Intimate Jewish Backyard Wedding In Salt Lake, Utah | Documentary Wedding Photography

Mary and Sam had the most beautiful backyard wedding, with a focus on simple details, culture, and family. They gathered at the home of a close family member, wanting to celebrate their new niece on their wedding day. The bride surprised the groom with several 4x6 photo prints that she scattered on the tables for everyone to enjoy. The day had no timeline, and the couple and family let the time flow naturally, and when the time felt right, the ceremony began. As they all gathered in a circle, the bride's best friend officiated, and everyone took part in the reading of The Seven Blessings, from the Jewish culture. Their was a tangible feeling of joy, meaning, and love throughout the entire day, and it was magical the way this couple intentionally savored each moment of the experience, keeping it simple, and focusing on what meant the most to them, and what would make their day special and meaningful.

The Seven Blessings, A Beautiful Jewish Ritual and Tradition

1. Love

May you be blessed with love. May your admiration, appreciation and understanding of each other foster a love that is passionate, tranquil and real. May this love between you be strong and enduring, and bring peace into your lives.

2. A loving home

May you be blessed with a loving home filled with warmth, humour and compassion. May you create a family together that honours traditions old and new. May you teach your children to have equal respect for themselves and others, and instil in them the value of learning and tikkun olam (making the world a better place).

3. Humour and play

May you be best friends and work together to build a relationship of substance and quality. May your sense of humour and playful spirit continue to enliven your relationship. May you respect each other’s individual personality and perspective, and give each other room to grow in fulfilling your dreams.

4. Wisdom

May you be blessed with wisdom. May you continually learn from one another and from the world. Together, may you grow, deepening your knowledge and understanding of each other and of your journey through life.

5. Health

May you be blessed with health. May life bring you wholeness of mind, body and spirit. May you keep each other well-balanced and grounded, and live long that you may share many happy years together.

6. Art, beauty, creativity

May your life be blessed with the art and beauty of this world. May your creative aspirations and experiences find expression, inspire you and bring you joy and fulfilment. May you find happiness together in adventures big and small, and something to celebrate each day of your lives.

7. Community

May you be blessed with community. May you always be blessed with the awareness that you are an essential part of a circle of family and friends. May there always be within this group love, trust, support and laughter, and may there be many future occasions for rejoicing in their company.