The Home of Nancy and Alan Brodovsky

Welcome Dinner

The Sterling Hotel

Wedding Day

Sterling Hotel by Wedgewood Weddings

Reception

Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel

Goodbye Brunch

Our Wedding

Bad Jews Meet in the Wild

It all started with a group of "Bad Jews," cheap beer, and bowling. Ryan and Lizz joined a WhatsApp group run by a local non-profit, Sacramento Bad Jews, to meet more friends and develop non-congregation-specific community building for Jewish adults in Northern California. They both showed up to a bowling night in West Sacramento, thinking that the other person knew everyone else, but as it turns out it was the first Bad Jews event for both of them. Please enjoy the (very real) advertisement for the event below.

They discovered they lived less than a mile apart from one another and made plans to carpool to the next Bad Jews event. The event was cancelled a few hours before it was supposed to start. Upon seeing the announcement about cancellation, Ryan sent Lizz a text. Ryan: What a bummer, I was looking forward to hanging out. Lizz: Same! Do you wanna catch a drink instead? Maybe at 6? Ryan: Sure! They sipped on rosé slushies at Urban Roots to fight off the August heat and laughed the entire time. Afterward dropping her off at home, Ryan texted Lizz saying the hang felt "weirdly like a really good date." Lizz wrote back, "I thought it was a date?"

They bonded over going on adventures (hiking, paddleboarding, bike riding), cooking (and eating) good food, trying new restaurants and bars, deep discussions about Judaism and Jewishness, making each other laugh, and personal development, building community, appreciating art, and loving animals. And now you're here because they're getting married!

Our Story

Our official engagement photos are coming soon, but in the meantime, enjoy these snapshots. xo

Us ♥️ 

With community, family, and friends ♥️

Photos

Callie and Lizz met in Portland and bonded over being SoCal-born Jews suffering from a severe lack of Vitamin D. They found they have so much in common: a love of art and cats in equal measure, The Sopranos, reading, and making Lite Trouble™️. 

Callie is best known for her endless well of deep feeling and sends the best cards in the mail. She is probably listening to Lana Del Rey right now.



Callie Jacobs

Ryan first memory of his brother Jeffrey was a wagon ride to their father’s 50th birthday party. Ryan and Jeffrey grew up in Sacramento attending social functions hoping to not be the last people to leave the party again. Though they had brotherly squabbles, they connected through gaming, a love for RPGs, and anime. Ryan has converted Jeffrey to One Piece fan, a feat he is very proud of. There’s more to this -- just ask Jeffrey. 

Jeffrey Brodovsky

Michael and Ryan have been best friends since high school, spending lots of time in New York during their college years, and then later, unintentionally living five minutes away from each other in Florence. Later, they lived together in Berkeley, and Michael helped Ryan learn how to make sufganiyot. Michael and Ryan bonded over love of all things 916, cooking, and more recently, golf. And Ryan officiated Michael’s wedding to the wonderful Monica. There's a lot more to this – just ask Michael.

Michael Follette

Julia is part of the Brodovsky family -- Ryan's sister-in-law and the Best Man's wife. Lizz liked Julia immediately for being such a grounded, salt-of-the-earth soul who is welcoming to all -- and a fellow Cat Person with a perfectly dry sense of humor. Julia leads with kindness and intelligence in equal measure. She is probably about to send the group chat with Jeffrey and Ryan a text about the new One Piece while introverting with her daughter Rishka.

Julia Brodovsky

Isabelle is the elder of the Moore children and one of Lizz's niblings (gender neutral term for niece and/or nephew, for those who do not know). She/they is delightfully clever and sharp-witted, with a keen love of the arts, with a focus on painting and photography, working with animals, and hiking and kayaking. They recently graduated high school and they are probably fully reveling in their current Siouxie Sioux-inspired aesthetic phase. 

