There is something so special and unique about the first year of marriage. No matter how long the couple has been together or how intertwined their lives may be, their wedding day marks a profound and tender turning point in their story. When a couple enters the chuppah, they are two people full of love and hope, but when they walk out hand in hand from beneath its canopy, something new exists in the world that never existed before. A new spiritual entity, a new force for good.
As the excitement and stress of wedding planning, gift registries, and seating charts fade away, the couple finally has a moment to simply enjoy day-to-day life together. It’s the perfect chance to look forward to the months to come, at the holidays they will spend together and the unique traditions that they may create in their new home.
Jewish tradition encourages this reflection and intentionality in many beautiful ways. For example, there is a lovely custom for the newlyweds to enjoy honey with their Shabbat challah every week for the first year of their marriage. Although this treat is usually saved for Rosh Hashanah, to set a sweet tone for the year to come, Jewish tradition encourages newlyweds to add sweetness to their shabbat table as a continuous celebration of their wedding. It’s a reminder that every day is an opportunity to set the tone for their future together, to infuse sweetness and celebration into the most mundane things.
This approach can sweeten every “first” year. Just as the honey sets the tone for a blessed year and a sweet life ahead, everyday moments can be opportunities to create beautiful and meaningful patterns. Perhaps a couple will make it a tradition to study a new Haggadah together each year before Passover, committing to bringing contemporary or unfamiliar perspectives to their holiday table discussion. Maybe it would be meaningful to begin singing a musical havdalah together at the close of every Shabbat, and ending the short prayer with a few intentions or blessings for the week ahead. There are so many ways to personalize these rituals, creating moments of peace and connection in ways that are as unique as the couple and every bit as sacred.
At Kolbo, we love connecting new couples with everything they need at this profound moment. We understand that a ketubah is not just a document; it is a symbol of love, values, and intention. That a tzedakah box is not just a stop for coins on the way to a good cause, but a presence in the home, encouraging selfless giving and tikkun olam. These objects are the starts of traditions, the cornerstones of homes built on Jewish values. That is why supporting couples as they plan their wedding and their home is some of the most meaningful and fulfilling work we do.
We know that planning a wedding can be a stressful undertaking, but Kolbo is here to give personalized guidance for everything from ketubah selection and personalization, to ordering kippot, to chuppah rentals. Our staff are trained to answer any questions customers may have. We want to make this very special time an easy process, and we feel privileged to get to help during such a significant milestone in the lives of our customers.
We are so pleased that you can now find Kolbo on The Knot, where engaged couples can find us for everything they need in the wedding planning process. Please help us get rolling by adding your own review to the page, if you prepared for your wedding at Kolbo and would like to share your experience!
