunning for the big day. Duber even gave her brother an impromptu haircut! Throughout the wedding, they stayed on hand for touch-ups, ensuring Miriam looked flawless in every moment. She couldn’t recommend them more!
A Private First Look: A Moment Just for Them
Before the festivities began, Miriam and Jonathan shared a private first look on the scenic grounds of Trump Doral. The anticipation in Jonathan’s expression as he turned to see Miriam was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by lush greenery and elegant architecture, they soaked in the moment together, a quiet pause before the whirlwind of the day. This intimate time allowed them to connect, laugh, and simply be present with one another.
Golden Hour Portraits
After the first look, we took Miriam and Jonathan around the resort for a portrait session, capturing their love against the breathtaking backdrop of their wedding venue. From sunlit courtyards to grand archways, every setting enhanced the romance of their special day. With each frame, we documented the joy, anticipation, and undeniable connection between them—turning fleeting moments into timeless memories.
The Bedekin & Tisch: An Emotional Prelude
There’s something so special about witnessing the Bedekin, that moment when the groom veils his bride. Jonathan’s face lit up as he saw Miriam, and in that moment, we captured the pure emotion of the day.
The Tisch was equally electric, filled with singing and joyous energy as Jonathan’s loved ones gathered around him. These traditions brought so much depth to the day, and it was an honor to document them through our lens.
The Chuppah: A Ceremony Filled with Meaning
As the sun began to set, guests gathered under the softly draped Chuppah. One of the most moving aspects of the ceremony was the presence of Jonathan’s grandparents, especially his maternal grandmother, who was unable to travel but was able to be there because the wedding was held in Miami.
For Miriam, her grandfather’s absence was deeply felt, but his Tallis, draped above them, served as a reminder that he was there in spirit. As we framed the shots of the couple beneath the canopy, the golden hour light created the most ethereal glow—capturing the emotion and beauty of the moment in a way only natural light can.
A truly unforgettable moment came when Shulem Lemmer sang a prayer for the soldiers in Israel. The combination of his angelic voice and the emotional significance of Jonathan’s brother recently completing his IDF service made it a deeply moving experience. Shulem Lemmer was accompanied by The Shloime Dachs Orchestra, adding a powerful musical depth to the moment.
The Reception: A Feast for the Senses
Candlelit Elegance & Culinary Delight
As guests entered the reception, they were greeted by breathtaking tablescapes designed by Josh Spiegel from Birch. Elegant candles flickered alongside lush floral arrangements, creating a warm and intimate ambiance that complemented the grandeur of Trump Doral. The culinary experience was nothing short of exceptional, with exquisite catering by Michael Schick. Every dish was a delight, making the evening as indulgent as it was joyous.
One of the highlights of the evening was the extraordinary performance by Shulem Lemmer. His angelic voice captivated the room, especially during his renditions of The Greatest Showman and October Rain. Between dances, his heartfelt singing created unforgettable moments, adding a deeply personal and emotional touch to the night.
A funny moment? When Miriam and Jonathan finally sat down for a break, only for Shulem to start singing again—pulling them right back onto the dance floor. The music, lights, and pure joy of the night made it a celebration to remember, filled with laughter, love, and nonstop dancing.
Music, Lights & a Dance Floor That Never Stopped
The dance floor was electric, fueled by the incredible music of David Jacob Productions and the mesmerizing laser show by Liquid Sky Laser Show. From the first dance to the final song, the celebration never slowed down. Miriam’s handmade floral sneakers made a playful debut as she switched into her bubble mini dress, ready to dance the night away. Even her nieces, the most adorable flower girls, danced until they finally zonked out from all the excitement. The music, lights, and pure joy of the night made it a celebration to remember, filled with laughter, love, and nonstop dancing.
Tips from the Couple: A Stress-Free Approach
Miriam took an unconventional approach to wedding planning—she stepped back entirely and let her mother and planner handle the details. “I know myself, and I knew planning would be overwhelming, so I let them do whatever they wanted. I got to sit back, relax, and show up at the wedding as a guest—how lucky are we!?” she shared. While her mother might have wanted her to be more involved, Miriam was grateful that she wasn’t pressured into it. Her advice to other couples? “Know yourself. If planning excites you, go for it! But if it feels stressful, it’s okay to delegate.”
A Picture-Perfect Day: Capturing Every Moment
When asked if they had a favorite photo, Miriam said, “Our photos are seriously breathtaking. I haven’t even attempted choosing for an album yet because it feels impossible!” Throughout the day, we explored the stunning resort grounds, capturing their love against the most beautiful backdrops. While Miriam always knew the scenery was incredible, she shared, “The photographers somehow made it even more magnificent.”
Unlike the common sentiment that wedding photoshoots can be long and tedious, Miriam and Jonathan had a completely different experience. “Everyone says taking pictures at your wedding is lengthy and even annoying, but we totally didn’t feel that way. It was so much fun and went by so quickly,” she recalled. The result? A collection of images that beautifully encapsulated the emotions, beauty, and joy of their wedding day.
Unforgettable Moments: A Celebration Filled with Love & Surprises
What truly made the wedding unforgettable was the boundless love, joy, and energy brought by their friends and family. From the heartfelt ceremony to the exhilarating dance floor, every moment was filled with excitement and deep emotion. The celebration reflected not just their love story but the warmth of the people who surrounded them, making the night even more special.
And just when they thought the celebrations were over, the morning brought an unexpected twist. The hotel manager called with an invitation to meet President Trump. Outside the breakfast café, they shared a warm conversation covering everything from their wedding to global affairs—an unforgettable ending to an already extraordinary weekend.
An Unforgettable Honor: Capturing Miriam & Jonathan’s Love Story
Traveling from New York to Miami for Miriam and Jonathan’s wedding was an exciting experience for our team. From the moment we arrived, we were met with warmth, kindness, and a true sense of celebration. Their families were a joy to be around, and capturing the love and energy that filled the day was an absolute privilege.
This wedding was especially meaningful to us, as we’ve had the honor of photographing Jonathan’s brother Gilad and sister-in-law Ilana’s wedding as well. Among the guests, we also saw familiar faces—couples whose weddings we had previously documented. But above all, this day belonged to Miriam and Jonathan, and we are beyond grateful to have been part of their journey. Capturing their love, their traditions, and the unforgettable moments of their wedding day was an experience we will always cherish.