Samantha & Joseph - Preview of Spring Wedding at Cliff House Maine filled Jewish & Navy Traditions

Jun 11

This wedding day it all! There was torrential rain in the morning, clouds during the ceremony, and a beautiful sunset to end the day. Joseph’s service in the Navy invited men and women in uniform — including he himself as he changed for the reception — with a wonderful tradition involving sabers and applause (see below). The families’ Jewish heritage filled the day with symbolism. Here a few highlights to serve as captions for the photos that follow.

The Navy tradition of The Arch of Crossed Swords, with saber bearers forming a tunnel for the bride and groom to pass through. At each pair, swords dropped and the saber bearers exclaimed, “Halt! The price to pass is a kiss!”
The age-old Jewish tradition of signing the Katubah, complete with a small gathering of family and close friends as witness.
The Hora! The bride and groom were able to hold both ends of the handkerchief successfully while they were raised over the dance floor.
Samantha, Joey, and siblings danced around Samantha’s parents for The Mezinka — a tradition that celebrates the last child moving out of the house, “sweeping” the child off into their new life.

Finally, the reception was punctuated with one of the most admirably emotional father-of-the-bride speeches I have ever witnessed. Simply beautiful. Followed later by the groom’s father absolutely crushing it, playing guitar on stage with the band for a few songs. And Joseph joined him on vocals! And Samantha got on stage thereafter to join the band. Flipside, you guys were fantastic.

It was a spectacular day. Enjoy this preview of Samantha & Joseph’s wedding at Cliff House.

Shoutout to this extraordinary team of wedding professionals!

Bridal hair and makeup | Salon Loka in Ogunquit Maine

Wedding dress and tuxedoes | Madeleine’s Daughter (Portsmouth, New Hampshire)

Tailoring and alterations | Elvira at Doris Couture (Needham, Massachusetts)

Dessert | Bread and Roses Bakery (Wells, Maine)

Band | Flipside by Murray Hill Talent (Boston, Massachusetts)

Florist | Stem and Vine (Biddeford, Maine)

Wedding coordinator | Sarah O’Neil, Petal and Pine Planning (Portland, Maine)

Dance Lessons | Krystal Ballroom (Hampton Falls, New Hampshire)

Wedding Videography | Leah Richardson, Selah Films (Dover, New Hampshire)

Wedding Photography | Chris Keeley, Chris Keeley Photography (Dover, New Hampshire)