wedding

One of the things I love most about being Jewish is how there’s never just one way to do things. As the saying goes, “two Jews, three opinions!” This is a common and beloved theme in our culture and weddings are no exception!

Every couple brings their own personal touch, and over the years, I’ve seen how beautifully diverse Jewish weddings can be. 

In 2024, I’ve noticed five amazing trends within the Modern Orthodox Jewish wedding scene that I just can’t get enough of! They blend tradition with fresh, new practices in ways that feel meaningful and modern while still honoring the roots of our faith. 

And if I am being totally honest with you, I have 100% cried seeing each and everyone of these new trends!

Ketubah Signing Under the Chuppah

This one is for all the strong, proud Jewish women out there who want to be fully present when their Ketubah is being signed. 

Traditionally, the Ketubah signing takes place in a private room before the ceremony (without the bride), but more and more couples are choosing to make this moment part of the ceremony itself, right under the chuppah. 

It’s such a powerful statement of partnership, with both the bride and groom sharing the moment in front of all of their loved ones. It’s a beautiful way to honor the significance of the promises written and make the moment even more intimate and meaningful. 

Plus, it’s an empowering way for the bride to be right there as the ink is put to paper, highlighting the equal role both partners play in the marriage they are about to enter.

A Joint Tisch

One of the trends I’m loving this year is the joint tisch, where both the bride and groom, side by side, celebrate with their guests before the wedding!

Traditionally, the Tisch is a separate event: the groom and his friends gather to sing, drink, and engage in lively discussion, while the bride’s celebration takes place in a completely separate room. 

But in 2024, more couples are choosing to have a joint tisch, bringing everyone together for a shared pre-chuppah celebration! 

It’s a beautiful way to start the festivities with a sense of unity, excitement and simcha. 

There is something so special about seeing parents, siblings, friends and the entire community come together with pure happiness and anticipation. This trend creates an unforgettable energy and sets a tone of togetherness for the rest of the celebration. 

Both Exchanging Rings + Circling

In 2024, I’m seeing more and more couples incorporating both the bride and groom exchanging rings and circling each other during the ceremony, and I absolutely love it! 

Traditionally, the groom places the ring on the bride’s finger and the bride circles the groom but now more than ever before couples are opting for the bride to give a ring to the groom under the chuppah and the groom circles the bride as well! How cool is that?!

The circling symbolizes the creation of unity and a new home. It’s a deeply significant act which feels even more meaningful when both partners circle each other.

This twist on the tradition emphasizes the partnership and balance of the couple. It’s so powerful to watch and brings an extra layer of meaning to the ceremony.

There is something so heartwarming in seeing both the groom and bride recite the words “Harei at mekudeshet li b’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe v’Yisrael.”

This translates to:
“Behold, you are consecrated to me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.”

Seeing both the bride and groom perform these loving acts of commitment feels like an even stronger, more meaningful way to begin their marriage. 

Wrapping a Tallit Around Both the Bride and Groom

Traditionally, the groom wears the tallit under the chuppah, symbolizing the sacredness of the moment. However, more couples are choosing to have the bride join him, creating a shared experience that symbolizes their mutual commitment and the creation of their new home together. 

The act of enveloping both partners in the same tallit is deeply symbolic, representing the protection, love, and unity that will surround them throughout their marriage.

It also reflects the Jewish value of partnership, where both individuals are equal participants in building their future. 

This trend adds a powerful layer of connection between the couple and their families, as the tallit is often passed down through generations, making it a beautiful way to honor heritage while embracing the future together.

Original Songs Sung by Family or Friends During the Reception

One of the sweetest and most personal trends I’ve seen at Jewish weddings in 2024 is family and friends singing original songs during the reception. 

These performances add a truly unique and heartfelt touch to the celebration. Whether it’s a creative parody of a popular song, a funny tribute to the couple, or a heartfelt, original tune celebrating the couple’s love story, these songs never fail to put a smile on everyone faces. 99% of the time, everyone is singing the chorus by the end!

I’ve seen everything from funny and playful tunes about the couple’s first meeting to heartfelt songs that honor their families and traditions. The best part? There are no rules—anything goes, and it’s always a beautiful reflection of the couple’s unique journey and the love that surrounds them!

