Black and White Classic Nuptials for Raphael and Blum

Michelle Raphael and Josh Blum selected the Intercontinental Hotel Buckhead for their June 12, 2022, wedding. But the pre-matchmaking began in kindergarten at The Epstein School.

Serving as bookends in the class picture, Raphael and Blum don’t remember their early childhood encounters. Eighteen years later, they reconnected thanks to Blum’s persistence. Having been Facebook friends for over 10 years, Blum’s annual admiring of her page convinced him she was someone worth knowing.

Josh and Michelle made their home in Virginia while he pursues his MBA

Their wedding website continued, Creepy? Yes, but thank G-d for Facebook! After insisting that his roommate set them up, Blum and Raphael spent their first date at Bar Taco. Despite only ordering one drink (out of nervousness), the couple closed down the restaurant. One night together and they knew there was something special between them.

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The official proposal unfolded at the Chattahoochee trail where Raphael grew up biking and running. Under the pretence of meeting a friend, Blum lured her in while a friend randomly disappeared.

Generations of family wedding photos displayed.

Raphael saw her favorite flowers set up by the river. Blum then found a little nook on the trail by the river that was private, so he could pop the question. After the proposal, he took Raphael to her parents’ house for a surprise family brunch.

Buckets of sentimentality went into the wedding ceremony. The top of the chuppah was covered by their late grandfathers’ tallitot. Blum’s grandfathers: Edward Blum and Benjamin Landey and Raphael’s grandfather, Barry Spector.

Blum’s siblings, Abby and Evan Blum, gifted the couple a kiddush cup to be used for the wedding ceremony. The traditional glass that the groom smashed is being converted into a mezuzah, which will hang in their home.

Wedding cake.

Both bride and groom’s immediate families stood with them underneath the chuppah. The couple was wrapped in the tallit of Raphael’s late father, David Raphael, whose wedding ring was used in the ring exchange ceremony.

Praising the clergy, Blum said, “We love that it felt like Rabbi Ron Segal, of Temple Sinai, truly knew us — he talked about what we loved most about one another, and he was sure to mention all the symbolism surrounding our chuppah ceremony. Also, we were extremely honored that Rabbi Emeritus Philip Kranz came up to the chuppah to say the Kohen’s blessing.”

Tasteful details flowed. The flowers, arranged by Eva at Tulip, were bouquets and arrangements of pure white blossoms and greenery. Light pink flowers were accented to add color and provide a pop.

Raphael found her dress at The White Magnolia. Blum landed his tux at Guffey’s of Atlanta. Raphael had seven bridesmaids who wore black dresses, and each was allowed to select her own unique dress. Blum had six groomsmen who wore black tuxedos.

Eva at Tulip did the white based flowers for the occasion.

Vegetarians, vegans and pescatarians delighted at the menu of cauliflower steak and salmon options. The vanilla wedding cake was from Henri’s Bakery.

The music lineup starred Joe Alterman at the piano for the ceremony. The reception music was by Big Swing and the Ballroom Blasters, while the couple’s first dance was to, “If I Ain’t Got You,” by Alicia Keys.

The couple used Melissa Miller of MMEventsAtlanta, as a day-of coordinator.

Raphael said, “Melissa helped throughout the processes with various questions and really stepped in to lead the planning process a few months away from the wedding. She was the glue to the wedding day, and she did a great job making sure the day looked how we wanted.”

Guest smile for the camera.

Michelle Raphael, the daughter of Lynne and the late David Raphael, is an occupational therapist, specializing in hand therapy. Josh Blum, son of Leah and Ted Blum, previously worked at Georgia Pacific and is starting business school at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business this fall as an MBA candidate. Thus, the couple has moved to Charlottesville, Va.

The couple honeymooned in Italy and Greece. The trip was accented by making Picci pasta in Montalcino, where they prepared a six-course meal in a private class. The island of Crete in The Mediterranean Sea was also a favorite stop with the contrast of beaches and mountains. Many glasses were toasted in wine tasting.