FAQs

Question

What is on the agenda?

Answer

Kabbalat Panim and Tisch (Welcome Events): During the cocktail hour, the chatan (groom) and kallah (bride) will each be in separate rooms while greeting the guests, as they their enjoy food and drink. This is a powerful opportunity to receive brachot (blessings) from the bride at the Kabbalat panim, where Rose will sit between her mother and Sam's mother. At the chatan's Tisch, Sam will receive l'chaim's (toasts, blessings) from the men, and designated witnesses will sign the ketubah (legal wedding contract) with him. After the tenaim (conditions of marriage) are read out loud, the mothers, Luba and Laurie, will break a plate together, symbolizing the finality of the tenaim, and union of families. Bedeken (Veiling Ceremony): To conclude the welcome events, Sam will be escorted into the Kabbalat Panim by the men, to (finally!) see, bless and veil Rose for the Chuppah (ceremony). This beautiful ritual symbolizes his acceptance of all that is seen and unseen in his kallah. Chuppah (Wedding Ceremony): Rose and Sam will stand together beneath the Chuppah—a canopy symbolizing the home they'll build together. Blessings will be recited, and at the close, Sam will break a glass to remember the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, even during our most joyful moments. Yichud Room (Seclusion): Immediately after the ceremony, Sam and Rose will be ushered by their guests, singing and dancing, into the Yichud room to break their fast and share their first quiet moments together as newlyweds. Reception: It's party time! For the rest of the night, we will eat, drink, sing and dance with all our guests and celebrate the true simcha (joy) of our marriage!

Question

Dress Code

Answer

Summer Cocktail Attire No gowns, suits or ties needed! We want everyone to feel comfortable, cool and relaxed to focus on the simcha (joy) of the day!

Question

What about gifts?

Answer

We kindly ask for no physical gifts. If you'd like to celebrate with us through a gift, we’d be deeply grateful for: Contributions to our cash fund, and/or donations of tzedaka (charity) in honor of our marriage. Feel free to give anonymously—it brings us great joy knowing charity is being done. Visit the Registry tab for direct links and giving options. Thank you for honoring our wishes!

Question

Where should I stay?

Answer

Our wedding venue, Vie by Cescaphe, is located in Center City Philadelphia, just north of City Hall. We’ve reserved hotel blocks—please check the “Travel” section for those details. If the blocks are full or you'd prefer other options (like an Airbnb), here are some neighborhoods we recommend for easy access to the venue: Center City Rittenhouse & Fitler Square Old City & Society Hill Queen Village Fairmount (Art Museum District) Looking for something different or need help deciding? Reach out anytime: rbbayer@gmail.com

Question

How should I get to the venue?

Answer

Our venue, Vie by Cescaphe, is located right in Center City Philadelphia! You can get there easily by: Uber / Lyft / Taxi Public transportation Or on foot, if you’re staying nearby Complimentary Valet parking will also be available at the venue if you wish to drive.

Question

Will there be any weekend events prior to the wedding?

Answer

Yes! We will each have our own pre-wedding Shabbat celebrations: Shabbat Kallah (bride’s Shabbat) Aufruf (groom’s calling to the Torah) These will take place the Shabbat before the wedding (Aug 15-16). If you’ll be in town and would like to join us for any Shabbat events, please email: rbbayer@gmail.com

Question

What else do I need to know about a Jewish wedding?

Answer

A Jewish wedding is a deeply spiritual event, not just a celebration—it’s the reuniting of two souls once separated. Here's a bit of what to expect: We will not have seen or spoken to each other for seven days leading up to the wedding, making our reunion under the Chuppah especially meaningful. You may notice a very serious tone up until Sam breaks the glass. We’ll be fasting and praying on the entire day day, as our personal Yom Kippur, until we’re officially married. At the moment Sam breaks the glass, simcha (joy) explodes! This is when the true celebration of our marriage begins. Immediately post-ceremony, we’ll spend time alone in the Yichud room, then rejoin for the reception to eat and dance. Expect high-energy dancing! We’ll start with men and women dancing separately with a mechitza (divider), then come together later in the night. Catering will be fully kosher meat (Chabad shechita), with vegetarian options. After dinner, we’ll say the Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals) and the Sheva Brachot (seven wedding blessings), before dancing resumes. We are so excited to celebrate this sacred and joyful day with you. Thank you for being part of it!