Jewish Wedding Photographer
I’m an experienced Jewish wedding photographer based on the borders of Surrey and London.
I treasure Jewish Weddings, which are great fun and embrace many Jewish religious traditions and laws. So I’m familiar with the different traditions of a Jewish wedding that make them so unique and fun.
I have experience documenting beautiful Jewish Weddings and have been fortunate to capture many stunning ones. So you are in safe hands with me.
You will receive a fantastic set of photographs of all the best moments and emotions of your fun celebrations, beautiful portraits of you as a couple, and family photographs, too.
As Featured On
Photographer at Jewish Weddings
As an experienced Jewish wedding photographer, I understand the importance of the various traditions of a Jewish wedding.
It is important to capture you getting ready with your family and friends in the morning.
Fasting, Tisch & Bedeken
Some Jewish couples choose to fast on their wedding day until their first meal as a married couple after the wedding ceremony.
Most Jewish weddings begin with the Tisch (Yiddish for table). The men gather for the Tisch just before the Jewish wedding ceremony under the Chuppah (the Wedding Canopy), with singing and chanting.
It is important to capture the Groom signing of the Ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract, which states the Bride’s rights and the Groom’s responsibilities to her under Jewish law.
Once the Tisch has ended, the Groom’s father and the Bride’s father accompany the Groom to see his Bride for the Bedeken ceremony.
The Bedeken is the first time the couple see each other on their wedding day. The Bedeken ceremony is one of the most important and emotional parts of the Jewish wedding celebrations, with the veiling of the Bride by the Groom symbolising an act of commitment by the Groom.
Jewish Wedding Processional, Chuppah, & Circling
Once the veiling ends, the Groom’s parents walk him to the Chuppah (the Wedding Canopy), followed by the Bride and her parents.
Another significant moment is the wedding ceremony under the Chuppah, which represents the new home the couple is building by becoming husband and wife. Some couples personalise their ceremonies, like incorporating a family tallit (prayer shawl) or a special tablecloth into their Chuppah. Others ask family members and friends to contribute personalised fabric squares sewn together to form the canopy, a lovely keepsake after the wedding.
When the Bride enters the Chuppah, she circles the Groom clockwise seven times.
Kiddushin, Sheva B’rachot & Breaking of the Glass
The Kiddushin, the betrothal ceremony, is accompanied by wine and symbolises joy. I am there to capture the couple drinking from the cup upon completion of the betrothal blessings by the Rabbi.
A pivotal moment is capturing the Giving of the Ring, where the Groom places the ring on his Bride’s finger, and the marriage becomes official.
It’s important to have memories from the Sheva B’rachot, as it’s an honour to be asked to read one of the seven blessings during the ceremony.
The “Breaking the Glass” usually marks the end of the Jewish wedding ceremony, is a renowned Jewish marriage ritual, and marks the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Traditionally, the Groom shatters the glass, but in some families, the Bride and Groom do it together.
Mazel Tov, Yichud, Jewish Wedding Reception Dances, Blessing the Challah & Birkat Hamazon
The time has finally arrived to party, with guests shouting Mazel Tov to the newlywed couple!
Once the Jewish Wedding Ceremony is completed, the married couple will be escorted, with great fanfare, to a private room called the Yichud (seclusion) room, where they are left alone to signify their marriage and become husband and wife.
Once the ceremony is completed, things become much more fast-paced, where music and dancing are a big part of the wedding celebrations. Family and friends dance to music, with ‘The Horah’ (Israeli Dancing) being the highlight. It’s fast, energetic and lively. I know I’ve been bashed around enough times during The Horah!!!
The Hamotzi, a blessing over a loaf of challah (a traditional Jewish bread), signifies the start of the wedding meal and reception.
The Birkat Hamazon, the Grace after Meals, is the last of the Jewish Wedding Day rituals, where guests recite blessings.
If you like, I can capture your portraits in and around the venue once the wedding celebrations are over.
Choosing your Jewish Wedding Photographer
Short-list photographers you like
Take time to study their photographs and what you like about them. If there isn’t a full wedding album available online, ask to view a complete series to see how the photographer approaches an entire wedding.
Arrange to meet up
Your photographer will be you throughout the day, so you must get on well and trust them. Arrange to meet up and chat about your wedding photography in detail. Ask them about their methods and how they get the best photographs. If you like something (or don’t like it!), you can talk about it now, so there are no surprises.
Do you need a Second Photographer?
Jewish weddings are often action-packed, with lots going on during the ceremony and reception. Add in factors such as separate bridal and groom preparations, plus an extensive guest list, and you may want to have another photographer to capture everything. Ask your photographer about their arrangements for having a second shooter, make sure they are also an experienced photographer and consider requesting samples of their images, too.
Length of Photography Coverage
Traditional and modern dancing is a key feature of Jewish weddings. Check what time your photographer plans to stay.
THREE EASY STEPS TO BOOK ME AS YOUR JEWISH WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
CHECK MY AVAILABILITY
Get in touch with some information about your wedding celebrations. I’ll let you know if I’m available.
IT”S GOOD TO TALK
We’ll jump on a Zoom call to discuss all your wedding plans and learn more about my approach, and ask me any questions you might have.
GET BOOKED IN
Once you’re ready, let’s get you booked in. You can tick one more thing off your Wedding To-Do-List.
CHECK MY AVAILABILITY
I would love to hear from you, and if you do have any questions at all before booking, please do feel free to give me a call at 07961 410413.