Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center Wedding – Ilana & Jason

Let me start this blog by saying how much I adore Jewish weddings. We’ve photographed quite a few now, and I swear the day of the wedding I can’t help but smile! While putting together Ilana & Jason’s blog I again found myself smiling and remembering how much fun we had documenting their special day. There are so many traditions and celebrations that go into these weddings and it is just a blast to be apart of it.

Jason & Ilana were married on a beautiful, bright sunny day at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The reception followed at the Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill.

It was seriously so hard to choose, but here are some of our favorite moments from their wedding day.

 

Ilana & her father, Macy planned a first look on the big day. It was so sweet and emotional. I just love a good father-daughter moment!

Bridesmaids all pretty in Pink!

I love having time allocated to do some family portraits before the ceremony. 

Ilana & Jason also decided to do a first look themselves. Jason was so excited to see his blushing bride.

Could they be any sweeter?

After the portraits of the couple, we started the Kabbalat Panim and the wedding festivities.

First, the groom and all the men participated in the Tisch or the groom’s meal. The men gather and celebrate with alcohol, singing, and Hors D’oeuvres. During this time they also sign the Ketubah.

The bride was greeted with many good wishes.

After both of these events finish it is time for the Badeken ceremony. The groom is escorted to where the bride is seated and places the veil over her face in preparation of the chuppah ceremony. The veil is a symbol of modesty. It signifies that above physical appearance, the groom is drawn to his beloved’s inner beauty.

Dad’s blessing.

The wedding takes place under the chuppah. A chuppah is a canopy that is open on all sides. It mirrors the openness of the tent of Abraham (which was open for hospitality.) Thus it represents the couple’s hospitality to all the wedding guests.

When the bride reaches the chuppah she circles the groom seven times. Which symbolizes the seven days of creation and the building of the walls of their new life together.

The bride is then cloaked in the protection of her groom.

The groom then places a ring of a precious metal on the bride’s right index finger in clear view of two witnesses. This symbolizes a marriage of simple beauty.

Blessing the wine.

After it is blessed the bride and groom take a sip from a ceremonial cup of wine.

Smashing the glass!

Mazel Tov all around the couple is now married!

We utilized the beautiful grounds in the outdoor garden for family portraits & the bridal party.

Before heading to the reception we stopped at the bridge that leads into Schenley Park for the couple to put a love lock on the fence.

The reception was a blast! The couple bursts in to be greeted by their guests.

They immediately split into two groups. The ladies celebrate the bride. 

The gentlemen celebrate the groom.

So much fun all through the evening.

We had the best time celebrating with you two. Ilana & Jason we wish you many years of wedded bliss! Thank you so much for choosing us to photograph your memories!

Vendors.

Ceremony: Phipps Conservatory
Reception: Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center
Wedding Coordinator:Margie Stang
Hair & Makeup: Luxe Hair Salon
Florist: Pete Donati
Band: Shir Chodosh
Video: Nate Sherer
Wedding Photographer: Weddings by Sal & Bella

Weddings by Sal & Bella : Pittsburgh Wedding Photographers : Pittsburgh Jewish Community Center Wedding