What stands out most in thinking about Leah and Dan’s rustic Jewish wedding this fall (besides the fun that those descriptors hold) – is the sense of community that infused the celebration. These two have spent a lot of time building community around them, and on their wedding day their entire community came out to support them. They got married at the Woolman Hill retreat center in Western Massachusetts, where they enjoyed an entire weekend with their guests. I arrived in the morning to a bustle of activity, with some people readying the ceremony site, others preparing for the tisch, and Leah in a little red cabin getting ready with her friends. Her gorgeously simple, modern gown was lovingly sewn by her aunt, who was there to help her into it.
Weddings, especially Jewish weddings, can be such a whirlwind of activity. Leah and Dan took a few quiet moments for some portraits before the activities began in earnest. The first of these was the tisch. Each tisch featured chanting and singing, shots of whiskey to bolster courage, and heartfelt tributes from family and friends. From there, it was time for the ketubah signing and ceremony, both officiated by a rabbi who is also a close fried of Dan. There were more heartfelt speeches during the reception, followed by the always fun (and slightly chaotic) hora. Guests were kept on their feet and dancing by the Dixieland-inspired band Primate Fiasco.
If you like what you see, and are interested in having me photograph your Woolman Hill wedding, please get in touch!
Boy both thru your pix and your comments-a Jewish hippie wedding and the sense of community u really captured the essence and spirit of the wedding!!