When Ashley, a naturopath, and Kyle, who works in finance, set out to plan their Jewish destination wedding in Turks and Caicos, they had one goal: to make sure the wedding was stress-free and fun, for them and for all their guests.
Take a scroll through the joyous photos by Ileana Ravasio and we’re pretty sure you’ll agree the day was a smashing success for all involved! Featuring a ceremony on the beach followed by a reception at Aziza, a beautiful driftwood chuppah, and a wonderful, colorful ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor ketubah.com, it looks like everyone was having a blast from start to finish.
And then there’s the couple’s unforgettable wedding singer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Choni G. In Ashley’s words,
His singing was so moving and spiritual–we felt like we could stay under the chuppah forever. I don’t think there was one dry eye around us.
Read on for all the details in the bride’s own words…
How We Met
Ashley, the bride: We grew up 5 minutes away from each other in Montreal but we actually met in Sorrento, Italy. Kyle was travelling with some friends that I grew up with. I heard they were in Italy at the same time as me and messaged them to meet up. We met there and then again 3 weeks later when we both happened to be in Israel. We went back to Montreal and the rest was history!
A Beach Wedding
Our ceremony was on the beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos and the reception was at a beautiful restaurant club called Aziza. We’ve been to Turks & Caicos together many times as my family owns a home there. It’s always been a special haven to us. When we decided on a destination wedding, it was the obvious choice for both of us. It’s our home away from home!
Theme
Our goal was to make the wedding stress-free and just pure fun for all of our guests (and us!). I’d say the “fun” aspect is what really made the wedding “our” wedding. That was truly our #1 goal. No formal colour schemes, just the beautiful sunset colours of Turks & Caicos. Alexis was our coordinator.
A Martina Liana Dress
My dress was from Ivoire in Montreal. I wanted something classic, comfortable, beach-y but still a “wedding dress”. I knew it was the one even when my sister and mother were too exhausted to even look at the dress when I tried it on.
I dragged them back a few weeks later and they were so thankful I did! They loved it as much as I did. I never regretted my decision once. It was exactly what I was looking for. It was a corset A-line with simple detailing on the front and back. The designer is Martina Liana.
Ceremony & Chuppah
We wanted the chuppah to be simple–just the beautiful talit in the sunset. We wanted the chuppah to match the beach aesthetic–natural, casual and a little boho. Alexis, our coordinator, built it from scratch with her own driftwood.
I know I’m biased, but it truly was the most beautiful chuppah I have seen and I owe it all to her to making that dream come true. Choni G, our singer, was definitely the special touch. His singing was so moving and spiritual–we felt like we could stay under the chuppah forever. I don’t think there was one dry eye around us.
Ketubah
We wanted a colourful, lively ketubah. We chose one by Angela Munitz (it’s called Garden of Love–we loved the name as well) on ketubah.com. Once I read her bio and saw that she was South African, we know it was meant to be as my parents are from there originally.
Our music choice
Choni G, our singer from Cape Town, sang a 30-minute horah medley which was EPIC! It was the best time ever. Besides that, we played a variety of music: classics from the 60/70/80/90’s; throwbacks from our childhood in the 2000’s, electronic music, sing-alongs.
We partied for 7 hours, so there was a little bit of everything! Michael Dayoh was our DJ and I cannot say enough good things about him. We had very high expectations but he surpassed them by a million. We owe the night to him!
Flowers
We had very simple flowers from a local shop, MOSWN, in Turks and Caicos. I wasn’t interested in anything grand. The venue (Aziza) is beautiful and the beach doesn’t need any decor (in my opinion!) and so we opted out of most flowers except for the bridal bouquet and 3 bridesmaids bouquets for my sister and 2 sister-in-laws.
Photographer and videographer
Our photographer was Ileana Ravasio. We’ve known her for some time from Turks & Caicos and I’ve followed her incredible work on Instagram so there was no doubt in my mind. She captures the most beautiful candid moments which is exactly what we wanted. Our videographer was Preston Dickenson who was also incredible.
Extra Details
It poured the entire morning! While our parents were quite concerned, we were super cool about it. We both had this feeling that everything would just work out perfectly, regardless of the outcome. We prayed and manifested sunny weather. And, whatever we did worked! It ended up being the most beautiful day and the perfect weather for a beach wedding. A true miracle 🙂
The hotel where we all stayed and that set up the wedding was The OASIS at Grace Bay. I cannot say enough about this hotel. It’s absolutely stunning and has a delicious restaurant, amazing pools, spacious rooms and hospitality that is unmatched. I recommend them to everybody! They truly made the weekend unforgettable.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
By the time the wedding day rolls around, the control is out of your hands. All your work is done. It is a day you will remember forever so just let it all go! Enjoy every moment with friends and family. You may be exhausted from not sleeping the night before (like myself!) but the adrenaline will kick in and you’ll be on cloud nine regardless. Every minute of it will be memorable and will pass so quickly so just take it all in.
ASHLEY & KYLE’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Ileana Ravasio
Ketubah – ketubah.com {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Aziza
Bride’s dress – Martina Liana found at Ivoire
Flowers – MOSWN
Singer – Choni G
DJ – Michael Dayoh
Rabbi – Rabbi Shmulik & Chaya Berkowitz
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.
