Queer Jewish wedding goodness! As a queer Jew myself, these weddings will always hold a place extra close to my heart. Sam + Celeste’s celebration at Sauer’s Barn in Ashland was laid-back, full of community, love, togetherness and tradition in a unique combination only an outdoorsy queer Jewish wedding could deliver!
It was the first Saturday in August, a day that was hot and sunny but also had a chance of rain. We were ready for anything! Sam + Celeste were busy getting things together for their day when I arrived, and soon began getting ready together. Once dressed, we explored the property for some quick portraits before the events began.
We kicked things off with a brit ahuvim (lovers’ covenant) signing in the barn, followed by an outdoor ceremony under the chuppah, and officiated by their rabbi who is also a friend. In fact, there were many rabbis in attendance! Their ceremony felt communal and was very participatory, culminating with all guests holding hands around them. Also, the rain held off! So many pieces aligned for everything to come together perfectly. Sam and Celeste, newly married, exited the ceremony in a sea of bubbles.
Their celebration continued with a picnic dinner (many components of which were supplied by various guests, including many variations of pie!) on the grass alongside the water. As the sun began to set, we visited the nearby apple orchard and corn field for more portraits. Toasts and a lively hora followed inside the barn, when a light sprinkle finally came, and we ended our time together with some umbrella photos! Couldn’t have planned it any better. Mazel Tov!!
