Category Archives: Real Jewish Weddings

A taco truck, a historic synagogue, and pie, oh my! Jess & James’s wedding at the historic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim was a true Charleston original. The location in downtown Charleston, South Carolina lies in between King and Meeting Streets right across from posh Charleston Place hotel. The Taco Boy food truck greeted guests as they arrived to passed hors dourves by Hamby Catering in the courtyard of KKBE pre-ceremony. A traditional Jewish ceremony followed, with both Jess & James escorted down the aisle by their parents to the chuppah, which was made from a family quilt. Jess wore a silk J.Crew fucshia dress for the ceremony that was accented by a custom fascinator by Magar Hatworks. Post-ceremony the couple enjoyed some tacos privately during the yichud tradition, the Jess made a wardrobe change into another J.Crew stunner, this time in melon chiffon. Beer and margaritas flowed during the reception (also at KKBE) to complement the three types of tacos and chips and guac. The cheery tables were decorated with ‘stache-graced straws, flowers made from maps (a nod to James’s travels in the Navy; he also wore custom cuff links and tie clips bearing a map of Charleston), billy buttons in pink and melon-hued glass jars, and challah. Sugar Bakeshop filled the dessert table not with wedding cake, but pies of every flavor and cookie jars filled with yummy flavors like molasses and oatmeal cranberry. Jess & James’d wedding was the perfect going away party for their move to Hawaii, and summed up their personality as a couple to a tee.

Mazel tov, Jess and James!

Photographer: The Click Chick Photography LLC
Caterer: Hamby Catering & Events
Dress Designer: J.Crew
Cake Designer: Sugar Bakeshop
Event Venue: Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim

Jason and Kathy’s ceremony was rich with tradition, beginning with the Kabbalat Panim, the pre-nuptial receptions for men and women. Jason joined the men for the signing and reading of the tena’im, which was celebrated by toasts and singing and the mothers breaking a plate (representing the finality of the tena’im). The men then proceeded down the hall for the Badeken, led by Jason and the fathers and singing joyously the whole way. Jason made his way to Kathy, who was seated on an ivory throne and surrounded by the mothers and grandmothers. Jason placed the veil over a very happy blue-eyed bride. The ceremony was kicked off by the entrance of these two adorable flower girls. Kathy followed down the aisle to meet her parents and move forward to Jason, waiting patiently in his kittel under the chuppah. Once she reached him, she circled him several times, creating a symbolic wall around him and then joining him inside. At the conclusion of the kiddushin and nisu’in, Jason stomped and shattered the glass to the many well wishes of Mazal Tov!

Jason and Kathy entered the reception to what can only be described as merry chaos. The dance floor was separated into men and women by the mechitzah and was so packed you could barely see the tops of the divider. There were props, pyramids, 4-man push-ups, and the most amazing sight ever: a guest handed Jason and Kathy mini-marshmallows on sticks, lit a fire in his hat, and invited them to roast their marshmallows out of his hat. Incredible.

Mazel tov, Kathy and Jason!

Venue: Skokie Valley Agvdath Jacob Synagogue
Photography: Joshua Albanese Photography
Flowers: ArtQuest LTD
Bridal Gown: Liz Fields
Hair/Makeup Artist: Leesi B. Cosmetics
Rabbi: Rabbi Reuven Gross
Band: Nefesh Orchestras
Catering: Danzinger Kosher Catering
Photobooth: Shutterbooth

Photos submitted via editorial partner Two Bright Lights.

Elana and Ben are college sweethearts who were married at the historic Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim where they did one of the sweetest first looks in the history of first looks: it was around the historic doors where they held hands, got a peek, and then went full force first-looking.

After their beautiful ceremony, the two partied the night away at the renowned Charleston restaurant, McCrady’s. The food was incredible, and Ben and Elana invited their guests to write their wishes for the couple on beautiful river stones, and sent them off with fresh dried tea leaves. Ben and Elana did a sparkler departure down the brick alley before taking off in a Black Cab!

Mazel tov, Elana and Ben!

Event Venue & Caterer: Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim
Photographer: Reese Moore Weddings
Hair Stylist: Stella Nova
Floral Designer: Jade Water Designs
Reception Venue: McCrady’s
Dress Designer: Enzoani
Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom

Photos submitted via editorial partner Two Bright Lights.

Lauren and Harrison created a warm and inviting wedding ceremony and reception: it warmed the hearts of all who attended and invited them all into their new lives as husband and wife. Lauren was inspired throughout her wedding planning from the blogs and magazines she frequented, as well as Pinterest. She settled on a silver and black theme, letting the exquisite decor of the Empire Room at The Jefferson Hotel, speak for itself. White flowers with a touch of color were selected to complement the overall look as well as the bridesmaids’ slate dresses. Favorite details from the wedding day include the tablescapes: from the centerpieces and menus to the event lighting that accented the details, the tables were the focal points of the reception room.

In looking back, Lauren says the ceremony was her favorite part of the day, which was officiated by a rabbi who was also a family friend. As for advice for future brides, Lauren shared with us, “Make sure you have fun with the planning and don’t let yourself get stressed out over little details. I think that everyone focuses so much on small items, but the guests remember the big picture and will probably never notice the small things that may not go as you planned on the day of the actual event. I enjoyed every minute of planning the wedding with both my family and Harrison’s family.”

Mazel tov, Lauren and Harrison!

Photographer: PW Photography
Floral Designer: Flowers Make Scents
Ceremony and Reception Venue, Catering & Wedding Cake: The Jefferson
Dress Store: Bella Rosa
Band: Attraction
Lighting: Blue Steel Lighting Design
Ketubah: ketubah.com

This wedding was submitted to The Wedding Yentas via Two Bright Lights!

Sometimes, love just isn’t as obvious in your home town. Monica and Neil grew up just one mile from each other in Marietta, GA, but had to make their way to New York City before they would become a couple. However, they did share a single romantic moment together when Neil was a senior in high school and Monica was just a sophomore. Monica was invited to a senior’s party and Neil caught her eye that night. Monica flirted with Neil all night and they ended up sharing a kiss. Neil soon graduated and they did not see each other for nine years. After college, Monica found out from a friend that Neil was moving to New York City where she was calling home. Monica sent Neil a Facebook message and they began emailing and chatting online for four months before Neil finally moved to NYC. They reconnected in person and realized how much they had in common and how much they enjoyed spending time together. When the couple’s parents met, Monica was thrilled when she heard the mothers exchanging matzo ball recipes. She never realized just how much it meant to have a wonderful man that was Jewish in her life.

Eight months later, Neil popped the question in Central Park to an absolutely stunned Monica who replied, “How did you do this??” Of course she finally came to her senses and said, “Yes!” Fifteen minutes after the proposal Neil asked Monica if she would like to try on the ring. She was so overwhelmed and excited that she was going to spend the rest of her life with Neil that she forgot a ring was involved! Seven months later, the couple wed in April at the Four Seasons in Atlanta, GA in a traditional Conservative Jewish ceremony.

Mazel tov, Monica and Neil!

Venue- The Four Seasons Atlanta, GA
Photographer: MyLife Photography
Coordinator- Sashay Events
Florist- Darryl Wiseman
Videographer- James Futch Photography
Entertainment / Music- Kingsized
Dress- Bel Fiore Bridal
Officiant- Rabbi Shalom Lewis of Congregation Etz Chaim in Marietta, GA
Tuxedos- Mens Wearhouse
Ketubah- J. Levine Co.

This wedding was submitted via Two Bright Lights! The Wedding Yentas is always looking for wonderful Jewish weddings from photographers who utilize Two Bright Lights.