An Orthodox Jewish wedding has many unique customs and traditions that are rooted in Jewish law with layers of symbolism. Below are some helpful links to read before our wedding:

A Guide to Orthodox Jewish Weddings: A Guide to Orthodox Jewish Wedding — Shem-Tov Photography

Everything You Need to Know About Jewish Wedding Traditions: Jewish Ceremony Traditions Explained by a Wedding Photographer

It is tradition that the chattan (groom - Justin) and the kallah (bride - Maddie) don't meet a week before the wedding. This means that Maddie and Justin will see and speak to each other for the first time during the first look before the wedding.

Orthodox Jewish weddings begin with a reception called Kabbalat Panim. The chattan and the kallah will hold separate receptions for guests. Justin will hold what's called a Chattan’s Tisch in one room, while Maddie will sit on a throne to greet guests in a separate room alongside her and Justin’s mothers. Both rooms will have a selection of drinks and food for you to enjoy! Traditionally, only men will visit the Chattan’s Tish and only women will greet the kallah at her throne for a bracha (blessing). While Justin’s room is primarily for men, Maddie’s room will be for both male and female guests. Whether you know Maddie or not, all female guests are encouraged to come up and say hello!

Chattan’s Tisch: Male relatives and friends will join Justin for food, drinks, a d’var (teaching), and some important ceremonious events. During Justin’s tish, his father, Yossie Weiss, and Maddie’s mother, Miriam Ozur, will sign the tna'im (engagement agreement). Following this, the ketubah (marriage contract) is signed by witnesses. Miriam and Justin’s mother, Rena Weiss, simultaneously smash a plate as a symbol of commitment.

Bedeken: Following the Chattan’s Tisch, the Bedeken (to veil - refers to the veiling of the kallah by the chattan) will occur. Following a procession from his room to Maddie’s room, Justin will place the veil over Maddie. This is the final event in the Kabbalat Panim.

Following Kabbalat Panim, is the Chuppah Ceremony. During this, the bride and groom stand under a wedding canopy called the chuppah. The chuppah rests on four poles, without any walls, to symbolize the open, welcoming home Maddie and Justin will build together. Traditionally, men and women sit separately at the chuppah.

Hakafot: Following the bridal party procession to the chuppah, Maddie, accompanied by both mothers, will circle Justin seven times. The Hakafot (circling) mirrors the concept that creation spanned seven days and symbolizes the building of the new couple's life together.

Kiddushin: Rabbi Moshe Gurary will begin the ceremony with a blessing over the first cup of wine under the chuppah. Then, Justin will give Maddie a ring in front of two witnesses to signify betrothal. In Orthodox Jewish weddings, only the kallah receives a ring, and the ring is placed on her pointer finger, not ring finger.

Ketubah: The ketubah, previously signed during the Chattan’s Tisch, is read aloud under the chuppah.

Nisuin: The Sheva Brachot (seven blessings) are recited over the second cup of wine by various guests in gratitude of Hashem's gifts under the chuppah. The blessings include prayers for the new couple to experience joy, gladness, jubilation, harmony, love, and friendship.

Breaking the Glass: The Chuppah Ceremony concludes when a glass is broken under the chuppah by the chattan. Even in this moment of joy, breaking the glass recognizes sadness and sorrow in the world and commemorates the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

After the glass is broken, Justin and Maddie will be escorted to the Yichud Room, a private space where they share their first moments as husband and wife. This room is guarded by two friends. During this time, you will proceed to the reception hall to continue the celebration!

The night will continue with dancing and dinner! For dancing, there will be two sets of dancing.

First Set of Dancing: Immediately following the Yichud Room, Maddie and Justin will join the guests at the reception to dance to traditional Jewish music. During this time, men and women will be separated by a mechitza (barrier). All guests are encouraged to join-in, whether they know the music or not!

Bentching: Following the meal, Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals) is recited. Special blessings are added to the standard text of the prayer in honor of the marriage. Booklets with the blessings will be provided and can be taken home.

Second Set of Dancing: Following bentching, the mechitza will be taken down and secular music will be played. All guests are encouraged to dance together with Maddie and Justin and sing their hearts out!