Question: Where in the Torah do we find an allusion to the Sheva Brachot (Seven Benedictions)?

Answer: When G‑d created Adam, "male and female He created them," the Torah says. He then blessed His new dual creation with a total of seven blessings (Genesis 1:28): "1) Be fruitful 2) and multiply, 3) fill the earth, 4) and conquer it. 5) Rule over the fish of the sea, 6) the birds of the sky 7) and every living thing that moves on the earth."

Blessed are You ... Who has created all things for His glory

Questions: What is the connection between this blessing and a wedding?

Answer: When Adam married Eve, G‑d demonstrated benevolent kindness; acting like a close friend who selflessly occupies himself with making sure that all the groom's needs are readily available. Similarly, the people gathered at the wedding who have come to create the appropriate ambiance for the special occasion are following in G‑d's footsteps. The gathering of people for this generous purpose furthers G‑d's glory — as does any deed that emulates G‑d — and prompts the recital of the blessing "Who has created everything for His glory."1

Since it is inspired by the gathering of the guests, the blessing should technically be recited as soon as they have all arrived, long before the chupah ceremony takes place. Nevertheless, the custom is to recite it under the chupah together with the other blessings recited over the cup of wine.2

Alternatively, the Talmud3 says that the reason Adam was created on eve of Shabbat, as the last of all creations, is so that he could enter the banquet (the finished world) immediately, and be able to enjoy everything without delay. Thus, the blessing is an expression of thanks to G‑d, Who created everything for his — man's — glory.

Since the Creation of man followed after the Creation of all things that man needs, we recite the blessing "Who formed Man" right after the blessing of  "Who created everything [man needs] for his [man's] glory."

Blessed are You ... Who formed Man

Question: Why is this blessing recited at the wedding; it should be recited at birth?

Answer: The Talmud4 says that there are three partners in the creation of man: G‑d, the father, and the mother.

At the time of Creation, G‑d said (Genesis 2:18), "It is not good that man should be alone, I will make for him a helper." With this He meant that the three partners which contributed to the creation of Adam, man, are insufficient; in order for him to be complete it is necessary for him to have a fourth partner, a wife. Thus, the creation of man reaches completion when the fourth partner arrives. Hence, it is most appropriate at the wedding to recite the blessing "Who formed Man," to thank G‑d for the completion of man's creation which is the main event of this gathering.

Alternatively, the Zohar5 says that until a person marries he is considered a "a half of a body" ("pelag gufa"). His life companion is actually his "other half" and when he marries her he becomes a complete person. Thus, this is the first time that the blessing of "Who formed [the complete] man," is appropriate.6

Grant abundant joy to these loving friends, as You bestowed gladness upon Your created being in the Garden of Eden of old.

Question: What happiness did G‑d cause Adam to experience?

Answer: According to an opinion expressed in the Talmud,7 Adam and Eve were created together as one being, back to back. G‑d afterwards separated them, and they became two individuals.

Strife and suffering occur when people "turn their backs" on each other and refuse to communicate. People experience happiness when they "see" each other face to face.

The blessing to the groom and bride is that throughout the years of their married life they should always communicate "face to face" and never "turn their backs" on each other.8

Question: What is intended by the emphasis of "in the Garden of Eden of old"?

Answer: Adam and Eve originally dwelled in the Garden of Eden, and were expelled when they sinned. "The Garden of Eden of old" means the joy Adam experienced before he sinned. Since the groom and bride are now pure of sin, we pray that throughout their life they remain that way and experience the unique joy that Adam had when he was in a pure sinless state.9