By Rachel Jones
Photographs from Dwain Nightingale
As Danielle Parson started to plan her wedding with LaWarren Rush, a photo of a gorgeous chuppah in a wedding magazine stopped her in her tracks. “I didn’t know much about the Jewish tradition, but I used that as inspiration for our ceremony decorations,” Danielle says. “I wanted a big canopy over elevated steps, so everyone could see us.” In addition to the flowy, white focal point, the couple incorporated mint décor throughout the Chicago space. Each of the eight bridesmaids carried a white bouquet of blooms, wrapped in mint and silver ribbons, while Danielle’s bunch featured white ribbons and rhinestones for extra flair. An out-of-state wedding seemed like a tall task for the Pittsburgh pair, but Danielle’s swift decision-making skills kept them from being overwhelmed or off budget. “The day was really easy,” Danielle says. “We had a great team of people, so it wasn’t stressful at all.”

While family members from Chicago visited for a Fourth of July cookout, LaWarren turned down the music to make an announcement to the small group. He thanked everyone for coming out and gave special thanks to Danielle for being a part of his life. “Then, he got down on one knee,” Danielle says. “It was really sweet.”

“We started off slow to Beyoncé’s ‘Daddy,’ then went into a choreographed routine to different R&B and hip-hop songs — everything from The Temptations to ‘Stanky Leg,’” Danielle says. “My husband joined us at the end, so it was a cute representation of our father-daughter union and now bringing my husband into my life.”

A wrap of mint ribbon and sprinkle of silver jewels personalized the traditional, five-tiered cake Georgios Banquets provided for the reception.