Rachel & Steven at Stanly Ranch in Napa, California.
At Nice Shot Films, we value investing a lot time and energy into education on issues of cultural competence. Our goal is to be prepared for weddings from all cultures, understanding the basic terminology, history, and traditions of each family that we film. For instance, we have been very proud to serve a number of Jewish clients, and we believe it is essential to have at least a basic understanding of key terms and traditions before filming a Jewish wedding.
To help you master the art of filming a Jewish wedding, we have compiled some tips and tricks that will guide you through the process.
Now, let's take a closer look at some key terms and phrases that relate to Jewish weddings:
Chuppah - The wedding canopy that symbolizes the couple's new home together. It is typically decorated with flowers and can be made of various materials, such as fabric, wood, or metal. Be sure to ask the planner how the family and couple will be situated in the Chuppah during the ceremony. Some traditional couples keep their backs to the audience the entire time, making shooting angles tricky. This requires careful planning.
Ketubah - A marriage contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of the bride and groom. It is signed by the couple and two witnesses and is often displayed during the wedding ceremony.
Hora - A lively Jewish dance where the bride and groom are lifted on chairs and guests dance in a circle around them. We recommend filming this moment hand-held, right in the middle of the dance with a wide-angle lens.
Yichud - The seclusion of the bride and groom immediately following the wedding ceremony. This is a time for the couple to privately celebrate their new marriage.
Breaking of the Glass - A tradition where the groom breaks a glass with his foot at the end of the wedding ceremony. It symbolizes the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and is a reminder of the fragility of human relationships. Be sure to film with moment with a wide enough angle to capture the entire moment, including the actual glass breaking.
As a wedding videographer, it's important to understand the cultural and religious aspects of the event in order to capture it authentically. Here are a few tips to help you be a competent wedding videographer at a Jewish wedding:
Assess how Orthodox your couple is and how many of the traditions they plan to include.
Jewish weddings vary widely depending on the couple's level of Orthodoxy and their personal preferences. Some couples choose to have a very traditional wedding, while others may incorporate more modern elements. It's important to have a conversation with the couple beforehand to understand their expectations and the level of observance they follow.
For example, if the couple is very Orthodox, they may follow strict rules around what can and cannot be filmed during the ceremony. They may also have specific requests for how you capture certain moments or use specific equipment. It's important to be aware of these expectations so you can adjust your approach accordingly.
Determine whether parts of the day will be separated by gender.
In traditional Jewish weddings, parts of the day may be separated by gender. This means that the men and women may be in separate rooms or areas during certain parts of the ceremony or reception. For example, the Hora dance is often separated by gender, with the men and women dancing in separate circles.
As a videographer, it's important to be aware of these traditions and to respect them. You may need to adjust your filming approach to capture both the men's and women's sides of the celebration separately. It's also important to be sensitive to the fact that some guests may prefer not to be filmed during certain moments.
Ask whether it would be respectful to wear a yarmulke during the ceremony, even if you are not Jewish.
In Jewish culture, wearing a yarmulke (also known as a kippah) is a sign of respect and humility. Some families may appreciate it if non-Jewish guests, including videographers, wear a yarmulke during the ceremony.
It's important to ask the couple or their families beforehand if they would like you to wear a yarmulke. If they do, make sure to bring one with you or ask if they have one available for you to use. If they don't request it, it's still a good idea to be respectful of the tradition and to dress modestly and professionally.
Recognize that not all Jewish couples are particularly religious. Ask. Explore. Get to know your couples.
Not every Jewish couple is deeply religious. While Judaism holds a rich tapestry of customs and rituals, incorporating these elements into a wedding doesn't always stem from profound religious convictions. Many couples, regardless of their level of religious observance, embrace these cherished traditions as a way to honor their heritage, celebrate their cultural identity, and create meaningful connections with their families. From the breaking of the glass to the joyful hora dance, these rituals can be interpreted in a way that reflects the couple's personal values and resonates with their love story, capturing the essence of their unique journey.
As a professional videographer it is your job to tell stories. And the story of each couple is unique. It requires curiosity, openness, and the courage to ask thoughtful questions for a videographer in the Bay Area to become a truly competent storyteller within any cultural background.