FAQs
Question
What is a chuppah?
Answer
A chuppah, briefly, is a bridal canopy under which the bride and groom stand during a Jewish wedding ceremony. The chuppah consists of four poles with a cloth suspended between them. The chuppah symbolizes the new home to be built by the couple. The chuppah also remains open on all four sides to symbolize hospitality and that their shared home will be open to family, friends, and guests.
Question
What is the unity candle?
Answer
The unity candle will be lit by both Diego and Sophia from two separate family candles, representing the union of our families and the fact that we are creating a family of our own. Our parents will light their respective family candles, and then each of us will hold our family's lit candle to light the unity candle together. The unity candle mirrors the commitment we are making and reminds everyone present of our parents' commitments. The unity candle is lit directly after our exchange of vows.
Question
What is Las Arras?
Answer
Las Arras is a custom where the groom offers thirteen gold coins in an ornate box or chest to the bride. The custom of using coins signifies the promise to marry by two individuals. The exchange of the coins represents the groom's promise to provide for his family, the bride's trust in his ability to do so, and the couple's commitment to share in that responsibility. The exchange symbolizes the couple’s commitment to sharing their life together, for richer or poorer. Las Arras "is symbolic of the spiritual, emotional, and physical commitments that come with marriage." In some cultures, the coins are presented one at a time to represent love, trust, commitment, respect, joy, happiness, harmony, wisdom, nurturing, caring, cooperation and peace. As to the number, the thirteen coins placed inside the decorated boxes, pouches, or trays represent the twelve months of the year and the poor (the thirteenth). Additionally, the odd number is not dividable, just as a strong marriage should be.
Question
Why will Diego be breaking a glass at the end of the ceremony?
Answer
There are countless interpretations as to why we break a glass at the end of a Jewish wedding ceremony. For us, these are the reasons we have chosen to include this tradition: 1. We break the glass to remember that even in times of happiness, we must also realize life brings sadness and sorrow. We break the glass in honor of our grandparents, friends, and family who are no longer with us today. 2. We break the glass to remind us of our commitment to social justice and to fight for the rights of those who have been victims of violence and oppression. We bring these values into the ceremony to show the dedication we have to our professions and the work that still has to be done. 3. We break the glass to symbolize dismantling barriers and hate between people of different cultures and faiths. Our marriage and our home will be one of inclusion, love, and respect. After the glass is broken everyone yells “Mazel Tov,” which means good fortune and congratulations.
Question
Will there be transportation to and from the venue?
Answer
Stay tuned. We will be looking at options for a shuttle that will leave from Hotel Indigo. In the meantime, with ride share, local taxi companies, and car rentals, there are many options to help you arrive and depart the venue in case our shuttle service does not occur. If you encounter any difficulties or want to carpool with folks, let us know and we can help to make that happen. Please don't drink and drive.
Question
What if we have any questions before the wedding?
Answer
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Sophia at sophia.fantus@gmail.com or Diego at desparza42@gmail.com.