Rachael & Doug

Rachel and Doug got married in Upper Lake at the Saratoga Retreat Center. They had what we have started to call a "contemporary-orthodox Jewish wedding". Their celebration started off with the men and women being in separate areas on the same property. Rachel was gathered with her women friends and family who sang songs and played music while Rachel blessed them in turn. The couple had not seen each other in a week, so the anticipation of the arrival of Doug, was mounting. When Doug and the men finally made their way to where the women were, the excitement came to a crescendo, with a lot of frenzied cheers and drumming, where the whole crowd seemed caught up in their romantic spell. The traditional elements of Ketubah signing, Chuppah, smashing of the glass by the groom was all there, as was a hora dance where the bride and groom were hoisted up on chairs. But the fun really started with the "shtick" when Rachel and Doug's friends did hilarious performances in all sorts of costumes and props that were brought along for this purpose. What a talented group of people, including Jennifer and Alon (a former bride and groom of ours) who put on a comedic puppet show as after-dinner entertainment featuring the bride and groom. We saw a lot of familiar faces including wedding coordinator AJ of Peridot Events, and had a wonderful time ourselves.