Wedding in Kallithea Springs

Kallithea Springs is a stunning location for every wedding photographer in Rhodes. A mosaic path made of black and white pebbles leads you to a beautiful rotunda, which offers a panoramic view of Kallithea Bay and the complex. The landscape is complemented by an elliptical portico with circular pointed openings surrounded by rocks, and the natural beauty of the Aegean. The Italian architecture of the monument adds magic to the atmosphere and makes every wedding in Rhodes special.

Jewish Pre-Wedding Rituals

Jewish weddings are rich in tradition and symbolism, from the signing of the Ketubah to the breaking of the glass, dating back thousands of years, as was the wedding of Jeremy and Charlotte. The traditional wedding started with the Tisch, a pre-wedding ritual where the groom and his male relatives studied Torah and sang songs to celebrate the upcoming marriage.

Continuing with the Ketubah, the groom, the Rabbi, and two male witnesses signed a marriage contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the groom to the bride. Meanwhile, the bride arrived at the venue, where the Rabbi met her and handed over the contract for agreement, a beautiful moment that as a wedding photographer in Rhodes, I had the opportunity to capture with my cameras.

Waiting for the bride, the groom was standing beneath the Chuppah, a beautiful canopy decorated with flowers that symbolizes the home they will build together. The Chuppah is open on all sides to represent the hospitality and welcoming nature of the Jewish home. The ceremony started with the most romantic part, the Bedeken, when Jeremy veiled Charlotte and saw the bride for the first time.

The Seven Blessings and Breaking the Glass

During the wedding ceremony, seven blessings were recited over a cup of wine. These blessings offer praise and gratitude to God for creating the couple and bringing them together. At the end of the wedding ceremony, Jeremy broke a glass with his foot. This tradition symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and serves as a reminder that even in moments of great joy, there is still suffering in the world.

After the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom spent some time alone together in a private room. This symbolizes the couple’s new status as husband and wife and is called the Yichud.

The Reception

The wedding reception was a festive celebration with music, food, and dancing. The traditional Jewish wedding dance called the Hora was an unforgettable moment for us. Guests dancing in a circle lifted the bride and groom on chairs. What a moment!

Jewish weddings are rich in symbolism and tradition, making them a meaningful and beautiful way to celebrate love and commitment. Whether you are Jewish or not, photographing a Jewish wedding is a unique and special experience that you will never forget.