FAQs

Question

What is the wedding attire? What should we wear?

Answer

The official attire is cocktail, kind of like a fancy summer garden party. For the ladies: think summer, flowy, colorful, can be long! For the gentleman: suit and tie! Indian outfits are welcome! Text Davida if you have questions: 913-568-8104

Question

A Jewish/Indian wedding? So fun!! What can we expect to see? So exciting!

Answer

We are so excited and blessed to be able to bring our traditions into our wedding. While the ceremony will be Jewish, (read more about this in the FAQ), there will be Indian music, food, dances, outfits and more! You can also expect to hear Hebrew and Jewish songs. We are so fortunate to be able to bring beautiful traditions and the coming together of our two souls as one.

Question

What does a Jewish ceremony/wedding look like?

Answer

When you arrive, the bride and groom will be in two different locations. It is customary for men to join Mehul, the groom at the Chazzan's Tish - Groom's Table. During this time, the Ketubah (Marriage license) will be signed by two witnesses and there will be high energy, singing, hor dourves and drinks! At the same time, Davida, the bride, will be at the Kabbalat Panim. This is an opportunity to greet the bride and offer wishes, blessings, and joy. It is customary to be happy and greet the bride and groom with joy as Mehul and Davida begin their lives together.

Question

What is the Kabbalat Panim?

Answer

You can think of the Kabbalat Panim as the cocktail hour, but it happens BEFORE the ceremony, rather than after) It is customary for the bride and groom to not see each other before the wedding, which increases the anticipation and excitement of the event. Therefore, prior to the wedding ceremony, the bride and groom greet guests separately. This is called “Kabbalat Panim”. During the Kabbalat Panim, the bride and groom's mothers, Brenda and Neeta will join together at the Chazzan's Tish (Groom's Table) and break a plate. When this happens, the men will dance and escort Mehul to Davida, his bride. The women will line up creating an aisle for Mehul to march through. (Pro tip - get a spot close to Davida - makes for great photos!!) Next comes the Badeken, the veiling of the bride by the groom. The veil symbolizes the idea of modesty and conveys the lesson that however attractive physical appearances may be, the soul and character are paramount. It is reminiscent of Rebecca covering her face before marrying Isaac (Genesis ch. 24) Mehul will cover Davida's veil over her head, and then Davida's father and grandfather, and Mehul's father will give blessings to Davida and Mehul. After this, everyone will be escorted to the ceremony area.

Question

What is a Chuppah?

Answer

The wedding ceremony takes place under the Chuppah (wedding canopy), a symbol of the home that Mehul and Davida will build together. It is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open on all sides to welcome people in unconditional hospitality. Under the Chuppah, it is customary for the bride to circle the groom seven times. In doing so, Davida is figuratively building the walls of the couple’s new world together and representing the wholeness and completeness that they cannot attain separately.

Question

What is the Kiddushin?

Answer

Two cups of wine are used during the wedding ceremony. The first cup accompanies the Kiddushin (betrothal blessings), recited by the Rabbi. After these are recited, Davida and Mehul will drink from the first cup.

Question

Do the bride and groom exchange rings under the Chuppah?

Answer

In Jewish law, a marriage becomes official when the groom give an object of value to the bride. This is traditionally done with a ring, which Mehul takes in his hand, in clear view of two witnesses, and declares to Davida “Behold, you are betrothed unto me with this ring, according to the law of Moses and Israel.” Mehul then places the ring of the forefinger of Davida’s right hand. At this moment during the ceremony, Davida and Mehul are officially married! (YAY!!!)

Question

What is the Ketubah?

Answer

The Ketubah (marriage document) is read aloud in its original Aramic text. It speaks to the commitments that Davida and Mehul have made to each other.

Question

What are the Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings)?

Answer

The Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings) are now recited over the second cup of wine. The blessings, which symbolize the seven days of creation and praise God for creating the world and include prayers of hope for Davida and Mehul to create a beautiful life together, in love, joy, and blessings. These blessings will be recited by special family and friends of Davida and Mehul. At the conclusion of the Sheva Brachot, Davida and Mehul will drink from the second cup of wine.

Question

I've seen in movies, the groom will break glass? Is that what happens?

Answer

Yes! This is Davida's favorite part of the wedding ceremony! At the conclusion of the ceremony, a glass is placed on the floor for Mehul to shatter with his foot. The most common explanation for this tradition is that it symbolizes that even in the moment of our greatest joy, we never forget the struggles of our people throughout our history. It is important to remember moments of sadness, like, the destruction of the Temple, terrorist attacks in America, Israel and India, and know that as people we will rise above together and always share our light. A special song is sung in Hebrew during this time. We recommend taking a moment to yourself for prayer and meditation. Once the glass is broken, that marks the end of the ceremony, and the guests shout “MAZEL TOV!” (just like in the movies!) Mehul and Davida will greet each other as husband and wife for the first time (YAY), hug their families, and turn to our guests. While Davida and Mehul are hugging their families, we ask that our guests join together in the aisle and dance and march Mehul and Davida down the aisle. The music will be fun, loud and joyful! Join in!

Question

What is the Yichud (seclusion) Room?

Answer

Immediately after the ceremony, Davida and Mehul will be danced to a private Yichud (seclusion) room, where they will be left alone for a few minutes, signifying their new status of living together as husband and wife. While we are there, head over to the barn..get ready to eat, drink and DANCE!!!! (extended family, stay by the ceremony area to take photos). We will be there soon!

Question

What happens after the ceremony? Is the reception right after the ceremony?

Answer

OF COURSE....after the ceremony, we PARTY!!!! Our reception will be held in the beautiful barn immediately following the ceremony. Mehul and Davida will be taking family photos after the ceremony, and then will make their grand entrance!! When Davida and Mehul get announced into the ceremony, we will immediately go into group dancing...everyone on the dance floor!!! The first set of dancing will be a combination of Jewish and Indian music. Then, we will break to eat dinner. From there, you can expect what you see at any other wedding, a few speeches, some surprises from both sides of the family, AND MORE DANCING. Y'all better be on the dance floor all night...this is very important to Davida and Mehul! We can't wait to celebrate with each and every one of you. You, you will love it!

Question

Will there be a hotel room block?

Answer

Great question! While there is no set hotel room block we have listed a few great recommendations in the Travel section.