Planning a Jewish wedding is such a meaningful and emotional journey. It’s not just about the logistics, it’s about blending deep-rooted traditions with your own modern love story. And one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right photographer to capture it all.

As someone who has been photographing Jewish weddings for over a decade, I know how important it is to find a photographer who gets it. Someone who knows when to step back and let the moment unfold naturally, and when to step in and capture that fleeting, beautiful second that you’ll treasure forever.

Jewish weddings are fast-paced, emotional, and deeply sacred. And honestly, you don’t want to be explaining the difference between a Tisch and a Bedeken to your photographer, you want someone who already knows AND understands how it feels to be standing under the Chuppah for her own Jewish wedding.

I’ve had so many Jewish couples come to me with similar questions when they’re searching for the right photographer. That’s why I put together this post. I wanted to give you 150% honest answers and help you feel more confident when making this decision. So let’s dive into some of the biggest questions Jewish couples have about wedding photography.

1. Why Is It Important to Hire a Photographer Who Specializes in Jewish Weddings?

Jewish weddings aren’t like any other weddings and that’s part of what makes them so beautiful. From the Tisch and Bedeken to the Hora, there’s a flow and rhythm to Jewish weddings that’s different from any other type of wedding.

For example, the Tisch (where the groom gathers with his friends and family to sign the ketubah and celebrate) and the Bride sitting on her “thrown” waiting for the Bedeken (where the groom veils the bride) often happen simultaneously. That means you need a photographer who’s prepared to capture both, who is fully aware and experienced in the complete chaos that is the Bedeken and who knows exactly where to stand and where to look when the Bedeken is happening.

Then there’s the chuppah ceremony , the circling, the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings), the breaking of the glass, the ring and ketubah exchange, each part has its own deep significance. A photographer who understands these traditions will anticipate these moments without needing to be guided. They’ll know where to stand, what lens to use, and how to capture the emotion of the moment without being intrusive.

Jewish weddings also tend to move fast, once the dancing starts, the energy in the room is electric. If your photographer isn’t familiar with this pace, they might miss the action entirely. If the photographer doesn’t know how to jump right into the craziness, they might miss some really incredible moments.

I always tell my couples that hiring someone who truly understands Jewish weddings means you can talk the lingo, relax and focus on the moment, knowing that every meaningful detail is being documented and your photographer knows exactly what is coming next.

2. Do We Need Two Photographers for a Jewish Wedding?

I’m going to be totally honest, for Jewish weddings, having two photographers is almost always a good idea. Here’s why:

• Jewish weddings have a lot of moving parts. The groom’s Tisch is usually in a completely different part of the venue than where the cocktail hour and bride is seated, so having two photographers ensures both sides of the story are covered fully!
• I also find that having two photographers for a Jewish ceremony is absolutely key! 95% of the time, I like to be right by the Chuppah, getting all of the action that is happening underneath the Chuppah and having a second photographer down the aisle, capturing wide angles, action shots from a far, and guest reactions! It allows me to really concentrate on the emotion, love and personalities under the Chuppah, while still not missing any of the epic wide shots.
• During the Jewish dancing, it’s absolute joyful chaos, and you’ll want someone capturing the wide shots of the whole dance floor while someone else is zoomed in on your face as you’re being lifted into the air.
• If you’re having an Orthodox wedding where there’s separate dancing, it’s essential to have a photographer on each side to capture the full experience. We don’t want any awesome dance move or important moment missed!

3. What Are the Key Moments a Jewish Wedding Photographer Should Capture?

Every wedding is different, but for Jewish weddings, there are certain moments that are absolutely essential to document:

The Tisch – The groom (and in more modern weddings, the bride as well) surrounded by his friends and family, the energy building as the ketubah is being signed.

The Bedeken – That emotional moment when the groom sees his bride and veils her. I also find this moment really feels like a community affair. It’s not just a couple celebrating and participating, but the entire community celebrating and participating.

Walking Down the Aisle – The tradition of being escorted by your parents is such a powerful moment.

Under the Chuppah – The circling, the vows, the blessings — this is the heart of the ceremony.

Breaking the Glass – The triumphant moment followed by song and dance!

The Hora – The sheer joy of being lifted into the air while everyone dances around you.

Family Portraits – Jewish weddings are about family and legacy — you’ll treasure these photos for generations.

Reception and Dancing – The speeches, the wild energy of the shtick and the epic dance moves, these are the moments you’ll want to relive over and over.

A photographer who knows Jewish weddings will be in the right place at the right time for every single one of these moments, without needing to be told.

Trust me when I say, it makes your life a lot easier on your wedding day.

4. How Do We Incorporate Jewish Traditions Into Our Wedding Photos?

One of my favorite things about photographing Jewish weddings is how meaningful and personal the traditions are. I always tell my couples: if it’s meaningful to you, it means something to me so let’s capture it.

Some of my favorite ways to incorporate Jewish traditions into wedding photos:

• Holding the ketubah during portraits
• Capturing the emotional exchange of rings under the chuppah
• Photographing the groom’s tallit draped over the couple during the ceremony
• Showcasing the breaking of the glass from different angles
• Family heirlooms — like your grandmother’s kiddush cup or your grandfather’s tallit — woven into the details

The key is to tell your story, not just recreate what other couples have done.

