Shoshana & Andy’s Wedding – Newton, MA

My first wedding of this year was the wedding of Shoshana & Andy. Not only was it the first, but it was also the biggest wedding of the year, and has been the most arduous to edit! I ended up with THREE second shooters, so there were 4 photographers covering the wedding, and we had over 6,000 images between us when the day was done! My interns and I have gone through the images at least 4 or 5 times, and we’ve finally got it down to a manageable size for sharing with the world. In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, that ought to explain it :)

This was my first Orthodox Jewish wedding as the primary photographer, and it was so much fun! The energy and excitement throughout the day was contagious, and the details and traditions were so meaningful and touching. I’m excited to share some of my favorites at last!

Shoshana’s father looking on as her veil is placed. She looked so beautiful :)

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Her necklace was gorgeous, and a family heirloom, I believe

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

The happy bride

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

I love these next two shots that Ben of Avenna Studios captured while photographing Andy getting ready and during the Tisch.

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

The Ketubah, hand-made by a member of the family

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Shoshana, her mother Teri, and Andy’s mother waiting for the guests to come greet them during the Kabbalat Panim. I love the excitement between Shoshana & Teri!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

After the Tisch, the groom is escorted by family and friends, singing and dancing, to where the bride is waiting for him. I love the moment as the bride is blessed by the fathers. In this photo, Shoshana is being blessed by Andy’s father.

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

And this is the highlight of the Bedeken, the moment when Shoshana & Andy see each other for the first time and Andy lowers the veil over his bride. Vince from Avenna Studios caught this moment beautifully.

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It’s such an emotional part of the day!

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waiting for the ceremony to begin

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Giving her away

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As Shoshana reached the chuppah, she circled Andy seven times

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Andy placing the ring on her finger. (Another great shot from Ben, who got the prime spot on the bema during the ceremony)

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

The sanctuary at Congregation Mishkan Tefila is so beautiful!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Shortly after the cermony, we were able to take Shoshana & Andy outside for a few portraits. We were so lucky that the rain held off for us! (in case you’re not from around here, it’s been raining in Boston for like 6 weeks now…)

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

They’re totally cute together :)

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Vince captured this one, which I love

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Their rings were totally unique (but the same as each other’s). Andy’s grandfather made them! Such a talented family!!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

And this is what it looked like during portraits… I’d normally have more of the other photographers inside capturing the cocktail hour, but Shoshana’s mother really wanted to make sure we got plenty of portraits of the two of them together. Apparently Teri’s photographer forgot to get a single portrait of Shoshana’s parents together on the day of their wedding. Can you imagine?!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

We took a few inside the lovely sanctuary as well. The light was just so nice, and the stained glass so interesting and colorful!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Once we were done with portraits, the party really began! One of my favorite things about Orthodox weddings is that they REALLY know how to celebrate! Nobody else dances with so much enthusiasm and energy :) I love this shot Vince caught during the Horah.

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Shoshana up in the chair

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Gorgeous flowers by Sarah’s Garden

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

During some parts of the reception, friends and family perform for the Bride & Groom. These ladies were dancing maniacs!

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Shoshana’s sisters tap danced for them

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Andy singing for his bride

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Cynthia captured this embrace after the song was finished. I love the faces of the guests cheering for them :)

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Shoshana & Andy, thank you so much for having us as part of your day! We had a fabulous time, as you and your guests clearly did as well. Congratulations to you both! I hope you’re getting settled and enjoying some better weather down there in Atlanta. I look forward to working with you on your album after you’ve had some time to look through all the photos! :)

If you’d like to see more of my favorites, check out the album on my Facebook Page :)

Many thanks to all of the fabulous vendors who worked on this wedding…

Catering & Coordination – Andrew Wiener of Catering by Andrew
Flowers – Sarah Burkstein of Sarah’s Garden
Music – The Nafshenu Orchestra
Venue – Congregation Mishkan Tefilla
2nd Shooting – Cynthia Hauk

And a special thanks to Ben & Vince from Avenna Studios for all your help with the day! It was great working with you guys!

Orthodox Jewish Wedding

Annika’s Portrait Session

With weddings, I always do an engagement session with my couples. For my Bar/Bat Mitzvah clients, I like to do a family portrait session. It is such an awesome part of the process for me. I love spending time the families and getting to know them all a little better before the event. Just like with the eSessions, these family portraits can help everyone know what to expect and feel more comfortable in front of the camera on the big day. They are so helpful that I make them a required part of every package!

Unfortunately, Annika’s family wasn’t able to do the portrait session before her Bat Mitzvah because of a family emergency. Since they’re a “requirement” we decided to do them after the fact :) So a few weeks after the party, I visited them down in Newton and we captured a few portraits by the pond near their house.


Annika is such a cutie!




Sisters!!



The whole fam



What a bunch of jokers!



Then we headed back to their house for a few more…


I love this shot of the girls!


They have this fun little booth in their basement. The whole area is decorated in Coca-Cola paraphanalia – I knew I liked these people!! (in case you’ve never met me, when you do, I’ll probably have a Coke in my hand…)


A teenage girl’s bedroom is her solace, such an extension of herself – it can say so much about who she is. I thought it’d make a great spot for a few more natural shots of Annika…





Thanks again for everything you guys! I hope you LOVE the photos :)