The beauty of Jewish weddings lies in both their deep-rooted tradition AND their incredible diversity—there’s no “one right way” to celebrate and continue the tradition, and that’s exactly what makes each wedding and each couple so uniquely special. 

From personal twists on timeless rituals to new trends that bring fresh energy to the celebration, Jewish weddings are constantly evolving while staying true to the heart of our faith.

Ultimately, these new trends serve as a powerful reminder that the most important thing is honoring the love, joy, and connection between the couple, their families, and their community.

The traditions may vary, but the essence remains the same.

Now more than ever, we need to celebrate and support Jewish love in all its forms.

These weddings are a reflection of the rich, evolving story of the Jewish community and the beautiful connections we create. These weddings connect us to our past and our future.

 I’m so excited to see what trends 2025 will bring, and I can’t wait to continue capturing these meaningful moments with you all!

Weddings are intimate, personal and meaningful. Some couples just simply want to have an unplugged wedding. Hey, I get it. You want your guests to be in the moment, you want your guests to really feel the love and see the magic without looking through their phone screens! But a “no phone rule” is hard to enforce, especially when you want everyone to enjoy your big day! Here are YPPs best practices to getting the unplugged ceremony you have always wanted!

Decide on How Unplugged

One of the major questions I get from my clients is “how unplugged does my wedding have to be?” Well, it is completely up to you! If you want the entire wedding, from before the ceremony and all the way until the final dance to be unplugged that’s great! If you don’t care what happens after the ceremony that’s awesome too! It is seriously up to you! You can have your wedding as unplugged or as plugged in as you want!

Let Guests Know in Advance

Although I wouldn’t suggest announcing your unplugged desires on the formal invitation itself, there are still ways to let your guests no in advance! For example, on the wedding website, an insert that goes in the wedding invitation envelope, your wedding ceremony printed programs, a sign… the list can go on!

Signs and Reminders

I love friendly reminders, especially when they are written in beautiful calligraphy! One of my favorite unplugged announcement methods is the classic sign. It’s a gentle, yet not so subtle way to ask your guests to put the phones away and be in the moment. They are there for a reason, and guess what, I (the photographer) am there for a reason too! I got it covered, I promise!

Make an Announcement!

Have your officiant or Best Man make an announcement! It’s as simple as that! Most guests will have absolutely no problem putting their phones away if they are told that it’s what the bride and groom want. Remember, these are your people! Your family, closes friends and the community who have watched you grow up over the years. They want you happy and if they knew you wished to have an unplugged ceremony, that will be enough of a reason to put their phone off and away.

Don’t forget it, it’s your wedding, your dream, you get to have an unplugged wedding if that’s what you want!

Imagine, it’s 11pm. Your wedding band has been killing it all night. The dance floor has been packed for hours. The drinks have been flowing. The photographer has been racing around the dance floor getting all of the best dance moves. Finally, you hear the band transition into a slow song, You see your guests take a breath, refill their drinks, now all they need is a snack.

Yes, I said snack.

One of my favorite wedding trends are the late night snacks! I mean what human doesn’t like a snack?! It is the perfect way for the bride and groom to showcase their personality even more and give your guests a little something to cure those late night drunk munchies!

Here are YPPs top ten favorite Wedding Night Snacks!

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Ice Cream Truck:

A classic on any hot summer day!

Cereal Bar

Who doesn’t love a big bowl of captain crunch or frosted flakes after a long night of dancing?! I don’t know about all of you, but cereal takes me back to some of my favorite nights in undergrad : )

Grilled Cheese bites and Tomato Soup Shots

Because sometimes you just need something cheesy and sweet all in one

Donut Wall

This is not only delicious but can add something special to your dessert decor! This is great for the couple who have a big donut difference of opinions! Can you say the classic Federal Donut or Beiler donuts debate anyone?!

S’mores

I am always in awe of the wedding venues that have a bonfire going with a nice s’more station set up right next to it! Not only delicious, but fun too!

Soft Pretzels

Philly Pretzel Factory is a staple at any Philadelphia gathering, weddings are no exception! Give the people what they want!!

Taco Station

Do I need to say more?!

Popcorn Stand!

Easy, fast and you don’t feel any kind of way after you eat enough popcorn to satisfy those drunk munchies!

Popsicles

Refreshing and tasty! The perfect snack to cool down after hours of dancing!