5. What’s the Best Way to Schedule Photos Around the Ceremony and Reception?

Timing a Jewish wedding can be tricky, but it all comes down to good communication and a solid plan. Here’s how I typically recommend scheduling the photography:

At the end of the day, you don’t get a second chance to capture these moments, so having that extra set of eyes makes all the difference.

First Look: If you’re doing a first look, it’s best to schedule it about 2.5 hours before the ceremony. This gives you time for couple portraits, wedding party photos, and family shots before the ceremony starts.

Family Portraits: If you don’t have time before the ceremony, set aside 20–30 minutes immediately after the ceremony for family portraits. This ensures everyone is still gathered and looking their best.

Golden Hour: If your wedding is in the late afternoon or early evening, carving out 10–15 minutes during golden hour (the hour before sunset) can give you the most beautiful, soft light for romantic couple portraits.

If your wedding is on a Saturday evening after Shabbat, you may need to adjust the timing slightly to respect Shabbat restrictions. An experienced Jewish wedding photographer will know how to work within these guidelines while still capturing everything beautifully.

6. How Far in Advance Should We Book Our Photographer?

Most Jewish couples book their wedding photographer 6 – 12 months before their wedding date. While some couples plan further out (especially for popular dates in the spring and fall), this is more than enough time to secure a photographer who specializes in Jewish weddings.

That said, if you’re getting married during a busy season or on a holiday weekend, it’s always a good idea to reach out as soon as you have your date locked in. And if your wedding is coming up sooner than that, don’t panic! I’ve had couples book me just a week before their wedding, and we made it work beautifully. The key is to reach out early, communicate your needs, and find someone who understands the unique flow of a Jewish wedding.

7. How Do We Find a Jewish Wedding Photographer Who Understands Our Traditions?

My advice: ask direct questions. Here’s what you want to know:

• Have you photographed Jewish weddings before?
• Are you familiar with Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform traditions?
• Can you capture the Tisch and Bedeken at the same time?
• Do you understand the flow of a Jewish wedding ceremony?
• Are you up for the crazy chaos of Jewish dance floors?

A photographer who knows Jewish weddings will not only answer “yes” — they’ll probably light up with excitement at the thought of photographing your big day.

At the end of the day, your Jewish wedding is about more than just the ceremony, it’s about your love story, your heritage, and the people who are showing up to celebrate with you.

Choosing the right photographer means finding someone who not only knows how to work a camera but also knows and really feels why each moment matters. From the emotional walk down the aisle to the wild energy of the Bedekin, all the way to the The “Mezinka” or “broom dance”, you deserve to have someone who understands the heart behind it all.

If that sounds like the kind of photographer you’re looking for, what are you waiting for, let’s chat. I’d be honored to capture your day in a way that feels true to you and your story.

Planning a Jewish wedding in just six months might seem overwhelming, but with the right organization, it’s absolutely possible. Whether you’re incorporating Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, or modern Jewish traditions, this checklist will help you stay on track and ensure every important detail is covered. From choosing a rabbi to finalizing your ketubah, here’s your step-by-step guide to planning a meaningful and beautiful Jewish wedding in half a year.

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Month 1: Lay the Foundation

Set the Date and Secure Your Key Vendors

• Choose Your Wedding Date: Consider the days that are traditionally avoided for Jewish Weddings such as Shabbat, Jewish holidays, and other important dates (like the Omer for Orthodox Weddings).
• Book Your Venue: Make sure it accommodates Jewish customs such as kosher catering and a designated space for the chuppah, Tisch and Bedekin if you are planning on having all three.
• Hire a Rabbi or Officiant: Schedule a meeting to discuss ceremony details and any religious requirements.
• Secure Your Photographer and Videographer: Ensure they understand Jewish traditions and can capture all key moments.
• Book a Band or DJ: Confirm they can play traditional Jewish music for the hora and other important dances.
• Determine Your Budget: Outline costs and prioritize spending.
• Draft a Guest List: Start gathering addresses for invitations.

Begin Pre-Wedding Traditions

• Engagement Party: Plan a l’chaim or formal celebration if desired.
• Pre-Marital Counseling: Some rabbis require couples to attend sessions or Bride + Groom classes or Torah classes before the wedding.

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Month 2: Plan Your Ceremony & Attire

Finalize Jewish Wedding Rituals

• Select Your Ketubah: Choose a design and confirm the text with your officiant.
• Decide on Chuppah Design: Rent or create a meaningful canopy for your ceremony. If you are looking to include florals on your chuppah, your florist should already have the Chuppah foundation for you!
• Plan Your Bedeken & Tisch: If incorporating these traditions, coordinate with your rabbi and start discussing how you want your Tisch and Bedekin to come to life. Each couple has a different vision for this and no matter how you plan it, it will be extremely meaningful and special.
• Select Sheva Brachot Honorees: Choose loved ones to recite the seven blessings during the ceremony under the Chuppah and at the post-wedding sheva brachot. In some sects of Judaism, this is done by the Rabbi!
• Order Kippot: Personalize yarmulkes for guests if desired.

