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Modern Orthodox Jewish Weddings

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Right after the Chupah - Bride and Groom waving to guests

A Jewish wedding is a day filled with beautiful traditions, heartfelt moments, and joyous celebrations. Capturing every aspect of this special occasion requires a well-structured timeline to ensure no moment is missed. Below is a detailed wedding photography timeline that helps keep everything organized while allowing time for the couple to be present with the people that matter the most.

Wedding Photography Timeline

Photo of a Jewish Wedding Invitation, brides shoes, florals, and vow books.

11:30 – 12:15 | Bride’s Details & Final Touches

  • Main Photographer Photographs Bride’s Details
    Make sure to have all your bridal details together in one spot (i.e. all three rings, shoes, invitation suite, jewelry, perfume, veil, etc.). These details set the tone for the day and are an important part of telling your wedding story.
  • Associate Photographer Captures Final Touches of Hair & Makeup
    The final moments of hair and makeup application are perfect for capturing the bride’s anticipation and excitement as the day officially begins!

12:15 – 1:00 | Bride & Groom Prep

Mom helping Bride get into her dress.
  • Main Photographer Photographs the Bride Getting Into Her Dress
    This is when it starts getting REAL. The emotions, the nerves, the excitement—it all comes together as the bride steps into her wedding gown.
  • Associate Photographer Captures Groom Getting Ready
    Tying ties, buttoning jackets, and adjusting cufflinks—this is a great opportunity to capture candid and refined portraits of the groom and his groomsmen.

Bride posing for her solo portraits. Lots of greenery and beautiful sunlight behind her.

1:00 – 1:15 | Bridal & Groom Solo Portraits

  • Main Photographer Captures the Bride’s Solo Portraits
    These timeless images showcase the bride in all her beauty before she walks down the aisle.
  • Associate Photographer Captures the Groom’s Solo Portraits
    Strong and dapper, these portraits highlight the groom’s excitement and confidence before seeing his bride.

A Jewish Bride walking to her first look with her parents in Philadelphia.

1:15 – 1:30 | Walk to the First Look

  • A quiet moment before the couple sees each other for the first time. This short walk allows anticipation to build, making the first look even more special.


A jewish Couple during their first look.

1:30 – 1:45 | First Look

  • One of my favorite moments of the day!! Such a beautiful and intimate moment, filled with such emotion as the couple sees each other for the first time.


Jewish Bride and Groom facing each other, in an intimate photo of them and their veil.

1:45 – 2:15 | Couple Portraits

  • Romantic, joyful, and full of love—these portraits capture the couple’s excitement and happiness before the ceremony begins.


Jewish Bride with Bridesmaids posing for a photo with palm trees all around them.

2:15 – 2:30 | Bride with Bridesmaids

  • These shots capture the bride with her closest friends and family, celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime moment.


Jewish Bride and Groom walking in front of their wedding party in a classic walking photo.

2:30 – 2:45 | Full Bridal Party Portraits

  • Lively, elegant, and full of energy—this is where the entire bridal party comes together for fun and classic group shots.


2:45 – 3:00 | Groom with Groomsmen

  • These portraits highlight the friendship and joy of the groom with his best friends and family members.


Bride + Mom for an intimate mother daughter portrait during the family formals at a wedding.

3:00 – 3:30 | Family Formals

  • Capturing family members in various groupings ensures everyone gets their moment in front of the camera. These images will be cherished for generations to come.


Photo of the ceremony set up. Beautiful Chupah and flowers lining the aisle.

3:30 – 4:00 | Couple’s Break & Venue Details

  • Bride & Groom Hide, Rest & Retouch
    A much-needed moment of calm before the ceremony.
  • Main Photographer & Associate Capture Ceremony and Reception Decor
    The chuppah, floral arrangements, table settings, and personalized details deserve their moment in the spotlight too!

Jewish Groom veiling Jewish Bride at the Bedekin in a modern orthodox ceremony

4:00 – 5:00 | Tisch & Bedeken

  • The Tisch (groom’s gathering) and Bedeken (veiling ceremony) are essential parts of a Jewish wedding. These emotional and meaningful traditions set the spiritual tone for the ceremony.


Jewish Bride and Groom + their parents + Rabbi are all under a beautiful floral chupah. The bride and groom have a talt wrapped around their shoulders.

5:00 – 5:45 | Wedding Ceremony

  • The moment we’ve all been waiting for! The chuppah, vows, blessings, and the breaking of the glass—it all comes together in this sacred moment.

5:45 – 6:05 | Yichud Room

  • The couple’s first private moments together as husband and wife. A truly special time to capture love, joy, and excitement.

Bride and Groom running on to the dance floor at their wedding with white confetti every where.

