The Raucous Adventure of the Hora

You have likely seen the iconic moment when a bride and groom are raised into the air on chairs: that is the Hora. This lively circle dance of Balkan and Eastern European origin became a beloved tradition at Jewish weddings and celebrations, and has also been embraced by couples and guests who love its energy.

For me, photographing the Hora can feel a little like covering a sporting event: fast-moving, unpredictable, and occasionally a battle to get the shot. As guests circle, dance, and move in every direction, the bride and groom—and sometimes close family members—are lifted high in chairs to celebrate.

It is joyful, raucous, and full of motion. I have been bumped, stepped on, pushed, and nearly had camera gear knocked from my hands while trying to capture it all. But it is always a moment people look forward to, and one that so many guests love joining—which is exactly what makes it so special.

What’s in a Toast?

À votre santé.‍ ‍Salute. Salud. Zum Wohl. Skål. Cheers.

What’s in a Toast?

The toast is more than a speech. In ancient Greece and Rome, hosts would raise a cup and drink first to prove it wasn’t poisoned — a simple act of trust. Over time, that gesture became ritual. Glasses clinked to unite spirits. In medieval England, spiced toast floated in wine, giving the tradition its name.

The fear eventually left. The celebrating remained.

It is an honoring.

At a wedding reception, that ritual unites. A glass rises. The room quiets. Someone stands and speaks a name with care.

From behind the lens, I watch more than the speaker — I watch the listeners. Hands finding each other. A parent holding steady. A table leaning in.

The toast is more than a speech.
It’s a public act of recognition.