Judaism

(Wedding Recap) The Hora!

October 14, 2011 8 Comments

During the post-wedding-feedback stage, several people told me the Hora stood out as their favorite part of our wedding. Comments varied from, “I’ve never seen a group of people so excited!” to “Twenty-five minutes of straight dancing without stopping was incredible.” Our band rocked it out and kept the party going, for what seemed like a great forever.

[Sidenote: around this point the bustle in my dress began failing & falling. I stepped on the hem and got frustrated and started hated my dress. Oh, the heat, too. The temperature under 6 layers of fabric grew unbearable.]

But that did not stop me from dancing!

I showed off my roger-rabbit skillz. for realz.

The guys and girls created their own circles.

Mike flung me around in circles

And then came THE CHAIRS.

My word, the chairs.

The scary chairs, lifted up and down, all over the place.

Feeling like you’re going to fall.

The chairs.

Scary and exhilarating.

(mostly scary)

Once back on the ground, my dad broke out the accordion!!!!

Look at him rocking out!

So awesome.

He’s one talented Dad.

Speaking of talented, Mike & danced for each other

This goes down as one of my favorite moments in my life.

Seriously, the best Hora ever!

{Photo amahzingness: Studio Juno}

Filed Under: eat your heart out, family, Judaism, Mike, muzak, recap, reception, wedding

(Wedding Recap) Yichud & Our First Dance!

October 11, 2011 4 Comments

After the wedding ceremony it is customary, in Judaism, for the bride and groom to have time to themselves (yichud). They are escorted to the “yichud room” and left alone. We used this time to scarf down food & say “wow” about a million times. Back in the day, this time together made the marriage official — if ya’ know what I mean.
These moments of seclusion signify the couple’s new status of living together as husband and wife.

Once we had enough to eat and drink I texted our wedding planner, eager to move on to the next moment! We hoped to mingle with our guests, but had to use the time instead for family photos. Honestly, this became my least favorite part. We spent time prior to the ceremony taking some family shots, but didn’t finish. At this point I simply wanted to dance and celebrate with my friends. I love my family but that flash bulb drove me crazy…. (and of course, I was in every picture).

Once the necessary family portraits finish the cocktail hour time sadly passed. Next up: Our First Dance!
Mike & I long debated over which song to use for this moment. I wanted something timeless, that might play in the grocery store one day and make us remember back to that day. He wanted something lively and fun. We finally decided on one song, and then promptly changed it 3 days later to our final decision.

We chose the Beatles, I Will

I absolutely love this shot!

(Also, do you see the little glimmer of white in the background that is my niece, the flower girl? adorbs.)

{all photos by Studio Juno}

Filed Under: Judaism, Mike, newlyweds, recap, wedding

(Wedding Recap) Details, Details

October 7, 2011 2 Comments

There are a couple things I need to point out, to validate my/our hard work and document the end results.

For the ceremony, my mom purchased a kit from Michael’s craft stores and then made the layout with her fine Microsoft Office skills. My dad then helped her print, arrange, and tie the bows. (Thanks Mom & Dad!) We placed them on chairs for guests, prior to the ceremony.

I found some reserved seating cards on TheKnot.com. (Which reminds me, I need to sell them… anyone want them?) These were perfect for the ceremony!

The kepot were passed out at the door, thanks to our dear friend, Eric. We decided to go with a contrasting color to the bridesmaids dresses to change things up a bit.

Post ceremony, the guests were lead to the Board Room where one bar was located, or to the Portico, outside, where there were cabaret (high-top) tables and another bar. And I have no picture of this. But it existed.

Before entering the cocktail hour area you came across a table with escort cards, decorated with floating candles, similar to some of the table arrangements. I stupidly printed out all the cards myself, a few days before the wedding (with the help from amazing Lara!). Turns out, when you do this task after midnight and when your husband is already away on his bachelor party, you will make mistakes… like forgetting a whole table. whoops!

I found this gift box at Target, days prior to the wedding. I used the same ribbon as I did for my niece’s flower girl basket and the escort card (to differentiate entree choices), for flair.

Each escort card led guests to their assigned table, named after a different zoo animals (a nod to Mike’s proposal!)

At each seat lay menu cards and benchers (Jewish prayer books – which we forgot to use!) flanked each table. Sidenote: I also printed these menu cards out in the wee-hours of the morning. Not advised.

As mentioned before, I made the cake topper (with that same ribbon).

The bridesmaid’s flowers surrounded the cake table.

And my bouquet graced our sweetheart table, along with my special clutch from Etsy!

These little elements all came together so nicely!

{all photos by the awesome Studio Juno}

Filed Under: cake, Carnegie Institute, details, flowers, Judaism, Mike, proposal, venues, wedding

L’Shana Tova

October 1, 2011 1 Comment

Happy (Jewish) New Year!

