Last month I flew to Florida for a beautiful Thursday wedding. Yes, Thursday. This was my first time shooting a traditional Jewish wedding and I honestly had no idea what to expect (although I was comforted by the guidance of Wikipedia and Aish.com). The Heathrow Country Club was the perfect setting for this sunset wedding.

Ideally, a Jewish ceremony would begin while the sun is still in the sky and end underneath the stars. Of course, this meant I would have time for formal portraits beforehand. I was thrilled and Hank and Roz could not have been happier that this day had finally arrived.

I popped into the kitchen in time to see the Rabbi and chef sterilizing the utensils and equipment before preparing the kosher meal. I was fascinated by this process along with the fact that I managed to make it out of the kitchen without a single burn (I got pretty close).

Before the ceremony, the bride and groom signed the Ketubah, or marriage agreement, which is actually more important than the ceremony itself. This would explain the fancy embellishments as opposed to the modest marriage certificates I’m accustomed to seeing. During the signing, the Rabbi says a few words and imparts some wisdom on the new couple.

The ceremony was beautifully intimate. I felt so privileged to be a part of something they shared only with family and close friends.

The reception was a nonstop celebration. I was exhausted just from watching all the dancing.

Hank and Roz, congratulations on your wedding and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it!