Mason Jarred Dessert with Fruit

Cheesecake jar, yogurt parfait Jar, Chocolate pudding jar, etc… Put any dessert in a jar with fresh fruit and it looks decadent and tastes delicious! What could go wrong!?

“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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You are engaged, you are planning your future with your best friend and you want to fill your home with your own personal style. Now is your chance! You get to put together a wedding registry! You get to put together a list for all your closest friends and family who want to help you fill your home with all the things you want, the things you need and all the small details that compliment you, your lifestyle and your future family. Here are YPPs top 12 tips for creating the Perfect Wedding Registry!

Check your Inventory:

First thing’s first. Check to see what you both already have! Don’t get me wrong, I like new shiny things just as much as the next girl, but if you already have a blender that works like a charm, maybe skip the NINJA!

Start as soon as you get engaged:

If you ask me, no need to wait for gifts : )

Don’t register for more than you can store:

Sometimes, just like your stomach, your eyes are bigger than your storage… Make sure you have enough space!!

Not just for products but charities and experiences too:

Do you like your things? Are you looking around your kitchen wondering what you possibly can put on your registry but daydreaming about hiking in Europe? Well, guess what!? You can put your honeymoon on your registry! You can put charities and experiences, not just products! You can even have your guests give to The Knot Newleywed Fund!

Keep it Stylish and Homey:

Register for the things that will make your home feel like you not just the ones your Mom or Future Mother-in-Law suggest. Don’t get me wrong, they are a well of knowledge and tips, but you guys have your own style, your own sense of home, keep that in mind! If your style is more traditional, great! If you love being comfy and having warm tones all around, go for it! Register for the things you want around you after you had a long day at work or when you are binging your favorite Netflix show!

Look for Registry Perks:

Your guests and their wallets will thank you!

Two to Four Places:

Registering at one store isn’t enough, registering at ten is too many, giving your guests two to four options of places to shop will keep them happy and give you options!

Do it Together:

Turn registering into a date night! You are registering for gifts for your future together! Did you hear me? This is for your future! For your family! For you and your boo so make it fun! Go out on a date together, choose the China together, get his input on the fancy champagne flutes and definitely on the grill!

Get MORE plates:

The more plates you get, the better! Your house is going to be full of love, laughter and dinner parties! Don’t settle for just the average 8 plate set, get 12 or even more!

Register for Storage!

Storage!? I know what you are thinking, why am I registering for storage!? But, this one is important! You want to keep your new sterling silver ware from tarnishing and scratching right?! Register for a place to keep them, for example, a silver chest with slotted insets (or a tightly closed drawer) lined with felt linen. Anything to keep from scratching!

Update: AKA Add More:

A couple weeks before your wedding, check what is left on your wedding registry online. See what your guest have already bought, what is left and add MORE! Your last minute shoppers will thank you for the bigger variety!

Share the news!

You finally have put together your perfect registry, it is time to tell your friends, but you can’t exactly post online or send the link to everyone can you?! Have your bridal shower host put it on the invitation, slip the news to your best friend and I promise, the word will get out!

Starting your registry may seem daunting, but once you get the ball rolling, it can be fun, exciting and pretty awesome if you ask me! I mean come on, who doesn’t love putting together a list of things they want : )

All you wanted to do was grow up and be just like your Mom. You spent day after day trying on her wedding dress. You tried on her shoes. Mimicked the way she did her hair and put on her lipstick. Now, years later, you have developed your own sense of style. Your own dreams. Your own vision for your wedding day and your mom wants to be there for you through it all. She wants to give you the day of your dreams. She wants to help! Here are YPP’s “Top 6 Mother-of-the-Bride Wedding Duties” that will make your life easier and make her as happy as can be!

1. Finding the Family Heirlooms

We all love family heirlooms. They are beautiful, meaningful and sometimes hard to get a hold of. Give your mom this responsibility. She will know exactly who in the family still has Great Aunt Margie’s Wine Glass or where the heck the family Chuppah is stored… Plus, she will know exactly how to handle your extended family, answer all of their wedding questions all while on the hunt for the family goods!

2. Fine-tuning the Wording on your Invitation

If you are leaning towards a more traditional wedding, than your mother’s name and address will already be on the envelope, let her be a part of this! Let her decide whether the word “TO” should be a size 20pt or 22pt. It will make her feel like she is a big part of the planning process and will take one last thing of your plate! Plus, grammar can always be double checked!

