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Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s wedding

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Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s wedding

Click this link to see all her Naava and Ariel’s wedding pictures.

As a wedding photographer with many years of experience, my primary goal has always been to capture the beauty, essence, and unique aspects of each special day. This commitment is especially important when it comes to significant cultural and religious moments, such as those in a Jewish Orthodox wedding.

Recently, I received feedback from a client, Naava Feingold, who felt that several key moments of her wedding to Ariel Spivack were missed in the photography. Understanding the importance of these events and the sentimental value they hold, I immediately took steps to address her concerns.

Addressing the Concerns

After reviewing the photography from Naava and Ariel’s wedding, I found that all of the moments she believed were missed had indeed been captured. This includes the cherished traditions and rituals that are central to a Jewish Orthodox wedding. My dedication to providing thorough coverage ensured that these significant moments were preserved in photos.

In addition to these key moments, the collection also includes many artistic and creative images that capture the joy and spirit of the day.

The Importance of Communication and Resolution

When I receive feedback indicating that a client’s expectations were not met, I take it very seriously. Here are the steps I take to ensure that every client is happy with their wedding photography:

  1. Immediate Review: I promptly review the feedback and the photos to understand the client’s concerns.
  2. Open Communication: I reach out to the client to discuss the issues and reassure them that their special moments have been captured.
  3. Presentation of Work: I provide the client with a comprehensive collection of images, including those they were concerned about.
  4. Ensuring Satisfaction: I work closely with the client to address any additional needs or preferences they might have, ensuring their absolute satisfaction.

Showcasing Naava and Ariel’s Wedding

To demonstrate my commitment to capturing every precious moment, I am sharing a selection of images from Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s wedding. These photos highlight the beauty and significance of their special day, showcasing the moments that matter most to them.

Below is the review I received from Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack.  I have addressed her review with actual pictures which I have taken at her wedding.   Her review is included in green text. 

A Moment of Beauty Before Tradition In this candid moment, here Jeff Kolodny  captured Naava Feingold as she leaves the makeup room to take her seat at her Bedeken ceremony—a significant and emotional part of her wedding day. The Bedeken, a traditional Jewish ceremony where the groom veils the bride, is a cherished ritual that dates back centuries. It symbolizes modesty, respect, and the deep connection between the bride and groom.  Due to the South Florida heat, with temperatures soaring above between 85°F & 90°F,  Naava faced a unique challenge. To ensure she looked her best, she spent most of her pre-ceremony time in the makeup room, where her makeup needed continuous touch-ups.  The heat was relentless, but so was Naava’s determination to step out looking radiant for her special moment.  With the help of Jeff Kolodny extensive photoshop retouching she looks nice in this picture.   See the before and after pictures later While Naava was in the makeup room, her groom was in another space, praying and signing the Ketubah, the Jewish marriage contract. This document is not just a formality; it is a sacred promise of love and commitment, underscoring the seriousness and sanctity of the marriage. Meanwhile, many of their guests enjoyed the pre-ceremony cocktail hour in the adjacent room, eagerly awaiting the Bedeken ceremony. This photo perfectly encapsulates the juxtaposition of modern beauty routines and timeless tradition. Naava’s serene expression and elegant attire reflect her readiness to meet her groom, even after the hustle and bustle of makeup reapplications. Her calm demeanor suggests a sense of peace and joy, knowing that she is about to partake in a ritual that has united couples for generations. To our Jewish wedding guests, those familiar with Orthodox traditions, and brides-to-be, this image is a reminder of the beauty in every moment—whether it’s the touch of a makeup brush or the heartfelt prayers of a groom. Naava’s journey to the Bedeken was filled with love, patience, and an unwavering commitment to honor tradition, making her wedding day truly unforgettable.
Breaking of the plate at a Jewish Orthodox wedding.
In this unforgettable moment, we see Naava Feingold’s mother and Ariel Spivack’s mother participating in the cherished Jewish tradition of breaking a plate during the Tish part of their Orthodox wedding. The plate, carefully wrapped and placed in a paper bag, represents the irreversible nature of marriage. This act symbolizes the finality and commitment of the union, underscoring the profound significance of the vows exchanged. The breaking of the plate is more than just a ritual; it’s a powerful reminder of the unbreakable bond being formed. While this tradition is often carried out with a decorative hammer, Naava and Ariel’s families opted for a simpler approach, using a paper bag to enclose the plate. The image captures the essence of this heartfelt celebration, where every detail is steeped in history and meaning. Friends and family gathered to witness this special moment, their hearts filled with joy and anticipation for the couple’s future. The sound of the plate breaking was met with cheers and expressions of love, setting the tone for a wedding day brimming with tradition and familial bonds. Naava and Ariel’s wedding was a beautiful blend of customs and personal touches, reflecting their deep respect for their heritage. The breaking of the plate serves as a poignant symbol of the new chapter they are beginning together. Surrounded by loved ones, they embraced these traditions, making their wedding day not only a celebration of their love but also a tribute to the values and rituals that have shaped their lives. This picture is a testament to the rich tapestry of cultural practices that define Naava and Ariel’s union. It stands as a beautiful reminder of the importance of honoring our roots while creating new memories. To all friends and family of Naava and Ariel, this moment is for you—an emblem of the love and commitment that will guide this couple through their married life. #NaavaAndAriel #JewishWedding #FamilyTraditions #UnbreakableBond
Broken Plate at a Jewish Orthodox wedding
When traditions break boundaries—literally! 🥂✨ The smashed wedding plate symbolizes the beautiful union of two families. Love and unity in every shard. #WeddingTraditions #UnitingFamilies