6:15 – 6:30 | Grand Entrance

  • The energy is high, and the celebration officially begins as the couple makes their way into the reception!


6:30 – 8:00 | Reception & Dancing

  • From the hora to heartfelt speeches, every moment is filled with emotion, love, and joy. Our goal is to capture all of the laughter, excitement, and energy as the celebration unfolds.


Sunset Portrait of Bride and Groom on the beach with sun setting over the water.

8:00 – 8:10 | Sunset Portraits

  • Golden hour is the perfect time for intimate husband-and-wife portraits. With the sun setting behind them, these images have a soft, romantic glow.

8:10 – 10pm | Reception & Final Moments

  • Dancing, cake cutting, and celebrating into the night—our team stays until we’ve captured every incredible moment of the evening.


A well-planned timeline ensures that no special moment is missed and that the couple can truly enjoy their day without feeling rushed. Every Jewish wedding is unique, and this schedule can be adjusted to fit specific traditions and preferences. The key is to leave enough room for spontaneity and joy while still keeping the day structured and smooth.

At Yael Pachino Photography, we specialize in capturing the beauty and traditions of Jewish weddings, ensuring that every memory is preserved with love and artistry. If you’re planning your wedding, we’d love to be part of your day! Reach out to us to discuss your vision and how we can make it come to life through stunning photography.

Mazel tov and happy planning!

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Jewish weddings are rich in tradition, symbolism, and culture, making them incredibly meaningful for couples, families and the entire community as a whole.

Whether you’re attending a Jewish wedding, planning your own, or just interested in the unique customs involved, this article will explain everything you need to know about Jewish wedding traditions and their significance!

1. Chuppah

The chuppah is a canopy under which the couple stands during their wedding ceremony. Symbolizing the home the couple will build together, it’s a beautiful representation of shelter, protection, and love.

The chuppah is often held up by four poles and can be decorated with flowers or fabric. The open sides of the chuppah are meant to represent the couple’s willingness to welcome friends and family into their new home.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The chuppah is a central aspect of Jewish wedding ceremonies, and the design can vary greatly depending on personal style and preference.

While some couples opt for simple wooden structures, others go all-out with elaborate designs featuring fabric, flowers, or even greenery. A unique chuppah helps add a personal touch to the ceremony and sets the tone for the wedding! Your florist and Event Planner can help bring your Chuppah vision to life!

Bride and Groom celebrating right after they sign their Ketubah (Jewish Marriage License).

2. Ketubah

A ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract. It’s an important document outlining the couple’s obligations to each other. Traditionally, it’s signed by two witnesses and is often beautifully decorated.

After the wedding, the ketubah is typically displayed in the couple’s home as a reminder of their commitment.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The ketubah is not just a legal document; it’s also a deeply emotional part of the wedding ceremony. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the husband toward the wife, ensuring that she will be supported and cared for.

While the ketubah is traditionally written in Aramaic, many modern couples today choose to have it in English, Hebrew or both Hebrew and English, especially in Reform weddings.

3. Sheva Brachot

The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) are recited during the wedding ceremony and at the end of the Reception right after everyone recites the prayers of Grace after Meals.

These seven blessings are also recited at the subsequent seven days of celebrations, typically at a dinner. These blessings express gratitude for the creation of the world, joy in the couple’s union, and the hope for a future filled with love and peace.

The Seven blessings are traditionally said in Hebrew, but many couples choose to have both the Hebrew blessings and English versions of the blessings under the Chuppah. Having both is a beautiful way to include tradition with a modern twist to make sure everyone can appreciate the special blessings.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

These blessings include words of praise for God’s creation, the gift of marriage, and the celebration of love and life. In many Jewish wedding traditions, these blessings are recited in Hebrew, and family members and friends take turns reciting them at the wedding celebration.

These blessings are repeated during the week-long festivities that follow the wedding, known as Sheva Brachot dinners.

4. Kabbalat Panim

Before the wedding ceremony, the kabbalat panim is the reception where the bride and groom are greeted by family and friends. Traditionally, the bride and groom are separated, and each receives guests in their respective areas.
Common in Orthodox and Conservative weddings, though not a standard practice in Reform weddings.

The kabbalat panim is a time of joyful celebration before the wedding ceremony begins.

While the groom and bride traditionally celebrate separately, the mingling and excitement build anticipation for the ceremony. This tradition allows both families and friends to enjoy the occasion together before the formalities begin.

5. Tisch

The tisch is a traditional pre-wedding gathering where the groom, family, and friends celebrate together before the ceremony.

It’s often lively and includes singing and dancing, especially with the groom’s male relatives and friends. The groom is usually seated at the head of the table, and the atmosphere is filled with joy and excitement.

