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5 of Our Favorites: Chicago Jewish Weddings Guaranteed to Wow

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Leah and Scott‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Jamie & Eric Photography

Welcome back to “5 of Our Favorites,” where we highlight five stunning Jewish weddings each week, all centered around a special theme. This week, we’re heading to the Windy City to showcase some seriously awesome Chicago Jewish weddings. 

Chicago is a city that effortlessly blends history, innovation, and style, making it the perfect backdrop for truly unforgettable Jewish weddings. From chic urban venues with stunning skyline views to elegant ballrooms and secluded gardens, Chicago offers endless possibilities for creating a truly smashing Jewish wedding.

We can’t wait to share these stunning Chicago celebrations with you and offer some fabulous ideas for your own big day!

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Ranana and Binyamin‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Eliana Melmed Photography 

Ranana and Binyamin’s Egalitarian Orthodox Jewish Wedding Filled with Personal Touches at the Chicago History Museum, Chicago, Illinois

We just love it when a couple really makes their Jewish wedding their own – and that’s exactly what Chicagoans Ranana and Binyamin did.

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Ranana and Binyamin‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Eliana Melmed Photography 

They chose the Chicago History Museum as their venue, in honor of their shared love of  art and history, and artistic bride Ranana designed the invitations herself – taking inspiration from the Frank Lloyd Wright window in the room where the chuppah took place. She also did her own ketubah art, featuring night and day water scenes inspired by Chicago’s Lake Michigan.

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Ranana and Binyamin‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Eliana Melmed Photography 

The couple’s photographer, the spectacular Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Eliana Melmed Photography, captured the day so perfectly. In Ranana’s words,

We knew Eliana from our synagogue community and when we met with her about our wedding we knew we wanted to hire her because she was someone we could imagine spending hours with on the day of our wedding, having fun. Also we knew she would 100% understand what was going on in our very traditional, very feminist Jewish wedding, which was not something we could take for granted with our other (mostly non-Jewish) vendors. Not to mention her photography is beautiful – colorful, joyous, true to life. She was the best! (Ranana’s dad is still raving about how well she handled our big family during the torrential downpour that happened the day of our wedding.) 

 

Leah and Scott‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Jamie & Eric Photography

Leah and Scott’s Windy City-Themed Jewish Wedding at The Shapiro Ballroom, Chicago Illinois

The beautiful Jewish wedding of STG Brides Club member Leah to Scott might just feature the coolest venue story we’ve EVER heard.

Leah and Scott‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Jamie & Eric Photography

You see, back in the ‘60s, Leah’s grandfather owned a movie theater in Chicago, The Alvin – it’s such a big part of the bride’s family’s story that her father was even named Alvin in its honor! After many years of abandonment, just a few years ago the theater was finally renovated and turned into… wait for it… a wedding venue, The Shapiro Ballroom! What more perfect place for these two to wed – especially given that they themed their big day around their love for their home city of Chicago?

Leah and Scott‘s Chicago Jewish Wedding | Photo by Jamie & Eric Photography

Leah and Scott chose their favorite landmarks for photos, including The Chicago Theater, The Bean, & The Art Institute. All of their table numbers were different Chicago landmarks and their guest book was a Chicago Wooden Flag to hang in their home.

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A Suzanne Neville Bride for a Timelessly Classic Jewish Wedding in Tuscany at Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy

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Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy

There’s nothing like a Tuscan wedding – between the gorgeous scenery, the brilliant sunshine, and, of course, the food, there’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destination spots for STG couples. And Katie, who works in PR for interior and lifestyle brands, and Jamie, who works in sales, had a truly unforgettable Tuscan Jewish wedding.

We were so thrilled to hear that they found their wonderful venue, Villa Oliva, right here on Smashing The Glass – and it’s easy to see why they fell in love with the verdant grounds at first sight.

Katie and Jamie’s photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Alessandro Colle, and videographer, Alte Vedute, “went above and beyond, and they captured every single moment possible! We trusted them and were happy to follow their lead, and we’re thrilled with the results!”

Read on for all the details of this magical day in the bride’s own words…

 Professions / notes for Emily –

Jamie works in sales, whereas i work in PR for interior and lifestyle brands.

  Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy

How We Met

Katie, the bride: We first met when we were 16 on an Israel tour! We became best friends, and over time, we ended up becoming boyfriend and girlfriend. 10 years later, Jamie proposed!

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New to Smashing The Glass for June ‘25

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Photo by Christian Gideon Photography 

Here at  Smashing The Glass, we’re constantly thrilled to bring together the best wedding professionals who understand the unique needs of Jewish and Jew-ish couples. This past month, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming some incredible new Recommended Vendors to our community, and we can’t wait for you to get to know them! 

10 x 15 Structures | UK and Worldwide  

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and memorable backdrop for your wedding, we love Ten by Fifteen’s stretch tents. Providing a luxurious, adaptable space, they’re ideal for weddings with multiple elements and a dynamic flow. Their elegant architectural design create a seamless environment for ceremonies, receptions, and dancing, with the flexibility to tailor the layout to each moment of the celebration.