We must express our disappointment with our experience working with Jeff Kolodny Photography. Despite the positive reviews highlighting Jeff’s organizational skills and creative eye, unfortunately, our own encounter did not align with these expectations. From the beginning of our special day, it was evident that Jeff lacked the organization mentioned in reviews. At our wedding, he seemed scattered and disorganized, running around in a manner that was, frankly, chaotic. This was particularly challenging given the inherent discombobulation that comes with being a bride and groom on their wedding day; his stress added to the bride and groom’s stress exponentially. His lack of organization was overwhelming and added unnecessary stress to an already hectic day. One of the significant letdowns was Jeff’s claim of having extensive experience with Orthodox Jewish weddings.

Below are links to other pictures from Orthodox Jewish weddings which I have photographed.

Rabbi reading from the Ketubah,   Bridal portrait taken at an Orthodox wedding.  Another portrait of the beautiful bride.

Bride and Groom at a Jewish Orthodox Wedding.   Bridal Portrait   Bride and Groom kissing at Vizcaya.    Fun Bridal Photo 

Romantic bride and groom picture taken at a Jewish Orthodox Wedding.   Bride and Groom after their Orthodox wedding 

Pictures from a Jewish Orthodox Ceremony.   Bride and Groom at a Jewish wedding in Delray Beach.

Regrettably, this proved to be untrue. ‘Please click the links above to see some pictures from my extensive experience with Orthodox Jewish weddings.”     It became apparent within the first hour that he was ill-prepared for the unique aspects of such
ceremonies. Not having a second shooter dedicated to the bride’s photos, but instead who following Jeff around, resulted in
considerable delays, leaving the bride and groom waiting on Jeff at various points during the day. Equally disheartening was the omission of crucial religious moments from the photographs, including the bedekken, individual blessings under the chuppah, and each person walking down the aisle & the Bride’s mom helping her into her dress, 

How Naava can make this statement makes no sense to me.  Below you can clearly see a collection of pictures taken during Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack bedekken ceremony.  Also below are pictures of the seven individual blessings under the chuppah as well as each person walking down the aisle and her mother and sister helping her get into her bridal gown.

