We are so thrilled to be featuring the Jewish wedding of our Bride’s Club member Ines today! Ines, a professional chef, wed Andy, a property investor, at Sopwell House in an outdoor ceremony under the most gorgeous personalized chuppah – just one of the many special touches the pair included in their day – and we are all about it.
So about that chuppah… Ines and Andy worked with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Happy Chuppah People on the chuppah of their dreams – which they topped with the most exquisite personalized canopy handmade by Israeli artist Bella Alon – and they can’t stop raving about how much they loved working with the incredibly helpful team.
We also love that Ines opted to wear her mother’s wedding dress on the big day – how special is that?! Ines’s father had tragically passed away from Covid, and wearing her mother’s gown was such a meaningful way to honor his memory and make him part of the day. Don’t miss the incredibly special pics by Leivi Saltman.
Ines and Andy worked with a whole bunch of wonderful Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendors, including Noa Attias, who designed their beautiful ketubah; talented wedding filmmaker Robert of CCS Video, who made the couple’s wonderful wedding video; planner Events by Natasha; and Shir, who Ines describes as “the most amazing band ever!” Shir kept the dance floor packed all night long, and they even taught in Israeli dance lesson to get all the non-Jewish guests in the loop!
How we Met
Ines, the bride: We met years ago at a friend’s house… It was instant attraction, but took us around 2 years to start dating… But at the end of our 1st date, we were already deciding what to do on our 2nd date! And our 3rd date we had the most magical weekend in Monaco, staying at the Hermitage Hotel….
A Countryside Venue
We chose Sopwell House as we wanted our chuppah to be outdoors, we wanted to be in the countryside but close enough for friends and family to get to the venue easily. St Albans was the perfect location, and when we went to visit the location, Sam (the events manager) was so nice and helpful that we decided straight away to pay the deposit to secure the venue.
What ‘Smashing The Glass Brides Club’ Did For Us
The Bride’s Club was essential… I wouldn’t have been able to do it without your support! I found most of my vendors through your list…. Also really enjoyed meeting other brides and hearing their stories; it’s super nice to have a support group!
Theme & Wedding Planner
Our colour scheme was blue, as its Andy’s sisters favourite colour. I also had a Toast Master, Howard Robbins, who made sure the wedding ran perfectly…
Invitations / stationery
We used Getting Married. Fab customer service, and very friendly user website.
Hair + Make-up
Daniella is a super star, her makeup is light and glamorous at the same time! I knew I wanted her to do my make up since we first met years ago!!!
Avigail was recommended to me by Daniella, and she equally lovely and talented!!! My hair and makeup lasted all day long!!! I was so impressed, specially because I danced like there was no tomorrow!
Dress
My dress was very special for me… As I wore my Mother’s wedding dress. My Dad passed away from covid, and I wanted to feel his presence at my wedding… It was so emotional and so special to be able to do that!
I had a wonderful seamstress called Maria Caruso doing the alteration on the dress, as my Mum was a little size 4 UK when she got married… and I’m a 8 uk… Maria was able to work magic and the dress looked perfect!
Ceremony and Chuppah
I wanted a chuppah where I could include everyone! So, I decided to have a personalised canopy handmade by an incredible artist in Israel, called Bella Alon. Scott from The Happy Chuppah People was amazing, as I had initially chosen a different chuppah, then decided to change… I asked him so many questions and he was always very friendly and quick answering it!
My favourite part of the chuppah was when I was circling Andy… it felt so special! I felt really connected to him…
Ketubah
Our ketubah was amazing, by Noa Attias! Breathtaking
Music Choice / Entertainment
Shir is the most amazing band ever! Their energy is THE BEST… Ivor was so helpful and always had time to speak to me on the phone! Our dance floor was on fire all night long, exactly how I imagined!
At the Chuppah, they played ‘Meheira HaShem’ for Andy and his parents, then ‘Erev Shel Shoshanim’ for ushers, bridesmaids, flower girls and ring boy… ‘Boi Kallah’, for me my Mum and my Brother… ‘Eshet Chayil’ for the circling…
It was just so amazing to come into the dinner/ reception room and everyone pumped up and ready to party! Once thing that was very special that Shir did was their 3rd set… when they came back on stage and one of the musicians came onto the dance floor to teach Israeli dance to our non Jewish friends!!! So special.
DJ Max and Marcus was recommended by Shir, they also did the production. Amazing guys, super easy and friendly… They asked me for a playlist and did such a amazing job, mixing English, Israeli and Brazilian music… ALL of our guests loved loved loved. I really want to have another big celebration just to have Shir and Max playing again! THE BEST
Flowers
I’ve always loved Brigitte Flowers… Since I started dating Andy, he always gives me bouquets from her! She’s classic, elegant and really translates my personality…. Plus, she’s a wonderful person to deal with!
I left all the creativity in her hands, as I have always been a fan of her work…
Photographer and videographer
Leivi Saltman had photographed one of my best friends’ weddings and I loved all the photos! So that was an easy choice… When we met, he was very informative and I felt very at easy. He recommended Robert from CCS Video.
We only met Robert on the wedding day, and he was so fun! They work great together ,making my guests and I feel very at easy…. I was hard work, as I don’t like taking photos at all… however, they kept me laughing and enjoying every single moment! Great guys and great personalities too!
Food and Cake
Jason Millan was fantastic, being very accommodating to all food dietary requirements! Delicious, tasty and beautiful presentation. Crème de la crème is simply THE best patisserie in London! Prospere, the owner, is so talented and a total character!
Extra details
Our wedding was special because we had my daughter under the chuppah with us, and being able to share this moment with her was incredible! It was very emotional to be wearing my Mother’s wedding dress and having our chuppah canopy handmade with personalised photos by Bella Alon. All the speeches came from the heart and we felt extremely loved and lucky to be surrounded by so much love and so many people sharing our happiness. I believe what define my wedding day is JOY.
Advice to other couples planning their wedding
Best way to enjoy the day is to plan and be organised before, and switch off on the day. Do have a Toast Master, it’s a must!
Do have a photobooth, everyone loves it. Have clear communication with your band and DJ. Let them know what you expect and want. Try to keep the family away from organising as much as you can… Everyone has an opinion! Be organised and have a good communication with your planner if you have one. On the day of the wedding, just enjoy and relax!
Everyone at your wedding is there to celebrate with you… so relax and enjoy!
INES & ANDY’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Leivi Saltman
Videography – CCS Video {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Chuppah – The Happy Chuppah People {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Band – Shir {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Ketubah – Noa Attias {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Planner – Events by Natasha {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Sopwell House
Hair + Makeup – Avigail, Daniella
Flowers – Brigitte Flowers
DJ – DJ Max and Marcus
Catering – Jason Millan
Cake – Crème de la crème
Stationery/Invitation – Getting Married
Toastmaster – Howard Robbins
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.
