Jewish Groom

There’s something truly magical about being engaged. That moment when you look at each other and realize: we’re building a life together. If you’re recently engaged, Mazel Tov! Whether you’re still basking in the glow of the proposal or already knee-deep in color palettes and guest lists, this is one of the most meaningful seasons of your life.

As a Jewish wedding photographer who’s captured Jewish weddings all across the East Coast and in Israel for over a decade, I’ve had the joy of witnessing hundreds of couples bring their Jewish traditions to life in beautiful, heartfelt, and deeply personal ways. I also know how overwhelming wedding planning can feel, especially when you’re trying to honor your heritage while staying true to your unique love story.

This blog post is for you, the Jewish couple who wants their wedding to feel like a reflection of who they are, where they come from, and the life they’re building together!

Here are 10 things every Jewish engaged couple should know as you plan your big day:

1. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Jewish Wedding

Whether you’re Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, secular, or somewhere in between, there’s no single “correct” way to have a Jewish wedding. The beauty of our tradition is how rich and layered it is. You can choose to include a traditional ketubah signing, a heartfelt bedecken, or a joyful horah on the dance floor, or all of the above. You can walk around your partner seven times, or meet each other halfway.

The key is this: make it yours. It’s okay to blend modern elements with tradition. Your wedding is a sacred, joyful reflection of your values and your journey.

2. The Chuppah is More Than Just a Pretty Arch

The chuppah, or wedding canopy, is one of the most symbolic elements of a Jewish wedding. It represents the home you are building together, open on all sides to welcome guests, yet grounded in tradition and intention.

Some couples use a tallit (prayer shawl) passed down from a grandparent, others have custom-made canopies with meaningful embroidery. Whatever you choose, let your chuppah tell a story. It’s not just décor — it’s a visual promise of your future home.

3. Give Yourself Time to Plan the Ketubah Thoughtfully

The ketubah isn’t just a marriage contract, it’s a powerful statement of commitment, love and togetherness. Today, couples can choose from traditional Aramaic texts to egalitarian Hebrew/English versions, and even poetic, personalized versions that speak to your values.

You’ll also want to work with an artist or select a design that matches your aesthetic. Many couples frame their ketubah and display it in their home, so think of it as both a legal document and a work of art. Don’t rush it!

4. The Hora Is a Workout, But It’s the Best One You’ll Ever Have

I always joke that photographing the hora is like running a marathon with a camera. It’s chaotic, sweaty, emotional, hilarious and so full of love.

If your crowd is the dancing type, make sure to tell your band or DJ in advance so they can build the energy and give it time to unfold. And here’s a tip: wear shoes that stay on. I’ve seen too many heels fly across the dance floor mid-hora.

5. Yes, the Bride Doesn’t Traditionally Sign the Ketubah… But That’s Changing

In Orthodox and traditional Conservative weddings, only the groom signs the ketubah (with two witnesses). The bride typically isn’t present at the signing. But many modern couples are choosing to have both partners sign an egalitarian ketubah or witness each other’s signatures.

Another popular trend is signing the ketubah under the chuppah so that the bride can be present for the moment. Ask your Rabbi what your options are. Jewish tradition is flexible when done with intention.

6. Sheva Brachot Can Involve the Whole Community

The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) are one of the most sacred parts of a Jewish wedding ceremony, and an opportunity to involve the people who love you.

You can choose to have different friends or family members recite each blessing, in Hebrew or English. These blessings are ancient, poetic, and universal. They speak to joy, creation, and companionship, even if your guests aren’t fluent in Hebrew, they’ll feel the emotion behind them.

7. Build In Time for the Tisch and Bedeken — You Won’t Regret It

Talk to your planner and Rabbi early in the process about incorporating a full 30–45 minutes for the Tisch and Bedeken in your timeline. Make sure your photographer and videographer know these are must-capture moments.

Also, communicate with your family about how important these moments are to you. Whether you want a traditional version or something more modern, set the tone ahead of time.

And if you need help envisioning what a Tisch or Bedeken could look like in a more inclusive or progressive Jewish wedding, please do not hesitate to ask! I’ve got ideas and examples to share!

Whether you’re planning a deeply traditional Orthodox wedding or blending customs in a way that feels more you, the Tisch and Bedeken are powerful moments you’ll carry in your heart forever. Let yourself feel them. Let them hold you. And let your photographer capture them with the reverence and love they deserve.