Below are some pictures from Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s bedekken.  Check out her entire wedding gallery here to see her entire bedekken section. 

Groom's face when he sees his bride at the bedekken
When Ariel Spivack saw his bride for the first time during the bedekken, his face lit up with pure joy and love. Surrounded by a wave of excitement as he was carried by his groomsmen and guests, this moment captures the heart and soul of their Jewish Orthodox wedding. Just look at his expression—it’s a beautiful mix of happiness, romance, and sheer wonder. #BedekkenJoy #Bedekken #JewishOrthodoxWedding #NaavaFeingoldAndArielSpivack #BedekkenCeremonyAtAJewishWedding
Wedding Bedekken
In the heart of a Jewish Orthodox wedding, the bedekken ceremony stands as a poignant and meaningful tradition. The moment captured here is when the groom approaches his bride to veil her face, signifying his approval and recognition of her as his chosen partner. This act, steeped in historical significance, goes back to ancient times when a father switched his daughters in a bid to marry off his elder daughter first. Since then, the groom himself veils his bride, ensuring no such mix-up occurs. This beautiful blend of fun and emotion represents the deep-rooted history and faith that continues to thrive within our community. It’s a touching reminder of our traditions and the lengths our ancestors went to ensure love and commitment were honored correctly. To all the couples, families, and guests witnessing this cherished moment, may it bring you closer to the heritage that binds us together. 💍✨
Capturing the Magic of Naava and Ariel’s Badeken Ceremony  –  The Badeken ceremony is a whirlwind of emotion, tradition, and pure joy. For Jewish Orthodox wedding photographers like myself, it offers both a challenge and an exhilarating opportunity to capture the essence of these moments.  In this photo collage from Naava and Ariel’s wedding, we see a narrative that’s both deeply personal and universally relatable to those familiar with Jewish traditions. The Groom Approaching His Future Bride One of the candid moments captured here is Ariel, the groom, making his way toward Naava. The anticipation is palpable, not just for the couple but for everyone present. Friends and family gather around, eager to witness this sacred moment. The energy in the room is electric, filled with love, excitement, and a touch of nervousness. The groom’s eyes, focused solely on his bride, reflect a myriad of emotions—love, respect, and the solemnity of the occasion. The Grandfather’s Blessing One of the most touching photos is of Naava’s grandfather blessing her. This is more than just a ritual; it’s a passing of traditions and blessings from one generation to another. The elder’s hands, gently placed on his granddaughter’s head, are a testament to the lineage and the enduring faith that binds them. His eyes, often misty with emotion, convey a lifetime of wisdom and prayers for her future. This moment is a beautiful blend of reverence and familial love. The Bride Dancing with Her Mother and Guests Next, we see Naava dancing with her mother and other guests. This is a moment of pure joy and celebration, a time when all the formalities take a back seat, and the happiness of the occasion takes center stage. The smiles, the laughter, and the dance steps create a rhythm that everyone willingly follows. It’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the communal joy of a Jewish wedding, where everyone—family and friends alike—joins in the celebration. The Groom Veiling His Bride One of the most critical moments of the Badeken is when Ariel, the groom, places the veil over Naava’s face. This act, rich with symbolism, signifies his commitment to protect and cherish her. Capturing this moment is no small feat for a photographer, given the throng of well-wishers and the emotional intensity. Yet, in this collage, we see it beautifully frozen in time. Both faces are visible, showing the intimate connection between the two amid the surrounding chaos. The Challenge and Joy of Photographing the Badeken Photographing a Badeken ceremony is both a thrill and a challenge. The bride, seated in a grand chair, is flanked by her mother and the groom’s mother, with a crowd of guests lined up to offer their blessings. Suddenly, the groom is ushered in, and the atmosphere shifts from serene to exhilarating. Everyone pushes forward, eager to bless the bride or capture the moment on their own devices. It’s chaotic, physically demanding, and tight on space—but it’s also an environment that any Jewish Orthodox wedding photographer thrives in. The goal is to capture the groom placing the veil over the bride’s face in such a way that both of their expressions are visible. It’s a delicate balancing act of positioning, timing, and a bit of luck. The result, however, is worth every bit of effort. These photos become cherished memories, encapsulating a moment that’s as sacred as it is joyful. The Essence of Jewish Orthodox Weddings The Badeken is a hotbed of activity, fury, fun, emotion, and Jewish ritual. It’s a crucial part of a Jewish Orthodox wedding, embodying the rich tapestry of traditions and the deep emotional connections that define such ceremonies. For the Jewish community, these moments are more than just rituals; they are expressions of faith, love, and communal joy. For wedding photographers, especially those specializing in Jewish Orthodox weddings, capturing these moments is both an honor and a responsibility. It’s about more than just taking pictures; it’s about freezing moments in time that families will look back on for generations.  From the groom’s approach to the grandfather’s blessing, the joyous dancing, and the critical moment of veiling, this collage beautifully tells the story of Naava and Ariel’s Badeken ceremony. It’s a testament to the power of tradition, the depth of familial bonds, and the joy that comes with celebrating love in its purest form. If you’re a wedding photographer looking to hone your skills or a member of the Jewish community who cherishes these traditions, understanding the intricacies of the Bedeken can enrich your appreciation and approach to these sacred moments. Here’s to capturing many more beautiful ceremonies, each unique and deeply meaningful in its way.

