There’s nothing like a Jewish wedding on the water, and Adina and Maurice’s is truly something special. Adina, who made aliyah from Canada, and Maurice, who hails from England, found their dream venue in Tel Aviv’s The Trask, which they loved for its urban chic vibe with breathtaking views and a beachy twist – not to mention the opportunity to have an outdoor chuppah on the rooftop!
Drawing from their different backgrounds, Adina and Maurice’s wedding was a reflection of their shared values, traditions, and love for the fun, vibrant lifestyle they’ve adopted since coming to Israel. Featuring a sunset chuppah and fun personal touches like a custom Mad Libs game telling the couple’s story, this was a truly special day.
The couple’s photographer, the incredibly talented Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Jossef Si, captured all the love and emotion of the day exquisitely. In Adina’s words,
Jossef has a unique gift for not only taking photos but truly capturing emotions. Every image felt alive, reflecting the joy, love, and magic of the day. His meticulous attention to detail, creative vision, and ability to catch candid, heartfelt moments left us deeply impressed and grateful for his work.
Now over to the bride, who looked radiant in her gown by Julie Vino…
How We Met
Adina, the bride: We met during Starguest’s luxury Passover program in Engelberg, Switzerland. My family joined their ski program in the Alps for the holiday, and needless to say, we became “that program couple.” Although we brushed past each other at first, by the second night seder, sparks flew.
Our first interaction happened when I asked Maurice for a caffeinated tea to get me through the evening. He flustered to present the full selection. Despite his busy schedule, Maurice always carved out time for me. Our first dates included snowy walks through the village, mountain hikes, and cozy after-hours dinner dates in the ballroom. Those magical moments set the foundation for our love story.
A Tel Aviv Wedding
We got married at The Trask in Tel Aviv Port. Both of us had dreamed of getting married by the water, and we wanted a venue that was both local to Israel and not a typical hall for our diverse crowd. Trask gave us that Tel Aviv urban chic vibe with breathtaking views and a beachy twist. The floor-to-ceiling windows offered an endless view of the water, and once we saw they held chuppahs on the roof, we were sold. It was the perfect combination of elegance and coastal charm.
Theme + Planner
We come from very different backgrounds outside of Israel, which meant our wedding needed to be a true reflection of both of our worlds. It was about weaving together a rich tapestry of cultures, religious traditions, and our shared values. At the same time, we wanted the celebration to embody the fun, vibrant, and relaxed Israeli lifestyle we’ve come to love.
With these goals in mind, we carefully planned a day that honored both our families’ religious values while ensuring the joyous and welcoming atmosphere we envisioned. The wedding began early in the day to allow for a unique flow: starting at 2 PM and concluding well past midnight. One of the most important moments was Adina’s dream of walking down the aisle at sunset. We timed every detail perfectly for the autumn light, ensuring she could fulfill her vision of stepping into the golden glow of the setting sun.
This dream also inspired our wedding’s aesthetic, which balanced the warmth and vibrancy of sunset tones with the timeless elegance of a white fairytale wedding. The combination created an atmosphere that felt both ethereal and inviting. The talented Reuven, Trask’s decorator, worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, incorporating every detail with care and precision. From the mirrored walkway reflecting the sunset to the elegant floral arrangements and soft candlelight, Reuven’s work exceeded every expectation.
Our guests were treated to a seamless flow of food and drinks, beginning with canapés and cocktails upon arrival and continuing with a lavish reception after the chuppah. The day ended with an after-party munch station at 11 PM to keep the energy alive.
Two weeks before the wedding, we brought on Leora Finn of Fine Events by Leora, a brilliant party planner whose expertise brought polish and coordination to the event. She became an invaluable part of the process, helping us fine-tune every detail and ensuring the day unfolded flawlessly. Leora’s meticulous planning allowed us to enjoy our wedding without any stress.
One of the most meaningful highlights of the day was the Mitzvah Tantz, a deeply symbolic and emotional tradition that united our families and cultures. The Mitzvah Tantz involves close male relatives and rabbis dancing in front of the bride, with the groom often participating as well. A gartel (long silk sash) is used, with the bride holding one end and the dancer holding the other. This dance represents a spiritual connection, offering blessings and joy to the bride.
For us, the Mitzvah Tantz was a moment that truly elevated the celebration, blending the religious traditions of our families with the love and unity of the day. It was a powerful and moving experience, symbolizing the blessings and support we received from those closest to us. Watching our families join in this heartfelt tradition gave the wedding a depth and meaning that will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
The day was a perfect reflection of who we are as a couple—rooted in tradition yet brimming with individuality, joy, and love. It was everything we could have dreamed of and more.
