under the chuppah
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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!
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“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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There were three flags. One Brazilian, one Israeli and one Maryland flag. As dozens of Rachel and Binny’s friends stood behind the flag that best represented their connection with the newlyweds, I felt a rush of warmth and happiness flood through my body. “Ok everyone!” I said smiling as big as can be. “Look over here!” I waved and started clicking the shutter.
As soon as we finished taking the photos, the flags were whipped off to the dance floor. “BE MORE LIKE BALTIMORE, BE MORE LIKE BALTIMORE” was chanted as the Marylanders took turns dancing with the yellow and red flag we (Marylanders) are all so proud of. As Robert and I continued to smile and snap away, I couldn’t help but be amazed by the incredible community Rachel and Binny had created for themselves. It is pretty amazing to see. Friends from childhood, from the IDF and even school were all there. People flew in from thousands of miles away. One of Binny’s oldest friends even surprised him from America.
Seeing this community, these friends, celebrate as if it was their own wedding, speaks volumes.
Binny and Rachel are both incredible people. I have known Binny for way over a decade and I know for a fact that my life would be completely different without him. Binny has always had more charm in one finger than I have in all 5′ 0″ of me! Seeing him with the love of his life, the one woman who could make him this happy was a a huge honor. I could barely hold back sobs of joy as I watched them under the Chuppah looking over the water in Caesarea! As Binny made his promises to love and protect Rachel for the rest of their lives, my heart sighed.
The second the ceremony was over, everyone rushed to congratulate the bride and groom. There was so much love, so much joy and so much community that I know, Rachel and Binny will only have the best of lives together. I know that their future is going to be full of love, kindness and happiness!
Rachel and Binny’s wedding took place at the beautiful Caesar Yam in Caesarea, Israel. With the enchanting old stone all around us, the flowers from Queens Flowers every where and the delicious smell of Israeli food lingering as we danced the night away. It couldn’t have been a more loving and incredible night.
Thank you Binny and Rachel for including Robert and I in this magical day! We will forever have you in our hearts!
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“I don’t have shoes on and it’s freezing outside” one of the Rebecca’s Bridesmaid said as we walked over to the first-look.
“Do you want to go get some shoes?” I asked, concerned about her bare-feet…
“No!” she said, “I want to see this! I need to see this!”
And with that, the girl gang escorted Rebecca down the street to her first look. No complaining, not even a second thought. They just wanted to witness their beautiful bride see her handsome groom for the first time.
And that was just the way it was… all day : )
It was obvious from the minute I met Becca and Ben that they are deeply loved by everyone around them. Their wedding day was one for the books. It was an incredible day to witness. The energy, love and excitement that was present in every moment of their wedding day at the Hilton, Philadelphia City Ave hotel made my heart smile on every level. The way the Wedding Party anticipated Becca and Ben’s every need assured me that they have one incredible chevra (group of friends).
Becca and Ben are the sweetest thing you can imagine and they fit together like milk and cookies. They just were meant to walk through life together hand in hand. The way Becca and Ben smile at each other and the way they whisper back and forth to each other, makes me feel like they are in on this amazing secret, but it is only for the two of them.
Ben’s smile as he waited for Becca to tap him on the shoulder made my eyes water. The tears started falling down my face as soon as he turned around and saw his sweet, strong and stunning Becca. With the Wedding Party in the background cheering them on and the sun peaking through the clouds, it was the perfect moment.
Becca and Ben, you are two amazing individuals, your smiles light up the room, your laughter brings joy to everyone and your hearts are so full of love and kindness, you touch everyone around you. I wish for you to keep whispering to each other for the next 120 years! Your love is beautiful, don’t ever forget it!
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My mission is to not only craft images, but really celebrate the unique spirit of Jewish love. I'm here to honor our culture, capture the magic of your love, create family heirlooms for your future and do it all with a whole lot of heart and soul.