Elana and Ezra were married in Monsey, NY. Monsey is an interesting place with a large and influential community of Orthodox Jews.
I was very happy to photograph this wedding as traditionally most of the Hassidic weddings are shot by a Hassidic photographer from the community. Elana, however, chose me as she wanted something different. She was actually one of the few brides who have hired
me based on recommendations, without actually meeting me until the wedding day itself. That certainly was exciting to meet the bride for the first time. I shot the wedding with my excellent second shooter, John Barrett, who photographed the men, while I took the women.
Some of the photos below are from a very special part of the Jewish ceremony called the “Bedeking”, when after the Ketubah is signed,
the groom lowers the veil over the bride’s face. “This recalls the biblical nuptial episode. Jacob’s father-in-law Laban put his daughter, Leah, in place of Jacob’s chosen bride, Rachel. The deception was possible because of the heavy veil brides wore. When the groom personally veils the bride, it’s a kind of insurance policy against bridal surprises.”(!) Parents and other loved ones then approach the bride and bless her before going to the Chuppah.
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