3. Registry Goddess

Your mom will just know. She knows exactly what you need to have the perfect kitchen set up and all the dining room essentials. She knows the best Kitchen Aid to purchase, the most elegant China Plates and even the best place to get a Menorah. Mom will have all the answers to the most overwhelming registry questions!

4. Getting Ready…from the very beginning

Your mom has been dreaming about your wedding day just as much as you have been since you were a little girl. She cannot wait to see her beautiful daughter in the white dress, marrying the man of her dreams and being as happy as possible. Your happily ever after is all your Mom wants for you. Let her be a part of the shopping. Let her be there when you say “Yes to the dress!” Let her zip you up with tears in her eyes the morning of your wedding. Let her be a part of it!

5. Guest List Pruning

The dreaded Guest List! You want everyone there to celebrate with you and your soon-to-be husband, but cutting names of that list is literally keeping you up at night. Don’t worry, I get it and so does mom! Let her be the one to make the cuts and even be the one to get the RSVP’s. It will help you sleep at night and help her keep on top of how many people are coming! WIN WIN WIN!

6. Let her show you how much she loves you!

I know, sometimes, it might be feel like Mama Bear is going over board with the love and all of her ideas, but maybe, just maybe let a few things slide this time. You only get married once and this is a big moment for her as well. She is watching her baby start a family! So, give her the chance to show you how much she loves you!

You are what you eat. Between putting together your emergency kit, practicing your vows and running from your manicure appointment to the hotel, the last thing on your mind will be what am I going to eat. But seriously, do not forget to plan for a healthy day! From bloating to skin glow all the way to your energy level, what you eat the day (or a few days before) your wedding can have a lasting affect ! Make sure you are being mindful and cognitive of what foods you choose to nourish your body with!  The last thing you are going to want to on your special day is a breakout, feel lethargic and bloated!

Full disclosure, I believe this is important every day, not just the day before you say I do.

Before your mind starts racing, just breathe! I have done the heavy lifting for you! I consulted my dear friend and incredible Nutrition and Health Coach, Alissa Higgins, to design the Ideal-Day-of-The-Wedding- Meal-Plan and here is what she suggests:

 

Breakfast of beauty: 2 Eggs, Veggies, Whole Grain Toast. Snack: Apple & Almonds (200 calorie pack)

Lunch: Chicken or Tofu Salad. Add lots of veggies, and make this delicious!

Snack: Veggies & Hummus (Carrots, Celery, Peppers, Cucumbers)

Dinner: Salmon & Veggies Snack: Rice Cakes

 

A few tips for wedding week! 

1. Try to avoid adding salt to foods or consuming high sodium foods the week before your wedding. Salt helps you retain water, which doesn’t help when going for the flat tummy!
2. Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. Hydrating will keep your body working at it’s best and keep you feeling your best!
3.  Don’t skip meals. The final week before your wedding can be stressful.
4. My absolute BEST advice to you is DON’T skip your meals. You want to be feeling your best on the big day not run day and out of energy!

And there you have it ladies! Your Ideal-Day-of-The-Wedding- Meal-Plan by the owner and creator of Fit4Mom Philadelphia! 

Want more helpful Nutrition and Health tips?! Great! Contact Alissa here! Trust me, you will not regret it! I have never felt more energized and healthier!

” I already know that we are going to spend HOURS trying to figure out who sent in their  RSVPs and who we need to reach back out too. I am already dreading it” my friend said as we walked along the Schuylkill River. She was about to send out her beautifully custom  wedding invitations, designed on Basic Invite (shout out to my amazing card company partners at Basic Invite), and was trying to balance her work, school and wedding planning. This was one thing she really did not want to spend time on. “I just learned this awesome trick” I said as we started picking up the pace to more of a jog. “If you take a pencil, and mark each RSVP card with a number…on the back of course, it will be SOO much easier to keep track of.” I said as the beat of the music started picking up tempo in my ear. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks, “That is a genius idea!” She explained as she threw her hands in the air. I smiled and said “Come on, I bet we can finish this run in under an hour!”

Excel + Pencil = Time: Numbers make everything better….Make things as easy as possible for yourself. I know what you are thinking, I don’t want to ruin my RSVP cards with a penciled in number in the corner. I get it, you spent all that money and all that time making sure your wedding stationary is perfect, You are going to love your stationary a lot more when it is easy to organize.  All you have to do is three easy steps:

1. Fill out an EXCEL sheet with your guest list on it (which, I am sure you already have)
2. Make sure each household has their own number
3. Mark each household’s RSVP card with their specific number!