Below are the pictures of each person walking down the aisle captured by Jeff Kolodny.  How Naava can make this statement makes no sense. 

Down the aisle at Naava’s wedding
Down the Aisle at Naava Feingold’s wedding
More pictures of bridal party walking down the aisle.
Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack walking down the aisle at their Jewish Orthodox Wedding

At a Modern Orthodox Jewish wedding, there are separate events for the Bride and Groom happening concurrently, and by having a shooter who trailed after Jeff rather than one who separated from him,

Under the chuppah, surrounded by love and tradition, our family and friends blessed us with the Sheva Brachot. Each blessing a cherished gift, marking the beginning of our life’s journey together.  As you can see, I was able to photograph each of the seven individuals reading their portion of the orthodox wedding ceremony. 🌸✨ #JewishWedding #ShevaBrachot #WeddingMoments

 Jeff missed some incredibly important moments. Additionally, standard wedding photos were missed, such as the entrance of the bride and groom into the party room,    Really?  Note the pictures of Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack walking into the party room.

Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s entrance of the bride and groom into the party room
Bride’s mom helping her into her dress

group shots with bridesmaids and groomsmen, and family photos. Despite forewarning about the complexities of the groom’s family structure, the photos lacked the desired coverage of three distinct family units. The absence of creativity in the shots, a quality we specifically sought when choosing Jeff, further compounded our disappointment.

Below are some creative shots from Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s wedding.

We expected a level of artistry and innovation, as reflected in his Instagram and website, but the delivered results fell significantly short of these expectations. The most distressing aspect of this experience is the realization that some of the most crucial moments of our special day are not captured in the photographs. We entrusted Jeff to immortalize memories that we can never recreate, and the outcome has left us feeling deeply saddened and let down. We cannot recommend Jeff Kolodny Photography, and we sincerely caution others considering his services to explore alternative options.

CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE ALL OF NAAVA FEINGOLD AND ARIEL SPIVACK’S WEDDING PICTURES.

Creativity and artistry are at the heart of my work, and I strive to reflect these qualities in every photo I take. It is disappointing to learn that you felt the artistry in your pictures did not match the level displayed on my website. I understand how crucial it is for wedding photos to capture the essence and beauty of the day, and I sincerely regret that you felt this was not achieved.

