We absolutely love the approach London couple Jade and Adam took to planning their gorgeous Jewish wedding at Sopwell House: while there’s no question that this day was a stunner from start to finish, the pair went into it with a focus not so much on the aesthetics as on honoring the sacredness of a Jewish wedding and elevating the celebration – not only of their love for each other, but for all of the loved ones who helped make the day possible.
And we love the way the couple brought in their roots – Jade hails from South Africa, while Adam grew up in Plymouth, Devonshire – with fun touches ranging from mixing English roses and South African proteas together in the ketubah design to freshly baked scones in place of a traditional wedding cake – served with cream first, then jam, naturally!
Jade and Adam were married under the 300+ year old chuppah from Plymouth Synagogue, where Adam grew up (and under which many of his family members have wed), draped with the tallitot of Adam’s late father and Jade’s late grandfathers. Don’t miss it in the wonderful photos and video from Milda Vasile Photography!
Jade’s mom, Viv Weiner, a talented artist, hand-painted their invitations, benching cards, and table names – not to mention the ketubah and a bespoke Siddur and Tehillim book for Jade to daven with on her wedding day!
Now over to Jade, who looked like a fairy tale princess in her stunner of a Pronovias gown (which just happened to have pockets!)…
How We Met
Sometimes the most beautiful love stories begin with missed connections, forgotten conversations, and a wooden fish symbolising hope for finding one’s beshert. The journey from strangers to soulmates proves that timing truly is everything.
Adam first noticed Jade at the JLE during a particularly difficult time in his life; attending a talk for the Shloshim after his father’s passing. Despite his grief, he was struck by Jade’s warmth as she greeted Rabbi Dov Cowan, whom she’d known from a Jewish trip years earlier and, unknowingly at the time, Adam’s best friend. Their paths crossed again at a Friday Night Dinner, where Adam offered to walk Jade’s friend back to Golders Green. When he lost track of the friend, he reached out on Facebook to check if she was okay, but Jade barely remembered their conversation or even who he was.
From Jade’s perspective, Adam was simply “a sweet, quiet guy” who appeared at various community events and charity dinners. She admits she probably saw him as “the boring accountant type” without even knowing he is, in fact, (spoiler alert)… an accountant. Their interactions were sporadic and often forgettable – at least for Jade.
At a Jewish learning event, Adam, intrigued by Jade’s purple hiking boots paired with a smart work dress, discovered she was preparing to climb Kilimanjaro.
The next day, at a mutual friend’s engagement party, Jade tried to set him up with a friend, but this time they shared a meaningful moment: exchanging wooden fish decorations from the table as a symbol of hope that they would both soon find their soulmates.
When a mutual friend shared Jade’s charity fundraising link, Adam immediately donated – partly for the good cause, and partly hoping for a ‘thank you’ message. This simple act of generosity opened the door to real conversation. Jade discovered Adam had messaged her over a year earlier, and they had actually been Facebook friends since that first Shabbat dinner encounter.
What followed was a bonding conversation over favourite desserts, packing cubes and snacks that revealed Adam’s thoughtfulness, humour, and kindness. While Jade was climbing Kilimanjaro, Adam was in Malta with friends, eagerly waiting for her message. The moment she returned from the mountain (airport detention (a story for another day) and second Oxford graduation), they arranged their first date at Delicatessen (where they recently went back to for their 1-year date-anniversary on 8 July).
Their first date was beautifully ordinary – a walk to dinner where Jade brought snacks and Adam brought an umbrella. As Jade sat across from him, she wondered two things: why wasn’t he eating the hummus she’d ordered to share, and could this be someone she could fall in love with?
Over the following week, through sushi on park benches and Shabbat walks, Jade discovered something profound about love. As she puts it: “Love isn’t about falling, it’s about ‘climbing’ in safety, security, vulnerability, commitment, enduring and unexceptional kindness and respect.”
For Adam, the certainty came instantly. From their first date, he knew Jade was “the one” – someone with whom he could be completely himself, someone who radiated “loving, kindness, warmth, generosity and care.”
As Adam wrote in his wedding speech: “From our very first date, I knew that there was a special connection between us. I didn’t believe in soul mates until I met Jade. You are my beshert, and I really believe I was always holding a place in my heart for you. It has been a long time coming, but I kept the faith, and I am so glad we finally found each other.”
