I recently attended my nephews wedding in New York. The interesting thing about this event was the meeting of several cultures. For the most part, this was a traditional Jewish wedding with the brides family having a modern Jewish background. The best man is a Palestinian muslim, and the groom? He comes from a Catholic background. Here are three cultures who at times have stark contrasts in beliefs, come together for such a loving and wonderful event where politics, religion and beliefs are not considered. A wedding filled with love, warmth, friendship, laughter and most of all, family whether or not blood related. Nonetheless, everyone was family.
A traditional wedding takes place under a canopy that is called a Chuppah. The canopy is symbolic of where the bride and groom will live under as husband and wife. During the wedding the seven blessings, or the Sheva Brachot, are recited by the Rabbi or individually select members of the family which is considered a great honor when bestowed upon.
The breaking of the glass by the groom follows the ceremony. Although this tradition has largely unknown origins, one thought, despite joyfulness, Jews still mourn the destruction of the Temple in
Jerusalem. The broken glass symbolizes the fragileness of life and the need of spiritual repair of the world. At this time, guests enthusiastically shout "Mozel tov!" Which means good luck! 
The bride and groom now emerge as husband and wife but quickly retreat some place private for a short time which is known as Yichud or Hebrew for "seclusion" or "togetherness". During the reception, there are many dances including one where the bride and groom hold opposite corners of a handkerchief while they are lifted up on chairs by guests!
These are just a few sample pictures that I took while at the wedding, enjoy!
Yours truly and his beautiful wife