The structures work beautifully in any setting, offering an open, light-filled space in summer or a warm, enclosed atmosphere when needed, and the expert team delivers meticulous planning and flawless installation, ensuring every detail enhances the day.

0118 380 5580
team@10×15.com
https://www.10×15.com/
Instagram
Reading, UK: Creative House, Station Road, Theale, RG7 4PD
Available worldwide

The Couplers | Florence and Lecce, Italy

Italy is one of the most popular wedding destinations for STG couples, and it’s easy to see why. Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. And The Couplers do the absolute best job distilling it all into one special day. 

Being Jewish himself, founder Sandro is perfectly positioned to help couples from abroad celebrate their love of Italy while honoring their Jewish identity, every step of the way. 

Based between Florence and Lecce, The Couplers plan destination weddings across Italy for couples from around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic villa, a sunlit masseria, or a seaside ceremony, they’ll help you bring it to life—with intention, soul, and care. Sandro and his team work hand-in-hand with rabbis, kosher caterers, and trusted local partners to create weddings that are both meaningful and effortless.

Instagram 
Based in Florence and Lecce, Italy 
 
Join our Members Club and save 10% on wedding planning with The Couplers

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A Self Portrait Bride for a Jewish Wedding All about Chesed at Allerton Shul and Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England

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Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England

We’re in love with the theme Danielle, a vet, and Paul, an A+E consultant doctor, chose for their Jewish wedding. In the bride’s words, “The theme was chesed, loving kindness/thoughtfulness, as we wanted to throw a party to thank our friends and family for supporting us over the years as singles. We and they have waited a very long time for this day!” How beautiful is that?

And that’s just the start of the wonderful personal touches that made this wedding so special. Danielle and Paul chose not just one but two venues with serious significance: they had their chuppah at Allerton Shul, where the rabbi and rebbetzin who introduced them work, and for the reception they moved on to The Sefton Park Palm House, which Danielle’s father was instrumental in restoring – a glazier, he donated almost 4000 panes of glass for it!

When it came time to choose a photographer, Danielle and Paul went with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kate Swerdlow, and they can’t stop raving about how wonderful she was. In Danielle’s words,  “She took time to understand our situation, gave us some fantastic ideas, and pulled off all of our requests. We didn’t want photographers everywhere on the day, and somehow, although our guests barely noticed her, she captured thousands of incredibly beautiful moments alone. She is a truly talented professional, she knows a Jewish wedding inside and out, was a joy to work with, and our photos are completely stunning.”

Read on for the rest of the story in Danielle’s own words…

Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England

How We Met

Danielle, the bride: We were introduced by our Rebbetzin.

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5 of Our Favorites: Jewish Weddings with Dogs

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Rachel and Aaron‘s Dog-Friendly Wedding | Photo by Hello Blue Photo

Welcome back to “5 of Our Favorites,” where we highlight five stunning Jewish weddings each week, all centered around a special theme. This week, we’re all about weddings with dogs!

STG couples have come up with the cutest and most creative ways to incorporate their beloved pups into their special days – whether that means full-on participation, up to and including walking down the aisle, or simply taking some heirloom-level photos together and adding in sweet tributes throughout the wedding. 

We’re so excited to share these fabulous dog-freidnly weddings with you and inspire your own pet-friendly celebration!

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Jacqui and James‘ Wedding | Photo by Sarah Diller

Jacqui and James’ Barnyard Jewish Wedding at Red Gate Farms, Savannah, Georgia, USA

We love a good barn wedding. And a wedding with pets. AND a Jewish wedding where the couple goes the extra mile to personalize their ceremony. Put all those things together, and you’ve got one incredible day.

Jacqui and James‘ Wedding | Photo by Sarah Diller

Jacqui and James pulled off the perfect laid-back barn wedding – the bride wanted all the guests to feel “like they were hanging out in their own backyard.”

Jacqui and James‘ Wedding with Pets | Photo by Sarah Diller

And how cute is it that the couple got their beloved dogs in on the fun? We’re obsessed with the pics of the pair walking back down the aisle with their sweet pups in tow.

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Wendy and Nagesh‘s Wedding with Pets | Photo by Laurie Bailey

Wendy and Nagesh’s Dog-Forward Wedding at Bel Air Bay Club, Los Angeles, CA

Smashing The Glass Brides Club member Wendy and Nagesh incorporated the beloved dogs in their lives into their big day in the sweetest ways! 

The couple knew they wanted to include their pug, Shimi (named after the late Shimon Peres), in their day, so they hired Black Tie Pups to bring her to and from the venue for photos. 

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Wendy and Nagesh‘s Wedding with Pets | Photo by Laurie Bailey

Wendy and Bagesh included not only their own dog, Shimi, but also Wendy’s parents’ dog, Snoopy, who is a bit of a family mascot. They named their signature drinks after the pups and got cute signs from Etsy.

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Wendy and Nagesh‘s Wedding with Pets | Photo by Laurie Bailey

Even Wendy and Nagehs’s ketubah, custom designed by Etsy artist Jerise, featured a beach scene with an image of  the couple and Shimi!

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