Isabelle Moore

Michael ("Haleva") was in Jeffrey’s class at Shalom School, but didn't become friends until Ryan starred in Haleva’s directorial debut at the end of Haleva's senior year. Haleva became one of Ryan’s closest friends in Sacramento, got him hooked on the SF Giants, and is always down for a Kings game (even when they blow it in the third quarter and play catch up the rest of the way). There’s more to this -- just ask Haleva.

Michael Haleva

So you’ve probably heard Nate even if you haven't met him -- he was the Viking looking guy who was incredibly animated while telling a story. You might have noticed his voice carries well. What you probably don’t know is that Nate strongly encouraged Ryan to marry his sister within like a week of meeting, and has been a huge proponent of this union since Day 1. Nate and Ryan bonded over cooking good food, enjoying great cocktails, and agreeing that Lizz is the coolest person they know. There’s more to this -- just ask Nate. 

Nathaniel Bates

Mia and Lizz met through Jewish education offered at Congregation B'nai Israel and became friends when Mia approached Lizz after she was Opinionated in Public (Again). They bonded over reconnecting with Jewish ritual, culture, and community, as well as an appreciation for wine and good food. Mia is best known for her healing powers and having a stellar sense of style. She is likely somewhere whispering a witty, sardonic remark while wearing a fabulous animal print.

Mia Walden

Sophie is our youngest wedding party member, the younger of the Moore children, and one of Lizz's niblings (see above definition). She is extremely observant and thoughtful, and very passionate about fashion and reading. She just entered high school and is probably spending time taking cute pictures of and loving on her adorable pet rats. 

Sophie Moore

Ryan met Bobby on a phone call. They said "hey" and thought not much of it. They have had a great time getting to know each other in the lead up to the wedding. Bobby is notorious for his wit and humor, and is perhaps best known for his abstract art and his exclusive line of BobMark™️ greeting cards created circa 2011. There’s more to this -- just ask Bobby. 


Robert Moore

Ryan and Justin met at some point, at some time in the Sacramento Jewish community a long time ago. After some shenanigans in their high school years, like Midrasha, they renewed their friendship in law school as community and de-stressing from the madness. Since both becoming attorneys and returning to Sacramento to practice law, Justin has become a Sauna Bro in Ryan and Lizz’s backyard sauna. There’s more to this – just ask Justin. 

Justin Berg

Lizz first met Gabriela at Tower Café a few months after Lizz met Ryan. Ryan was so excited to introduce Lizz because Ryan officiated Gabriela's wedding and she had just given birth to her baby girl Carole. They bonded over their love of Ryan, delicious food and superb cocktails, and GOOD GOSS. Gabriela is best known for following a night out with 6 am workout class the next morning. She is likely somewhere having an exceptional coffee while wearing black leggings. 

Gabriela Slabine

Inbal and Lizz met while working at the same advertising agency in LA. Through working together they realized they shared a similar Weird Girl streak and goofy sense of humor — especially while under pressure. Inz is best known for her musical talents, followed closely by her kindness and impeccable style. She is likely writing her next soulful single as you read this. 

Inbal Ranan

Rabbi Alfi is the Senior Rabbi at Congregation B’nai Israel and a prominent community leader advocating for a better world all the time. Her spiritual leadership is unparalleled by all things except perhaps her sense of humor. 

Rabbi Alfi

Rabbi Taff is the Rabbi Emeretis at Mosaic Law and was their Rabbi for twenty-five years. As a former Cantor, he is known for his incredible voice. The Taff and Brodovsky Families have been close since he moved to Sacramento in 1995. 

Rabbi Taff 

Wedding Party

Getting around Downtown Sacramento

If you're staying in Downtown Sacramento, you're already very close to the venue, which is right in the heart of it all. Depending on your personal preferences, getting around can be as easy as a short walk or a quick ride. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are widely available and typically respond quickly. If you’re heading out before or after events, these are reliable options at almost any hour. For the more adventurous, electric scooters are scattered throughout downtown and can be a fun (and fast) way to get around—just bring a little confidence as you scoot scoot through the city in your formalwear (Ryan and Lizz have done it!). Of course, walking is often the easiest choice for getting around. Make sure to look up your path in advance and use common sense when traveling in an unfamiliar place.

