Have you ever seen a wedding where two very different families become one, so beautifully and so seamlessly? After being legally married in Massachusetts earlier this year, Tara and Tayo held a fall wedding celebration in downtown Columbus that incorporated various Jewish and African-American cultural elements.
The location for all their wedding events was downtown’s Via Vecchia Winery. The room was beautifully decorated by Eva at EcoFlora and pictures from their fall engagement hung on the wall, serving as party favors for guests to take home.
They started their day with a “showing of the faces” – their version of the First Look. In a small room in the back of the winery, Tara and Tayo sat back-to-back beside a wall of mirrors, while their rabbi Jessica Shimberg recited prayers and reminded them the importance of the day. Upon her signal, they turned and saw each other for the first time – truly a beautiful moment, and so wonderful to do on their own. From there, we took care of all the portraits outside, and back at the winery, held a handwashing ceremony and ketubah signing witnessed by their closest family and friends.
From there, Tara and Tayo were free to enjoy the rest of their day, as guests arrived for their wonderful ceremony in the alley beside the winery. There were a number of readings, from the 7 blessings traditionally recited at Jewish weddings, to meaningful quotes from African-American authors. The ceremony culminated with a jumping of the broom, and a breaking of the grass. A more perfect moment of the meshing of two cultures, and the coming together of two people, couldn’t be imagined.
The rest of their day was filled with lots of dancing, and of course, a very lively Hora! Mazel Tov to Tara and Tayo, a truly amazing couple! I couldn’t have been more honored to be a part of their day!
