Planting Roots: Alex & Greg

Elle Cashin Elle Cashin | August 8, 2024 | Weddings Rotator,

Planting ROOTS

A Chicago couple honors their Italian and Ukrainian heritages in a decadent wedding that lasts until 2 a.m.

Photographed by Naniu Studio

The couple’s dramatic first look

WHEN GREG PROCOPIO walked into the Milwaukee bar Alex Talyansky was at with her friends one night in 2021, Alex’s friend leaned in and said, “I think your husband just walked in.” She was right: Greg proposed a year later at his law school graduation dinner.

Their wedding was to be a celebration of both their heritages: Greg is Italian, and Alex is Ukrainian. “My parents are Ukrainian immigrants, and I am a first-generation American,” she says. The Canvas Venue owners Yanni and Marina Elyash are longtime family friends. “Ukrainian weddings are big, bold and last until 2 a.m., which was difficult for us to find in any other venue. I loved that we had the freedom to have the party we truly wanted.”

A Jewish ceremony honored the bride’s family, and vibrant decor honored the groom’s. “The ceremony was Italian garden-themed, with pink, red and purple florals,” the bride describes. “We had fresh pomegranates put into the florals to symbolize fruitfulness.” When guests moved inside for the reception, however, “it was a completely different vibe,” Alex says. “We went with all-white flowers and a ton of crystal. We honored Greg’s Italian background with [ceremony decor], and my background with the contemporary Ukrainian Jewish-style reception.”

As guests took their seats, they noshed on a spread of appetizers before a multicourse meal was served. “At midnight, after the cake cutting, the caterers made smash burgers and fresh French fries on a Blackstone,” Alex says. It was all to fuel the party. “I don’t think we left the dance floor all night; we danced nonstop until 2 a.m.”