We love it when a couple puts their personalities and passions at the center of their wedding planning. Like today’s wonderful pair, Anna, a physical therapist, and Hagai, a lawyer, did – they’re both obsessed with music, and did it ever come through in their big day!
Between a band, a DJ, a performance by a mega-talented friend, and even a surprise song by the groom himself (dedicated to the bride – aww!), this Jewish wedding was truly alive with the sound of music – and heartfelt emotion. How beautiful is it that Anna and Hagai opted to read aloud letters they’d written to each other under the chuppah?
We also adore this wedding’s boho vibes, from the outdoor garden setting to the bride’s laid-back gown to the chill décor – much of which was created and arranged by the couple and their friends! We’re especially crazy about the the dreamcatchers the couple placed behind their simple chuppah. Photographer Lior Rotstein and videographer Yael Weinberg captured everything so beautifully.
We’ll let the bride fill you in on the rest…
How we met
Anna, the bride: We met 5 years ago, when I was still a student. During my studies I worked as a bartender in a pub and Hagai would come in a few evenings each week to catch up. It did not immediately develop into a love story. Then we went out together with some other friends to a music show, and we discovered that we had lots in common. And that’s how the love story started.
A Garden Venue
We got married in Israel, in Beer Sheva, in the South, in a lovely garden called Sofia. It is full of vegetation, fabulous food and even a swimming pool.
Music
It was important to us that the wedding reflect our passion for music. In the invitation, we printed a photo of Hagai’s guitars.
There was a band in addition to a DJ, a good friend who is a great singer who came up to sing. Also Hagai dedicated a song to me at the wedding, accompanied by the band.
We designed the tables and the decor. The wedding was during the Tishrei holidays, so we used pomegranates and a “succah” in the design.
Invitation
We photographed our guitars and all of our wedding attire in advance, and used the pictures in our invitation.
Hair + Makeup
A very good friend of mine is a hairstylist, so it was clear to me from the very beginning that I trusted her. On my wedding day, I wanted to feel comfortable and be able to tell the hairstylist if there was something I did not like or wanted to change.
A Boho Dress
For the dress I wanted something more bohemian, nothing “sparkly”. While trying on other dresses, I felt like I was dressing up as a princess or in a “bridal costume”. From the moment I put this one on I knew it was the one.
Shoes
I chose light blue heels to add some color to the whole celebration.
The handsome groom
The groom also wanted something different, not classic. We chose his stunning olive green suit together and since he really loves hats, even at the wedding he opted to come in wearing a special hat.
Chuppah
I wanted the chuppah to be as simple as possible. We hung dream catchers from behind to add to the magical and spiritual atmosphere of the chuppah.
Our music choice
All the songs were Israeli and in Hebrew. It was very important to us that the wedding be Israeli and Jewish.
The parents entered to the song ‘Evening of Roses’, which is an old text that has undergone a musical renewal. We entered in the song called ‘You and I’ performed by Ehud Banai – a singer we both love very much. After breaking the glass, a song called ‘Going to the Unknown’ played, which is rhythmic and added a lot of humor to the end of the chuppah.
Photographer and videographer
We had both a photographer and a videographer, one of the best decisions made at the wedding. We first looked at the work of various photographers on Instagram and after encountering their work, we talked to them – it was an instantaneous click and we knew that we would not be disappointed.
We were photographed in a small place where I grew up and my parents live to this day, one of the most beautiful locations in the world, no filters needed, and they captured all our beautiful moments together.
Favours
We sprinkled hundreds of pomegranates on the tables in the holiday spirit (New Year) with our emoji sticker and greeting on the sticker. It was both a design element and a gift for guests.
Personal touches
During the chuppah we both read aloud letters we wrote to each other, personal and heartfelt. A good friend of ours sang at our wedding. I prepared lots of the decor and my good friends arranged my DIY on the day of the event.
We were surrounded by great friends and all were committed to helping to make the wedding something special – it was really all ours.
Honeymoon
We took a 3 week trip to South Africa, and to Mauritius Island. In South Africa we travelled a lot and it was mainly focused around attractions and experiences. In Mauritius we were in a luxurious 5 star hotel with a perfect beach close to the hotel. Paradise.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Drink a glass of a good champagne during the day, and don’t think too much – everything is probably already organized and anyway you can’t change too much on the day itself. Put the phone away, surround yourself with people who make you feel good in your heart, and never stop smiling.
Anna & Hagai’s little white book
Photography – Lior Rotstein
Videography – Yael Weinberg
Venue – Sofia
Band – Ritalin
