Hello, I'm Cantor Ben, a seasoned Jewish Wedding Officiant based in Toronto. Over the years, I've had the pleasure of officiating numerous Jewish Wedding Ceremonies, and I've picked up some invaluable tips and tricks to ensure your wedding photos capture every precious moment perfectly. Let’s dive into some practical advice that will enhance your wedding photography, making your special day unforgettable.
1. Perfecting the Ring Exchange Shot
One of the most iconic moments in any wedding is the exchange of rings. To capture this moment perfectly, I advise couples to adjust how they place the ring on each other’s fingers. Typically, most people slide the ring using the knuckle side up, which only gives the photographer a view of the knuckles. Instead, flip your hand so that your palm faces up and slide the ring from underneath. This small adjustment ensures the photographer captures the ring sliding onto the finger without any obstructions, making for a beautiful, clear shot of this significant moment.
2. Highlighting the Ketubah
The ketubah, or marriage contract, is a fundamental element of a Jewish Wedding Ceremony. When it comes time to display the ketubah, make sure to hold it together with your partner, straight and facing towards the photographer. This allows for a clear shot of both of you with this important document, commemorating the legal and spiritual commitments you are making to each other.
3. Capturing the Pronouncement and First Kiss
As a Jewish Wedding Cantor, I make it a point to orchestrate this moment with great care. Before announcing the couple as husband and wife and leading into the smashing of the glass—a thrilling tradition—I ensure that the couple is facing each other. This positioning is crucial for capturing the emotion of the first kiss following the breaking of the glass. Without this setup, the couple might end up facing away from each other, making the kiss feel rushed and the photos less impactful.
4. Stepping Out of the Frame
It's essential that during the first kiss, as a Jewish Wedding Cantor, and other officiants like my colleagues who are a Jewish wedding Rabbi , I always make sure to step aside. This ensures that the focus is solely on the couple during this intimate moment. Removing myself from the background of this key photo ensures that when the couple looks back on this moment, they see a beautiful representation of their love without any distractions.
Beyond Photography – Crafting a Stress-Free Wedding Experience
While these tips will certainly help in capturing beautiful moments, the essence of a stress-free wedding lies in meticulous planning and thoughtful execution. In my role as both an officiant and a life coach, I strive to understand and alleviate any potential stressors for the couple. This could be anything from coordinating with Jewish Wedding Music providers to ensuring the Jewish Wedding Venue is set up perfectly.
Jaclyn and Adam, for instance, appreciated how I integrated their personal stories and preferences into the ceremony, making it deeply personal and meaningful. They were also grateful for the seamless coordination of their wedding, which allowed them to focus purely on each other and their love.
A Continuing Relationship
The relationship I build with couples often extends beyond their wedding day. For instance, after officiating their wedding, Jaclyn and Adam reached out again for their daughter's Jewish Baby Naming Ceremony, which I was honored to conduct. It’s a joy to continue being a part of their family’s milestones.
Your Turn
I’d love to hear from you about any tips you’ve found useful for wedding planning or photography. Or, if you’re planning a wedding, what are some concerns you have about photography and how are you planning to address them?
Visit bensilverberg.com to learn more about how I can make your special day memorable with not just beautiful ceremonies but also practical advice for capturing every moment perfectly. Let’s make your wedding a beautifully photographed event that you will cherish forever!
Sincerely,
Cantor Ben
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