TBA
Joel and Jessica's Wedding
Back to 700 Beta after the photoshoot. Everyone in the wedding party met the rabbi and watched the signing of the Ketubah- the Jewish marriage contract- before going through a very quick practice walking down the aisle. Not to mention more photos right before the wedding itself!
Having never been in a Jewish wedding, the ceremony was surprisingly informal and delightfully quick, but still long and dignified enough to convey the gravity of the event. Although breaking the glass was surprisingly underwhelming (although Joel looked like he was having way too much fun!).
The guests socialized for 45 minutes over hors d'oeuvres and drinks. For the first time I realized how many people were there! Then everyone piled into the adjacent room for the reception-- speeches from the fathers on both sides, the best man, and maid of honor. The hora was a complete blast of craziness to my unfamiliar eyes. Dinner was the American style simple meal, rather than the 9 or 10 course Chinese banquets that I'm used to.
Ended the night with the bouquet toss and garter toss (and then putting the garter back on... uh... what?), the last dance, then-- surprise!-- an extra hour of music and the bar being open. Quite a night...
Congratulations, Joel and Jessica!