8. Jewish Weddings Have a Flow, But It’s Okay to Make It Your Own

The traditional Jewish wedding structure looks like this:

• Kabbalat panim (greeting guests)
• Tisch and bedeken
• Ketubah signing
• Chuppah ceremony
• Breaking of the glass
• Yichud (private room for the couple)
• Reception with hora, blessings, dancing, and food

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to follow every step. You can have a more streamlined ceremony, blend traditions, or even hold a ketubah signing and cocktail hour on a separate day.

Talk to your Rabbi, planner, and photographer to create a timeline that works for you, logistically and emotionally.

9. Invest in Vendors Who Get Jewish Weddings

I can’t stress this enough. Jewish weddings move fast, have unique rituals, and are packed with emotional nuance. From the timing of the bedecken all the way to the hora dancing, having a team that understands your traditions means less explaining, more flowing.

When I photograph Jewish weddings, I don’t just document the rituals, I celebrate them and I anticipate them. I know when grandma’s about to tear up, when the rabbi is about to break into song, and when the dancing is going to get wild. That kind of intuitive storytelling only comes from experience and a deep understanding of the Jewish culture.

10. This Isn’t Just a Wedding, It’s a Sacred Link in the Chain of Our People

At every Jewish wedding, I think about the generations who came before us. The grandparents who fled, the ancestors who prayed, the couples who stood under a chuppah in times of peace and in times of war.

As you begin your life together, the sound of that breaking glass calls you to remember that your marriage isn’t just about the two of you, it’s also about your heritage and culture, the kind of home you’ll build, the community you’ll be part of, and the light you’ll bring into the world together.

Getting married as a Jew in 2025 is an act of love and resilience. You are writing the next chapter of a sacred story — one filled with laughter, prayer, dancing and so much joy!

Let that meaning carry you through the stress, the spreadsheets, and the seating charts. Your wedding is about more than centerpieces and first dances. It’s about the life you’re building, rooted in tradition, blossoming with hope.

If you’re engaged and trying to plan a wedding that feels like you, know this: you’re not alone. Lean on your community. Talk to your community. Trust your gut. And most importantly, don’t lose sight of what this whole journey is about; love, commitment, and the joy of building a Jewish home together.

And if you’re looking for someone to document and join in on every tear, every smile, and every spontaneous burst of dancing, you know where to find me!

The Seven Blessings Explained — With a Modern Twist

The Sheva Brachot, or Seven Blessings, It’s a moment that connects them not just to each other, but to generations before them. Every Jewish Couple who stands under the chuppah have the same seven blessings recited in honor of them, their marriage and their family… It’s an experience like no other.

These blessings are old, like, really old—but don’t let that fool you. They’re not outdated. In fact, they’re kind of brilliant. Each one holds something powerful: joy, gratitude, creation, love, community, hope. And together, they tell a story, not just of the couple in front of us, but of what it means to build a life together that’s rooted, sacred, and full of possibility.

If you’ve ever listened to the blessings and wondered what they mean, or why they matter, you’re not alone. But when you break them down, line by line, they become a roadmap for marriage, not just a wedding.

So let’s take a walk through each of the Sheva Brachot.

We’ll look at the original Hebrew, explore the traditional meaning, and give it a modern spin, because these blessings aren’t just poetic, they’re practical. They remind us of what really matters in a marriage: connection, community, joy, and a whole lot of gratitude.

1. Borei Pri Hagafen – The Blessing over Wine

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא פְּרִי הַגָּֽפֶן

Baruch ata Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, borei p’ri hagafen.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who creates the fruit of the vine.

Explanation:
This blessing opens the ceremony. A toast to sacred joy. Wine in Jewish tradition marks holiness, celebration, and spiritual sweetness.

Modern Twist:
It’s your first toast as a couple, like that magical sip of bubbly when you clink glasses and the room melts away. It reminds you to pause, savor, and celebrate life’s sweetness. Love is meant to be savored, like a good glass of wine, slowly, intentionally, with joy.

2. Shehakol Bara Likhvodo – Everything Was Created for Glory

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם שֶׁהַכֹּל בָּרָא לִכְבוֹדוֹ

She’hakol bara likhvodo.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created everything for His glory.

Explanation:
This blessing places your relationship within a larger purpose. The idea that the world, and your love, exist with intention and meaning.

Modern Twist:
In the whirlwind of planning and party prep, this blessing invites you to zoom out. Your love isn’t just about the two of you, it’s part of something greater. Your partnership brings light to the world. Whether you find glory in tradition, social justice, creativity, or community, your love is a vehicle for impact.