Rosh Hashanah, being one of my favorite holidays, is cause for celebration and reflection. It’s not all confetti and ball-dropping, like the cultural United States new year, though.
I love the juxtaposition of joy and somber feelings during Rosh Hashanah. We think back on our year and hope that any downfalls and shortcomings will be forgiven, any commitments broken will be overlooked, and any unintentional cause for hurt will all be forgotten with the promise of the new year.

During the two days of services many prayers, poems, psalms and declarations are chanted and sung.
The poem U’netaneh Tokef (literally “we shall ascribe holiness to this day”) is meant to strike fear into hearts:

We shall ascribe holiness to this day.
For it is awesome and terrible.
Your kingship is exalted upon it.
Your throne is established in mercy.
You are enthroned upon it in truth.
In truth You are the judge,
The exhorter, the all‑knowing, the witness,
He who inscribes and seals,
Remembering all that is forgotten.
You open the book of remembrance
Which proclaims itself,
And the seal of each person is there.
The great shofar is sounded,
A still small voice is heard.
The angels are dismayed,
They are seized by fear and trembling
As they proclaim: Behold the Day of Judgment!
For all the hosts of heaven are brought for judgment.
They shall not be guiltless in Your eyes
And all creatures shall parade before You as a troop.
As a shepherd herds his flock,
Causing his sheep to pass beneath his staff,
So do You cause to pass, count, and record,
Visiting the souls of all living,
Decreeing the length of their days,
Inscribing their judgment.
On Rosh Hashanah it is inscribed,
And on Yom Kippur it is sealed.
How many shall pass away and how many shall be born,
Who shall live and who shall die,
Who shall reach the end of his days and who shall not,
Who shall perish by water and who by fire,
Who by sword and who by wild beast,
Who by famine and who by thirst,
Who by earthquake and who by plague,
Who by strangulation and who by stoning,
Who shall have rest and who shall wander,
Who shall be at peace and who shall be pursued,
Who shall be at rest and who shall be tormented,
Who shall be exalted and who shall be brought low,
Who shall become rich and who shall be impoverished.
But repentance, prayer and righteousness avert the severe decree.

These words lead directly into the Kedushah, the prayer of the sanctification of G-d’s name.

And I love it. The U’netaneh Tokef is a favorite of mine, in a very eerie way. The haunting melody resonates when the congregation sing the Hebrew words. It conjures up the reality behind our day-to-day life. It reminds us that G-d leads and has such power. Life is fragile, fleeting.

In sharing this poem, I wanted others who do not observe Rosh Hashanah to know the power behind our New Year celebration. There are ten days of repentance, starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur. While judgement is pronounced on Rosh Hashanah, it is sealed on Yom Kippur. These Ten days are a chance to relent and seek forgiveness. We celebrate the chance for a new year, but remember that repentance, prayer, and charity shape us and can change judgement. I almost feel like Jews wish others Happy New Year to avert & even out the potential solemnity during this time.

I know this post is out of character for me. I don’t go all preachy & only mention religious traditions observed. But Rosh Hashanah speaks deeply to me.

I wish you all a happy, sweet year, no matter your religious label.

L’Shana Tova!

Filed Under: Judaism, kosher, traditions, wandering

(Weddign Recap) The Ceremony!

September 14, 2011 8 Comments

Finally the time came to walk down the aisle, exchange vows & rings, and officially become husband & wife!

From my spot out of sight in the balcony, I got a good look at the crowd gathering:

The chuppah translates to mean “covering” or “protection” and symbolizes the new home of the married couple. It represents our desire for our home to be under the protection of God. The marriage ceremony in Jewish faith cannot take place without a covering and four poles.

I remember standing at the top of the stairs, sneaking a peak and waving at friends who noticed me. I listened to Wachet Auf lead our bridal party to their positions. I heard the laughter and “awws,” telling me my niece successfully made her flower girl debut.

I popped my head phones in and half listened to the chorus of Lady Gaga’s Just Dance, to get me amp’d. Truth be told: I needed no help; my nerves turned over themselves, tears welled up in my eyes. I heard the first chords of Pachelbel’s Canon softly hit the air, just as I learned to play it on the piano around age 10.

Mike began his way to the chuppah with his mom and dad on either side.

When I successfully memorized Pachelbel’s Canon way back when, I knew it would guide me to my groom in the future. And here I was.
The music filled the air as I saw our wedding planner motion for me to start down the stairs. Surprisingly, instead of don’t fall don’t fall don’t fall I thought This is it.

This is it.

My wedding!

Our wedding.

