What’s better than one beautiful bride? TWO beautiful brides, of course! Tessa and Ashley had the most incredibly heartfelt beach front Jewish wedding, and we are here for it!
This wedding was so full of wonderful personal touches – we love the fact that Ashley’s brother served as the officiant (and, naturally, delivered an incredibly moving speech), and we’re also obsessed with the couple’s gorgeous colorful ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Nava Shoham, which Tessa and Ashley now proudly display in their home!
And how special is it that, unbeknownst to each other, Tessa and Ashley both ended up selecting stunning fitted lace gowns from local boutique Calla Blanche! Now that’s a first look to remember!
We’ll let Ashley fill you in on the rest…
How we Met
Ashley: They say when you meet the right person, you know. Ironically, we actually grew up about 45 minutes from each other. Our high schools played soccer against each other and our lives overlapped in a few moves across the county in our college years. We found out we had the same groups of friends circles but we didn’t meet in person until three years ago living in Florida through a mutual friend who planned for us to go as a friend group to the Katy Perry concert.
Beachfront Venue
Our wedding was the Harbour House Oceanfront Venue on Indian Harbour Shores, Florida. We actually had put a deposit on a different venue but it didn’t have the ocean view and after a review of our budget and guest list we researched and found the perfect beach front private property! An all inclusive space to get ready, hold the ceremony and reception, and dance the night away!
Brides in Lace
I had originally planned and tried on my mom’s wedding dress. She passed away in 1995 when I was 11 years old my dad kept her dress preserved the whole time. But after trying it on I couldn’t bring myself to make any cuts and alterations into her gown. So I made a few appointments at local boutiques and found a dress that fit my dreams. Little did I know, Tessa ALSO picked out a dress there and surprised me at our first look … in a gorgeous fitted lace wedding gown. Our first look was full of beautiful surprises!
Bridesmaids
Our bridal party was small – 4 friends with over a decade of memories and 2 family members. Each of them wore a shade of blue to accent the beach colors of our outdoor ceremony.
Ceremony
Our ceremony felt like something out of a dream. My brother was our officiant and wrote the most beautiful, heartfelt speech. I remember him saying the week before, after pestering him with questions that everything would be perfect – something to make you laugh and something to make you cry.
A Colorful Ketubah
After searching online for what felt like months I came across a custom designer on Etsy, Nava Shoham. She offered a custom Ketubah to sign and display in our new home.
Our Music Choice
We’ve always been lovers of music and concerts. One of our favorite bands, AJR, seemed to always be playing and put us in a happy dancing mood. We ended up blending the ‘Burn the House’ down song with Day + Shay ‘Speechless’ for our first dance and to get our party started.
ASHLEY & TESS’ LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Amanda Stratford Photography
Videography – TLC Film Productions
Ketubah – Nava Shoham – 1-800-Ketubah
Wedding planners – Brooke Queen & Alex Shaleen at Harbour House Oceanfront Venue
Venue – Harbour House Oceanfront Venue
Dresses – Calla Blanche
Hair + Makeup – The 911 Stylist
Flowers – Amanda Nelson
Entertainment – DJ Lajon Entertainment
Catering & Bar – Executive Catering
Cake – Linda at Cakes So Simple
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
