The Sound of Joy: Jewish Wedding at Cornell University | Savannah Photographer
‘The Sound of Joy’ by Destination Wedding Photographer Charles Maring
The Sound of Joy: Capturing a Defining Moment at a Cornell University Destination Wedding
As an International Award-Winning wedding photographer based in Savannah, GA, I’ve had the privilege of documenting love stories across the globe, earning the highest accolades in my field. From the sun-drenched beaches of Barbados to the historic charm of Tuscany Italy, I’ve witnessed countless moments of joy. But there’s something uniquely exhilarating about capturing a tradition as timeless as the breaking of the glass at a Jewish wedding—a moment I’ve come to call The Sound of Joy. This photograph, taken at a stunning destination wedding at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, encapsulates everything I live for as a wedding photojournalist: the anticipation, the emotion, and the fleeting second that tells a story for a lifetime.
This particular wedding held a special significance for the couple, who met as students at Cornell University. The campus, with its sprawling lawns and iconic architecture, was the perfect backdrop for their celebration—a place where their love story began and where they chose to say “I do.” As I arrived in Ithaca, I could feel the nostalgia in the air. The couple’s decision to return to their alma mater for their wedding day added a layer of intimacy to the event, and I knew I had to capture that sentiment in every frame.
The ceremony took place on a beautiful outdoor terrace at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, with the chuppah—a traditional Jewish wedding canopy—framed against a soft, late-afternoon sky. The couple stood beneath it, surrounded by family and friends, their hands clasped as they exchanged vows. I positioned myself carefully, my camera ready, knowing that the breaking of the glass was moments away. This ritual, a hallmark of Jewish weddings, symbolizes the fragility of relationships, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the joyous transition into married life. It’s a moment that demands precision—there’s no second take.
As an experienced wedding photographer, my instincts kicked in. I’ve shot hundreds of weddings, and I can sense when a defining moment is about to unfold. The groom lifted his foot, the crowd leaned in, and I adjusted my lens to capture the couple’s expressions—the bride’s radiant smile, the groom’s focused determination. The glass, wrapped in a cloth, sat on the ground beneath his polished shoe. I held my breath, my finger hovering over the shutter. Then, with a swift stomp, the glass shattered, and the terrace erupted in cheers of “Mazal Tov!” I pressed the shutter freezing the scene in time: the groom’s triumphant stance, the bride’s joyful laughter, and the guests’ elation as they celebrated the couple’s union.
This photograph, which I’ve titled The Sound of Joy, is more than just an image—it’s a story. The breaking of the glass is a fleeting second, but its significance resonates deeply. For the couple, it marked the culmination of their journey from Cornell students to lifelong partners. For me, it was a reminder of why I do what I do. There’s an unparalleled thrill in capturing these moments—the ones that happen in a blink but are remembered forever. The soft light filtering through the chuppah, the couple’s shared glance, the energy of the crowd—it all came together in this single frame.
Being based in Savannah, GA, I often travel for destination weddings, and each location brings its own magic. Cornell University, with its rich history and picturesque setting, was no exception. The couple’s choice to wed where they first met added a layer of meaning that I strove to reflect in my work. As I moved through the day, I documented the small details—the way the bride’s veil caught the breeze, the groom’s nervous smile before the ceremony, the way their hands fit perfectly together. But it was the breaking of the glass that stood out as the defining moment, the one that encapsulated the essence of their day.
For me, wedding photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving memories. It’s about anticipating the moments that matter most and being ready to capture them with authenticity and artistry. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft to do just that, earning international recognition for my ability to tell love stories through my lens. Whether I’m shooting in Savannah or halfway across the world, my goal remains the same: to create images that evoke emotion, that transport couples back to the joy of their wedding day every time they look at them.
The Sound of Joy is a testament to that mission. It’s a photograph that captures the heart of a Jewish wedding tradition, the love between a couple, and the magic of a destination wedding at Cornell University. It’s a reminder of the power of a single moment—and the honor of being the one to preserve it.
If you’re planning your own wedding, whether in Savannah, GA, or a destination that holds special meaning for you, I’d love to help you tell your story. Let’s create images that will make your heart sing every time you see them. Reach out today, and let’s start this journey together. Explore more beautiful wedding moments on our website.
