I couldn’t think of a better couple to share my first traditional Jewish ceremony with. Not only was the Rabbi INCREDIBLY professional, he was personal, he was able to explain all the traditions, and he MADE the ceremony for me [and, um, you know, Tam & Matt!].
The Lineup:
Photos: Max Ader
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn, Laguna Hills
DJ: Authentic Sound
Flowers: Petals By Marsha
Our day started off at Heritage Park, in Dana Point, for a seaside ceremony filled with love and laughter!
Tamara knit all of these by herself. She is a crazy person. This is why we love Tamara.
The wine, the ketubah, the challa, the breaking glass…. pretty good lookin’ table!
I LOVE that their chuppa was draped with garments from Matt’s grandfathers. SO personal!
A good friend of mine wore a dress with many pickups in the skirt YEARS ago, and I called her a “whipped cream dream”- now every time I see one I want to say it! Tammykins, you were a WHIPPED CREAM DREAM on your big day!
During the ceremony, the bride circles the groom three times…
Then his turn, around her, thrice:
Then both circle together:
He lifts the veil “to ensure he’s got the right one” [alluding to the biblical story where the groom marries the sister of the one he loves instead of his actual love! Imagine!!]:
Breaking the glass, to remember that life is fragile and that this commitment is permanent [can't be put back together]:
FINALLY! Time to kiss!!
Over to the reception- T&M kept their daytime affair very simple and stylish. The hotel gave them SO much decor- upgraded linens, chargers, candles for their centerpieces…. it turned out simply amazing!
Their favors were little organza bags of dark chocolates that matched their colors [burgundy and gold] perfectly!
Their formal first dance!
I loved the movement in her skirt on this one:
LOVED these moments:
Tamara was deathly afraid of this part and hid it well… for a whole 30 seconds [can I blame her? I'd FREAK!]!! Matt, on the other hand…
Blessing and breaking of bread.
THIS is my job. Did you not know? Have you not heard?
Post-cut-cake-kiss
One quick shot of that snazz-tastic bouquet she had goin’ on:
And to wrap, a shot of me, with the challa [or what was left!]… which of course is pronounced “hall-uh”, not too far off from “HOLLA!!!”, and so…. me+challa=
HOLLA!
T&M: I’m so sorry I took FOR.EV.ER to blog your photos! I loved being a part of your day. Your ceremony was so emotional. So passionate. So personal. I loved the look into who you two are, as a couple, and learning more about your heritage and families. It was an honor to witness your love. It’s an honor to be a part of your lives. I know that your honeymoon was the much needed [and much deserved] vacation which came at the perfect time. Hopefully you’re holding your heads high with heavier ring fingers and that newly-wed glow!
xoxo,
A.
