It is very easy to make the mistake of assuming that Jewish weddings are quite predictable and similar to one another. But Smashing The Glass‘s entire raison d’àªtre is to demonstrate how this is absolutely not the case.
Jewish traditions are templates, ready to have a couple’s unique and original personalities stamped onto them. Every Jewish or Jew-ish wedding we feature is a total one off — a unique celebration encompassing all of our couples’ quirks, tastes and influences.
To prove it, we’ve put together a list of ten incredible past STG couples (in no particular order) to illustrate exactly how they did things their way. The list we’ve chosen incorporates vastly different budgets, themes, cultures, sexual orientations and styles – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Prepare thyselves for a full on Pinning session, because there’s simply too much pretty (and creative ideas galore) to handle.
1. Danny and Aaron’s Jewish wedding, complete with an entrance on the back of a Jew-nicorn
Image: Maya Myers
When it came to doing things their way, Danny and Aaron went EPIC. They rode down the aisle to their chuppah atop a tallit-wearing horse dressed as a unicorn (or Jew-nicorn, as they dubbed it!) to the tune of Madonna’s Like a Virgin. What’s more Joss Stone (yes, the Joss Stone) undertook the role of cantor, singing Circle of Life as Danny and Aaron circled each other under the chuppah, and, if Joss Stone herself wasn’t enough, they also had a a 16-person-strong gospel choir.
> Read more about Danny and Aaron’s Jewish wedding here
2. Charlotte and Ellie’s industrial, Victoriana Jew-ish wedding
Image: Dale Weeks
Charlotte and Ellie’s same-sex Jew-ish big day had a dramatic and industrial meets romantic, dark florals theme, and took place at the iconic St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in London. Special touches included home-designed invitations, rust-coloured chairs, Victoriana table decorations and whole flower stems strewn down the aisle. ‘Sunrise, Sunset’ from Fiddler on the Roof signalled the start of their Jewish ceremony.
> Read more about Charlotte and Ellie’s Jew-ish wedding here
3. Sarah and Ben’s Muslim-Jewish wedding
Image: Joy Marie
Sarah and Ben’s Muslim-Jewish wedding was a vibrant fusion of culture, tradition and romance, incorporating the perfect balance of rituals from both of their respective backgrounds. They chose to have two wedding ceremonies back to back, so that they could honor all of their separate traditions, and still have one unified moment when they could walk out together as husband and wife.
> Read more about Sarah and Ben’s Jew-ish wedding here
4. Hannah and Raf’s colorful ‘English Country Garden’ Jewish wedding
Image: Marianne Chua
Hannah and Raf’s big day was bursting at the seams with color, fun and some very original ideas. We adored Hannah’s multi-coloured nails, the wild summer flowers dotted about, and a very original first dance. Additional adorable details included: homemade invitations designed by the bride, a klezmer version of The Final Countdown – and hundreds and thousands cake!
> Read more about Hannah and Raf’s Jewish wedding here
5. Jessie and Craig’s literary New York Jewish wedding
Image: Dave Robbins
Jessie and Craig’s wedding took place at the iconic New York Public Library. Their literary theme was one of the most well-executed wedding themes we’ve ever seen. Real-life librarians helped guests to find their seats, library cards were used as escort cards, and just look at that chuppah made entirely out of antique books! They were the envy of bookish couples the world over.
> Read more about Jessie and Craig’s Jewish wedding here
6. Kelly and Gavin’s South African boho Jewish wedding
Image: Shanna Jones
When confronted with a chuppah this astonishing, what else could we do other than show it off again and again? The divine design was adorned with fresh flowers and foliage, set against an awe-inspiring mountainous South African backdrop.
> Read more about Gavin and Kelly’s Jewish wedding here
7. Tania and Micael’s Tuscany-meets-Israel Jewish wedding
Image: Ilan Mor
We adored this impeccably designed, heavily floral wedding, which brought together the best of Tuscan and Israeli culture. Tania and Micael showed their guests the time of their lives by booking our amazing Recommended Vendor, Legend Band, from Caliente, and setting up a flower station, where guests were treated to custom-made flower bracelets and flower crowns!
> Read more about Tania and Micael’s Jewish wedding here
8. Yana and Archita’s multicultural lesbian Jewish-Hindu wedding
Image: M2 Photography
Yana and Archita seamlessly melded their loves, tastes and cultures together to create a unique day at art events space, Trust, Philadelphia. The wedding was a feat of artistic genius in itself. The two beautiful brides combined a colorful blend of Russian, Jewish, Hindu and Indian traditions against the ludicrously gorgeous, all-white, architectural splendor of a soaring 10,000 square foot, turn of the century building.
> Read more about Yana and Archita’s Jew-ish wedding here
9. Brooke and Boaz’s à¼ber creative, artistic Jewish wedding
Image: Stark Photography
Brooke and Boaz’s adorable dà©cor scheme was a veritable cartoon forest of illustrated animals, drawn by talented Brooke, including raccoon pin favors. “You’re never alone in a dress full of flies,” said beautiful bride, Brooke, of her stunning Needle & Thread dress – the quote of the century. Groom Boaz also looked every bit the part of the Indie movie leading man in his dapper green suit.
> Read more about Brook and Boaz’s Jewish wedding here
10. Missy and Yoni’s Jew-ish quirky, industrial wedding
Image: Babb Photo
What could be more unique than smashing a pià±ata instead of a glass? Or choosing a derelict, crumbling chapel for a Jew-ish ceremony venue? Oh, and Missy’s Vivienne Westwood glittery red shoes? Wowzers! Missy and Yoni’s big day was so cool, we wish we’d been invited to the hottest wedding in town. Additional details included a pià±ata for the smashing of the glass(!) and a colorful mariachi band.
> Read more about Missy and Yoni’s Jew-ish wedding here
How are you planning to make your big day unique? Have you seen any ideas that you just have to pin? Or even borrow for yourself? Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!
