• About
  • Find a Vendor
  • Submit
  • Advertise
  • Brides Club
  • Your Jewish Life
  • Contact

Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

  • Real Jewish Weddings
    • City Chic
    • Fashion Forward
    • Outdoor
    • Destination
      • Israel
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • France
      • Beach Weddings
    • Super Luxe
    • Budget
    • DIY
    • Same Sex
    • Covid Weddings
  • Jew-ish Weddings
    • Real Jew-ish Weddings
    • Jewish-Catholic Weddings
    • Jewish-Chinese Weddings
    • Jewish-Christian Weddings
    • Jewish-Greek Weddings
    • Jewish-Hindu Weddings
    • Jewish-Humanist Weddings
    • Jewish-Irish Weddings
    • Jewish Japanese Weddings
    • Jewish-Muslim Weddings
    • Same Sex Jew-ish Weddings
  • Inspiration + Guidance
    • Engaged? Start Here
    • Ceremony
      • Chuppah ideas
      • Jewish ceremony music
      • Jewish wedding ceremony 101
      • Jewish ceremony traditions
      • Ketubah Ideas
      • Jewish wedding legalities
      • Jew-ish ceremony ideas
    • Reception
      • Music
      • Speeches
      • Entertainment
      • Venues
    • Food & Drink
      • Kosher catering
      • Wedding cakes
      • Drinks
    • Decor
      • Decorations
      • Favours
      • Floristry
      • Guestbooks
      • Stationery
    • Style
      • Brides dresses
      • Shoes & accessories
      • Grooms
      • Bridesmaids
    • Advice
      • Converting to Judaism
      • Real blogging brides
      • Dear Karen…
    • Honeymoons
    • STG Live
    • Five Minutes With
    • Wedding Must-Haves
    • Wedding Consultancy
  • Jewish Brides Club
  • Find a Wedding Vendor
Home > A Reem Acra Bride for a Sophisticated Garden Interfaith Jewish Wedding at Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA

A Reem Acra Bride for a Sophisticated Garden Interfaith Jewish Wedding at Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA

11/02/2022 by Karen Cinnamon

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA

Okay, HOW amazing is today’s chuppah?! Is it dreamy, or is it dreamy? For that matter, today’s entire floral scheme is pretty much #goals. Bay Area couple Alexandra, a manager of product operations, and Alec, a data scientist and product manager, have got seriously impeccable taste when it comes to flowers.

The pair’s whole vision for their day was “sophisticated dreamy garden,” and did they ever execute it to perfection! Even Alexandra’s stunning Reem Acra gown featured 3D floral embroidery. The incredible photos of the day from The De Jaureguis are truly unmissable – and how cool is it that Alexandra and Alec repurposed their chuppah after the ceremony by moving it to the dessert lounge and adding seating underneath?

As a counterpoint to all this floral splendor, we love that the duo chose an elegantly simple ketubah from the amazing Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Ketubah – with artist Stephanie’s exquisite hand calligraphy, you don’t need much else.

There’s so much more we could say about this incredible wedding, but we’ll leave it to Alexandra to fill you in on the rest…

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
How we Met

Alexandra, the bride: We met on the dating app Hinge in 2017 in San Francisco. Our initial messages were standard, then I was struck at how communicative we continued to be even before meeting for our first date. We went to dinner and continued the night at a cocktail bar across the street, all the while talking and discovering more about one another. Most importantly, we realized we wanted to spend more and more time together, to share our families and celebrations, and to build a future together.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
A California Venue

Our shared history as a couple is in California. We chose to get married in a region we love, and started looking at locations around the Bay Area, which is where we call home. We’ve spent many weekends and day trips in Sonoma as a couple so choosing the town as our hub felt like the perfect fit.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
We considered multiple wineries and venues before deciding on Annadel Estate Winery. We were drawn to Annadel’s multiple outdoor areas that all offered natural beauty without being overly wild or too manicured. We especially loved the stone ruins where we held our ceremony and the towering oak trees that provided a beautiful backdrop to the wedding events.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
A Fantastic Planner