Choose and Order Wedding Attire

• Bride’s Dress and Accessories: Consider modesty preferences and if the Rabbi has any kind of restrictions, keep that in mind!
• Groom’s Attire: Ensure a well-fitted suit and consider a kittel if following Orthodox customs.
• Schedule Dress & Suit Fittings: Ensure plenty of time for alterations.

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Month 3: Invitations & Catering

Send Invitations & Manage RSVPs

• Design and Order Invitations: Include Hebrew text if desired.
• Create a Wedding Website: Share details about Jewish customs, schedule, and RSVP options.
• Book Hotel Blocks: Reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.

Plan the Wedding Menu

• Choose Your Menu: Ensure they can provide the menu that works best for you and your wedding party.
• Plan the Bar: Select wine for the ceremony and celebratory drinks for the reception.
• Select the Wedding Cake and Desserts: Sometimes the best part of the meal!

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Month 4: Finalize Details

Confirm Vendors & Ceremony Plans

• Meet with Your Rabbi: Go over final ceremony details.
• Review Ketubah Text: Ensure accuracy and final approval from the officiant.
• Plan the Music List Coordinate with the band or DJ.
• Finalize Wedding Favors: Consider something that is unique and special to you as a couple.
• Schedule Hair & Makeup Trials: Find the perfect look for the big day.

Pre-Wedding Traditions

• Start considering the Mikvah Visit: Typically done a few days before the wedding but starting to research where and when is best for you and your personal experience is a good idea to consider a couple months before the wedding.
• Plan the Aufruf: If having an aliyah at synagogue, coordinate with the rabbi.

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Month 5: Final Preparations

Confirm Logistics

• Create a Wedding Day Timeline: Ensure everyone knows where they need to be.
• Assign Wedding Day Roles: Designate people for traditions like the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings), Ketubah signing and wearing your Jewelry when you are under the chuppah.
• Confirm Final Guest Count: Provide the number to your caterer and venue.

Get Ready for the Big Day

• Pack for Your Wedding Night & Honeymoon: If leaving right after the celebration.
• Pick Up Wedding Attire: Ensure all accessories and shoes are included. I always tell my couples to put all of your accessories and whatever details you want photographed at the beginning of the day in a box as you get them so you do not forget or misplace anything!
• Prepare a Wedding Day Emergency Kit: Include essentials like safety pins, tissues, and extra bobby pins.

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Month 6: Enjoy the Celebration

The Final Week

• Have Your Mikvah Visit: A significant spiritual preparation before marriage.
• Rehearse the Ceremony: Go over final details with your officiant and whomever else needs to know what is going on!
• Get Plenty of Rest: Enjoy this exciting and sacred moment in your life!

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A six-month timeline can be a little daunting at time, but with proper organization, you can create a beautiful and meaningful Jewish wedding. Focus on what matters most, celebrating your love and honoring Jewish traditions.A six-month timeline can be a little daunting at times, but with proper organization, you can create a beautiful and meaningful Jewish wedding. Focus on what matters most—celebrating your love, bringing together family and friends, and honoring Jewish traditions that have been passed down for generations. Every detail, from choosing the perfect chuppah to selecting who will recite the Sheva Brachot, contributes to making your wedding day a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.

Remember, while planning is important, the heart of a Jewish wedding is the sacred commitment you are making to each other. Embrace the process, and don’t stress over perfection—what truly matters is the joy, the love, and the memories you create together. Lean on your family, friends, and vendors who understand your vision and can help bring it to life.

If you’re looking for a photographer who not only captures the beauty of your wedding but also understands the significance of each Jewish tradition, I’d love to help. From the excitement of the Tisch to the emotional moment of the Bedeken, from the chuppah ceremony to the high-energy hora, I’ll be there to document it all with an eye for both artistry and authenticity. Let’s work together to create images that will tell the story of your wedding day for generations to come.

Need a photographer who understands Jewish wedding traditions? Let’s capture your special day! Contact me today to discuss your wedding photography needs.

Mazel tov and happy planning!

Picture this… You are at Maynard’s on the Jersey Shore with the rest of your friends. It is a typical summer shore weekend when you notice your friend is talking to the cute brunette you JUST matched with.You walk right up to them and completely ignore your friend and spend the rest of the night in the corner talking to the cutest and sweetest girl you have ever met…

and that was JUST the beginning.

Fast forward a few years and you are at the same bar posing for your engagement photos, looking super cute with your pup Reese.

I mean, can it get better than that?!!!

I am absolutely blown away by these two…or should I say three!

Little pup, Reese, almost stole the show with her sweetness, but nothing could beat the love and joy that feels electric whenever Shelby and Danny are together.

Their love is fun, silly, full of respect and support, and there is really nothing better than that!

Their easygoing nature and excitement for life is something I deeply admire, and I could not be more excited and happy for these two!

I already know your wedding day is going to be a special one!

Shelby and Danny, I can’t wait to continue celebrating the two of you!! Xos!

“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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