While we adore ALL the wonderful Jewish weddings we feature here on STG, for our last post of the year we always try to select something with that little bit of extra wow factor. And if we say so ourselves, we’ve outdone ourselves with our ’22 pick. The fabulous South African Jewish wedding of Shari, who works in marketing and media, and Gavin, a musician, is truly one for the books.
First off the flowers… there really isn’t much we can say beyond WOW. From the Amalfi Coast-inspired floral chuppah to the artfully curated tabletops to the hanging arrangements – all we can say is do yourself a favor and scroll through the exquisite images by Shanna Jones Photography ASAP!
Just as stunning was Shari’s Berta gown. She knew “Demi” was the one for her the moment she set eyes on it, and purchased her dream dress from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Wedding Club in London, “who were absolutely incredible in organising it despite the distance from South Africa”!
We also love that Shari and Gavin opted to wed in a venue with Jewish history: dating back to 1903, Villa Arcadia was the first Jewish orphanage in South Africa, and it was instrumental in homing war orphans from Eastern Europe.
There’s so much more to say about this wonderful day – how sweet is it that the couple’s corgi, Nika, served as their flower girl?! – but we’ll let the bride take it from here…
How we Met
Shari, the bride: We met very unexpectedly through mutual friends who were dating, we both went to his house with very low expectations. The only reason they thought to set us up was because Gavin was tall enough for me!
A Venue with Jewish History
Villa Arcadia was our venue. This is a very special venue as it was the first Jewish orphanage in South Africa. Opening in 1903, it was instrumental in homing war orphans from Eastern Europe.
It has since been bought by Hollard, an insurance company, and is a very exclusive wedding venue reserved only for couples who are a relation of an Arcadia orphan or an executive at Hollard. We had neither!
However, Gavin has a specialty in teaching drums to children with special needs. He has connected with a special needs student over the years who he has taken for meals and had over at our home for takeouts many times (completely unaware of who his father was!). It turned out that this boy’s dad was a director and was happy to pull some strings for us as a small way of saying thank you for the difference Gavin has made in his child’s life.
Mediterranean Vibes
A very special place in our hearts is Positano on the Amalfi Coast, where some of our fondest memories with family were created. We wanted our wedding to reflect this Mediterranean feel.
Our wedding planners, Kraak, understood our vision and took it to the next level, beyond our wildest dreams.
A Berta Dress
I had seen a picture of this Berta dress called Demi and immediately knew it was “the one” before even trying it on. I purchased it from The Wedding Club in London who were absolutely incredible in organising it despite the distance from South Africa!
Ceremony and Chuppah
We really wanted our Corgi, Nika, to be a part of it. She was a flower girl and walked down the aisle. We never in a million years expected her to lie at our feet throughout the whole ceremony on her own accord!
Our Music Choice
The Chupa Band did the chupa and horas. Our singer was Matthew Mole – an incredible South African singer, with millions of streams and YouTube views, known for his romantic songs. Our DJ was Jevan Binder.
Flowers
Our flowers were by the famous Heike Hayward – words can’t do justice, neither can the pictures really!
Advice to other couples planning their wedding
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Take in every moment. Stop and look around, take a deep breath and take a mental picture. The night passes so fast and you won’t believe how time flies.
It’s okay to be selfish, greet your guests but keep it brief. It’s YOUR night. Enjoy the delicious food and dance the night away!
SHARI & GAVIN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Shanna Jones Photography
Videography – Vision on Fire
Bridal boutique – The Wedding Club {offers 10% discount off accessories to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Wedding Planner – Kraak
Venue – Villa Arcadia
Bride’s dress – Berta
Flowers – Heike Hayward
Band – The Chupa Band
DJ – Jevan Binder
Singer – Matthew Mole
Smash The Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
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.
Beautiful photos, great emotions, but what caught my attention the most was the room and its unique decor. The flowers are gorgeous and the decorations on the table are amazing. The atmosphere of the wedding is wonderfully captured in the photos 🙂