Invitation
Adina personally designed the wedding invitations, adding thoughtful and creative touches to make the celebration truly unique. We incorporated small but meaningful details to elevate the experience for our guests.
One of our favorite elements was a Mad Libs game telling our personal story, which added a fun and interactive twist. We also set up Polaroid cameras with a guest book, giving everyone a chance to capture and contribute their own special memories from the day. Personalized hand fans provided a practical yet elegant touch for guests during the ceremony.
In honor of Israel, we included cards printed by Starguest with a prayer for soldiers in the army, a meaningful gesture close to our hearts. On every table, we placed QR codes so guests could easily snap photos and upload them directly to our shared photo book.
To top it off, we designed custom menu cards that included Birkat Hamazon, giving guests a beautiful keepsake to take home as a memory of the day. Every detail was carefully curated to make the day personal, engaging, and unforgettable for everyone who joined us.
Hair + Makeup
Adina had been dreaming of her wedding day since she was a little girl. As someone passionate about makeup and hair, finding the perfect professionals to bring her bridal vision to life was a top priority. She wanted to look and feel like the most beautiful version of herself—radiating natural elegance, without heavy, cakey makeup or overly fussy hairstyles.
For her hair, Adina chose the incredible Assaf Levi, whose expertise and calming presence made the wedding morning even more special. She opted for her signature look: all her hair down, styled to absolute perfection. Assaf created long, flowing Hollywood-inspired curls that were both breathtaking and flawless, lasting beautifully throughout the entire celebration.
When it came to makeup, Adina trusted the talented Tal Ben-Tzur, who made her look nothing short of radiant. Adina brought her own foundation, the La Mer Cushion Foundation, which she highly recommends for brides looking for a lightweight, long-lasting base. Tal struck the perfect balance with her makeup—glamorous yet natural, staying true to Adina’s personality. Her features were enhanced with effortless precision, and she received endless compliments throughout the evening. Adina truly felt her most beautiful self.
A Julie Vino Dress
Ever since Adina was a little girl, she had envisioned what her perfect wedding dress would look like. Over the years, she saved countless pictures of gowns that inspired her, curating a collection that reflected her dream. When the time finally came to find “the one,” it all fell into place.
The second dress Adina tried on was love at first sight. She knew immediately that it was the dress she had always dreamed of. Working closely with the talented designer Julie Vino, the gown was elevated to a design that was both modest and regal, perfectly capturing Adina’s vision.
The result was a masterpiece—simple yet elegant, with just the right touch of drama. The gown provided the ideal base to build on, highlighting Adina’s beauty and personality without overpowering her. It was everything she had ever hoped for and more.
Accessories + Shoes
I wore a custom cathedral veil with delicate lace trimming that perfectly matched the top of my dress. It added an extra layer of elegance and drama, making me feel like an absolute queen as I walked down the aisle. The sweeping veil was everything I dreamed of, complementing my gown beautifully and enhancing the magical moment.
For my shoes, I chose Sophia Webster, and because one pair simply wasn’t enough for such a special day, I had two! My first pair was a classic silk satin heel with a stunning crystal-encrusted heel for a timeless and sophisticated look. The second pair was full of sparkle, adding a fun, glamorous touch to keep the energy alive as the celebration continued. Both pairs were perfect, allowing me to transition effortlessly between elegance and party-ready sparkle.
Bridesmaids
I had the privilege of having 12 bridesmaids and one maid of honor—my sister—by my side on my wedding day. They truly were the best bridal crew I could have asked for. Their unwavering support, love, and excitement not only helped me stay calm and joyful but also made every moment of the day even more special. They held my hand, cheered me on, and celebrated every step of the way.
Our friends brought so much life and love to our wedding, and I can’t imagine the day without them. Each of my bridesmaids wore a unique shade inspired by the colors of the sunset, beautifully complementing the cheerful, angelic spirit of the day while tying in perfectly with the overall aesthetic. Their presence and energy truly made our wedding unforgettable.
Ceremony & Chuppah
We incorporated a stunning mirrored walkway to beautifully reflect the sun and the golden hues of the sunset, creating a breathtaking, radiant effect as Adina walked down the aisle. The design was pure, classic, and angelic, perfectly complementing the ethereal atmosphere of the ceremony. The chuppah featured a full white canopy that exuded timeless elegance, while the aisle was lined with white candles, casting a soft, romantic glow. The combination of the mirrored walkway, soft lighting, and classic white tones created a serene and magical setting for our ceremony.
Our music choice
Our wedding featured an energetic and eclectic mix of music that kept the energy high and the dance floor packed from start to finish. The first half of the celebration was powered by a 5-piece band led by the incredibly talented Koby Brummer, delivering an infectious blend of Chassidic and Israeli simcha songs. From the start, our goal was clear: to create a nonstop, electric atmosphere that would draw everyone into the joy of the day, from the vibrant simcha dancing to the lively afterparty.
