In the COVID era, lots of weddings come together at the last minute. But Israeli couple Tal, a textile designer at Terminal X, and Eldar, a marketing manager at Ikea, didn’t set their date until just a week before their Jewish wedding! It was a must for the couple to plan their celebration around Tal’s sister’s visit from abroad – so when she finally made it to Israel, they made it happen, FAST.
Not that you’d be able to tell – the venue, Ohel Moed TLV Synagogue, was so spectacular it didn’t need much added in the way of décor, and the photos by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Jossef Si Photography are pure magic, full of emotion and love.
This being a pandemic wedding, Tal and Eldar were only allowed 40 in-person guests. But they worked with videographer Itay Bar Weddings to broadcast the proceedings live on YouTube for their friends and family around the world, so they could experience it all in real time.
We’ll let Tal, who looked perfectly boho chic in Mordehai Avraham, fill you in on the rest…
How we Met
Tal, the bride: We met two years ago when working together at IKEA.
Venue and wedding plans
Eldar proposed in July 2020 amid COVID-19. As my sister planned to visit Israel for a short time from abroad, I had a fixed time frame for our wedding. Therefore, I was prepared with a wedding dress a few months earlier, and the actual date for the wedding was decided a week before. The event took place in the beautiful Ohel Moed TLV Synagogue. A spectacular and authentic space, very suited for our personalities and nature. Within days we scheduled with vendors, rabbi friends and family members.
Casual Vibes
Because I’m a textile designer, I used to do branding for weddings. I wanted something very casual, neutral, and ‘us’ alike (e.g., flower pots, tapestry with a greenish theme, identical to our home design)
Invitations / stationery
I designed the invitation and branding printed on stickers and placed on flower pots and around the venue.
Hair + Make-up
I browsed through Instagram and eventually picked Michal Aran. Michal made me the most authentic self I pictured, shaped my curls and makeup with minimum effort and products.
A Mordehai Avraham Dress
As one of the last ones to get married amongst my friends, I knew it would be with a simple, unique dress when my turns come. I found fashion designer Mordehai Avraham through Instagram. Mordechai’s style is like my own and sane prices. A night before lockdown, I visited his studio and tried four dresses. There was no doubt in my mind; I fell in love (for the second time). I picked out the one dress for me, and that was it!
Shoes
Ordered through the internet from Republic Footwear.
The handsome groom
Eldar, not like me, had a week to buy clothing for the wedding. He wore a suit bought in Zara.
Bridesmaids
My mother and two of my closest friends were with me the morning of the wedding, where we organized. There was a pre-wedding photoshoot they attended. However, there were no themed outfits.
Ceremony Livestream
In Israel, there was a restriction of 40 people per event at that time. Because we decided to get married in a swift decision, we hired a videographer to screen the wedding live through YouTube. This is how friends and family around the world watched and enjoyed our wedding ceremony as if they were with us. Furthermore, two days previous, we met the rabbi who married us in the synagogue in Tel Aviv, conversed with him and established good reciprocity for the recognition of what we want in our Jewish wedding ceremony.
Chuppah
Ohel Moed TLV Synagogue has in-house designer. I asked her to hang authentic tapestry, with a greenish themed flowers around the canopy pillars in order to create a warm, homey atmosphere.
Our Music Choice
Our wedding took place in a synagogue where dance is not permitted, so at the reception we prepared a playlist on Spotify and played it in the background
Flowers
I picked up a simple, neutral bouquet from Givat Hen Flowers.
Photographer and videographer
I know Jossef Si Photography – Si Jossef Marziano – we have worked together for several years, and I had no doubt that when I got married I would use his services as a photographer. In the week before the wedding I called to book C. Jossef for Dec 9th, 2020. C. Jossef was the best choice for us as a photographer to accompany us on this day. For the videographer, we hired the brother of my best friend, Itay Bar Weddings. He filmed us, broadcast live, and edited the wedding clip.
Food and Cake
We got a recommendation on Bazini catering. Which has excellent kosher, varied food. Indeed, everyone said it was a delicious satisfactory food.
Entertainment
Eldar’s sister made us a surprise video.
Extra details
We bought small flower pots and placed them on the tables at the reception and the dining tables. As well my mother spoke after the chuppah ceremony a very moving and from the heart speech.
Honeymoon
We want to fly to an exotic destination full of sun, we thought of the Seychelles, but it will only happen in at least another year after the Corona will be behind us.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Enjoy the process, do not stress, and remember that the most important thing is the photographer because the photos is what’s left afterwards!!!
Tal & Eldar’s little white book
Photography – Jossef Si Photography
Videography – Itay Bar Weddings
Venue – Ohel Moed TLV Synagogue
Bride’s dress – Mordehai Avraham
Bride’s shoes – Republic Footwear
Groom’s attire – Zara
Hair + Makeup – Michal Aran
Flowers – Givat Hen Flowers
Catering – Bazini
Invitation – Tal (bride)
Rabbi + Ketubah – David Menachemov
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.
