When Sephardic & Ashkenazi Cultures Unite

Ellie Parker, an Ashkenazi Jew, met Nolan Edmonson at Yeshiva University in New York City and reconnected years later when Ellie was on a trip back to the “Big Apple.”

Before their wedding at The Temple on Aug. 10, Edmonson, who is Black and identifies as a Sephardic Jew, learned about Judaism as a child and fully converted at the age of 18 before he went to Israel to study at a Yeshiva. Now, they are both attorneys.

Wedding planner Alexa Kesler related, “Some weddings radiate a kind of magic that feels effortless where every moment flows seamlessly, and every detail feels true to the couple … it was exactly that.” The couple credits Kesler for thoughtfully designing and flawlessly executing elegance resulting in heartfelt, genuine joy including sourcing many of the vendors from New York.

Prior to the ceremony, a traditional Tish and Bedeken paraded rousing horns and led the groom to “examine” the bride. The outdoor ceremony transformed The Temple’s grand front staircase into a breathtaking backdrop. The stairs were seamlessly built into the design, creating a natural focal point that elevated the entire aesthetic by Jim White Designs, which brought the vision to life with a lush, cascading floral chuppah that framed the steps, a romantic blend of ivory blooms, soft greenery, and textures that felt both classic and fresh. It was described as “ethereal timeless Atlanta architecture meeting a modern, outdoor romance.” Eli Marcus, renowned chuppah singer, performed as Ellie walked down the aisle.

After the ceremony, guests segued into the reception where the team from Raising the Bar served signature cocktails designed especially for Ellie and Nolan, with drinks reflecting their personalities and favorite flavors. Dinner and reception followed inside The Temple’s ballroom.

Ellie said, “EB Catering (kosher) delivered an unforgettable culinary experience, featuring dishes that celebrated seasonal flavors and classic favorites. A soul food station alongside an Italian station showed the variety. From the first bite to the final course, guests raved about the menu’s presentation and taste, and service ran flawlessly from start to finish.”

The reception design echoed the beauty of the outdoor ceremony. Jim White Designs filled the ballroom with abundant florals and a stunning michitza (separation of men and women). The tables were dressed in crisp ivory linens with elegant tableware and flickering votives. Sincerely Heidi created all the custom signage and printed details, tying the visual story through a cohesive design. From the welcome signage to the seating chart, bar menus, and table numbers, every piece reflected the couple’s refined, but approachable style. The celebration energy was electric with traditional Jewish songs like “Od Yishama” in Yiddish. A cigar and whiskery bar was featured at the end of the night.

Kesler remarked, “This wedding was the kind of celebration planners dream about — a seamless collaboration between creative partners, an appreciative family, and a couple deeply in love. Ellie and Nolan wanted their wedding to feel timeless, but more than anything, they wanted it to feel personal. From the outdoor ceremony design to the dinner experience and flow of the evening, every decision was made with intention. Ellie and Nolan’s wedding at The Temple wasn’t just beautiful; it was full of heart. Every vendor, every moment, and every thoughtful detail came together to create an experience their guests — and the couple themselves — will cherish forever.”

Vendors:

Planning: Alexa Eve Events | Alexa Kesler
Signage & Guest Gifts: Sincerely Heidi | Heidi Bullock
Florals & Design: Jim White Designs
Catering: EB Catering
Bar: Raising the Bar Atlanta
Band: Gershon Veroba
Singer: Eli Marcus
DJ: Sifi Entertainment
Photos & Video: Shalom Surgo
Hair & Makeup: Gabi Glamour
Social Media: Creative Panda Design
Cigar Bar: EP Entertainment
AV/Sound: MVP Productions
Photobooth: Strike A Pose Atlanta