The Bureau of Jewish Education’s Marriage University is a unique marriage preparation program to help couples as they navigate their relationship or plan their future together. Some questions couples will receive answers to include: What does Judaism say about marriage? How can couples learn to communicate with each other and resolve conflicts, plan for their…
Wedding days are meant to be filled with love and celebration, and what better way to ring in the new stage of life as newlyweds than with a well-decorated venue to match the joyous occasion. Whether a couple is on a tight budget or picky when it comes to theme ideas, these decorating tips can…
New decades always bring new fashion trends, and wedding dresses are no exception. Bridal Fashion Week happened in New York in October 2019, and those designs are emerging from the runway for those brides planning a 2020 wedding. There are six fundamental wedding gown style silhouettes: empire, A-line, ball gown, trumpet, sheath and mermaid. But…
Photo of chuppah courtesy Jenn Wagner of Jenn Wagner Studio. There are many traditions that are unique to a Jewish wedding. Whether you grew up immersed in the Jewish religion and culture or barely attended temple, you may wish to incorporate Jewish wedding traditions into your big day. Depending on your subculture (Ashkenazi or Sephardic),…
PHOTOS: Above, Drs. Roque Pugliese and Ivana Pezzoli, wed June 4 in Calabria, Italy. At right, the chuppah under which they exchanged vows sits on an ancient synagogue’s mosaic floor with colorful tiles portraying images of a menorah, a shofar, and a lulav and etrog. Photos courtesy of Shavei Israel For the first time…
Pictured above: No more boring baguettes! Colored stones with baguette-shaped diamonds paired with rounds are a new trend in bridal jewelry. Becoming engaged is a public declaration of a couple’s love and commitment to one another. The symbol of that love is the engagement ring – often a round solitaire with a simple band. Classic,…
A wedding day is filled with symbolic tradition, from religious customs to the never-ending circle reflected in the rings and the types of flowers. Music sets the mood for every wedding, and it’s an easy place to put your own spin on the celebration. Whether you forgo the traditional bridal march entirely or simply look for an…
Pictured above: The Goldman Mikvah, located at Congregation Beth Tefillah in Scottsdale. There are many reasons to visit a mikvah, or ritual bath. Jewish law requires that one immerse in a mikvah as part of the conversion process to Judaism and woman are required to immerse before getting married and when observing the laws of…
Gone are the days when every woman’s right of passage was when she received her very own copy of Emily Post’s 1922 book, Etiquette: In Society, In Business, In Politics and At Home. When asked about anything related to manners or social conduct, a key phrase would be repeated, “According to Emily Post…,” followed by…
By Lynda Barness You are now engaged! NOW WHAT? Here are five things to consider before jumping in, from a Master Wedding Planner: Breathe. I’m not kidding! Take some time to enjoy your engagement – and each other. And your families. And your friends. Get to work. When you are ready to start working (and…
