The bride has a complexion that really doesn't need any enhancement, but she did add a little color to her lips, and she got her nails done! French tip manicure. Her white dress was elegant, not a lot of froth and lace, suitable to her figure (trim) and style.
While the women were visiting with the bride, the men were gathered in another part of the complex, doing whatever the men do. The groom (Chatan) gave a Chassidic discourse on marriage, the meaning and sanctity thereof. I wish I could have heard it, but men and women are separate during this time. In fact, the bride and groom have been separated from each other during the previous week. When he comes to escort her to the Chuppah, it will be first time they've seen for the past week. The bride is usually escorted to the chuppah by her parents, after the groom has taken his place under the chuppah.
Within a couple minutes of 12:30, the groom and his entourage came to get the bride. The couple had a few quiet words with each other, and the groom then brought the bride's veil over her face (badecken) and she was led her out to the chuppah (wedding canopy) by her attendants. The groom puts on a white garment (kittel) over his regular clothes after he reaches the chuppah.
A Jewish wedding is quite different from other weddings. There are no vows exchanged, but the groom gives the bride a Ketubah, a document that lists his obligations to her in life and after life, and her obligation to love and care for him. But before this happens, the bride and her attendants circle the groom seven times. There's a reason for this, and if you want the details, let me know. It takes awhile to explain.
Then the Ketubah is witnessed and signed by two observant men (the father if there is one and another man), in this case a neighboring rabbi and someone else I couldn't see and couldn't hear his name. Then there are seven blessings given by the rabbi and other men attending the groom, and the groom drinks from the wine cup and offers it to his bride.
Double ring ceremonies aren't the norm, but they are becoming more common. So bride and groom exchanged rings, the wine glass was crushed under the groom's foot, and everybody yelled MAZEL TOV!!!
Then the couple go off for a private time, and the guests begin to circle the food tables. When the new couple returns to the party, the bride has removed her veil and covered her hair with a hat. Many Orthodox observant women continue to cover their hair after marriage. They may go bareheaded in the home, but not if there are men present. And the *very* orthodox woman won't even stick her head out the front door without at least a scarf covering her head. However, many women wear very natural looking wigs. But the natural hair is covered.
The party went on with much singing and dancing, men and women separately, but at one point they are individually hoisted on chairs and bounced up and down a few times. Takes strong men to do this!!
Finally the wedding cake was cut. Delicious!
It's customary for guests to stay until after the bride and groom leave, but people did leave before.
The family returned later in the evening for Maariv (the prayers said after sunset), and had the evening meal.
There's a lot I left out here. My "Jewish woman's bible" devoted 17 pages to the preparations, the day, and the afterward. Eleven of those pages were for the wedding day alone.
All together it was a beautiful event.
I hope to be attending another one soon.
Shalom