From Vision to Reality: A Modern Jewish Wedding in New Jersey

Simple elegance, real joy, and a design that honored tradition without feeling stiff.

When Jessica came to me, she didn’t have a specific vision for the look or vibe of the wedding, but she did have clear feelings about what mattered most. She knew she wanted the celebration to be meaningful, kosher, and rooted in Jewish tradition (just not Orthodox).

Jessica and Sam are both Jewish and ultimately decided to hold their wedding at The Art Factory in Paterson, NJ: a distinctive, historic venue with raw industrial charm. It gave us the perfect blank canvas to create something rich with tradition, without feeling constrained by it.

Planning Around People, Not Pressure

Jessica didn’t love dancing and didn’t want to feel on display. She also wanted to make sure her mother felt proud of the celebration and that guests had an incredible time, even if it looked a little different from an Orthodox wedding.

We focused on inclusion and connection. I suggested adding creative, low-pressure activities like a giant puzzle, custom crossword, and “lawn” games to encourage guest engagement. Her mom really hoped for a live band, so we crafted a hybrid experience: the band played the cocktail hour, ceremony, and early reception. The DJ took over for the rest of the night to let the party flow naturally, without overwhelming Jessica.

A Jewish Wedding Focused on Tradition with Intention

Jessica and Sam worked thoughtfully to design a wedding that felt authentic to their identities. They kept the event kosher, had a traditional ceremony officiated by a Rabbi chosen by Sam’s family, and even incorporated Orthodox structure (like cocktail hour before the ceremony) in a way that worked for them.

Everything was chosen with intention: nothing was done “just because.” From the ceremony program to the reception timeline, the day honored their Jewish heritage while still feeling very them.

What Made This Wedding Special

• A pescatarian kosher menu that satisfied all guests (and honored tradition)

• A creative blend of live band + DJ to please everyone (especially mom!)

• Crossword puzzles and lawn games for guests who don’t love dancing

• A chuppah ceremony in a dramatic industrial space

• A thoughtful balance between personal preferences and family expectations