Rachel + Matt | Valerie Lendvay Photography | San Diego Event Venues

These two had a keen eye for details!

We absolutely loved the floral arrangements by Sweet DIYGs with those gorgeous succulent statement pieces.

Florals by Sweet DIYGs

This bow tie by Brackish for Matt was so fun and unique!

Bow Tie from Brackish

We so appreciate being included in beautiful special wedding traditions!

Matt and Rachel’s wedding followed some traditional Jewish practices that we seldom get to see and we were honored that they shared the experience with us.

The Groom’s Tisch

Seen above, this is a moment where the Groom can be together with his Father, his future wife’s Father, the Rabbi, and any other male friends and family to pray and celebrate with him.  

While the Groom is away, the Bride gets to have her own reception with all the women!

Usually the livelier gathering, the bride sits on an attractive throne surrounded by her attendants, close family members, and friends while she receives guests and well-wishers. As musicians play, her friends dance in front of and around her.

These ceremonies are often done in the privacy of a family member’s home, but since the Bridal Party got ready here at the castle, they decided to have it with us!

The Ketubah

A ketubah signing ceremony is traditionally held shortly before the actual wedding ceremony instead of after.

Much like with a marriage license, the couple chooses two witnesses (not blood relatives) to sign the ketubah with them along with a Rabbi and family.

Rachel and Matt were married on a gorgeous San Diego December day here at our Oak Tree Ceremony site.  

Breaking of the Glass under the Huppah

The Huppah is almost always present during the Jewish ceremonies here at the castle and they can be simple or elaborate according to the wishes of the families.

According to an article by Kim Forrest called 14 Jewish Wedding Traditions and What They Mean posted on WeddingWire.com, “during the final moments of a wedding ceremony, the groom breaks a glass (usually wrapped in a cloth napkin or bag to avoid injury!) with his right foot. The couple will then usually kiss, and guests shout ‘Mazel Tov!’ meaning ‘Congratulations!”

These two cuties make our heart gush with how loving and sweet they were to each other!

We can tell that their Bridal Party was fully supportive of their marriage…(wink, wink!)

All the guests were encouraged to join the Happy Couple in our Grand Hall for the hora!

According to the article on WeddingWire, the hora is a “joyful dance” which occurs “usually either immediately after the newlyweds enter the reception room or after the first dance. As traditional Jewish music plays, guests dance in circles and the couple is seated on chairs and hoisted into the air, where they may hold either side of a handkerchief or cloth napkin.”

Thanks to Rachel and Matt for allowing us to be part of their special day and a huge shoutout to Valerie Lendvay Photography for sharing these stunning photos!

And as always, thanks to Personal Touch Dining for the Coordination Team, Management Staff, and Catering of our beloved Castle!