Kabbalat Panim (literally, the "receiving of guests" in Hebrew) is a tradition where the bride greets the wedding guests. The bride sits on a decorative chair with both mothers and the bridal party at her sides as they hug and high-five arriving friends and family.

Traditionally, female guests remain in proximity to the bride while men proceed to the Tisch but you will be welcome wherever you go.

Following the Bedeken, the Ketubah (literally, "document" in Hebrew), or the marriage contract will be signed. Often recognized by lawyers as the world's first prenuptial agreement, the Ketubah is a contract written in Aramaic detailing the marital commitments and conditions as well as Sarah and Jonathan's obligations to one another. The Ketubah will be authenticated and signed by two witnesses.

The night before, the mothers of both the bride and the groom break a plate, a symbolically-permanent gesture indicating familial endorsement of the T'naim (literally, "engagement conditions" in Hebrew) of the Ketubah.

Following the Ketubah signing, the families welcome their guests into the main sanctuary in preparation for the ceremony. Traditionally, guests remain seated until the arrival of the bride.

Order of the processional

Grandparents

Chupah Holders

Attendants

Wedding Party

During the processional, Jonathan's parents will help him don a Kittel, a simple white robe symbolizing purity to match the bride's dress in a gesture of equality and respect. When Sarah's parents escort her into the sanctuary, guests are asked to stand, honoring and welcoming the bride. After all, whenever Sarah walks into a room, it's kind of a big deal.

Sarah and Jonathan will then circle one another a sum total of seven times symbolizing the values of justice, loving-kindness and righteousness. Just as the creation metaphor tells of seven earthly revolutions to create a new world, seven circles around one another symbolize a new marriage. Then the couple will (carefully: Sarah is in a long dress) take their first steps together as they ascend to the Chupah.

The Chupah (literally, "covering" in Hebrew) is the wedding canopy under which the actual ceremony will take place. The Chupah symbolizes the shared home to be built as Bride and Groom live their lives together. The Rabbis will welcome the couple and their guests before reading the Ketubah in Aramaic and English separating the earlier rituals of formal engagement from the marriage ceremony proper. The Rabbis will guide Jonathan and Sarah in the recitation of blessings over wine and the betrothal blessing. The couple will then exchange rings prior to the recitation of the Sheva Berachot (seven wedding blessings).

To end the ceremony, the groom will undertake the iconic action of crushing a glass symbolizing continual recollection of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and subsequent loss of sovereignty over Israel. Immediately after the breaking of the glass, the guests shout "mazel tov" (congratulations!) and sing to husband and wife.

The couple then retreats for a shared period of seclusion and privacy while guests are invited to enjoy cocktails following their departure.

Yichud (literally, "seclusion" in Hebrew) refers to a brief time alone shared by the bride and groom immediately after the conclusion of the wedding ceremony. During this 10-15 minute time Sarah and Jonathan will conclude their fast and take a moment to reflect. The room will be guarded by friends charged with the responsibility of ensuring the couple's privacy. Guests are encouraged to use the cocktail hour as an opportunity to congratulate the parents and family of the couple.

As it is a Mitzvah (commandment) to help make the party a happy celebration, the newly-joined families invite their guests to celebrate with them in the most joyous manner possible. The festivities typically begin with a traditional group dance called a Hora during which the bride and groom are hoisted on chairs, guests dance in concentric circles around the couple and perform skits for them.

Music and dancing will continue throughout the meal, until the conclusion, when special after-meal blessings and a repetition of the Sheva Berachot (seven wedding blessings) is recited.