Parking 

Parking is readily available throughout Downtown Sacramento, with several solid options within a few blocks of the venue. If you want the closest and most convenient option, the garage at 900 13th Street is right by the venue and typically runs about $16–$21 for the evening depending on timing. For a balance of proximity and price, there's the Memorial Garage (14th &amp; H), about a 2-block walk. Evening and weekend rates are especially reasonable, usually around $7 max, with a $30 daily cap. If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option, Lot D (12th &amp; I) offers flat rates of about $5–$10 depending on time of day, and is still an easy walk. Another nearby option is the City Hall Garage (10th &amp; I), which is slightly farther but comparable in structure pricing, with evening/weekend rates around $7 and higher weekday daytime maximums. Street parking is also available in the area, but can be limited and may have time restrictions. As with most downtown areas, availability and pricing can vary depending on events, so we recommend allowing a little extra time—or opting for a rideshare if you’d prefer a simpler arrival.

Accommodations 

Our room block and discounted rate have now expired, but there are still plenty of wonderful places to stay in Sacramento’s downtown area. We recommend booking soon, as availability can fill up quickly depending on the weekend. Downtown Sacramento offers a wide range of options—from boutique hotels to larger chains—all within a short distance of our venue. If you have any questions or want recommendations, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help! And make sure to check out the Things to Do page to find out our recs for making the most of your visit.

Travel + Parking

Q + A

Not everyone is familiar with Jewish wedding traditions, so we've shared a few educational tidbits below along with more resources for the ultra-curious. Below, we've covered traditions we are participating in during the wedding so you are "in the know," whether you're Jewish or not. Please note: We've detailed the Jewish traditions we are participating in as they felt meaningful to us, along with sharing a small snippet of various interpretations of those traditions. There are far more we haven't included or those that carry a different meaning for people with a different Jewish background and/or practice; please consult your local Rabbi to learn more.

Pre-Ceremony 

Wearing a Kippah / Yarmulke 

A kippah, also known as a yarmulke, is a small hat or head covering that is traditionally worn by Jewish men. In non-Orthodox communities, wearing a kippah has become more egalitarian, with folks of all genders participating in this Jewish tradition. Historically, wearing a kippah is typically a sign of respect and reverence for G-d, as a reminder to the wearer that there is something greater than them in the world. Regardless of one's relationship to theism, wearing a kippah in a Jewish ceremonial space is considered an act of respect, and for non-Jewish people, can be a thoughtful way to participate. We will be providing custom designed kippot for our guests to wear during the ceremony (or longer, if you'd like). Please feel free to take one (and keep it!).

Signing the Ketubah

A ketubah is a binding Jewish wedding contract, signed by both partners and two Jewish witnesses. An egalitarian ketubah emphasizes mutual commitment and respect between both partners, and feature mutual promises written in both modern Hebrew and English. Signing the ketubah takes place prior to the wedding, typically with immediate family, Rabbi (or in our case, two Rabbis), and witnesses. The English text of the ketubah will be read during the ceremony to allow our guests to bear witness to our commitments to one another. <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-ketubah-evolutions-in-the-jewish-marriage-contract/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more about the history and function of the Ketubah here</a>.

Badeken Ceremony

The badeken (or bedecken, depending on who you ask) is where the bride and groom have a moment together before the wedding ceremony. The groom places the veil over the bride prior to the wedding. There are several different stories behind this tradition, one of which involves the case of a swapped out bride whose father hides her behind a thick veil to trick her soon-to-be-husband into marrying her, and another where the bride covers herself to symbolize her commitment and modesty. <a href="https://www.torchweb.org/torah_detail.php?id=688" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whichever interpretation suits you,</a> it is a lovely and meaningful moment for close family and the couple to be wed.