As Jade wrote in their wedding invitation: “Marrying Adam doesn’t even feel like a decision. It feels like acting out the ordinary course the way things are meant to be and the way they have always meant to be.”
A Sopwell House Wedding
They celebrated their civil wedding in April at Hendon Town Hall. Another opportunity to celebrate (and get another white dress). It was a beautiful moment in its own right: intimate, local, and deeply personal, with Adam’s sister Claire coming from Scotland to recite a poem. They wrote their own vows and were surrounded by dear friends, confetti, heartfelt words and shared smiles.
By the time the Jewish ceremony arrived, it felt like a culmination. The lead-up included a ‘Shades of Jade’ fashion and friendship tea party, a sports day stag do, days of love letters and Chattan and Kallah classes. They feel so incredibly humbled by the effort of beloved friends and families.
The meaningful auf ruf (lovingly rebranded as ‘Aloof ruf’) and pre-wedding Shabbat surrounded by closest friends and family took place on Adam’s bar mitzvah Parsha. It set the tone for everything that followed: spiritual, grounded, and full of love. There were happy tears, singing, and some copious amounts of chicken schnitzel (Adam’s favourite) and herring (Jade’s favourite – she respectfully asks for no judgment, unless favourable).
They were married in the walled garden at Sopwell House on a quintessentially British spring day. After several days of grey skies and drizzle, the clouds hung low all morning. Just as the music began and we walked down the aisle, the sun broke through, lighting up the garden in that brief golden way only England can manage. As soon as the ceremony ended and they stepped into the yichud room, the clouds quietly returned as if they’d been politely holding off.
It was a traditional Jewish wedding (chuppah, reception, dinner and party), layered with meaning, warmth, and a healthy dose of humour. What made it truly theirs was the care they put into the personal touches. From designing their own Jewish wedding guide to selecting songs, food, and ceremony details that honoured families, history, and hopes of building lives together, everything had intention behind it.
On Rosh Chodesh Sivan, the ceremony started with a tisch – a lively, love-filled gathering of friends, food and song around Adam who loves uplifting Jewish songs and niggunin. That energy carried into the bedeken, where Adam veiled Jade, fully aware (unlike Jacob in the original story) that she was indeed the right bride. It was one of the most emotional moments of the day, blessing each other and getting blessings from beloved parents and family.
An Elevated Celebration
Our theme was honouring the sacredness of a Jewish wedding and trying to bring meaning into all the physical aspects to elevate the celebration of not only finding each other but our loved ones who supported us to get to this point. Our planner was Michelle with MA Events.
Invitation/Stationery
We used Say I Do for ‘ALoof Story’.
Jade’s mom handpainted the invitation with places that meant something to Jade & Adam around the world.
The wedding website was very detailed. They put lots of effort to share stories with loved ones. It also included their love story, a Jewish wedding guide, a profile for the Wedding Party with all the key players also described, a photo section. Other key details like accomodation, food prefences, livestreamlink, gift registery…
Hair + Makeup
Jade didn’t plan hair and make-up until the wedding day when Ayelet Garson asked what she wanted and she shrugged and asked what do you think? The goal was to look like her usual with a bit more glamour. Jade opened Instagram for inspiration and came across of a picture of a recent Vogue wedding which became inspiration for Jade’s hair. Jade’s earrings and tiaras were changed for the party.
A Pronovias Dress
Jade wore a Pronovias princess-cut mikadoo satin dress with extra long train. The chuppah sleeves were replaced by big puffs for the celebration.
It was a dress Jade always knew she wanted, along with pockets to store essentials (Trader Joe hand sanitiser, lipstick and tissues…)
Accessories
Jade wore a handmade tiara and earrings (she also wore a hair clip that her mom wore on her wedding day, 40 years earlier).
The wedding and engagement rings were crafted by Jade’s family in the US whose professional legacy of the diamond trade is outshone by their personal legacy of people who have shaped, nurtured and supported her during big moments of growth. The rings are engraved with Hebrew words that quietly echo Adam and Jade’s commitment and love. They carry the warmth of intention and legacy.
Shoes
Jade’s shoes were OnCloud. (She also had a pretty pair with bows, tuelle and pearls—just-in-case.)
