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First, we eat! One of the unique (and fun) parts of a Jewish wedding is that they often start directly with a cocktail hour. Food and drinks, often called the Shmorg, will be served when guests arrive prior the wedding ceremony. Eat up and enjoy! More food will be served at dinner but consider this a pre-ceremony snack.
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The first formality of Michelle and Eli's wedding is the Tisch (where guests are invited to be present). A few drinks and snacks are consumed and the whole thing is set around a long table. Here, Eli will be read and accept the terms of the Ketubah, he will then sign it, along with two witnesses. There may be some short prayers and singing and dancing that end with Eli being danced to the door of the Bedeken Room:
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While the men are getting ready at the Tisch, Michelle will be sitting in a separate room with her mother and Eli's mother on the other side as guests come in to greet her and give her blessings. Michelle's veil will be back and Eli will then place it over her face ready for the ceremony.
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The actual wedding ceremony takes place under the Chuppah, meaning 'canopy' or 'covering'. It represents the home that Michelle and Eli will build together and has four open sides showing that guests will always be welcome. The Chuppah has a canopy roof, symbolizing Michelle and Eli's commitment to always provide a roof for each other.
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After walking down the aisle, Michelle will circle Eli 7 times. Michele and Eli will sip from two cups of wine, representing the marriage proposal and betrothal and the nuptials. The Rabbi will then recite the Ketubah (The Jewish Marriage Certificate) before the breaking of the glass. The bride and groom are then danced out of the room to celebration music and the religious ceremony ends.