Ceremony

The Chuppah

Jewish wedding ceremonies are performed under the chuppah, a marriage canopy that consist of four poles and a cloth hung between the poles. A chuppah is required to be open on all four sides and covered from above, ensuring that all who stand beneath it (Rabbi, couple, and in certain traditions, key family members) making it slightly different than your standard wedding arch. The chuppah represents the new home that the couple will be creating together in their new phase of life. The open four sides are a call back to Abraham's tent, which was open on all four sides to welcome all who stumbled across it to ensure they never needed to trouble themselves with searching for an entrance door. The chuppah's openness similarly symbolizes a Jewish home filled with acts of love ("chesed") as a part of offering hospitality to strangers. It is considered a Jewish ceremonial object, so it is often adorned accordingly. You can read more about the symbolism and background of the chuppah <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-huppah-or-wedding-canopy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.smashingtheglass.com/chuppah-jewish-wedding-traditions-explained-5/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Seven Circles

Jewish tradition calls for the bride to circle the groom seven times prior to stepping under the chuppah together -- and more modern and egalitarian practices call for splitting the circles between bride and groom. In an egalitarian ceremony like ours, the bride will circle the groom three times, the groom will circle the bride three times, and then they will complete the last circle together. In Jewish tradition, <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/judaism-numbers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">certain numbers hold symbolic meaning</a> -- including the number seven, which is reflected in the seven circles, as well as the seven blessings (see below). Seven represents creation, wholeness, and completeness, and is found in many different aspects of Jewish symbolism and tradition. This custom has several symbolic meanings: it represents the creation of a new family, the symbolic building of a protective wall of love around the couple, and can be compared to biblical events like Joshua circling Jericho's walls to bring them down, symbolizing the removal of barriers between the couple.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.rabbilevh.com/post/2015/03/25/what-is-circling-why-circle-at-my-wedding" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">You can read more about circling in Jewish tradition here.</a>

Wedding Wine (Kiddush)

Kiddush is a Jewish ceremonial blessing recited over wine (or grape juice) to sanctify the Sabbath, the holidays, and special Jewish ceremonial occasions like weddings. The ritual's purpose is to elevate the day, marking it as holy and separate from the ordinary. In Jewish tradition, two different kiddush cups are used during the wedding ceremony. In our case, one will represent family tradition by using a heritage kiddush cup, and one will represent the new life we are building together in a new, unused kiddush cup.

The Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot)

The <a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/the-sheva-berakhot/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">seven blessings</a> -- or sheva brachot -- are the center of the Jewish wedding ceremony, recited in Hebrew or English -- or sometimes both -- as the couple stands under the chuppah. It is common for the couple to ask friends or family members to participate in reciting the blessings as a means of extending the community involvement in the wedding ceremony.

Smashing the Glass

This might be the most well-known Jewish wedding tradition -- if you've ever seen a movie that includes a Jewish wedding, it probably featured this moment! The smashing of the glass has several different interpretations regarding the symbolism behind it. Some claim that the <a href="https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/542288/jewish/Why-Break-a-Glass-at-a-Wedding.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tradition is a nod to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem</a>. Others claim that the fragility of glass represents the frailty of human relationships and that "<a href="https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/breaking-the-glass-at-a-jewish-wedding/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the glass is broken as a kind of incantation</a>: 'As this glass shatters, so may our marriage never break.'" Some prefer the interpretation that shattering the glass is a reminder to <a href="https://18doors.org/breaking_the_glass/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">enjoy the joy we share with one another as life itself is so fragile</a>. There are as many interpretations as there are Jews in the world (or perhaps twice as many, IYKYK), but either way, it is a lively moment that signifies the end of the ceremony. Just as you've seen in the movies, once the glass is broken, don't forget to shout MAZEL TOV!!!!!

