My sister referred this very sweet couple to me for a Micro Social Distancing Wedding. The couple, Irene and Michael, called me three or four days prior to the weekend of their wedding. I was happy to help and excited to document their wedding for them. Their mini ceremony, at Congregation Gates of Heaven Temple in Schenectady, NY, was in the main sanctuary. It is beautifully decorated with amazing stained glass windows that I completely fell for.
My sister and the bride worked together to setup the Zoom meeting with all the relatives and friends attending. This was my first Zoom wedding, and it was fascinating to see everyone working together to make this whole thing happen.
While waiting for a few more people to arrive in the Zoom meeting, I grabbed Irene and Michael, and my sister and her husband Michael (the two witnesses), for some nice shots in front of the artistically designed stained glass windows.
The Zoom wedding began and everyone signed the legal documents including the ketubah. The Ketubah, in Jewish tradition, is a marriage contract. It is considered an integral part of a traditional Jewish marriage, and outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom, in relation to the bride. The artwork from the ketubah, chosen by the couple, depicts a beautiful pastel painting with mountains and streams by @LindaFrimer listed on www.ketubah.com.
Normally, the Jewish couple stands under a canopy called a chuppah for the duration of their ceremony. In place of this, the Rabbi covered the couple with his tallit (prayer shawl) as he said the blessing over their marriage.
After the vows, ring exchange, and a kiss was shared...
We popped outside for a few photos, and finished off the day with some muffins and juice.
This experience was wonderful and eye opening to me because it was all about the couple, their love for each other, and just being together for this joyous time in their lives.
Congratulations to the newly weds Irene and Michael, and to them on their new little one on the way!
These are just some of the photos from the Wedding, check out the full album here for more.