Temple Emanu-El Wedding: Congratulations Jordana and Jonathan!

Jordana and Jonathan were married on a beautiful fall day at the Temple Emanu-El in New Jersey.

I love Jordana’s dad’s expression when he saw her for the first time in her wedding dress.

Jordana and Jonathan shared a first look in the courtyard.

Jonathan shares, “One of my favorite moments from the wedding day was definitely the first look—when I saw Jordana for the first time in her unbelievably exquisite dress. Surrounded by friends and family, it was an incredibly special moment. I had anticipated seeing Jordana in her dress for the longest time. Upon turning around after Jordana tapped me on the shoulder—when the moment finally arrived—I immediately began to tear up as I first laid eyes on my gorgeous best friend, the love of my life.

From the very start, Jordana and I knew that we wanted a wedding that was simple and elegant, traditional and vegan. Veganism is important to both of us and we wanted a wedding that would showcase delicious vegan food—we also happen to be big foodies—without compromising on flavor or the variety of offerings. We were both delighted with how everything turned out and was received.

The band and music throughout the night was really above and beyond our expectations. The dancing was so lively and energetic—we both enjoyed every minute of it. We also both really enjoyed the shtick, a Jewish tradition where guests dance with props and posters as a way to entertain the bride and groom. It definitely will be a day we will always remember.”

Jordana shares, “Jonathan and I had a traditional Jewish wedding with many Jewish traditions and customs. A moment I was most looking forward to on our wedding day was one such tradition, called the Bedeken, the veiling ceremony. Before the ceremony during the cocktail hour, Jonathan was with mostly male guests, relatives and groomsmen at the groom’s reception or Ḥatan’s Tisch — literally “Groom’s Table.” The Ḥatan’s Tisch is held at a table laden with food and drink, and the guests present toasts to the groom and sing. While Jonathan was at his Ḥatan’s Tisch, I was escorted by my mother, mother-in-law and bridesmaids to the Bedeken stage, where guests came up to greet me. I was so happy to greet everyone there and see all my friends and family who had come from near and far to be there that day.

Throughout that time, I was greatly anticipating the moment Jonathan would be danced by friends and family from the Ḥatan’s Tisch to the Bedeken stage to veil me. This moment always makes me cry at other weddings, so I knew I had to try to keep my composure — I didn’t want to ruin my makeup! Despite my best efforts, as soon as I heard the first notes of the horns signifying Jonathan was beginning his journey to me, though I didn’t even catch a glimpse of him coming, I began to tear up. The route taken from the Ḥatan’s Tisch was quite long, so the anticipation of seeing Jonathan continued to grow as I started to see the mass of men dancing towards us. At the last moment, the men dancing in front split, revealing Jonathan arm-in-arm with his father and my father. I don’t think I have every smiled so wide in my whole life as I stared at Jonathan and he stared back. Jonathan came forward and veiled me as I continued to well up with tears — thankfully none spilled over. It was a perfect moment and was an absolute highlight of the wedding.”