Prior to this wedding, we had not planned an orthodox Jewish wedding before. We were already familiar with the signing of the ketubah, the ceremony under the chuppah, dancing the hora, and a few other traditions. I had attended a wedding as a guest where there was a tisch and bedeken but I had no idea what they were. We learned a lot in planning this wedding at the Carnegie Institute of Science in Washington, DC and subsequently felt more confident with the planning of another orthodox Jewish wedding. All photos by Documentary Associates
The wedding day started with the bride and grooms receiving guests during the Kabbalat Panim. After the tisch, the groom made his way to see his bride. They signed the tenaim, a pre-nuptial agreement of sorts. Per tradition, the mothers of the bride and groom together broke a plate, symbolizing the irreversible nature of marriage. The couple then signs the ketubah. The grooms veils his bride and everyone is invited to find a seat for the ceremony under the chuppah.
The groom at his Tisch.
The bride and groom see each other for the first time. He makes sure he’s marrying the right girl and veils her before the ceremony.
Using the Auditorium for the ceremony provided for some dramatic and interesting photographic opportunities.
The ceremony under the chuppah looked quite dramatic on the Auditorium stage.
The guests performing their shtick during the reception to entertain the bride and groom! Now I know where the term shtick comes from!
All the guests participated in the dancing of the hora.
Event Partners
Venue: Carnegie Institute of Science, Washington, DC
Wedding Coordinator: Vicky Choy, Event Accomplished
Caterer: Potomac 18 Kosher Catering
Photographer: Documentary Associates
Videographer: Blue Sky Films
Flowers & Chuppah: Encore Decor
Band: Rikud Band
Hair and Makeup: Jjana Valentiner
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