Rebecca + Ariel’s wedding was amazing. It was so rich in tradition and with so much CELEBRATION for their coming together as a couple. I loved the way that Rebecca sat with her women (the mom’s, aunts, bridesmaids, etc) before the wedding and greeted guests outside while the groom and his men talked and prayed inside. I found out later that it is a Jewish belief that on a woman’s wedding day she is the closest she will ever be to God and that she can bestow profound blessings that day. When the time was right all the men started singing and clapping and the groom was jubilantly danced by his family of men out to greet and kiss the bride. Just as quickly he was danced away and Rebecca + Ariel would meet again during the ceremony.
After the ceremony they were surrounded by their wedding party who sang and danced them inside to a room where they spent time alone together. When they emerged an hour of non-stop dancing began, with the women on one half the room dancing with the bride and the men on the other half dancing with the groom. Periodically Rebecca or Ariel would go over to the other side and share a dance for a minute before returning to their women/men. Everyone got extra excited each time this happened. They were lifted in chairs and kissed in mid-air before being let down and taking a seat together for the ‘shtick’. In Jewish tradition all the guests at the wedding bring/do/dress up and dance in front of the seated bride and groom and do all sorts of things to entertain them and to make them laugh.
Just before sunset, we went outside with Rebecca and Ariel to make some really gorgeous romantic photos in the groves of various willow and poplar trees. This was a great time for them to have a moment of quiet time together outside and apart from their adoring guests! The wedding party met us for some photos which ended up also being on the children’s playground. Way to keep it young and fresh! Dancing and toasts continued after dinner with the live band rocking the dancefloor late into the night. The only break in the music was when a group of their close friends spoke and sang traditional blessings from the Torah. Just before the night was over we stepped outside and made a few really beautiful nighttime images of Rebecca + Ariel.
One of the really wonderful things about this wedding was the way in which relationship and commitment and family were celebrated so deeply. Congratulations Rebecca + Ariel and may your wedding and commitment continue to be a blessing to one another and to all those around you!