A standout moment was our grand entrance, accompanied by an original track created entirely from scratch by the groom’s brother. This unique, high-energy banger set the tone for the evening, instantly getting everyone on their feet and hyped as we made our way onto the dance floor.
As the night unfolded, we transitioned seamlessly into an afterparty, where a live DJ brought a nostalgic twist by spinning all our favorite old-school classics, including beloved hits like ‘Sweet Caroline’. For our first dance, we collaborated with Avi Sukar to create a custom song and choreography. The dance began with a soulful, slow rendition of The Proclaimers’ ‘500 Miles’ and then transitioned into a high-energy anthem, perfectly bridging the gap between romantic intimacy and party excitement.
The music wasn’t just a backdrop—it was the heartbeat of our wedding, amplifying the emotions, elevating the celebration, and making every single moment unforgettable.
Flowers
Our bouquet and table centerpieces were a breathtaking blend of lilac orchids, periwinkles, and vibrant golden sunset hues. This stunning combination perfectly tied into our wedding’s theme, bringing a sense of warmth, elegance, and romance to the decor.
Reuven and Anna, from the decorating team at Trask, were the masterminds behind all the decor elements—from the exquisite floral arrangements to the dazzling chandeliers and soft candlelight. Their incredible attention to detail and commitment to our vision truly transformed the space. Everything they promised—and more—was delivered, creating a magical atmosphere that exceeded all our expectations.
Photographer and videographer
Our wedding was beautifully captured by the incredibly talented Jossef Si. Adina felt that Jossef had a unique gift for not only taking photos but truly capturing emotions. Every image felt alive, reflecting the joy, love, and magic of the day. His meticulous attention to detail, creative vision, and ability to catch candid, heartfelt moments left us deeply impressed and grateful for his work.
Our videographer, Timothy Nikitin-Sheen, brought an equally extraordinary touch to our wedding. Timothy, a dear friend of Adina’s, is an exceptionally skilled professional who runs a TV and video production agency specializing in event filming and hasbara (public diplomacy) for Israel to Russian audiences. We felt so fortunate to have him dedicate his time and talent to capturing every meaningful moment of our special day. His ability to immortalize both the grand and intimate moments was a gift we will cherish forever.
Food and cake
Our catering was handled by the incredible Alto Gusto, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Maurice, having trained as a chef and now working in catering, took the lead in creating the menu. His expertise shone through as he carefully curated the style and flavors for the entire day, ensuring that every bite was unforgettable.
We opted for Israeli-inspired appetizers featuring an array of sharing plates, fresh salads, dips, and ceviches. This was followed by a restaurant-style plated dinner service, offering elegant options for both the starter and main courses. For dessert, we went all out with a variety of buffet stations, showcasing miniature desserts, including a chocolate station and apple crumbles. From the moment guests arrived, the food never stopped—there were refreshments after the chuppah and even an indulgent afterparty food station to keep everyone fueled for the celebration.
Our cake was a showstopper, a masterpiece designed collaboratively by Adina’s mom and talented cake artist Ella Goldman. They created a spectacular five-tier croquembouche, topped with an additional cake for a very special reason—it was also Adina’s birthday! The cake was as meaningful as it was delicious, adding yet another layer of joy to the day.
Honeymoon
We will be traveling around Europe for our honeymoon, taking advantage of an incredible opportunity. We were lucky enough to snag all-you-can-fly tickets with Wizz Air, which allow unlimited last-minute flights for the cost of a single flight. This made the decision to explore multiple destinations an easy and exciting choice, giving us the freedom to craft a spontaneous and unforgettable adventure together.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Everything works out the way it’s meant to, as long as you keep a cool head and stay grounded. Always remember that your suppliers, venue, caterers, and band are all on your team, working towards the same goal: making your day as special and seamless as possible. Be patient, trust their expertise, and lean on them instead of letting stress take over.
We kept reminding ourselves that everything was in G-d’s hands. At the end of the day, no matter how the little details unfold, the most important thing is that this day is about you and your partner joining your lives together. There truly is nothing more incredible or meaningful than that.
ADINA & MAURICE’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Jossef Si
Videography – Timothy Nikitin-Sheen
Venue – The Trask
Planner – Fine Events by Leora
Bride’s dress – Julie Vino
Bride’s shoes – Sophia Webster
Hair + Makeup – Assaf Levi, Tal Ben-Tzur
DJ – DJ Benji Scharf
Band – Koby Brummer
Cake – Ella Goldman
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.
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