My dad waited for me at the bottom, with the biggest smile on his face. He whispered to me how gorgeous I looked. Blinking back tears, beyond my veil I saw so many familiar faces, all in one place, all smiling back at me. So much love. Amazing.

As I approached Mike, I saw, with out any doubt, the happiest expression to ever grace his face. I wanted to kiss him right then and there! (I also love his brother’s face in the background)

Then I began the Seven Circles around my groom. The seven circles represent my bond to him, just as the Teffelin straps are wrapped around a man’s arm. Also the number seven nods towards the complexity of the creation of the world, just as marriage reenacts the creative process. Interestingly, some couples share the seven circles, taking turns rotating around each other. We went traditional and I tried not to get too dizzy and fall down as I went around him seven times. For those of you wondering, the rabbi counted for me.

In Jewish faith there are actually two parts to the marriage ceremony: Kiddushin (Betrothal) and Nisuin (Nuptials). “Both parts are introduced with the benediction over wine, the traditional symbol of joy and abundance. The bride and groom each take a sip of the wine for each.” {taken from The Jewish Wedding Guide}

During the Kiddushin we exchanged rings, by placing them on each other’s right index finger. Apparently, long ago one used their right index finger to make a mark or signature.

I’m honestly so excited right here.

During the Nissuin the rabbi recited seven blessings over us, love, friendship, and completeness amongst them.
We shared our own vows here. And let me tell you, I thought we had this one covered, but…

Well, using a stock “fill in the blank” with sentence starters, we both had the same 8 statements to make. I added a little bit to mine and so did Mike. We had our bridesmaid and close friend, Kathryn, read them both to ensure we were on the same wavelength and literal length. Kat encouraged me to add a little more, but it didn’t feel natural.

After I read my half page and felt pretty proud of myself. Then seeing Mike pull out two pages just about made me gasp out loud. He wrote and read the most heartfelt words. I give him a lot of strife for not being “mushy.” Not anymore!

(And so much for trying to be on the same page – I guess you can’t put a limit on love!)

Our rabbi read our ketuba and hand it to me. I “own” it now. It’s mine, all mine!

Finally, after the second cup of wine, hot veil was lifted off my face.

The last thing left to do: break the glass!

The breaking of the glass can be a reminder of the fragility of life and also an affirmation that in times of happiness there should be a touch of seriousness. It signifies that we are still mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple of Jerusalem. It also serves as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage. A broken glass cannot be mended.

We shouted “Mazel Tov!” (good luck!)

and kissed!

We were married!

Husband & Wife.

beautiful.

{all photos taken by Studio Juno photography}

Filed Under: attendants, awesomeness, bridesmaids dresses, Carnegie Institute, chuppah, Judaism, kosher, officiant, recap, ring, the big day, traditions, veil

(Wedding Recap) Kettuba signing & The Bedeken!

September 12, 2011 5 Comments

First Mike and some buddies (witnesses) signed the kettuba (marriage contract). From what I understand, since I was not there, shots were taken, high fives were given, and a general boy-good-time was had, amidst the seriousness.

The bedeken, in short, is the veiling ceremony. There are many reasons behind why this tradition exists, and I enjoy this one the most: In the Hebrew Bible, Jacob was fooled into marrying Leah who was completely veiled before and during the ceremony, instead of his intended bride Rachel. Jewish grooms today carry out this tradition to symbolically acknowledge that the bride is indeed one’s beloved.

Mike came upstairs to the library (bridal ready room) with the kettuba & his boys literally cheering him on!

I then signed our kettuba. Even though our contract was signed we were not yet officially bound to each other. That takes place under the chuppah.

Isn’t it beautiful? I’m so in love with our kettuba. Naomi Broudo of Etsy made it for us. Side-note: shipping something from Canada can take awhile and even get lost in customs. Always leave extra time!

Then our Rabbi said some official stuff & prayers (very technical, I know), and Mike placed my veil over me.

While blessing us, our Rabbi asked family and friends who were there to think of a special moment they shared with the two of us. We had yet to even begin the marriage ceremony and tears were flowing already!

Mike kissed me one last time.

Everyone else headed downstairs.
I remained at the top of the stairs, ready to walk down the aisle!
Eep!

Filed Under: attendants, Carnegie Institute, chuppah, Judaism, kosher, recap, traditions, wedding

Checking In

June 18, 2011 7 Comments

I seem to wake up earlier than my alarm, every morning, these days. No matter how much valium lulls me to sleep, I open my eyes to see that the clock has yet to even hit the hour of my rise-and-shine time.
That’s ok, though, because I can use that precious time to blog!
And take it all in.

