Why are Shanna and Julian running away right after the ceremony?
After the ceremony, Shanna and Julian will spend their first moments as a married couple in complete privacy, alluding to the new intimacy in their relationship. Escorted by their dancing attendants and guests, they will walk from the chupah to the yichud room. (“Yichud” literally means “togetherness.”) Two witnesses will first ensure that there is no one in the room. Shanna will step in and then turn to welcome Julian into this symbolic bridal chamber. The witnesses will close the door and stand guard outside the room, emphasizing that a married couple’s privacy must be respected. For the nosy among you, the yichud room is really just a symbolic consummation of the marriage; Shanna and Julian will share a small meal and a few tender words, and that’s all.
