Jaclyn + Dylan would not let a pandemic stand between them and their love. The two wed in a beautiful backyard ceremony in Voorhees Township, New Jersey on Sunday, August 30, 2020. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect couple and had the opportunity to photograph their engagement recently at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The couple are planning a beautiful reception next year at the Crystal Tea Room in August 2021.

The couple adorned the aisle with white flower petals and the huppah was decorated with a beautiful floral arrangement by Jaclyn’s mom.  They are green and white flowers from Amazon.

The wedding had some nice decorations including a wooden picture box with the couple, some wooden lanterns in the aisle, and some wooden fans for guests to beat the August heat.

Jaclyn’s mom Hilary helped put on her daughter’s wedding veil before the ketubah signing.

The Ketubah Signing

The Ketubah actually dates back to ancient times and formalizes the various requirements of Halakha (Jewish law) between the husband and wife.  It is simply put a Jewish marriage contract.  Many are ornately designed and make a great artwork in the home.

After the Ketubah signing, the grandmother of the bride gave a blessing to her granddaughter.

 Backyard Wedding Ceremony

Jaclyn wore a beautiful dress by Mi Ami from Francescas.

Dylan wore a sharp navy blazer from Tommy Hilfiger.

The wedding ceremony was flawless, and there was an especially poignant moment when the father of the bride shed a tear. Glad we were able to capture that.

Glass Breaking at a Jewish Wedding

One thing that always puzzled me was the breaking of glass at the end of the Jewish wedding. Turns out, it is symbolic of the destruction of the Jewish Temple first by Nebuchadnezzar II in 530 BCE and then in 70 CE by the Roman Army.  It is a reference to Psalm 137 which commands people to “Remember, O LORD, against the Edomites the day of Jerusalem’s fall; how they cried, “Strip her, strip her to her very foundations!”  In summary, the breaking of the glass is actually a somber moment in the ceremony to remind Jewish people about the destruction of the Holy Temple.  This fulfills one of their commandments to always keep the Temple in their collective consciousness. Then the guests shout “Mazel Tov!” or “Congratulations!” to bring the people out of somber remembrance and back into the celebration of the couple’s marriage.

Toasts and Cake Cutting

After the conclusion of the ceremony, toasts were given by the mother and father of the bride and a few family members.  The couple then cut the cake to finish out the wedding festivities.

Backyard Wedding Voorhees Township NJ

After a lull in the festivities, the home had a back garden area where we were able to take some couples pictures to give our clients something to remember the day by.

Contact us here if you’re planning your own backyard micro wedding.

Backyard Family Portraits at the Chuppah

About the Author: John Ryan is a wedding, portrait and event photographer in Philadelphia.