Sometimes it’s the things that don’t go to plan at a wedding that make the best memories. That’s what happened at the beautiful Jewish wedding of Martina and Rob (how cute is their hashtag, #cromerhitahomer?).
Obviously, there’s a ton here that DID go to plan. I mean, can we talk about this venue?! Straight up tropical garden paradise. Flowers and greenery for daaays. It’s truly a one of a kind space – Martina says she felt like she was in an alternate universe, and we totally get it.
And the couple’s chuppah? Pure magic. Trust us, you don’t want to miss the breathtaking photos from One Love Photography.
We’re totally obsessed with the bride’s ethereal, boho dress from Grace Loves Lace – such a perfect fit for the venue, and it looks ridiculously light and comfortable, too.
There were a few mishaps along the way – the ceremony starting without the bride, Martina’s father stepping on the back of her dress as he walked her down the unexpectedly narrow aisle – but we love that Martina’s response was to laugh it off. In her words, “The ceremony faux pas became some of the best and most talked-about moments over the course of the weekend and I could not be happier about it. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.”
Take it away, Martina!
Theme
Martina, the bride: The spirit of our wedding was all about togetherness. We have an incredible love story that spans over a decade – we wanted our guests to get caught up in it and become a part of our story. We kept it light and fun and full of good humor and romance. Of course it didn’t hurt that we were surrounded by gorgeous flowers and scenery. It was impossible not to feel like something really special was happening. Perfect!
A Grace Loves Lace Dress
I’m not actually the wedding dress type. I didn’t grow up thinking about what my wedding dress would be and, in fact, after Rob proposed I told him I wanted to wear a white jumpsuit, a “onesie” I called it. If nothing else, that comment was the spark for our first real argument. Fast forward a few months, I hated every dress I was looking at online. I refused to try any on in stores and I was actually beginning to think that my “onesie” dream might actually come true.
Then I discovered Grace Loves Lace. I liked the look of their designs, they felt very natural and true to me. I stumbled across what would become my dress on the site and it actually made me pause. I reached out to the GLL team and discovered it was a limited edition and that they only had one left, in stock sizing. I’m a firm believer in ‘going with your gut’ and in that moment my gut was screaming for me to buy it. So I did. I took a risk. And that was that.
If I had to describe the style of my dress I would say it’s half ethereal and half bohemian. A perfect complement to our venue and vibe.
A Romantic Chuppah
It was really the chuppah design that chose us. The location of our ceremony felt almost like an alternate universe. Ethereal, incredibly romantic, whimsical. It gave us the opportunity to create a place to celebrate not only what makes our relationship unique but also our religion, and all in a way that felt personal, yet open. Many of our friends are not Jewish so it was important to us that they feel connected to what was happening and that they could see every detail.
Ceremony
The ceremony started without me, the bride. There was a very chaotic few minutes when my bridesmaids and I heard the ceremony music start and then saw one of the property managers sprinting up a hill to come get us and bring us to where the ceremony was already taking place. I was too stunned to be upset and I can only imagine what the five of us looked like as we snatched up our bouquets and ran down that hill. Needless to say we made it – a little out of breath – but we made it.
Bride’s big entrance
I had both of my parents walk me down the aisle. We rehearsed the day before and we were ready. The thing was, we had rehearsed without any of the chairs set up so the aisle was a lot more narrow than we had planned for. I didn’t have a long or fussy train but with three people walking arms-linked, the margin for error was high. My dad stepped on the back of my dress. Then he did it again. And again. The aisle got to a point that was so narrow that he eventually had to pick up my dress to make room for his feet. At some point I yelled out “We’re going to make it!” Everybody laughed. A lot of brides would have been devastated by this but I thought it was hysterical. And so us!
You Are the Best Thing
Processional song – Rob walked to ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ and I walked out to Hans Zimmer’s ‘You’re So Cool’.
First dance song – A. Ray LaMontagne – ‘You Are The Best Thing’ … performed acoustically (guitar and vocals) by Rob’s brother Casey.
Flowers
We were lucky to find a venue so lush with greenery and flowers. The place is covered in tropical plants and orchids, which were Rob’s mother’s favorite flower. She passed away a few years ago but her spirit was there with us throughout the property.
Marimba Music
We’re not your traditional couple. And we never have been. Neither of us wanted music that was serious or emotional. We wanted the music to be an extension of our excitement and joy. The marimba was a really fun and lighthearted way to capture this.
Surrounded by people who love us
As I look back on these moments I realize how lucky Rob and I were to be surrounded by so many people who love and support us. People who laugh with us in the funny moments and who cry with us in the not so funny moments. People who rally together no matter the circumstance and with no questions asked. I could feel them in these moments and I think Rob could too. The ceremony faux pas became some of the best and most talked-about moments over the course of the weekend and I could not be happier about it. Sometimes you just have to roll with the punches.
Last-Minute Honeymoon
We were lucky as we were both transitioning between jobs so we wound up having a bit of extra time to just be together. We took a week long drive down the California coast making stops in Big Sur, Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.
Then, in an act of extreme spontaneity, we disappeared to Asia for a few weeks where we fully immersed ourselves in the food, the people and the sites. We visited Thailand, Vietnam and Japan and we credit Discovery 7 Travel for making it all possible on such short notice. None of this was planned before the wedding.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Communicate early and often – weddings put a lot of stress on relationships and family and draw a lot of unsolicited opinions. Remember it’s your day and just. do. you.
Details go the extra mile – it’s the little things that make the biggest impression. Where you can, always try to put yourself in your guests shoes and imagine what their experience will be like at your wedding.
Booze, food and music – big ticket items where it’s ok to spend the most.
Self care isn’t selfish – Nobody likes a bridezilla. Make time to nurture and take care of yourself. Even if it’s just for 30 minutes, use that time for YOU.
Fall in love all over again – go on dates with your fiance and don’t talk about the wedding. So much energy goes into the planning, try to give yourselves a break and remember why you’re getting married in the first place.
Martina & Rob’s little white book
Venue – Holly Farm
Bride’s dress and shoes – Grace Loves Lace
Groom’s attire – Todd Snyder
Hair + Makeup – Katrina Michelle Christensen
Flowers – Laughin’ Gal Floral
Cake – Buttercup Cakes & Farmhouse Frosting
Caterer – La Creme Catering
Ketubah – CaliKetubah
Jewelry – Michael Herman NY
Stationery – Things I Drew
Honeymoon – organised by Discovery 7 Travel