Jewish weddings are rich in history, tradition, and beautiful symbolism.
Traditional Jewish weddings are among the holiest days. It is often compared to Yom Kippur (or “day of atonement”), which is a holy day in Judaism and considered the most important holiday during the year. Traditionally, it was believed that the bride and groom on their wedding day would be cleansed from all past mistakes as they were merged into something new and complete.
These are not just photo opportunities; they are deeply meaningful traditions that tell the story of your love and cultural heritage. Wedding photography is about capturing your unique love story and the style that reflects your personalities, ensuring every moment is preserved in a way that feels authentic to you.
In addition to having photographed over a hundred Boston Jewish weddings and taken tens of thousands of Boston Jewish wedding photos, I also had a fusion one of my own! I am passionate about Jewish wedding photography, and my dedication drives me to capture every meaningful and joyful moment with care. My style is true to color, delivering vibrant and authentic images that preserve the real atmosphere of your celebration. Jewish weddings are not only meaningful but also full of fun, joyful moments with friends and family, and I love to capture the energy and happiness that make your day unforgettable.
Here are some basic facts you need to know:
BOSTON JEWISH WEDDING TRADITIONS
Importance of Hiring a Specialized Wedding Photographer
Choosing the right photographer for your Jewish wedding is more than just finding someone with a camera—it’s about entrusting your most important moments to someone who truly understands the depth and beauty of Jewish wedding traditions. A skilled photographer who specializes in Jewish weddings knows how to anticipate and capture the essence of each ritual, from the intimate veiling ceremony to the emotional breaking of the glass. These are not just photo opportunities; they are deeply meaningful traditions that tell the story of your love and cultural heritage.
A specialized wedding photographer brings a sensitivity and respect for the ceremony, ensuring that every tradition is honored and every moment is preserved. They know when to step in to capture the joy and when to blend into the background, allowing the day to unfold naturally. By hiring a photographer who is experienced with Jewish weddings, couples can be confident that their wedding day will be documented in a way that is true to their story, their heritage, and the traditions that matter most. Your wedding is a celebration of love, family, and generations—make sure it’s captured beautifully for a lifetime.
During Ketubah Signing
Ketubah Signing
The marriage contract is signed by the bride and groom, two witnesses, and the rabbi or cantor, usually on the wedding day. The Ketubah outlines the groom’s responsibilities to his bride. Many couples choose to add personal touches or preferences to their Ketubah, making this moment even more meaningful and unique to their relationship. The signing of the Ketubah is typically an hour and happens before the wedding ceremony. The Ketubah is often read to the guests during the ceremony and one of my favorite Jewish wedding photos to capture. The bride and groom do not often sign in private, but instead this moment takes place, for many couples, in the same room as their parents, family, and children.
Bedeken
The Bedeken means “the veiling”. It is custom that the groom veils the bride’s face during the ketubah signing. The veil covers the soon to be wife’s face (and beauty) to symbolize that the groom loves her for her inner beauty. The reason the women must wear veils stems from the biblical story of the wedding of Jacob. The story in the Bible says Jacob, who was in love with Rachel, was tricked by his father-in-law into marrying someone else (his love’s sister, Leah) because Leah was veiled.
During the Wedding Ceremony – Jewish Wedding Traditions on the wedding day
Chuppah or Huppah
The wedding canopy has four corners and a covered fabric called a “tallit” or prayer shawl. The four posts are held up by the bride’s /groom’s friends or family members during the ceremony, which symbolizes them supporting the life the couple is building together. The chuppah, like many elements of a Jewish wedding ceremony, is beautifully symbolic. It’s open on all sides and has multiple meanings behind it: signifying that everyone is welcome in this new home the bride and groom will build together; also symbolizing how Abraham welcomed guests into his tent with hospitality. The word “chuppah” is used in two ways. Firstly, it’s the Hebrew name of a canopy under which Jewish couples get married and secondly colloquially as another word for the ceremony so if someone asks you when’s the chuppah? don’t assume they have lost all grasp on how to put sentences together because what your friend means by this question is actually: When does the ceremony start?
Walk to the Chuppah
Tradition holds it that the groom and his parents walk down the aisle and then the bride and her parents follow. Both fathers then bless the bride. Both sets of parents stand under the chuppah during the ceremony.
Aufruf
It means “To Call Up” in Yiddish. The couple is called up to the Torah for a blessing, an “aliyah”. Then, family and friends throw candies and other sweats at the couple to wish them a sweet life.
Kiddushin ring exchange
In Jewish weddings, the groom always places a ring on his bride’s index finger and recites a Hebrew phrase that consecrates their union. Though this exchange is common in most wedding ceremonies, what sets it apart is its origin: kiddushin means “to sanctify” or “dedicate something to God (Hashem).” As newlyweds recite these words together with hope for a long marriage full of happiness ahead of them, they become one!
Sheva B’rachot
The Sheva B’rachot are blessings that are recited for a bride and her groom as part of their Jewish wedding ceremony. Also known as the seven blessings, these are recited during the wedding ceremony itself and at each Sheva Brachot dinner held throughout the week following the wedding. The meaning behind the Hebrew word “Sheva Brachot” is literally translated to “seven joys,” referring to the seven different types of happiness one may experience on such an occasion: rejoicing with Hashem; being happy about finding a partner in this world; feeling contentment at having found someone who can provide love and companionship through thick or thin emotionally, financially, physically – everyone deserves it! The most important blessing discussed here includes thanking Hashem for bringing these two people together so they could be blessed with children.
