FAQs

Question

When would you like us to RSVP by?

Answer

Please let us know if you can attend by October 31st, 2021.

Question

Are kids invited?

Answer

In order to allow all guests, including parents, a night of relaxation- our wedding day will be an adult-only event. We look forward to celebrating a night off with you!

Question

May I bring a date?

Answer

Unfortunately we are only able to accommodate those guests listed on the invitation. Thank you for your understanding!

Question

What is the wedding attire?

Answer

We will be having a black tie optional wedding. This typically entails floor-length gowns and suits or tuxedos. Our ceremony and cocktail hour will be outdoors and Arizona weather in December ranges between 45-65°F on average. Although we will have heaters, we recommend that guests bring warm garments as necessary.

Question

Will there be parking at the venue?

Answer

We have confirmed with the Phoenix Art Museum that there will be adequate, free parking. But we encourage guests to take public transportation or ride share. The Valley Metro Light Rail has several stops from Phoenix to Mesa with the closest stop 0.25 miles away.

Question

How can we contact you with questions?

Answer

If you need to reach us, just email Brianna at brianna.tsatskin@gmail.com. Or you can find her at Brianna Tsatskin on Facebook and briannitchka on Instagram.

Question

Are we allowed to take photos?

Answer

Yes! Although we ask that these be limited to during the cocktail hour and reception only. Our ceremony will be taking place at sunset so we want our photographers to be able to work their magic to achieve the best lighting possible. But when it's time, don't forget to use the hashtag: #bsquared!

Question

Who is Michael Mason?

Answer

That's Brad! Ashley Gill was very taken aback by this fact at Taylor and Colby Wilson's wedding so we thought we should clarify.

Question

Will Brianna and Brad be doing a first look?

Answer

Yes! In Jewish tradition the Ketubah (marriage contract) signing takes place before the ceremony. The Ketubah is meant to symbolize their commitment to one another. It will be signed in front of witnesses and then read aloud during the ceremony. It will then be lovingly displayed in their home.

Question

Will men or women have to cover their heads during the ceremony?

Answer

No, it is entirely optional. A Kippah (or Yarmulke) is a small headcovering that is typically worn during praying, studying Jewish texts or entering a sacred space. It is a common tradition for men to wear a Kippah during the ceremony, but women may wear them as well. Kippot will be provided for anyone that would like to wear one.

Question

What is a Chuppah?

Answer

The wedding ceremony will take place under the Chuppah, which represents the Jewish home that Brianna and Brad will create together. The sides are left open to signify that their home will always be open to friends and family throughout their new life together. The walls of their home will be "built" with love, trust and friendship. The Chuppah will be covered by a Tallit which is a traditional prayer shawl worn by men and women during services. The Chuppah is a temporary structure, rather than a permanent one, to remind us that the most important aspect of the home is not the physical structure itself, but the people inside.

Question

Why will Brianna and Brad circle each other before the start of the ceremony?

Answer

Before Brianna and Brad enter the Chuppah, it is customary for one partner to circle the other seven times. Circling takes on a special meaning in that seven is a “magic” number in Jewish tradition. The creation story reported in the Torah teaches that God formed the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. Seven, therefore, symbolizes completeness and perfection. Perfection, completeness and fulfillment—what an inspiring notion to associate with a marriage! By circling, Brianna and Brad “magically” create, in full display of their friends and family, a new Jewish family. Brianna and Brad have decided to share in the tradition by circling each other three times, adding one final circle, together.

Question

Will there be wine at the ceremony?

Answer

A glass will be poured during the ceremony for the bride and groom into a Kiddush cup. This is for the Kiddushin- the two blessings given by the Rabbi over wine. The first is to represent joy and celebration and the second is for the holiness of marriage. The bride and groom will then sip from the same cup to affirm their devotion to one another throughout their lives. Brianna and Brad are very happy to be using the Kiddush cup that has been in the Tsatskin family for many years. And don't worry, the wine will be white just in case of any spills!

Question

How will the rings be exchanged?

Answer

The central act of the Kiddushin is the giving and acceptance of rings between the bride and groom, signifying the completion of marriage. The blessing that is recited during this contains 32 letters. When spelled in Hebrew, the number 32 also spells the word heart. Thus, when Brianna and Brad exchange rings, they are giving their hearts to one another. The custom of placing the ring on each other's right index finger symbolizes the ancient belief that the index finger was directly connected to the heart, so the hearts are now joined.

Question

What blessings are a part of the ceremony?

Answer

Following the reading of the Ketubah, there will be the Nissuin during which the Rabbi recites seven marriage blessings known as Sheva Brachot. Again with "lucky number seven"! The blessings commemorate the theme of creation, coming together of Brianna and Brad, and hope that their lives are filled with love, happiness and laughter.

Question

Does Brad get to smash some glass?!

Answer

Yes! The ceremony is concluded when Brad breaks (a carefully covered) glass. This custom is a reminder that life is fragile and what is precious may be easily crushed if not handled with great love, care and respect. Broken glass cannot be mended; likewise the promises made by Brianna and Brad are irrevocable. After the wedding, the couple, like the glass, will be changed forever. At the sound of the glass breaking, family and friends call out "Mazel Tov!" to wish the newlyweds congratulations as they begin their new life together.

Question

Will Brianna and Brad be performing a disappearing act after the ceremony?

Answer

Yes! Kind of. The Yichud is a ritual performed during a Jewish wedding when the newlyweds spend a few minutes apart from everyone after the ceremony. The word Yichud comes from the Hebrew word yachad, which translates to "together". This is will give Brianna and Brad a chance to take a breather, share some bubbly and snacks and just relish the moment that they are finally married! But don't worry, they won't be gone for long and will join everyone for cocktail hour shortly thereafter!

Question

Are there any traditions associated with dinner?

Answer

Many Jewish meals begin with blessings over both bread, the Hamotzi, and wine, the Kiddush, and this is quite customary during Jewish weddings. They are both short, sweet and convey gratitude for being able to enjoy food together. Brianna and Brad are very happy that Martin Tsatskin will have the honor of reciting these before the noshing (eating) begins!

Question

What is the Hora/Horah and how do I do it?

Answer

What is, hands down, the most fun and exciting part of any Jewish wedding? In the immortal words of Anthony from Sex and the City, the answer is: “the hora! THE HORA!” It is a highly energetic Israeli circle dance, basically a modified grapevine, and guests are supposed to put as much vigor and enthusiasm into it as they would on their own wedding day. The best part? You’ll get to see Brianna and Brad (and maybe their parents) lifted on chairs (equal parts exhilarating and terrifying)! But Brad should be good to go... considering Sean Miller, Drew Swartz and Andrew Lemley always had his back on the field, lifting a few people in chairs should be a piece of cake! If you want some practice before the big day, here's a fun video to give you an idea of what to expect! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGTho2a9t9k

Question

Who did the beautiful sketch that is on the invitation and above?

Answer

Brianna's amazing boss, Eddie Jones, FAIA of Jones Studio. He is an incredible architect and even kinder person and gifted the sketch to the couple on one condition... an invite to the wedding!