Serendipity Photography Melbourne

Serendipity are proud to live and work in the diversely multicultural city of Melbourne. We are currently in the process of creating a new section on our website focused on the range of cultural traditions within wedding ceremonies, which will hopefully inspire you (as it most certainly does us). As we recently had the privilege of capturing a beautiful Russian Jewish wedding

In the Russian Jewish faith there are a series of intricate components which make up a traditional wedding ceremony.

1. Greeting the couple (Kabbalat Panim)

Before the wedding begins, bride and groom receive guests in two separate rooms. This could take place in their subsequent homes or in the chosen reception centre. The bride sits on a symbolic throne, surrounded by her mother, future mother-in-law, bridesmaids, friends and relatives.

In the groom’s area the legal marriage documents (traditionally known as Ketuba) are prepared and signed. This marriage contract describes the wedding date and place, the couple’s names, and the groom’s responsibilities to support his future wife and to make their future life happy.  The groom and two legally valid witnesses sign the Kesuba.

2. Veiling of the bride (Badeken)

The separation of the couple (which may have lasted up to a week!) ends when the groom proceeds to the bride’s quarters, accompanied by his groomsman and family. He then meets his bride and gently covers her face with the veil, as a blessing is recited.

3. Chuppah

Chuppah (the bridal canopy) is symbolic of the couple’s new home. Traditionally the groom enters the Chuppah first, here he prepares to welcome his future wife into the home. As Gila enters, she follows the sacred custom of Russian Jewish brides by circling her groom 7 times, which symbolically encloses the couple’s home; protecting it from outside harm and illuminating it with warmth and love.

Next a blessing is carried out over wine, which praises God for providing the laws that preserve the sanctity of family life and the Jewish people.

Rings are exchanged and then the Ketuba (the marriage contract) is read aloud. As bride and groom formally accept the responsibilities of marriage (Nisuin) their words and solemnities are accompanied by the reciting of seven blessings (Sheva Brochot).

The conclusion of ritual formalities is marked by the newlyweds taking a drink from a cup of wine before the groom breaks a glass by stamping on it ( a reminder of Jerusalem and Israel). Celebration fills the air as the guests then surround the newlyweds and wish them “Mazel Tov!”

Have a look at our new post on the wedding of Gila and Alex for a gorgeous selection of wedding day photos following this tradition.