Big Thank You to all the couples who shared stunning photos from their best day ever—celebrating their love, ketubah signings, and unforgettable moments throughout this blog.

Signing the Ketubah

The ketubah is a traditional Jewish marriage contract, crafted and designed as a beautiful work of art, which the couple can proudly display in their home as a lasting reminder of their special day.
The ketubah is signed by the bride, groom, officiant, and two witnesses just before the ceremony. It represents the essence of the vows that will soon be exchanged.

Once the groom places the ring on the bride’s finger, the ketubah is read aloud under the chuppah. The reading of the ketubah marks a transition between two key stages of marriage: kiddushin (betrothal) and nisu’in (the wedding ceremony). After it is read aloud, (traditional ceremony) the groom hands the ketubah to the bride, completing this sacred part of the ceremony.

The Chuppah

The chuppah is a beautiful, symbolic canopy that stands on four poles, covered on top, and open on all sides. Many chuppahs include a Tallit (Jewish prayer shawl) and often features intricate decorations. The Chuppah represents the new home that the couple is about to build together.

The wedding ceremony takes place beneath the chuppah as a meaningful reminder that the couple’s home should always be welcoming, just like the tent of Abraham and Sarah, which was famously open to guests on all sides.

In many traditions, the chuppah is set up outdoors under the open sky. This echoes God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, and also reflects the couple’s hope to build a home grounded in spiritual values and higher purpose.

The ceremony under the chuppah is usually quite emotional and deeply meaningful. It’s not unusual to see brides and grooms moved to tears, simply because of the sheer weight and beauty of the moment.

It’s also believed that the Shechinah, the Divine Presence, is right there under the chuppah with the couple. Some even say that the souls of loved ones, parents, grandparents, great-grandparents.. come up to join in the celebration. For that reason, everyone attending is encouraged to celebrate with reverence and joy.

The Bedeken (The Veil) Ceremony

The Bedeken is a touching and emotional moment, filled with anticipation and joy. It marks the couple’s first time seeing each other after a week of separation, which builds excitement for the big day.

During this ceremony, the groom gently places a veil over the bride’s face. This act is rich with meaning, a sign of modesty and a reminder that while outer beauty is lovely, what truly matters is the bride’s soul, character, and inner light.

The Rings

In Jewish tradition, a marriage becomes official when the groom gives the bride something of value, usually a wedding ring. This ring is typically a simple gold band, free of gems or decoration. The idea is that the ring, like the marriage, should reflect pure and simple beauty.

During the ceremony, the groom takes the ring and, in front of two valid witnesses, says to the bride:
“With this ring, you are consecrated to me according to the law of Moses and Israel.”
He then places the ring on the bride’s right index finger. This is actually the most important legal moment of the wedding, the point at which the couple is considered officially married under Jewish law.

If the bride wants to give a ring to the groom, that happens after the ceremony is complete, not under the chuppah.
This helps keep the halachic (Torah-law) process clear, since only the groom’s act of giving the ring is what seals the marriage according to Jewish tradition.

Jewish marriage takes place in two parts:

1. Kiddushin – the betrothal, “holiness” or “sanctification” which happens when the groom gives the ring.
2. Nisu’in – the actual union, symbolized by the couple standing together under the chuppah, beginning life together under one roof.

The ring ceremony is also accompanied by a cup of wine, a symbol of joy in Jewish tradition.

The Bride’s Seven Circles

In many Jewish weddings, the bride circles the groom seven times, symbolizing the creation of a new life together. This beautiful ritual is inspired by the seven days of creation in the Torah and represents the couple’s commitment to building their own “world” as a team.

The Seven Blessings Over Wine (Sheva Brachot)

The Sheva Brachot, or Seven Blessings, recited over a cup of wine. These blessings are deeply meaningful, they celebrate love, joy, creation, and the couple’s connection to something greater.

While a rabbi often leads the blessings, many couples choose to honor loved ones by inviting them to read one or more of the blessings during the ceremony.

After the blessings are complete, the bride and groom each take a sip of wine, sealing the moment with a shared sense of holiness, love, and community.

Breaking the Glass

As the ceremony comes to a close, a cup of glass wrapped in a large cloth napkin is placed beneath the foot of the groom, and the groom steps on it, shattering it with his foot. This powerful moment is a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, even in our happiest moments, we pause to remember the pain of our past and our connection to the Jewish people’s journey and destiny.

Before breaking the glass the groom recites the verse from Psalms 137: “Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim..” is a Hebrew phrase that translates to “If I forget you, Jerusalem”. It is a powerful declaration of loyalty and remembrance towards the city of Jerusalem,

Once the glass is broken, everyone shouts of “Mazel Tov!” and the newlyweds make their way out from under the chuppah to start celebrating with friends and family.

The Yichud Ceremony

Right after the ceremony, the bride and groom head to a private room for a special tradition called Yichud, which means “together” in Hebrew. It’s a meaningful moment that marks their first time alone as a married couple, symbolizing that their relationship now takes top priority.

Dancing the Hora

One of the most unforgettable (and fun!) parts of a traditional Jewish wedding is the hora!
A high-energy circle dance that gets everyone on their feet. During the hora, guests lift the bride and groom up on chairs, celebrating them as the stars of their big day!

Blessing Birkat Hamazon

After the meal, everyone joins in reciting Birkat Hamazon (Grace After Meals), and then the Sheva Brachot, the seven blessings are said once again to honor the couple.

The celebration doesn’t stop there! In a Jewish Orthodox wedding, for the next week, it’s traditional for friends and family to host festive meals for the newlyweds. This is known as the week of Sheva Brachot, and each meal ends with those same beautiful blessings.

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