3. Yotzer Ha’adam – The Creation of Humanity

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם יוֹצֵר הָאָדָם

Yotzer ha’adam.
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created humanity.

Explanation:
This blessing honors the creation of human beings, the uniqueness and wholeness of each individual.

Modern Twist:
You are each two complete and whole people, with your own stories, past, quirks, and dreams. This blessing celebrates that before you became a couple, you were already worthy and complete. It’s a nod to loving each other for exactly who you are.

4. Asher Yatzar – Created in the Divine Image

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם אֲשֶׁר יָצַר אֶת הָאָדָם בְּצַלְמוֹ בְּצֶֽלֶם דְּמוּת תַּבְנִיתוֹ וְהִתְקִין לוֹ מִמֶּֽנּוּ בִּנְיַן עֲדֵי עַד. בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ יוֹצֵר הָאָדָם

Asher yatzar et ha’adam b’tzalmo…
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created humanity in His image and established an everlasting union.

Explanation:
This blessing emphasizes that we are made in the Divine image , capable of love, kindness, and deep connection. It also acknowledges the idea of partnership as part of our divine design.

Modern Twist:
Your marriage is more than a contract. You’re building something sacred together, rooted in compassion and mutual respect. This blessing says: Your love reflects something holy, not perfect, but real, raw, and beautiful.

5. Sos Tasis – The Joy of Jerusalem

שׂוֹשׂ תָּשִׂישׂ וְתָגֵל הָעֲקָרָה…
Sos tasis v’tagel ha’akara…
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, May the barren one (Jerusalem) rejoice in the ingathering of her children. Blessed are You… who causes Zion to rejoice with her children.

Explanation:
This is a prayer for joy and renewal, symbolized by Jerusalem being reunited with her people. It’s about hope, healing, and collective celebration.

Modern Twist:
This blessing resonates especially deeply with couples who’ve walked through challenge or waited a long time for this moment. It honors the joy that comes after longing, the deep, grateful, grounded joy of coming home to love.

6. Sameach T’samach – The Joy of Loving Friends

שַׂמֵּֽחַ תְּשַׂמַּח רֵעִים הָאֲהוּבִים…
Sameach t’samach rei’im ha’ahuvim…
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who causes the loving friends to rejoice, as You gladdened Your creations in the Garden of Eden.

Explanation:
This blessing connects romantic love with deep friendship. It’s about joy, mutual delight, and loving each other as best friends.

Modern Twist:
This one’s for the laughter, the shared memes, the weekend coffee runs, the you-had-to-be-there inside jokes. This is the blessing that says: “I married my person.” The one who makes you laugh, keeps you grounded, and dances with you in the kitchen. One of my favorite blessings!

7. Asher Bara Sason V’Simcha – A Symphony of Joy

אֲשֶׁר בָּרָא שָׂשׂוֹן וְשִׂמְחָה…
Asher bara sason v’simcha…
Translation: Blessed are You, Lord our God, Ruler of the Universe, who created joy, gladness, groom and bride, laughter, song, delight, love, peace, and friendship…

Explanation:
This blessing is a crescendo, a vision of a world filled with music, dancing, laughter, and celebration. It ends the Sheva Brachot on a high note.

Modern Twist:
The roaring applause. The spontaneous tears from your grandmother. It’s a call to fill your life with all kinds of joy, quiet joy, loud joy, and everything in between. It’s a reminder to celebrate often, dance freely, and love deeply.

What Makes the Sheva Brachot So Powerful?

They’re not just blessings. They’re a framework. A heartbeat. A map. They invite you to build your marriage with gratitude, intention, joy, and purpose and to know that your love matters.

These seven ancient phrases may be thousands of years old, but they still speak directly to our hearts, exactly as we are today.

Planning Your Jewish Wedding?

Let these blessings shape more than your ceremony, let them inspire your marriage, let them ground you in times of obstacles, lift you in times of tragedy . And if you need someone to capture the wedding magic, the meaning, and every heartfelt moment in between I’d be honored.

Camera in hand, heart full.
xos, Yael

Planning a Jewish wedding can be one of the most meaningful experiences and also one of the most overwhelming places.

As someone who has captured countless Jewish weddings, I know how vital it is to find a photographer who truly understands your vision and the traditions that make your day unique.

Your photographer will be the one preserving your cherished rituals and heartfelt moments.

To help you find the perfect match, here are ten essential questions to guide your conversations with potential photographers

1. Do you have experience photographing Jewish weddings?

Jewish weddings have unique customs and traditions, so it’s important to work with someone familiar with them. From the breaking of the glass to the chuppah ceremony, experience ensures nothing gets missed.