Regarding the missing required and posed pictures, I always aim to capture a comprehensive set of photos that cover the key moments and family members as specified by the bride and groom. During the posed photo sessions, I make it a point to ask the bride, groom, parents, and wedding party for any specific shots they would like to include. However, as you mentioned, without a detailed photo list, it can be challenging to ensure every desired combination is captured. The vast number of possible photo combinations at a wedding makes it impossible to know all family members and their desired poses without prior guidance.

Every wedding is unique, and my goal is to tailor my approach to meet the specific wishes of the couple. Some couples prioritize candid, photojournalistic shots, while others may prefer a focus on family portraits. I always try to understand these preferences in advance and, when there are extensive family requests, I ask for a detailed list to ensure no important shots are missed.

Unfortunately, we did not receive such a list from you and Ariel, which may have contributed to the oversight of certain photos. I understand how frustrating this must be, and I deeply apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

I am committed to continually improving my services and ensuring that every client’s vision is fully realized. If there is anything more I can do to address your concerns or make amends, please do not hesitate to reach out.

The fact that Naava Feingold spent so much time having her face makeup re-done over and over seriously diminished the amount of time I had available to photograph her.

Navigating Wedding Photography Challenges: Naava & Ariel’s Big Day

Weddings are a whirlwind of love, joy, and celebration, but they can also come with their fair share of challenges. For Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack, their special day was memorable not only for their union but also for the unexpected obstacles they had to overcome—heat, humidity, and some bad planning.

The wedding day was marked by extreme weather conditions. The temperature soared, and heavy rain showers were on and off throughout the day. While the venue’s grounds were picturesque, the weather made it nearly impossible to take photos outside without running into issues.  The very second Naava stepped outside, sweat began to drip from her face, creating a continuous challenge for capturing those perfect wedding moments. Inside the venue, things were not much better. The florist and catering staff were busy setting up for the indoor Jewish wedding bedekken and an elaborate cocktail hour with various food stations. This chaotic setup left little room for taking family photos.

The indoor space was bustling with activity as the florist and catering staff prepared for the bedekken and the cocktail hour. Various food stations were scattered throughout the indoor space, leaving limited room for taking family posed pictures. This added complexity meant that every time the sun peeked out and we decided to venture outside, Naava’s makeup had to be reapplied, delaying the photography process.

Outdoor Ceremony in the rain and heat Under the Tent!

The wedding ceremony was set up on the venue’s patio under a tent. To keep the wedding guests comfortable, large commercial fans were brought in. Despite these efforts, the heat persisted, and Naava’s makeup required multiple touch-ups. This continuous reapplication of makeup held up all the posed wedding photography sessions.

Despite these challenges, the wedding was beautiful. However, almost all  of the Naava Feingold’s photos had to be retouched to remove the shine and sweat from her face. The retouching process was time-consuming and I spent countless hours retouching her wedding pictures.  When it comes to retouching there is no end to the amount of time that can be spent removing shine, sweat, thinning arms, removing double chins.  At some point you have to stop.

Before and After Retouched Photos

Check out Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s before and after retouched pictures to see the difference professional retouching can make.

Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s wedding is a testament to the unpredictable nature of weddings and the importance of being prepared for any situation.

The Challenge of Weather at Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s Wedding

Naava and Ariel chose Boca Grove Country Club as their wedding venue, a location known for its stunning outdoor scenery but limited indoor space. The grounds are ideal for picturesque outdoor photos, yet the venue lacks a large ballroom or fancy lobby area, which can pose challenges for large weddings, particularly Orthodox Jewish ceremonies.

On the day of the wedding, the weather was hot and rainy, a common occurrence in South Florida during June. Once Naava’s makeup was complete, it was time for the first look. However, the heavy rain began just as we stepped outside, and the humidity caused sweat to pour down Naava’s face, leading to a makeup redo and cutting back on the time available for post-ceremony photos.