The tisch sets the stage for the festivities to come and allows the groom to relax and enjoy the support of his loved ones.
Common in Orthodox and Conservative weddings, but not typically observed by Reform Jews.

The tisch is a key part of the Orthodox and Conservative Jewish wedding experience. The groom’s close friends and family gather around, singing and sharing moments of joy before the ceremony.

It’s a time for the groom to relax and focus on the joy of the occasion before the formalities of the wedding.

It is a cherished tradition for the groom to share words of Jewish wisdom. As he speaks, his family and friends joyfully interrupt with songs and dance, infusing the moment with lively celebration and communal spirit.

Groom veiling his bride during the Jewish tradition of Bedekin

6. Bedekin

The bedekin is the veiling ceremony that takes place just before the couple’s wedding ceremony. The groom places a veil over the bride’s face, symbolizing modesty and the groom’s acceptance of the bride’s inner beauty.

During an Orthodox and Conservative wedding, this usually takes place right after the Tisch. The groom walks or dances his way to the bride with the whole community with him, once he is in front of the bride, he goes to her and puts the veil over her head to cover her face.
Commonly practiced by Orthodox and Conservative Jews, though some Reform weddings may include it based on personal preference.

The bedekin is a beautiful and symbolic ritual, highlighting the groom’s commitment to his bride.

It’s a moment of intimacy before the ceremony begins, and it is a very traditional part of Orthodox and Conservative Jewish weddings. It is also a time for the families to come together and celebrate the union. In Reform weddings, the veil may be less emphasized, and couples may choose to focus on other elements of the ceremony.

7. Ring Exchange

During the ceremony, the couple exchanges rings as a sign of their commitment to one another. In Jewish tradition, the groom typically places the ring on the bride’s index finger and recites a blessing.

The ring is traditional a gold band. A simple, unbroken circle shape represents a marriage without conflict or distraction. 
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The ring exchange is one of the most important moments in the Jewish wedding ceremony.

In Orthodox traditions, the ring is given without any markings or gemstones, representing the couple’s pure and eternal bond.

While this is the most common custom, Reform Jews may opt for a ring that has more personalization, such as engraving or the inclusion of gemstones.

Photo of Bride and Groom under the Chuppah as the Groom is about to smash the glass at the end of the wedding.

8. Breaking the Glass

At the end of the wedding ceremony, the groom (and sometimes along side the bride) breaks a glass, typically wrapped in a cloth, with his foot.

This act has multiple interpretations, including the reminder of the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem and the hope that the couple’s marriage will be filled with both joy and sorrow, as life is full of contrasts.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

Breaking the glass is one of the most iconic traditions at Jewish weddings.

The sound of the glass shattering symbolizes the breaking of the couple’s past life as they begin their new life together. In some traditions, guests shout “Mazel Tov!” immediately after the glass is broken, signaling the celebration of the couple’s future.

9. Yichud

After the ceremony, the couple spends a few moments in private, called yichud. This tradition allows the couple to be alone together for the first time as newlyweds, reflecting on the commitment they’ve just made. It also symbolizes their new status as a married couple.
Common across all branches: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform.

The yichud period is a moment of quiet reflection and intimacy after the chaos of the wedding ceremony. The couple is in a secluded room where they can enjoy their first moments as husband and wife.

This practice is observed in both traditional and more modern Jewish weddings, providing a peaceful pause in the celebration.

In both Orthodox and Conservative traditions, the Rabbi will inspect the Yichud room beforehand to ensure it is properly secluded and free of any other guests.

Once the bride and groom enter and settle into the room, the door is closed behind them, and two witnesses stand guard outside to ensure their privacy, maintaining the sacredness of this intimate moment.

Photo of Bride and groom to highlight what the terms Chatan and Kallah mean

10. Chatan and Kallah

In Jewish weddings, the groom is referred to as the chatan and the bride is called the kallah.

These terms reflect the couple’s roles in the wedding ceremony and signify the joyous occasion.
Common across all branches: Orthodox and Conservative

The terms chatan (groom) and kallah (bride) are used throughout the wedding ceremony to refer to the couple. These words are a sign of respect and are used when referring to the individuals being united in marriage.

While they are commonly used across all Jewish traditions, you may also hear these terms in other aspects of Jewish life, such as during blessings or prayers.

Jewish weddings are beautiful, deeply rooted in tradition, and filled with meaningful rituals that symbolize love, commitment, and faith.

Understanding these terms will help you better appreciate the beauty and significance of a Jewish wedding and the many layers of meaning that come with this joyous celebration.

Whether you’re planning the wedding, attending your first Jewish wedding, or something in between, knowing the meanings behind these terms can deepen your connection to the experience.

Jewish weddings are a celebration of love, life, faith and tradition and each term, custom, and ritual plays a vital role in honoring that legacy.

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