A Jewish Wedding at The Ritz Carlton South Beach | Annette and Irwin

Annette and Irwin | Married

Ritz Carlton South Beach Wedding

An amazing Ritz Carlton South Beach wedding is today’s surprise! I am a Miami Wedding photographer and for 34 years it has been a big part of my life! Those that know me know that I love weddings. The moments that will unfold on this very special day are not just the couple’s moments, they are my experience as well.

So when Annette and Irwin chose me and my partner Cristobal, to photograph their Ritz Carlton South Beach wedding, I knew that I would love the privilege of telling their love story. I also would be honored with their trust in my talent and that of my team in creating a legacy-their first family heirloom. So let me share with you a few of the countless moments that Cristobal and I witnessed on what was an amazing day and life event!

Truly a spiritual moment as Annette prays…I can tell you I truly felt God’s presence in the room.

As a Dad of three boys, I know that there are moments that go back years ago to when they were little. Teaching them how to dress, tie their shoes, a tying a necktie…details that we think little of when we are teaching but come back to a Dad’s mind years later. Here, Irwin and his dad prepare for the big day together.

When the first look comes to mind, most think of that moment when the groom sees his bride for the first time…I see it as that moment when dad sees his daughter as a bride for the first time.

It’s the moments like these, which are seen by only by a few, that I feel are so important.

I love calmness in Annette’s expression! She’s about to see Irwin for the first time as a groom. In the photo below, they find each other.

Action ~ reaction! We look for it as it gives a balance to the story that we as photojournalistic wedding photographers are looking for with every life event that we experience. I can tell you that this moment of laughter is so natural for them as I saw the same smiles when I had the pleasure of sharing a day with them during their New York City engagement session.

Here’s a beautiful, traditional portrait of the happy couple incorporating the stunning venue of the Ritz Carlton South Beach.

Guys – who hasn’t been here and done this? Nice shoes!

During the Tish, Irwin contemplates the wisdom of the years as the Rabbi, friends and his dad (below) share with the experience with him.

The moment of the Bedeken, when Irwin is sure that this is his intended, places the veil over Annette.

I know Annette’s dad likes this guy!

The custom of the bride circling the groom seven times is a part of many Jewish weddings. This custom has many explanations, including: seven days in a week and seven aliyot on Shabbat, the phrase, “when a man takes a wife”, appears in the bible seven times, and on Simchat Torah, the Torahs are carried around the synagogue seven times. Additionally, there is a mystical teaching that the bride, in circling seven times, enters seven spheres of her husband’s innermost being!

Does a bride express love so beautifully as with a lovely smile!

On the wedding day it threatened to storm big time—note the color of the sky in the background through the coconut palms! Not only did Annette insist on having her wedding ceremony outside, but after the ceremony we headed to the beach for some spontaneous portraits!

As I shot the image above, Cristobal had this point of view…note the storm clouds rolling in. Talk about drama!

One of my favorite of Jewish traditions ~ the Hora! I always feel as if it symbolizes the community of family and friends supporting the newly married couple.

Of course the wedding centers around the bride and groom, but it’s also a family reunion. We don’t lose sight of everyone who is present as they are all important! Here Annette’s father is dancing with his mom.