We didn’t have a theme, per se. We worked with our fantastic wedding planner, Pilar Mustafa – Flutter Events, and narrowed our inspiration to “sophisticated dreamy garden.” My vision for the color palette was a modernized version of a dutch oil painting of flowers.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
I love how all the colors and textures of those paintings look harmonious together, without anything being too matchy-matchy. We definitely wanted the overall event to be luxurious and sophisticated, with guests feeling really well taken care of.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Overall, we chose to invest in the things that were really important to each of us including food, fashion, and flowers, all through the lens of making our guests feel special and appreciated.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Invitations / stationery

I absolutely love stationery and paper goods – I always have! I worked with my great aunt Jackie who has run her own custom invitation business for over 30 years to create our custom invitation suite. I absolutely loved the coordinated suite we used, and really enjoyed the special collaboration we had along the way.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
For the day-of paper goods, I found Stephanie Sobierski’s amazing custom watercolor and calligraphy on instagram. I reached out and we started a great collaboration. I shared with her my color palette and overall concept and we worked together to create the beautiful handmade watercolor paper goods.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
She designed a “day” watercolor and an “evening” watercolor to mirror the floral progression from brighter/lighter colors during the ceremony and cocktail hour into darker/richer tones for dinner and dancing.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Hair + Make-up

I worked with Jane from The Glamourist for both our Friday ketubah signing and Saturday wedding. She was absolutely incredible!

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Three Dresses

I used to work in the fashion industry in New York, so I knew fashion would be a particularly fun part of the wedding planning process for me! I had three bridal outfits actually: one for Friday ketubah signing and events, a gown for the wedding on Saturday, and an afterparty dress.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
My Friday outfit was a top and skirt by a small Australian design house called J. Andreatta. I fell in love with the style on instagram and found the specialty bridal shop Spina Bride in New York to help me order the pieces.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
My wedding gown was from Reem Acra. I traveled to New York City in search of this specific style and had a great experience working directly with the designer. I had tried on many gowns at home in San Francisco, but traveling to New York also enabled me to bring my Dad, brother, and cousin to the appointment (who all live on the East coast). It was amazing to have my family there to share in the joy.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
I absolutely loved the 3D floral embroidery and since I’ve never been attracted to poofy princess dresses, I loved the sleek silhouette and train. I felt glamorous and like myself when I tried it on! When it came time to travel back to New York for the final fittings, we collaborated on the custom tulle “wings” – I’d had the idea for them to float behind me but not cover the dress as a veil attached to my head would do. It turned out perfectly.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
My afterparty dress from The Attico was black with feather trim at the wrists. I knew I wanted something short and lighter to put on towards the end of the evening so I could feel free and dance. Apparently brides never wear black, but I fell in love with this dress!

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
I had help along the way from my amazing bridal stylist Sam Levis from The Bold and Bridal. She provided significant support in selecting my shoes and the afterparty dress, and strategizing about the styling for each of my outfits. I had so much fun working with her.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Accessories

I wore earrings and a bracelet that my late mother used to wear for special occasions, so I could carry memories of her with me during the wedding. The earrings were originally men’s cufflinks (very bling-y ones!) that she had converted into earrings.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
The handsome groom

Alec worked with a custom shop called Tailor’s Keep in San Francisco on a beautiful custom suit for the wedding. The lining fabric he chose featured a wine country pattern to represent our wedding in Sonoma.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Bridesmaids

Traditional bridesmaids as a concept has never quite resonated with me. Instead, I invited a group of family and friends, men and women, who I consider my “special people” to spend time with me the morning of the wedding while I got ready.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
They popped in to chat, eat some breakfast, and take photos with me in a more intimate setting. My stepmother, mother-in-law, and both my sisters-in-law helped me put on my dress and attach the wings before seeing Alec for the first time.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Ceremony

We worked with our Rabbi Carol on a Jewish ceremony that would represent tradition and allow space for us to share our own vows. The entire theme of the ceremony was the power of our choice. Alec and I chose each other to reach this day together, and we will continue to choose each other every day forever.

