An Elegant Jewish Wedding at Congregation B'nai Jacob in Woodbridge, Connecticut
When Brooklyn-based couple Sarah Oren (25, a teacher and dog rescuer) and Michael Brasky (25, a lawyer) met during their senior year of college at Binghamton University in 2008, she knew they had an immediate connection. Michael proposed three years later at a French restaurant in Connecticut after a romantic dinner, which informed the beginning of their elegant wedding plans.“The wedding venue choice became an easy one once we determined how many people to plan for, and where in the world we wanted to marry,” says Sarah. “I also wanted a space that allowed for us to take a blank canvas and make it our own -- my mom was a huge help with that! I spent much of my childhood in the New Haven area, in a small town called Woodbridge. I had a strong involvement with our local synagogue: Congregation B'nai Jacob; my Bat Mitzvah was held there, I went to school there at Ezra Academy, I was part of (and later was a director for) the teen youth group and led children's services on occasion. It was a place that was special to me. Mike had become friendly, as had I, with the Rabbi and his lovely family. Mike's family didn't have a strong connection with a particular synagogue in their area of Brooklyn, so the decision was clear to choose Congregation B'nai Jacob.”Sarah and Michael’s wedding included many traditional Jewish elements that incorporated a “rustic and natural flare.” The couple also wanted to make their reception menu memorable with different choices.“Meredith Abel of Abel Caterers worked with us to create the most delicious and varied foods options,” Sarah says. “We had several vegans attending our wedding, which was not a concern since a kosher wedding that includes meat with not have milk or butter in any of the food. With those two items out of the running, vegans were more easily able to indulge. Though I would have gladly eliminated steak from the meal menu, it was one area where Mike had a strong opinion, and I caved.”