Therefore, when the RSVP cards start coming in but number 43 is still not returned, you can go to your EXCEL sheet, look up number 43 and BAM, you now know you need to call Aunt Margret to see if she wants the fish or chicken. 

“Hey! Do you want to open your present?” Logan asked as he crouched down next to his nephew, Levi. The little boy, all dressed in his adorable red tie, grey suspenders and baller kicks just stared up at him with these big eyes. “I’ll be right back” Logan said as he ran into the Groom’s getting ready room and grabbed his present for the adorable ring bearer. When he returned, Levi saw the present in Logan’s hand and for the first time all day, the two year old let go of his animal crackers. He stood next to the kneeling Logan, wide-eyed. Together, they opened the present. Both groom and ring bearer had matching smiles as they ripped off the wrapping paper. When Levi saw what was inside, his smile went from big to huge. It was a a small wooden bat that fit perfectly in the toddler’s hands. He already knew how to hold it and what to do with it.  Levi was in his stance and swinging within seconds. “My uncle got me a wooden bat too at his wedding. I was about Levi’s age then also.” Logan told me as he stood up next to Levi and patted him on the head.

The rest of the wedding day was just like that, every moment, every detail had such a beautiful meaning behind it all. From the teddy bear that the rings were tied to on their way down the aisle, to Cassie’s necklace that she carefully wrapped around her bouquet. From the pearl bracelet, a family heirloom, that Cassie’s mom gently fastened  around her wrist as they both were teary eyed, all the way to the little rocking chair where the teddy bear sat with them on the sweetheart table. Every detail, every aspect and every moment of their wedding day was full of sincere emotion and importance. It was an incredible day to witness. From the beginning, Cassie and Logan made it clear that family meant the world to them and it showed in every part of their day.

The Brandywine Manor House was absolutely radiant on this beautiful Fall day. Decorated with symbols of love, gorgeous centerpieces that Melissa, Cassie’s dad’s fiance, created and sunflowers that made the room really pop. The ceremony took place as the sun shined right by the Manor’s waterfall. Although it was the fastest ceremony I have ever seen, there was more love, honor and commitment in those few minutes than anyone could ever ask for. Seeing Cassie and Logan share their love and their promises to each other in front of everyone they cared for the most, was a breath taking moment. I am touched and honored by Cassie and Logan and everything they stand for.

Cassie, Logan, my wish to you is to have everything you ever wanted. I know you will have the most beautiful family and your children will be just as loving and as sincere as both of you. Sending all the love in the world.

 

xo,

Yael

                                  

“Yael!” Everyone is booked! I cannot find a single decent band that isn’t already booked! Please tell me you have some incredible connection and can find me a band of my dreams!” My bride was getting married in three months and she and her fiance just couldn’t agree on a band… so they put it off, got caught up with everything else on their never-ending todo list and all of the sudden, their wedding was right around the corner and they were left without a band!

“Ok. Don’t worry, we will figure it out! Let me ask around! I’ll be in touch ASAP” I hung up the phone and began calling all of the local vendors I knew, I am sure SOMEONE knew someone who might still be available and within her budget. For all of my readers out there, don’t fret! She found an awesome band that she, her husband and all of their guests absolutely loved! It was an incredible wedding with tons of dancing and great music. Everything worked out just the way it should have!

 

One thing at a Time! Being engaged is a magical time in your lives as a couple. You just agreed to be partners for life. You and your best friend promised to spend the rest of your days next to each other, cheering each other on and being each other’s biggest support system. Planning a wedding should be exciting and fun. It’s the beginning to your marriage! It breaks my heart when I hear how chaotic and stressful it can be. The todo list feels like it just goes on and on and there is no end in sight! Take a deep breath! It is going to be ok! Instead of looking at everything all at once, focus on one big task at a time. Once you finish one thing, then go on to the next. Trust me on this one, it is way easier. I know what you’re thinking “Ok Yael, that makes total sense but what do I focus on first!? What should be my top priority when?! How do I know when to book what!?” You are in luck! I have put together a YP cheat sheet to help you figure out the ideal time to book your favorite wedding vendors!