A huge thank you goes out to Lara, who stayed with me while her man gallivanted with Mike and company on his bachelor party. Having a cool headed, creative, meanwhile easy going and not related person with you leading up to your wedding is clutch. Lara was just that. and then some. This girls deserves a “putting up with a bride just before her wedding” medal, award, and recognition.
So thank you, Lara!
(btw, I also plan on saying this in real life)

My good friend Ali was the first to arrive. In the lobby of the hotel we stifled squee’s and our giddy excitement. We enjoy happy hour, briefly, but long enough to reminisce and get some good stories out there.

Then my mom, dad, sister, brother in-law, and sweet nieces arrived. I about died of excitement then! I took my mom, sis, and 4yo niece to get their nails done. Let me just tell you: sparkle mani/pedis are the cutest things evah.

Meanwhile, trying to catch up with friends who flew all the way from London, we grabbed a bite and some drinks.

OH oh, and what they say about eating: that you’ll have no time? totally true.
Also my stomach goes from being in knots to non-existent, so there’s that too.

And if the last tangent didn’t illustrate such, there’s a heavy case of “wedding brain” going on right now. It’s like ADD with a veil.
Start this.
Walk over to work on this.
Remember that you need a check for this.
Go back to the first thing,
only to remember that there was something else about the other thing….

Right.
Someone told me to enjoy the craziness.
Because that’s exactly what it is: PURE exhilarated joy.
And I rather like it.

Now off to synagogue for our Auf Ruf!
(No post on that, no time, just go here: Aufruf)

I’m getting married tomorrow!

(please excuse anything wrong about this post. I checked for squiggly red lines under words. I clearly didn’t even re-read it. There’s no time for anything! Only fun!!!!)
{image}

Filed Under: awesomeness, besties, BlogBook, family, Judaism, Mike, party, update

To the Mikvah!

June 15, 2011 7 Comments

No, the mikvah isn’t a fancy batmobile for brides, but rather a small pool. Normally one goes to the mikvah when they seek cleansing, be it after your “time of the month,” childbirth, or to prepare for some holidays or something like your wedding! It can be used by either gender, but before you enter you must be scrupulously clean.

In Jewish tradition and observance, today Mike and I will go, separately, to the mikvah to immerse and prepare ourselves for our upcoming wedding. We will shower & brush our teeth before we leave the house. I will remove the nail polish from my toes. There will be no jewelry worn, or even bandages covering any part of us. The reason for this can be interpreted as needing the water to touch every single part of your body. If you have on lotion or any barrier, the water cannot completely envelope you.

This ritual bathing serves the purpose of cleansing and preparing us for our union.
“In many ways mikvah is the threshold separating the unholy from the holy, but it is even more. Simply put, immersion in a mikvah signals a change in status — more correctly, an elevation in status. Its unparalleled function lies in its power of transformation, its ability to effect metamorphosis.” -Chabad.org

It’s not holy water, in fact it’s not even blessed. There is, however, a certain ratio of rain water to other water, to signify a connection to the earth. But it’s a special place where you go to transform yourself. With each submersion there is a prayer to recite (and it’s laminated, so if the paper gets wet no one worries). The first prayer for the mikvah translates into: Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us concerning immersion. The second prayer is often a silent one which comes from your heart. The third prayer is one my favorites because it serves as a catch all and used often: Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space,who has supported us, protected us, and brought us to this moment.

And then, poof! You’re all spiritually clean and sparkly. And Mike and I cannot “touch” each other until the wedding night!
Which actually won’t be a problem since he’s going on his bachelor party immediately after, coming back on Friday. Don’t ask me how I feel about that.

But back to the Mikvah: it’s a very unique, little known tradition. It’s personal yet follows with you for days after. The submersion in the mivkah centers, clears your mind, and renews.

Oh and visiting the mikvah is not required, but rather Mike and I chose to do it.

4 days until the wedding!!!

Filed Under: BlogBook, Judaism, Mike, the big day, traditions

Hebrew Shebrew?

April 14, 2011 10 Comments

In yesterday’s big wedding invitation reveal, I showed a picture that focused on the Hebrew writing at the bottom of our invitations:

This is the famed Hebrew lettering that almost caused my nervous breakdown.

I realized, I never told you what it says or means to us!

Taken from Songs of Solomon, the beautiful letters translate to mean: I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.

Mike and I are not the most strictly observant Jews around (although we are observant in our own ways — post for another time). Regardless, this verse spoke to us. The wedding crowd finds it quite popular due to it’s simplicity and focus on love. Also Mike likes that his last name bears resemblance to “Solomon” – overall it fits well!

The font and image we found perfectly fit onto the invitation. The sizing and space perfectly lined up. The drippy effect matched seamlessly with the watercolor peacock.

And boom, our invitation has Hebrew on it!

I found some other people who fancy that phrase, too: