One of the joys of being a Life-Cycle Celebrant is being able to work with individuals and couples of many ethnic, religious, and philosophical backgrounds. I adore working with Jewish brides and/or grooms, for instance, because there are so many wonderful traditions that can be included in their ceremonies from a cultural perspective. For instance, over the years, I have had a number of couples, who are having a primarily secular ceremony, will choose to sign a Ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract, before (or after) the wedding. Likewise, some couples have chosen to include the traditional wine sharing ritual in the ceremony, and many enjoy having the festive glass breaking at the end of the wedding.
I recently married a couple, for Simply Eloped, at the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The wedding was on one of the coldest days in February, but our couple kept things warm. Joined by about 15 close family members and friends (and loved ones via zoom), the bride and groom exchanged vows in the shadow of the famed Jane’s Carousel, nestled between views of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. Following the ceremony, the groom’s father, offered the traditional Seven Blessings, to our couple, who were draped in the prayer shawl from the groom’s Bar Mitzvah. It was a lovely, meaningful send-off to the newly married couple.
Always remember that even in an informal, modern elopement, cultural and religious traditions can be seamlessly included in the event. Enjoy these photos by DAG Images.
