A Tapestry of Love

Photos by Katherine and Tyler

Alex Halinski and Catherine Leaf wanted a“traditional, timeless style” wedding, but the couple also wanted to include both their family’s faiths and customs — Alex’s Polish heritage and Catherine’s Jewish background — and on May 4, 2024, at the Pine Lakes Country Club, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the couple exchanged vows beneath a beautifully adorned chuppah, which in the Jewish tradition symbolizes the home they would build together.

During the reception their guests enjoyed lively Polish baby dances.

“And the joyous Hora, (a dance typically performed at Jewish weddings) where we were lifted in chairs as our families circled us in celebration,” she said, adding, “every moment felt like a beautiful reflection of who we are and where we come from. It was the perfect blend of love, culture, and connection that brought our two families together in the most meaningful way.”

Alex and Catherine met, she said, during the height of the pandemic near the hospital where they were both working. Their first date was at what she called a “charming local winery” called Grapes and Vine in Orlando, Florida.

“From that evening on, it was clear that something truly special had begun,” she said.

SWEET PROPOSAL

It was on a surprise trip to Nashville that Alex popped the question.

“We arrived at Jeff Ruby’s for a late-night dinner and after a perfect meal, (Alex) insisted we have dessert — something I initially declined,” Catherine said. “But I soon realized it was part of his plan because when the server brought out the cheesecake, written on the plate were the words that changed my life — ‘Will you marry me?’ — and then Alex stepped out of the booth, dropped to one knee, and poured his heart into a proposal that made me burst into tears of joy.”

Obviously overcome with excitement, Catherine said “yes.” The next day, Alex’s family hosted a surprise brunch followed by tickets to Myrtle Beach, where the couple flew to celebrate with Catherine’s family.

DRESS SHOPPING

Catherine said her “dress journey” was as “magical” as the wedding day itself.

“I knew I wanted the ceremony to feel like a fairy tale, and my mom, sister, and aunt helped make that dream a reality with a whirlwind weekend of bridal appointments at iconic shops like Kleinfeld’s and Bridal Re- flections in New York City,” she said, adding, the trip was successful.

“I ended up with not just one dress but three to perfectly capture every moment of

our celebration.” Catherine’s wedding gown for the ceremony was a long-sleeve ball gown by Eve of Milady that she paired with a cathedral veil by Donatella.

“It was everything I had envisioned for our day,” she said.

For the reception, Catherine changed into an off-the-shoulder gown by Allure Couture, “perfect for dancing the night away.” And for the after party that followed, she wore a short,

sparkly dress by Show Me Your MuMu.

“Each dress reflected a part of my personality, making me feel truly myself at every moment of our wedding,” she said.

“I DO”

Alex and Catherine’s wedding was held in front of the colonial-style country club. The pillars of the grand structure were wrapped with flowers, while floral arrangements were placed alongside the aisles of white chairs that had been set up outside.

For the reception, a clear tent was erected on the grounds, which when night fell made for a beautiful setting.

“It created a magical atmosphere where the stars seemed to join in our celebration,” Catherine said.

In addition to her wedding gown, Catherine wore as her something borrowed a pair of diamond earrings lent to her by her mother-in-law.

“My something old held deep meaning — a locket from my great aunt, one of the few pieces of jewelry my Jewish family was able to hide and bring to America when they fled Eastern Europe,” Catherine said.

Catherine said, for her, the locket served as a symbol of resilience and love passed through generations.

Her something blue was also unique.

“My four closest girlfriends each wore a different shade of blue,” she said.

Lastly, for her something new, she carried a new penny given to her by her soon-to-be in-laws.

Topping off their special day, Catherine said, were all those who came to celebrate with them.

“With 170 guests coming from nine states, three time zones, and even different countries and islands, their presence was the greatest gift we could have asked for,” she said.  “Knowing that so many people made such an effort to be there and witness our commitment to one another is something we will cherish and be grateful for forever. Their love and laughter filled our day with an indescribable warmth that made it all the more magical.”

For their honeymoon, Alex and Catherine had planned to enjoy an African safari the following April. The trip was put on hold, however, once they found out they would be expecting their first child in July 2025.

The couple are at home in Orlando, where Alex serves as medical director and practices concierge medicine at a specialty clinic in the city, and Catherine works in medical sales as a territory manager for Hologic, which specializes in women’s health care.