Jconn Photography

I had a wonderful opportunity recently to second shoot a wedding for Terry Chenaille of Creative Images Photography.  Terry was fantastic to work with and filled me with inspiration and confidence.  The wedding was at the stunning La Renaissance in East Windsor, CT.  The weather was a tad on the chilly side but Cindy rocked it out and showed Mother Nature who’s boss.  Cindy and Spencer met through an online dating service but in a twist of fate found that they grew up practically right next door to each other and never knew it!  They probably crossed paths 100′s of times but Fate knew the timing wasn’t right.  Only when it was meant to be were they allowed to find each other.  The way they look at each other proves that everything was as it should be.  There is no one else who can put Cindy at ease quite the way Spencer can.  There is no one else who can make Spencer look and feel as happy as Cindy can.

Through a ceremony steeped in tradition Cindy and Spencer took their vows in front of a room full of loved ones.  They promised to love each other for better or worse and I truly believe they already do.

Cindy and Spencer, congratulations on finally finding each other and I hope to hear from you as your marriage matures.

Since I have never photographed a Jewish wedding before I spent a lot of time learning about the traditions and capturing images of those traditions.

My day started in the bridal suite with Cindy, her mother, and the bridesmaids.  Cindy’s mom helped her put on heirloom pearls that were handed down to Cindy for this special occasion.  Cindy’s aunt lent a helping hand when it came time to don the gown.

A few more details:

Cindy poured through wedding magazines and books planning this wedding and she had a very clear idea how she wanted her bridal portraits to look.  We teamed up and got her the look she wanted.  And may I say, Cindy, you.are.stunning.  No, for real.  Stunning.

Things were getting a little harried so Cindy took a moment to just sit and remember why she is here.  That this day isn’t about the everything being perfect.

It is about pledging her eternal love to the man who loves her for who she is.

But guess what?  Everything WAS perfect.

Oh. My. Gosh.

Cindy and Spencer have two little doggies that are their love and joy. This little gal escaped the confines of Cindy’s aunt’s room the minute she heard Cindy in the hall.

Cindy told me several times to make sure we got pictures of the family photos she had brought with her for the guestbook table. She knew I wouldn’t forget but she needed to know she said it.

She had to hear it out loud.  She told me that her Dad had passed away only a few years earlier and I could see the pain of loss in her eyes.  She needed to know I knew.

How they met:

This image says so much without any words. Sometimes a moment with close friends is all a girl needs.

The wedding ceremony takes place under the chupah, which is a canopy on four poles that is sometimes decorated. The chupah symbolizes that the bride and groom are creating a home together and that it will always be open to guests. This tradition originates from the Biblical wedding of Abraham and Sarah. Traditional Jewish wedding ceremonies have two parts. During the first part, the bride and groom become betrothed and a blessing is recited over a cup of wine that the bride and groom drink. Traditionally, the groom puts a ring on the bride at this point, although this has become mutual at many modern weddings. Later, the Sheva Brachot, or seven blessings, are recited over another glass of wine. Relatives and close friends are sometimes asked to recite this blessing to honor them.

The men gather to sign the Ketbuah, a Jewish wedding contract.

The bride and groom each have their own Kabbalat Panim receptions in separate rooms where attendants wish them well.

In the Badeken ceremony, the groom veils the bride, which symbolizes that he loves her for more than just her outer beauty.

A little last bit of advice from mom:

Mom walks Cindy down the aisle:

The ceremony:

Circling the chupah seven times, blessings recited under the chupah after which the bride and groom share the glass of wine, the groom puts a ring on the bride and seven blessings are said over more wine.

Breaking the glass:

Finally, together.

Grand Entrance and First Dance:

My favorite of the entire day.  The Hora.  The chair dance to the cheering and singing of Hava Nagila.  The men and women were separated during this dance and I was only able to get pictures of Cindy’s dance.  It was well worth it because the expression on her face is priceless.  This may have been the one part of the entire wedding day that she did not rehearse.

The cupcake tree and sharing the cake.  I have to say these two were probably the most delicate and polite bride and groom.  Not one crumb fell on Cindy and not one smear of frosting went on Spencer’s face.  You guys are too nice!

And one last one because I looooove how how precious this moment was for them.

Cindy and Spencer thank you for letting me share your wedding day.  It was a pleasure and I wish you all the best.