Breaking of the glass
The groom steps on a glass inside a cloth bag to shatter it, before walking down the aisle as husband and wife. This has multiple meanings. The most popular is that it represents the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Another is that it shows the commitment to be with one another in difficult times. This break in the ceremony often leads to spontaneous, emotional reactions—moments that are a joy to capture as a photographer, as they showcase genuine, heartfelt expressions and candid interactions. This is one of my favorite Jewish wedding ceremony photos to photograph!
Mazel Tov!
This means “Congratulations”!
Yichud
Immediately following the ceremony, the couples spend time together in seclusion. This allows the coupes to reflect on their relationship, to bond, and celebrate together. They can share their first meal together.
It is customary for the person leading the final blessing to bless the wine before pouring it. Wine represents many important things in Judaism.
Orthodox Jewish Weddings
Orthodox Jewish weddings are a celebration of faith, family, and tradition, with customs that are deeply rooted in Jewish heritage. These weddings are filled with meaningful rituals, such as the bedeken, where the groom gently veils the bride, and the signing of the marriage contract, or ketubah, witnessed by loved ones. Each step of the ceremony, from the processional to the blessings under the wedding canopy (chuppah), is rich with symbolism and beauty.
A skilled photographer who understands Orthodox Jewish weddings knows how to respectfully capture these incredible moments without interrupting the flow of the celebration. They are attuned to the significance of each custom, ensuring that the bride, groom, and their families can treasure these memories for generations. Whether it’s the joy of the hora or the quiet reflection during the ketubah signing, a photographer familiar with Orthodox Jewish traditions will document the day in a way that is both beautiful and true to the spirit of the marriage.
The Role of Two Witnesses
In Jewish tradition, the presence of two witnesses is a vital part of the wedding ceremony. These individuals are entrusted with the important role of signing the marriage contract, or ketubah, affirming the couple’s commitment in front of their community. The involvement of the two witnesses extends beyond the ketubah signing—they may also participate in the veiling ceremony and stand by during the breaking of the glass, marking some of the most significant moments of the celebration.
A thoughtful photographer will capture the role of the two witnesses, highlighting their contribution to the wedding day and the traditions that make Jewish weddings so unique. By documenting these moments, the photographer not only preserves the story of the couple’s marriage but also honors the customs and rituals that are central to Jewish wedding traditions. These images become a lasting reminder of the support, love, and community that surround the bride and groom as they begin their new life together.
During the reception
Hora and Mezinke
This Jewish Wedding Tradition is a dance that typically opens up the reception. The hora is a dance performed at Jewish weddings where the bride and groom are seated upon a chair and lifted into the air while music plays and their family and friends circle them, making it symbolic of an eternal bond. During this time, they each hold one end of a handkerchief or napkin to signify unity with their partner. These dances are a highlight of the wedding celebration, bringing together family and friends in joyful tradition and emphasizing the cultural richness of the event. Nicole’s tip: Use chairs with arms for the Hora!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BOSTON JEWISH WEDDINGS
What is that big braided bread?
Challah!
It’s not every day that we get the chance to enjoy delicious, well-made Jewish challah. The recipe for this bread dates back centuries and has been passed down through generations of Jewish families with love and care. It is traditionally braided before being baked which makes it easier to slice up into individual portions after baking so that each table can partake! The blessing of the challah is done by the rabbi.
What is a Yarmulke or a Yamaka?
The Kippah is a brimless cap worn by Jewish men for religious purposes to cover their heads. The word “Kippah” comes from the Hebrew words meaning to cover, and this piece of headgear does just that.
The kippa or yarmulke covers the top part of men’s heads, usually made out of cotton like material as well as other materials such as silk. It may also be decorated with embroidery in different colors which can express one’s personality if it is not being hidden under clothing when at work or socializing outside but alternatively could signify modesty inside (such an example would include wearing it during prayer). A traditional symbol on some kipot are 4 lines – two vertical ones side-by-side.
What should guests wear to a Jewish wedding?
It is important for a woman to cover her shoulders. For men, wear a kippah or a yarmulke to cover their heads. Many weddings will provide kippahs to guests.
Are Jewish weddings performed on Shabbat?
Traditionally, no. It is not typical for a Jewish Wedding to be conducted on High Holy Days.
What should I bring as a gift?
It is customary to bring the married couple a gift in increments of $18, which symbolizes the Hebrew word “Chai” meaning life. Do men and women sit separately? In orthodox synagogues, men and women are seated separately in the room. But this is only seen at orthodox ceremonies. Do most Jewish weddings have a Boston wedding videographer? Yes! Here is more information about our Boston wedding videographer services.
BOSTON JEWISH WEDDING TIMELINE
1:30-3:00pm Photographer arrives for Getting Ready
3:00-4:00pm First look (or separate pre-ceremony portraits if not seeing each other before the ceremony)
4:30 – 5:30pm Ketubah signing
5:00 – 6:00pm Ceremony
6:00- 7:00pm Cocktail Hour / Portraits of family, wedding party, extended family
7:00-11:00pm Reception
Our studio has extensive experience photographing Jewish weddings not only in Boston, but also in major cities such as Chicago and New York, bringing local expertise to each city. Family and community play a vital role in the success and warmth of every Jewish wedding we photograph, ensuring each celebration is meaningful and memorable.