Calm, Intimate and Simple

Photos by Kate Anthony Photography

As Ruthie O’Ryan and Blake Lichterman stood with Rabbi Micah Greenstein under their simple and elegant chuppah on a cool October evening, they knew their special day had come together just as planned.

Surrounded by family and close friends at The Levitt Shell – a space the Lichterman family holds close to their hearts – the entire wedding day was cool, calm, collected and tons of fun. Not even the rain, (that miraculously stopped before the ceremony) and had left the ground saturated, could dampen the mood for the evening.

Blake’s mom, Peggy, was prepared – having ordered 100 clear-plastic umbrellas hoping it would ward off wet weather.

“We knew when we planned an outside wedding that there would be a chance for rain,” said Ruthie. “Vendors and guests called all day to ask about our backup plan. We didn’t have one. I told guests that the attire was cocktail dresses and rain boots.”

Wedding coordinator and Levitt Shell Director Natalie Wilson assured the couple there was no need for a backup plan. Thinking ahead of time, they reserved a clear plastic tent from Mahaffey Tent & Event Rentals that did not obstruct the view of the historic Shell or the gorgeous treed skyline. Vendors had no problem loading into the area where thousands of bands have set up over the years.

“The Levitt Shell is a family tradition and one of the jewels of the Lichterman family’s impact and legacy,” said Natalie. “When Barry (who served as the first president of the revitalized Levitt Shell) came to me wanting Ruthie and Blake to get married here, he asked, ‘Would it work? Would I mind utilizing the space differently than the traditional space for the performing arts?’ It was reimagining the use of the Shell from a historic treasure created in 1936 to make the performing arts accessible to all – to seeing it activated for other uses for special occasions such as weddings, corporate gatherings, faith services and even festivals.

“It has been a goal for me to utilize this ‘crown jewel’ as a destination for building new families too!” continued Natalie. “So, I really felt deeply honored that Blake and Ruthie Lichterman would be our first official wedding at the Levitt Shell, because they truly were of one of the founding families revitalizing the Shell in 2006 ensuring its impact now and for future generations.”

“Even though it rained all day, I could not have been calmer,” said Ruthie, attributing Natalie’s meticulous and calming demeanor. “Any bride looking for a venue is in good hands with Natalie. She is so chill.”

The Shell’s large and comfy bridal room provided a quiet space to calmly get ready. “That morning it was just me, my long-time friend and hairdresser Lauren Riley, a stylist at Ryan Patrick Salon and Natalie,” said Ruthie.

Blake and his groomsmen arrived a little later to prepare in the equally comfy groom’s dressing room. He brought along the Dog of Honor: Bacchus O’Lichterman, who was there for photo ops before the ceremony. Bacchus was sad that he could not bring his brother, because George Harrison O’Lichterman, a black lab mix, could not promise his mom he’d behave while the bridal party got ready.

While Ruthie’s brother, Robert O’Ryan, and Blake’s sister, Jillian Lichterman served as best man and maid of honor, the couple wanted to stand alone under the chuppah. “We wanted everything low key,” said Ruthie, who didn’t want the fuss of all the girls having to choose matching dresses. Although Blake and the guys wore suits, “It’s not something I am in the habit of wearing,” chimed in Blake.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids, all life-long friends of each, were in attendance during the ketubah signing ceremony. “The ketubah signing was especially meaningful for me,” explained Ruthie, whose father passed away in a tragic plane crash in 2009. “Rabbi Greenstein talked about my dad, Emmett O’Ryan. He said that Emmett was the Hebrew word for truth. I felt like my dad was there with us.”

Ruthie wore a pair of earrings that were a last gift from her dad. Her something blue was a blue-lined shawl created by Dawn’s Couturiere. During the reception, she surprised Blake with a blue jean jacket with “Mrs. Lichterman” embroidered across the back. Blake wore a kippah that he received during his 8^th grade trip to Israel with his Solomon Schechter School class. They also used Blake’s tallit from the same trip during the ceremony.

The entire wedding was orchestrated through close friends and family with many talents, while some of the larger pieces of the puzzle were left to the professionals. Holliday Flowers & Events created the chuppah on casters, the piping to hide the band during the ceremony, and all of the reception flowers and décor.”

Peggy, who once planned events and provided linens through her own business, designed the bride’s bouquet and wedding party flowers. Ruthie’s mom, Sara O’Ryan, the owner of Newby’s Bar along with Newby’s manager Debra Holder, provided the food and bar. Longtime friend and sister of the hairstylist Kristin Otdoerfer made the delicious cake. (So delicious that the couple couldn’t resist digging into the top layer – already!) Anna Bearman styled Ruthie’s makeup. And Ruthie and Blake’s friends and professional performers Eleanor Tallie Steinberg and Faith Ruch got on stage to sing at Barry’s request. The band, Elmo and the Shades, kept guests dancing in and out of the mud all night.

For Ruthie, the entire planning process was easy and carefree, “I didn’t give much direction,” she said. “The one vision that I had was finding the perfect dress.” The minute she stepped into hers at Barefoot Bride she knew it. “It looked like one big cupcake,” she giggled.

“Everything was simple and wonderful and all about us,” said Ruthie. “All I wanted to do was marry Blake.”

About Emmett O’Ryan

Ruthie’s father Emmett O’Ryan died on November 29, 2009.

“My father was an incredible man,” says Ruthie. “Warm, loving, and larger than life. He found success in his business endeavors, but more than anything he valued his family and giving back to the community.”

One of his lasting legacies is The Emmett O’Ryan Award for Artistic Excellence, the largest cash award given annually to an individual artist in Memphis. This award was founded and funded by Metropolitan Bank to honor and memorialize Emmett, and it has continued to grow with the help of Arts Memphis and continued support of Renasant Bank. Learn more about The Emmett at artsmemphis.org/emmett-oryan-award-for-artistic-excellence

About The Overton Park Shell

The Overton Park Shell was built in 1936 by the City of Memphis and depression-era WPA (Works Progress Administration) for $11,935. The Shell was designed by architect Max Furbringer, who modeled it after similar band shells in Chicago, New York and St. Louis. The WPA built 27 band shells and the Levitt Shell is one of only a handful that are still standing.

Today, the Levitt Shell presents 50 free concerts every year, with performances by nationally and internationally touring musicians from all over the world. Using free concerts as a catalyst for bringing people together, the Levitt Shell is building a stronger community through music, finding common ground for a diverse audience. The Shell’s rich musical heritage, prime location, thoughtfully renovated facility, and multi-cultural musical programming make it the ideal setting to bring the Memphis community together. Learn more at levittshell.org