Personally, I always make sure to talk to the officiant or Rabbi before the ceremony begins to make sure I know exactly what to expect.

Two questions I always ask: (1) Which direction will the bride and groom stand during the ceremony? and (2) where will the Rabbi place the glass on the floor before the smashing of the glass!

Both of those questions, change my game plan for how I photograph the ceremony!

2. Are you familiar with specific Jewish rituals and traditions, such as the chuppah, ketubah signing, Tisch + Bedekin, Shtick or horah?

These moments are central to your celebration. A photographer with knowledge of these rituals will know when and how to capture them with sensitivity and precision.

There are specific traditions you can explain to someone until they are blue in the face, but if they haven’t experienced it before, they won’t truly understand what to expect and how to photograph it!

3. Can you accommodate the timeline of a traditional Jewish wedding day?

Jewish weddings often involve extended celebrations, and more traditions and rituals than most secular weddings. Ensure your photographer is comfortable working with a more flexible and potentially longer timeline.

For most secular weddings, I suggest at least 8 hours of coverage, but for Jewish Weddings, I suggest at least 9 or 10 hours, depending on how many traditions the couple is planning on!

4. How do you ensure privacy and respect during religious moments?

Key religious moments, such as what happens under the chuppah and during the veiling of the bride, require a photographer who understands the importance of being unobtrusive while still capturing the beauty of the moment.

I always say, I will be under the chuppah for part of your ceremony with you, but I will be as quiet and as quick as a ninja so I can be the least disruptive as possible. I will never get in the way of the other people under the chuppah, but I will always be there to capture the special moments!

5. How do you handle unexpected challenges on the wedding day?

An experienced photographer is prepared for anything from sudden weather changes to tight timelines, ensuring your day goes smoothly and your photos turn out beautifully no matter the circumstances.

I always say that as a wedding photographer, you have to embrace the chaos and learn how to go with the flow… You can plan every moment to a T, but at the end of the day, 95% of wedding timelines run late or need to be adjusted in the moment and as the photographer you just got to roll with it, be confident and make sure your clients are as calm and as in the moment as possible!

6. Do you offer a second photographer?

I highly recommend two photographers for any Jewish wedding and even more so if you are planning on having a Tisch and Bedekin at your wedding!With so much happening simultaneously, having two photographers ensures every special moment is beautifully captured.

Many couples ask me if they should have three photographers, and I always say that if you are having less than 400 people at your wedding, two photographers is plenty! I find three photographers a little overwhelming for the couple, their family and their guests. We are there to enhance everyones experience and not overwhelm it!

7. How do you approach family portraits?

Jewish weddings often include large and extended families. Your photographer should have a clear plan to efficiently organize and capture these important portraits.

I believe there is really only one way to make sure my couples get all the family combinations they (and their parents) could possibly want… and it is being bossy in the nicest way possible!

I ask my clients to write out a list of all the different family combinations they want so I can print the list, call them out and check them off as we go.

My goal is to go as quickly and as painless as possible when it comes to the family photos.

8. What backup equipment and plans do you have?

A reliable photographer should have backup cameras, lenses, and a contingency plan to ensure no technical issues disrupt their ability to capture your day.

I always bring three cameras, just in case, and I make sure every single photo I capture are recorded to two memory cards, just in case one is defective.

9. Can you share examples of full wedding galleries?

While highlight reels and Instagram posts are great, seeing complete galleries will give you a better sense of their style, consistency, and how they capture an entire event.

Social media is full of the best of the best, galleries are full of every single moment of a wedding day captured. It is a completely different viewing experience and I personally, like the full gallery experience better! Makes it all more real!

10. How do you incorporate cultural or personal details into the photos?

Jewish weddings are rich in tradition and meaning. Ask your photographer how they’ll highlight these elements, from embroidered tallitot to family heirlooms.

As someone who has stood under the chuppah at her own wedding and is now a proud, Jewish mama, I understand the importance of our culture and rituals in a deep way that makes me photograph those details with so much love and honor.

Choosing the right photographer ensures the memories of your Jewish wedding are beautifully preserved. These questions will help you find someone who aligns with your vision, values, and the traditions that make your celebration unique. Take the time to have open conversations with potential photographers, and don’t be afraid to trust your instincts.

Mazel tov on this exciting chapter of your life! Your perfect photographer is out there, ready to capture every meaningful moment.

