On February 18th, 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to film my first-ever Jewish wedding for the wonderful couple, Richard and Philippa. And wow, what an experience it was! Having filmed many weddings before, this one was definitely a standout. From the vibrant energy to the rich cultural traditions, every moment was filled with excitement, love, and unforgettable memories – and as a wedding videographer, I couldn’t have asked for more.
The wedding took place at The Haven, a stunning venue in London, and from the moment I arrived, I could feel the energy buzzing in the air. The ceremony, which took place in the late afternoon (a traditional time for Jewish weddings), was absolutely beautiful. When Philippa walked down the aisle to the sound of live music, it was such a breathtaking moment – full of emotion and anticipation. The combination of live music and the significance of the Jewish ceremony made this moment incredibly special and one I’ll never forget.
A Family-Centered Jewish Ceremony
One of the most touching parts of Richard and Philippa’s wedding was the inclusion of their children in the ceremony. The couple's kids were actively involved and stood under the huppah (wedding canopy) with them, making the occasion feel even more personal and intimate. Seeing the children recite heartfelt poems and readings during the ceremony added a layer of emotion and warmth to the day. Incorporating children in weddings always brings an extra special touch – it strengthens the sense of family and makes the day feel even more meaningful. Even though it is not everyone's cup of tea, and I have worked at weddings that have not allowed children- I do love both!
The Magical Smashing of the Glass
As a videographer, I’ve seen the smashing of the glass in movies and heard about it in stories, but witnessing it in person was a whole other level. The room erupted with joy as Richard broke the glass, and the celebration began! Guests cheered, sang, and danced, and the atmosphere was electric. There’s nothing like the celebration of a Jewish wedding – it’s full of tradition, joy, and pure happiness. As a wedding videographer, capturing the moment of pure joy during this iconic Jewish tradition was an absolute highlight.
A Fast-Paced and Exciting Day
Filming my first Jewish wedding was a thrilling experience – and one of the things I didn’t expect was just how fast-paced the day would be! From the ceremony to the dancing, the energy never slowed down. Every moment was packed with excitement, and it was so much fun to capture. Jewish weddings are known for their high energy, and this one did not disappoint. I was constantly on my toes, capturing every second, often hopping onto chairs and tables to get the best shots. The guests were so full of life, and there was so much movement that it felt like one big celebration from start to finish.
Unforgettable Dancing: The Hora
Speaking of movement, the Hora dance was a spectacle to behold! Guests danced in circles, lifting Richard and Philippa in chairs – the energy was absolutely contagious. I’ve never seen dancing quite like this before, and it was truly a highlight of the evening. There’s something about the unity of everyone dancing together that makes this part of a Jewish wedding so magical. As a videographer, trying to keep up with the fast pace was a real challenge, but it was a challenge I thoroughly enjoyed. The traditional Jewish music and the vibrant dancing created the perfect backdrop for some of my favourite wedding footage to date.
A Lovely Couple and a Wonderful Venue
Beyond the incredible ceremony and dancing, Richard and Philippa were such a joy to work with. From the very beginning, they were warm, welcoming, and made me feel like part of their special day. It’s always a privilege to work with couples who are relaxed and easygoing, and these two were the epitome of that. Their love for each other and their families was palpable, and it made filming their wedding day so much more meaningful.
A big shout-out also goes to The Haven in London – the venue was absolutely stunning, and the staff were incredibly accommodating. They made me feel like a valued part of the day and even provided a meal, which is always a much-appreciated bonus for a wedding videographer working long hours. It’s the little things that really make a difference, and The Haven did an outstanding job in ensuring everything ran smoothly.
A Dream Team: Filming with Kate Swerdlow Photography
Another highlight of the day was getting to work alongside the incredibly talented photographer, Kate Swerdlow. If you’ve never worked with Kate, let me tell you – she is amazing! Not only is she an absolute professional, but she’s also super friendly and easy to collaborate with. The whole day flowed so smoothly thanks to her, and we worked together to capture Richard and Philippa’s love story from every angle. I can’t wait to work with Kate again in the future – she’s a dream to team up with!
Check out her amazing work here: Kate Swerdlow Photography
Why You Should Have a Wedding Videographer
If you’re planning your own wedding and thinking about hiring a wedding videographer in London, there’s no better way to preserve the memories of your special day. Wedding videos allow you to relive the raw emotion, laughter, and joy of your wedding in a way photos just can’t capture. Whether it’s the moments of tradition, the laughter-filled dancing, or the personal vows exchanged, a wedding video brings those memories back to life, year after year.
Looking Ahead: More Jewish Weddings to Film
Looking back, filming Richard and Philippa’s wedding was an absolute privilege. I feel so grateful to have been part of their beautiful day, and I can’t wait for the next Jewish wedding I get to film. Every wedding is unique, and Jewish weddings, with their rich traditions and vibrant celebrations, are no exception. I’m already preparing myself for the fast-paced energy of the next one – and can’t wait to capture more moments like these.
Thank you again to Richard, Philippa, and their families for letting me document such a meaningful day in your lives. I’ll always cherish the memories I captured at this unforgettable Jewish wedding.
Love,
Rosie x
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