Chuppah: 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 they will build together. Note, men and women sit separately at the chuppah with women on the left and men on the right.

Hakafot: "circles"; under the chuppah, the bride circles the groom seven times. Mirroring the concept that Creation spanned seven days, the bride's circling symbolizes the building of the new couple's life together.

Kiddushin: A Rabbi begins the ceremony with a blessing over the first cup of wine under the chuppah, then the groom gives the bride a ring in front of two witnesses to signify betrothal.

Ketubah: The Jewish marriage contract, the ketubah, is read aloud in Aramaic by a Rabbi under the chuppah. Previously, the ketubah was signed by two witnesses during the men's tisch and it outlines the couple's legal and moral obligations to one another.

Nisuin: Seven blessings (sheva brachot) 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 of experience joy, gladness, jubilation, harmony, love, and friendship.

Breaking the Glass: The ceremony concludes with the singing of Im Eshkachech (Psalm 137:5-6) and a glass is broken under the chuppah. 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.

Yichud: After the glass is broken, the bride and groom are escorted to the yichud room, a private space where they share their first moments as husband and wife. During this time, guests proceed to the reception hall to continue to the celebration and two friends guard the room to ensure privacy.

R&J

Wedding Day