There’s nothing like an Israeli wedding, and we’re absolutely in love with the same-sex nuptials of Nina, a customer success manager at a medical education company, and Tali, who is protocol manager at the British Embassy.
The couple wanted something simple and rustic, with the focus kept squarely on celebrating their love surrounded by their nearest and dearest.
We love that Nina and Tali hung up photos of themselves throughout their relationship at their venue, Allenby Farms, so that guests could get a glimpse of their life together.
When it came time for their wedding photos, the pair chose Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman. In Nina’s words, Herschel
was absolutely amazing. He really listened to our needs and didn’t overwhelm us. He was super professional, was a great communicator and was just overall lovely to work with.
Read on for the rest of the story in Nina’s own words…
How We Met
Nina, the bride: We both swiped right on Tinder AND OKCupid.
A Venue with History
We got married at Allenby Farms in a kibbutz called Nezer Sereni. We wanted a venue that could host a “small” wedding that was surrounded by nature. It was the 3rd place we visited and fell in love with its quaint appearance and historical significance – it is where the British General Allenby lived during the British Occupation.
Theme + Event Coordinator
We are simple and didn’t want anything over the top. We just wanted it to be rustically beautiful. We had an event coordinator the day of the wedding who was amazing! She made sure everything went smoothly. Her name is Leora Kaufman Finn and we highly recommend her.
We brought pictures of us together (and some with our families) and hung them up at different places throughout the venue. This gave the guests a glimpse into our life together beyond just the wedding day. It really featured our love in different ways and added a really personal touch.
Invitation
We used Paperless Post. We wanted to design something we liked, which we did. But if you are catering to a crowd that speaks different languages it is best to find a service that can help you in each language.
Hair + Makeup
Shiran Kamer for makeup was amazing! We wanted a natural look and she delivered. It didn’t feel too heavy or overwhelming and we felt beautiful. Sharon Pur for hair was also amazing! He made me feel super glamorous and elegant and made sure my look was perfect for the big day.
Dress
I bought my dress in Canada and had it restyled with finishing touches in Israel. The dress was designed by Sarah Alouache and the designer who made it what it was is Jacob Douk. Jacob also designed Tali’s shirt which was amazing. I thought I wanted something with sparkle and glam and then after trying on several styles I realized that I like a clean look that showed off my curves. I think I knew my dress was “the one” when I put it on and felt confident and sexy in it.
Accessories + Shoes
I got my earrings on Amazon! Didn’t want to get anything too expensive and they were great. I got my shoes in Tel Aviv at a store called Disco Rosso. They were beautiful and comfortable enough.
Ceremony + Chuppah
Although our ceremony was a same-sex ceremony, we wanted to keep with tradition and involved traditional Jewish elements like sheva brachot, ketubah and breaking of the glass. I think our favourite part of the ceremony was reading our vows and having our family and friends be a part of that moment where we confirmed our love. I also think exchanging rings was very exciting as it symbolized committing to each other.
Ketubah
Our ketubah was amazing! We wanted to use an image of the place we got engaged – Tali proposed at a very romantic tent in the desert, specifically in the Ramon Crater. We actually found a graphic designed on Fiverr who took pictures and converted them into watercolour art. She did a great job at making the photograph look like a watercolour painting and then we added in the text of the Ketubah. It is really beautiful!
Our music choice
We had a DJ, Guy Gutman, who really listened to our music needs and created a great play list. He also had experience at our venue which was nice.
Flowers
Neither one of us wanted a bouquet but we did want some nice touches of flowers. Our chuppah had flowers on each pole and we had light pink roses as centre pieces along with greenery and candles on alternating tables. Although we didn’t have many flowers, the ones we did have added a beautiful touch!
Photographer and videographer
We used Herschel Gutman who was absolutely amazing. We spoke to a few photographers and found that he was the most professional, was affordable, and was an English speaker. He really listened to our needs and didn’t overwhelm us. He was super professional, was a great communicator and was just overall lovely to work with.
For videography we used a colleague of Herschel’s, named Pavel Dibrov. Pavel was also great as he was very inconspicuous and we didn’t even know he was there. He was also affordable and reliable. We are still choosing a song for the highlights video and hoping it will be ready soon.
Honeymoon
We want to go to Greece! Although it is not too exotic, I have never been to the Greek Islands and I want to feel European chic. We also wanted somewhere not too expensive and not too far.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
I used a white board to make sure I kept things in order. I crossed off and added things as I went. I would also encourage you to get a wedding planner and not to use the one provided by the hall. Even if it’s a day-of coordinator. It really does reduce your stress and he/she will guide you the whole time. It was definitely worth the extra money. I also recommend enjoying every moment of the day – even the stressful parts. It goes by so fast after planning for so long so just soak up all of the memories!
NINA & TALI’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Herschel Gutman {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Allenby Farms
Day Of Coordinator – Leora Kaufman Finn
Bride’s dress – Sarah Alouache, Jacob Douk
Bride’s shoes – Disco Rosso
Hair + Makeup – Shiran Kamer, Sharon Pur
DJ – Guy Gutman
Stationery/Invitation – Paperless Post
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.