The handsome groom
Adam’s new tallis from Royal Judaica that he wore for the first time under Chuppah, with its intricate weave of blues and whites, is a symbol of being proud strong Jews. His custom suits were embroidered with Adam and Jade’s initials and wedding date, worn with pride, along with personalized cufflinks that Jade gifted Adam.
Sky-blue kippot with Adam and Jade embroidered also had ‘We will dance again’ printed on them as a reminder to unity and resilience.
Adam’s suit was from Suit Supply and shoes were from Cole Haan.
Ceremony & Chuppah
They borrowed the 300+ year old Chuppah from Plymouth Synagogue – the oldest in the English-speaking world, where Adam grew up and his family were long-standing members – a Chuppah under which many of his family members were married. Draped above them were the Talliot of Adam’s late father, Jade’s late Zaida Simmy and Grandpa Max, a powerful tribute to those watching over us.
As Jade circled Adam seven times, they silently davened for specific brachot at the start of each circle; for friends looking for their soulmates, for Am Yisrael, for Hashem to be in their lives, for health, happiness and hope.
Throughout the ceremony, they honoured Am Yisrael and sang Im Eshkachech Yerushalayim and Acheinu for the hostages and IDF, the people of Israel, and all those facing unimaginable pain. It was essential to hold that consciousness at the very centre of the simcha.
The glass that Adam smashed under the chuppah, now beautifully preserved, sits in their home, a symbol of both joy and the world’s brokenness, and a reminder to hold both purposefully and play a part to act with kindness and elevation.
Jade and Adam dreamed of bringing friends and family together to meet one another and have always said as much as this is a celebration of their love for each other, it is a celebration of their people – who guided and supported them to be in a position to seek out healthy love and find the right people at the right time, helping build and grow into the people they are today.
In all of this, the laughter, the blessings, the (more) happy tears, they held space for those who couldn’t be there in-person. The wedding was livestreamed for Jade’s Bobba, Rebecca, sister Tayla, and brother-in-law Shaun, along with other family and friends across the globe. It meant everything to have them part of the day even from afar.
Ketubah
Jade’s Mom, Viv Weiner, a talented artist, hand-painted their invitations, benching cards, and table names (each named after a place meaningful to them: from Hampstead Heath to The Westcliff Hotel – where they got engaged, to Home Park- Plymouth Argyle’s football stadium, to the Table Mountain table…). She also painted the Ketubah, an enmeshment of English Roses and South African Proteas, as well as a bespoke Siddur and Tehillim book for Jade to daven with on her wedding day. All this effort – a labour of love and a beautiful fusion of art and faith.
Our music choice
The Chuppah songs and band played Israeli and Jewish music all evening each artist intentionally chosen for their values and alignment with Israel. It was uplifting and spiritual, but also properly joyful, the kind of music that pulls you onto the dancefloor whether you want to or not. They danced their ‘first dance’ to the Hebrew version of Louis Armstrong’s ‘A Wonderful World’ – Jade’s Late Grandpa Max’s favourite. They also sent Bobba Rebecca (back in Johannesburg) a video of a song that was dedicated to her and Jade’s late Zaida Simmy’s love and their 64-year marriage. Adam’s favourite was the ‘Aloof’ medley.
We curated our favourite dance songs for the DJ later into the night.
The Chuppah singer and DJ was Eli Tamir.
Flowers
Jade’s bouquet was crafted by Flowers by Alina from the flowers that her Mom, Granny, and Bobba had in their bouquets, as well as Adam’s mum’s favourite flowers, freesias. When Jade changed outfits for the dinner and party, she also wore a hair clip that her mom wore on her wedding day, 40 years earlier. These items are filled with symbolism, treasured memories, and meaning passed down through generations.
The ballroom was lavishly decorated with black and white flowers, greenery, and 1920s style feathers, candelabras and crystal chandeliers, catching the light and smiles. The table settings included seed packs in a heart-shape for everyone to take home and plant with the words ‘let love grow’ and our names and wedding date.
Photographer and videographer
The photographer and videographer was Milda Vasile Photography, and the livestream was done by Live Stream Video.