Schedule Time for Touch-Ups

Humidity and rain can wreak havoc on makeup and hair. Make sure to schedule extra time for touch-ups, especially after outdoor shoots. Having a makeup artist on standby can make all the difference in maintaining the bride and bridal party’s flawless look throughout the day.

Response to Potential Clients Regarding Naava Feingold’s Review

I would like to address the concerns raised by Naava Feingold in her recent review of my wedding photography services. It truly pains me that Naava is unhappy with the photos from her special day. I understand how important these memories are, and it is always my goal to capture every moment beautifully and accurately.

With over 30 years of experience photographing weddings, including Jewish Orthodox ceremonies, I have always strived to pay close attention to detail. I make it a practice to consult with the bride, groom, and their families to ensure I am aware of specific moments and combinations of pictures they wish to have captured.

Upon reading Naava’s review, I reached out to her immediately to discuss her concerns and find a resolution. Despite attempting several times to communicate and rectify the situation, Naava expressed that there was nothing more that could be done. Feeling deeply for her disappointment, I re-processed her entire wedding album and provided extra retouching to ensure the photos looked their absolute best.

To demonstrate my commitment to quality and transparency, I have posted all of Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s wedding photos on my online gallery for you to view. There is no password needed, so you can freely access the gallery by clicking this link to see all the pictures taken on that day.

It’s important to note that the weather conditions on the day of the wedding posed significant challenges. The ceremony took place outdoors under a tent during intermittent heavy rain and high temperatures, which added to the complexities of capturing each moment perfectly.

An Open Letter in Response to Naava Feingold and Ariel Spivack’s Review

CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE ALL OF NAAVA FEINGOLD AND ARIEL SPIVACK’S WEDDING PICTURES.

Firstly, I want to express my genuine regret for Naava’s dissatisfaction with her wedding photos. My goal as a photographer has always been to capture the beauty and emotion of such significant moments, and it is disheartening to hear when a client is not fully pleased with the results.

Naava’s wedding day was undeniably challenging, with high temperatures and unexpected rain impacting the outdoor ceremony. Despite these adversities, I strived to deliver the highest quality service I could, adjusting and adapting to the conditions presented. Throughout the day, I frequently checked with Naava, her family, and the wedding party to ensure that all desired captures were made. It was essential to me to meet their expectations in the chaotic, changing environment.

Upon delivery of the initial photos, a considerable amount of retouching was performed to manage the effects of the weather conditions, such as sweat and shine. This retouching was done with precision and care, aiming to preserve the natural elegance of the day’s events, while acknowledging the realities posed by the weather.

It’s worth noting that many months after receiving her photos, Naava inquired about album pricing. This inquiry suggested satisfaction at the time, which is why her review, written a year and a half later, came as an unexpected and upsetting surprise. It raises the question of why anyone would seek an album if deeply dissatisfied with the photos.

This situation has made me reflect deeply on my business practices and communication with clients. It is always my intention to ensure that clients are satisfied and feel heard, even after the delivery of services. If there was a misunderstanding or misalignment of expectations, I wish it had been communicated sooner so that adjustments could have been made.

To those considering my services or reading this review, I invite you to look at Naava and Ariel’s complete wedding gallery here:   CLICK THIS LINK TO SEE ALL OF NAAVA FEINGOLD AND ARIEL SPIVACK’S WEDDING PICTURES.  Observe the effort put into capturing each moment and the extensive retouching made to improve the final images despite challenging conditions. Consider the timeline and context of this review, and ask whether it reflects a fair account of my service.

I also recognize that every client is entitled to their opinion and expression of their experiences. I respect Naava’s feelings, even if they are difficult for me to hear. My hope is to use this feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow, ensuring that future clients are delighted with their photos and the entire experience.

In closing, I would like to extend my willingness to any current or potential clients to discuss my services openly. I value every opportunity to provide cherished memories through photography and commit to maintaining integrity and transparency in all my professional interactions.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my perspective.

Warm regards,

Jeff

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