A Jewish Wedding at Oheka Castle: Captured by Clane Gessel Studio
Oheka Castle, with its grand architecture and lush gardens, served as the stunning backdrop for an extraordinary Jewish wedding. This Long Island landmark, known for its historic elegance and charm, was transformed into a setting that blended the beauty of Jewish tradition with the timeless romance of the castle. Clane Gessel Studio had the honor of documenting each moment, creating photographs that captured the love, spirituality, and joy that filled the day.
The ceremony began with the signing of the ketubah—a beautiful Jewish marriage contract that the couple and their closest family members signed before the festivities. This intimate moment was set against the warm interiors of Oheka Castle, which provided an elegant, private space for the couple to focus on their commitment to one another. The ketubah, adorned with intricate artwork, became a symbol of their vows and a meaningful piece of their wedding story, captured by Clane Gessel Studio in stunning detail.
As the ceremony began, the groom made his way to the chuppah—the traditional Jewish wedding canopy—while the bride circled him seven times, a meaningful custom symbolizing the creation of their new life together. The chuppah, framed by lush florals and set in Oheka Castle’s picturesque gardens, stood as a sacred space where the couple exchanged their vows and blessings. With the castle’s iconic architecture as the backdrop, each moment felt steeped in history and reverence. The gentle sound of live music played as friends and family gathered, lending an air of quiet anticipation to the ceremony.
One of the most poignant moments captured was the breaking of the glass, a cherished Jewish tradition symbolizing the fragility of life and the commitment to stand by one another through all of life’s trials. As the groom stomped on the glass, guests shouted “Mazel Tov!” and the couple shared their first kiss as husband and wife under a shower of joyful cheers and applause. Clane Gessel Studio preserved this powerful moment, creating an image filled with emotion, tradition, and timeless beauty.
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour on the castle’s terrace, overlooking the sprawling gardens as the sun began to set. The atmosphere was filled with joy and laughter as loved ones toasted the couple, and Clane Gessel Studio was there to capture candid moments of happiness and connection. Each photograph highlighted the elegant details and warm interactions, documenting the genuine joy shared by everyone present.
As night fell, the celebration moved indoors to Oheka Castle’s grand ballroom, where tables were adorned with lavish floral arrangements and candlelight. The room glowed with warmth and elegance, setting the perfect stage for a spirited evening of dancing and celebration. The hora, a traditional Jewish dance, brought everyone together on the dance floor as the couple was lifted into the air on chairs, surrounded by their friends and family. This lively dance, with its infectious energy and jubilant spirit, was a highlight of the evening and a tradition that Clane Gessel Studio captured in all its vibrant energy.
One of the standout images from the evening was of the couple standing outside Oheka Castle at night, illuminated by the castle’s grand lights and framed by the starry sky. The timeless elegance of the castle and the couple’s love created a breathtaking image that beautifully encapsulated the romance of the day.
Oheka Castle provided the perfect blend of grandeur and intimacy for this Jewish wedding, honoring the couple’s traditions and creating a magical setting for their celebration. Clane Gessel Studio’s photographs tell the story of a day steeped in love, heritage, and joy, capturing each detail and moment with the artistry and care it deserves. It was a true honor to be part of this beautiful day, and we wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness and mazel tov as they embark on their journey together.
This is a small fraction of the photos from this wedding. To see more images, please shoot us an email.