Post Ceremony 

Yichud

The word&nbsp;yichud&nbsp;comes from the Hebrew word&nbsp;yachad, which translates to&nbsp;together. This is a moment where the couple comes together after the ceremony in a private room with no one else around. It’s also a chance for the couple to have a moment of reflection and intimacy during the wedding proceedings -- and a moment to take a breath and absorb the occasion while being present with each other. You can <a href="https://www.brides.com/yichud-jewish-wedding-5077202" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">learn more about the history and meaning of Yichud here.</a>

Dinner & Reception

Hamotzi 

The hatmotzi is&nbsp;a blessing over bread that, similarly to kiddush, is a key blessing recited during Shabbat and other holidays and celebratory occasions that include food. In the case of a Jewish wedding, the hamotzi is recited over challah that marks the start of the reception meal.

The Hora

The hora is a traditional Jewish dance where the bride and groom are lifted on chairs while the wedding guests dance in a circle (or several circles) around them, typically to the song Hava Nagila. Many cultures have a version of a celebratory circle dance. In Jewish culture, the hora has symbolic significance in that the circles represent the continuity of the Jewish people, the cyclical nature of life, and the value of celebrating joy with an interconnected community. Also, it's an absolute blast -- the most important part! You do not need to be Jewish to <a href="https://www.theknot.com/content/hora-dance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">participate in the hora</a> -- so get ready to jump in, dance, and even lift a chair if you feel able!

Jewish Wedding Traditions 101

Sacramento Gems (and a little bit of history) 

A perfect place to stop by for a walkthrough during the spring — come enjoy the gorgeous roses!

State Capitol Park World Peace Rose Garden

Old Sacramento is the riverfront historic district, with Gold Rush-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages. It’s home to numerous museums, including the Sacramento History Museum and the state Railroad Museum, which offers excursion train rides. Make sure to stop by Evangeline's and peruse the costume floor and pick up some salt water taffy here.

Old Sacramento Waterfront

Sutter's Fort was a 19th-century agricultural and trade colony in the Mexican Alta California province. Established in 1839, the site of the fort was originally part of a utopian colonial project called New Helvetia by its builder John Sutter, though construction of the fort proper would not begin until 1841. The fort is famous for its association with the&nbsp;Donner Party, the&nbsp;California gold rush, and the formation of the city of&nbsp;Sacramento, surrounding the fort.

Sutter's Fort State Historic Park

You may not know that Sacramento has some of the best produce in the United States -- but everything is grown here! The Midtown Farmer's Market was voted the #1 Farmer's Market in California and 3rd best nationwide. If you're in town early, make sure to stop by Saturday morning.

Midtown Farmers Market

If you stay Monday, there is an As game that day in West Sacramento. Start time tbd likely 6:45pm 

Major League Baseball As vs Mariners May 25

Art & Culture

Crocker Art Museum

Aerospace Museum of California

California State Capitol Museum

The Sofia, Home of B Street Theatre

California State Railroad Museum

Eating & Drinking Establishments We ❤️

Get a rosé slushie at the place where we had our first date. 

Urban Roots Brewery & Smokehouse

The best diner breakfast you’ll find in Midtown — stop by before or after hitting the Midtown Farmer’s Market. (Don’t worry about the line — it moves fast!)

The Morning Fork

Magpie is an excellent place to stop for a good glass of wine and an elevated meal -- without breaking the bank. This is one of Lizz's favorite places in town.

Magpie Café

This is our local Chinese restaurant. Hot tip: Order the House Special Chow Mein Hong Kong Style.

New Station Seafood

A very cool dark speakeasy type bar tucked away in the Ice Blocks, perfect for a nice cocktail or whiskey drink. Bring cash as they're cash only!

Frank

One of our favorite bars -- we celebrated here the night we got engaged! Get a freezer martini and a caviar bump. If you come for dinner, be prepared to cook it yourself at the community grill in the middle of the restaurant. If you're lucky, you may catch a jazz singer crooning her heart out.

The Butterscotch Den

Binchoyaki

This is Ryan's top Mexican food recommendation -- he recommends the Quesabirria. Make sure you get the fried jalapeno salsa!

Elizabeth & Ryan

Elizabeth & Ryan

E&R