“Do you want to hold the back of my dress as I go see Will?” Brittany asked Sadie, her flower girl. Sadie’s smile grew as she nodded. All three of us walked out onto the balcony and down the ramp to the beautiful bridge right outside of the Talamore Country Club. There he was. Brittany’s groom. Looking sharp in his white bowtie and light grey suite. Will was facing away from us but I could tell from his posture that he couldn’t wait to see his bride. As Brittany walked towards Will smiling, Sadie followed closely behind doing everything she could to make sure that Brittany’s dress didn’t touch the ground. Finally, Brittany and Sadie were right behind Will. Brittany lightly tapped her manicured finger on Will’s shoulder. He turned around. Saw his beautiful bride and adorable flower girl. His eyes widened and his hands immediately covered his mouth in complete awe. A tear fell down his cheek. 

It was the perfect moment. 

This is just who Brittany and Will are; big smiles, huge hearts and forever thinking of their friends and family. They are two of the most considerate people I have ever met and it was evident in every detail of their wedding day. From making the afternoon fun for the little humans, all the way to the beautiful roses that decorated the entire venue and right down to the ten year anniversary cake they had speciality ordered for two of Brittany’s cousins.They thought of it all. Brittany and Will are truly mindful, incredibly sweet and insanely generous to the core. I couldn’t be more inspired by the two of them.

Brittany and Will tied the knot under the family Chuppah in the beautiful Talamore Country Club Ballroom. With the officiant being one of Brittany’s cousin, their ceremony was full of laughter, tradition, connection and so much love. It was stunning in every way. As Will dipped his beautiful bride for their first kiss, the entire audience clapped and cheered. It was yet another perfect moment. 

Brittany and Will, I know your love can do it all. Your hearts are big and beautiful.. Your souls are kind and loving. And your relationship is unique and energizing. My wish for you, is that you continue creating a beautiful life together full of happiness, generosity, friends, family and hundreds and hundreds of more dip kisses and choreographed dances.

Venders: Venue: Talamore Country Club | DJ: East Coast Event Group | Videographer: East Coast Event Group |Cake: Ann’s Cake Pan |Caterer: Talamore Country Club |Bridesmaids Dress: David’s Bridal |Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse |Invitations: Kathleen Blass |Florist: Plaza Florists – Plaza Florists |Bridal Dress: Country Bride and Gent |Hair and Make up Artist: Daneene Jensen and Associates

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A girl never forgets the first time she talks to a someone about Harry Potter.

I remember like it was yesterday… Jessica, one of my closest friends growing up, and I were sitting down on one of the couches in the backroom of our local synagogue. We were playing cards, gossiping about the latest drama, when a spunky redheaded girl, who was two years older than us and WAYYY cooler in every way, walked in and said, “I was up until 3am reading Harry Potter!” She climbed up onto one of the chairs next to us. My entire body tingled with the feeling of magic as we discussed the mystical world of Hogwarts.

A few years later, my parents decided to take us to Disney World. To be totally honest, I was not happy about it! The day we went to Magic Kingdom, I was even more pessimistic than usual. As we waited in line to for some ride that I had absolutely no interested in, I saw a familiar face. It was Adam! Adam was a year ahead of me in school, but way more in touch with himself. As I was playing it cool, acting as if I hated everything and anything that was within a 30 yard circumference, Adam was insanely happy. At the time, I could not have been more envious!

Over a decade later…

“I didn’t meet Adam until I lived in Philadelphia” Marla said beaming as she was talking about her fiance. I was shocked. As someone who grew up in the same Jewish Community as both Adam and Marla, I thought everyone knew everyone, no matter what school, synagogue or group they belonged to. I guess the world wasn’t ready for the amazingness that is Marla and Adam until five years ago.

Roughly five years ago Marla and Adam met, and the world has been a little brighter ever since. Best friends first above everything. They are one of the sweetest couples I have ever met. Marla and Adam have a spark between them that is not only beautiful, fun, loving but also magical in every way.

I have known both of them for as long as I can remember and am in awe of the incredible couple they have become. Both smart, ambitious and good to the core. Both Marla and Adam have the biggest smiles and the best of hearts. The first time I saw them together I thought “YES! That is what it is all about! That is what love is supposed to look like!”

When they are together, you can feel the bond and the love between them. It is truly an incredible thing to witness. Hogwarts and Disney World have nothing on the magic between Marla and Adam. They have more inside jokes and more fun than any two people I have ever met.

My wish for you Marla and Adam is to keep the magic and love alive. Keep loving each other the way you do, there is nothing like it!

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