wonderful wedding weekend - part two

Sunday afternoon we attended the loveliest jewish wedding, held on the beach in Santa Barbara. (See below for pictures taken at Saturday's open house hosted by the bride and groom.)

Here's the gorgeous bride greeting guests before the ceremony:



Alex is ready to participate in the ceremony as a chuppah holder (more on that below):



Before and after the ceremony, I had the chance to catch up with good friends, many of whom had traveled far to be at this special event. Some candids:


Nancy, Sara, Jessa, Ben


Sara, Ellin, Loren, Ben, Nancy


Beatific Ben!

Here's a glimpse of the wedding ceremony itself:



The canopy under which the ceremony is performed is called a chuppah, and it is being held in place by six pole holders (Alex among them, I can proudly say). The chuppah symbolizes both home and community and the couple's commitment to each of these. The colorful shawl comprising the roof is called a tallit and it is a sacred family object, to be used in familial jewish rituals. The ceremony itself was absolutely moving. One of the most beautiful aspects of the wedding was the shevah brachot, or seven blessings, sung exquisitely by the Cantor and translated by the Rabbi. Then, of course, the breaking of the glass signaled a heartfelt Mazel Tov! by all.

Coming soon! Part Three: The Reception...