Food and cake
And of course, the food – by Jonathan Robinson – reflected merging of their backgrounds – South African and Plymouthian: fish, chips, mushy peas, pickled onions, and, during the reception, toasted cheese sarmies served as part of the selection of canapés (a tongue-in-cheek ode to their simpler culinary cravings).
Dessert was also a plate of both of Adam and Jade’s favourites: deconstructed eton mess, chocolate mouse, mini magnums – all the good stuff.
Instead of a traditional wedding cake, in honour of Adam’s Devonshire roots, freshly baked scones: with cream first, then jam (the right way) were served. It was one of many small, meaningful nods to identity and tradition.
Wedding List/Registry
We really appreciate the printed note cards that Prezola sends. We treasure the notes and messages so much!
Extra Details
The speeches from Viv and Clive (Jade’s Parents), Tim (Adam’s heavy-accented Scottish brother-in-law) as MC and Jade & Adam themselves were highlights. Funny, self-aware, and moving. Friends and family found that they hit the perfect sweet spot between good-natured memories, storytelling, and heartfelt wisdom. There were references to Adam’s encyclopaedic knowledge of obscure football facts, Jade’s LinkedIn profile, and several mentions of how well they balance each other, she brings the pace, he brings the pause; she’s the storm that makes things happen, he’s the anchor that keeps them steady.
Guests came from all corners of the world and all periods of their lives, school friends, university friends, family from South Africa, the US, and Israel, and loved ones from every season of their story.
At the bar, there was a framed photo of Adam’s dad, raising a quiet L’chaim alongside them. His absence was felt deeply, and his memory was unquestionably part of the day.
It felt surreal and wonderful to have all the pieces of their lives gathered in one place, even for just one day.
They danced to the band, and later DJ, being lifted on chairs, singing ‘Am Yisrael Chai’ and jumping with joy (literally and figuratively) late into the night until going up to the wedding suite. An advantage of having a venue with a hotel is that friends and family stayed over, and everyone had brekkie together the next morning (Jade wearing her newly gifted Mrs Aloof Plymouth Argyle football shirt).
This was the first of many post-wedding simchas together, including Sheva Brachot, each with games, fun, singing, laughter, love (and another 7 white dresses).
Judaism teaches that when joy is shared, it multiplies.
So as Adam and Jade begin their journey as husband and wife, they bless each of you with homes filled with peace, hands busy with meaningful work, hearts open to love, and tables always surrounded by those who matter most (and snacks). On special days like weddings, Hashem’s magic is not only here for the couple, it’s to celebrate their worlds, lives and people coming together. L’chaim!
Honeymoon
Jade started a new job the week of the wedding so more time off will have to wait until next year when they hope to go on a proper honeymoon adventure to Japan.
Until then, they will do a mini moon to Montenegro (where Jade can go on her South African passport) to work remotely for a week (and somehow do 4 Cambridge assignments) while Adam relaxes on the beach… both hopefully with pink sippy drinks in hand!
From wooden fish to wedding rings, our journey reminds us that love often arrives with the quiet certainty of coming home. Today, we describe ourselves as best friends, lovers, and business partners who make “the mundane magical” for each other. Our story is a testament to divine timing, patient waiting, and the beautiful truth that sometimes the most extraordinary love grows from the most ordinary moments.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
– There is opportunity to add meaning to all the planning. (We did the planning and organization ourselves and focused on meaning over aesthetic.)
– Choose values that will define your wedding. When you disagree – go back to the values.
– Wear comfortable shoes – the last thing you want is to be standing under the chuppah thinking your feet are sore. (I wore my OnCloud ‘takkies’ all night)
– It is one night – the start of the rest of your lives – Hashem will be under the Chuppah with you – that is all the magic you need! (The rest is extra!)
JADE & ADAM’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography & videography – Milda Vasile Photography
Livestream – Live Stream Video
Ketubah, stationery, tehillim, siddur design – Viv Weiner
Venue – Sopwell House
Planner – MA Events
Bride’s dress – Pronovias
Bride’s shoes – OnCloud
Groom’s attire – Suit Supply & Cole Haan
Tallis – Royal Judaica
Chuppah – Plymouth Synagogue
Hair + Makeup – Ayelet Garson
Flowers – Flowers by Alina
DJ – Eli Tamir
Catering – Jonathan Robinson
Rabbi – Dov Cowan
Wedding List/Registry – Prezola
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