I cried a lot during the ceremony because I was so moved to be standing under such a beautiful chuppah with Alec and making our commitments in ways that felt meaningful to us both.

  Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Chuppah

A lot of our wedding was floral-driven, so I knew I wanted to go big with flowers on the chuppah! Our florist Marisa from Revel Floral did a fantastic job constructing the chuppah of my dreams dripping with beautiful flowers, texture, and greenery.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
We repurposed the chuppah in the dessert lounge with candles and seating underneath. It made me so happy to be able to use the chuppah throughout the event and to see others enjoying its beauty while sitting underneath and eating dessert or catching up with friends.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Our Music Choice

Processional: ‘Going to California’ by Led Zeppelin

Bridal Processional: ‘Just As I Am’ by Willie Nelson

Recessional: ‘You Are The Best Thing’ by Ray LaMontagne

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
We also had a raucous hora to kick off the dance floor – including lifting Alec and I in chairs. Alec isn’t Jewish but his family and friends were some of the most enthusiastic hora participants at the wedding!

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Flowers

Flowers are one of my favorite things in life. I knew I wanted to prioritize floral at our wedding, and Alec agreed since they bring me so much joy! When our wedding planner introduced me to Marisa from Revel Floral and I shared with her my non-traditional bridal color story, and she was so enthusiastic about it, I knew it was the perfect match.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
I provided a list of specific flowers that I love including tulips (especially the striated ones), garden roses, and clematis, as well as my preference to include fruits and berries for texture and richness. We also collaborated on the hanging floral installation above our head table which included hanging lights for a dreamy feel. Marisa worked true floral magic throughout the event and we were thrilled with the result!

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Photographer and videographer

We loved working with our photographers, Courtney and Erin De Jauregui of The De Jaureguis. They’re a husband and wife team both with specialties, and we absolutely loved their artistic and nuanced approach. We got to know them better during our engagement shoot as well.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
When we looked for a videographer, we found that a lot of wedding videos were really cheesy. The videos from Buster Brown Productions, however, showed a more cinematic approach (with excellent music choice) that sealed it for us.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Food

Alec and I are foodies, so we knew we wanted to provide a special food experience for our guests (and for us!). We had a collaborative and really special partnership with Pascaline Fine Catering and could not recommend them highly enough. Their chef Didier was excited to work together to bring our fine-dining inspiration to life and helped create a custom menu that emphasized presentation and detail.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Our favorite idea from the tasting was the amuse bouche course plated on a bird’s nest. We didn’t want a traditional cake, so Pascaline’s pastry chef created six different patisserie desserts – all were amazing. We also went all out and had an oyster bar during cocktail hour and late-night food to wrap up the experience.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
Extra details

Instead of table names, we chose places and restaurants we’d enjoyed as a couple including: Lake Tahoe, Medellín, Bar Crenn, and Farmstead.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
We felt so loved and supported by all those who chose to travel and attend our wedding: not an easy feat in 2021. My dad, my brother, and Alec’s brother all gave particularly meaningful speeches during dinner.

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
One of my favorite moments was when we both stepped on glasses at the end of the ceremony. I chose to update the tradition of the groom smashing the glass in a more egalitarian and modern way. Plus, it always looked exciting to smash the glass – why should the groom get to have all the fun? 🙂

Alexandra & Alec, Annadel Estate Winery, California, USA
ALEXANDRA & ALEC’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK

Photography – The De Jaureguis
Videography – Buster Brown Productions
Ketubah – The Ketubah {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’sBrides Club}
Wedding planner – Pilar Mustafa – Flutter Events
Venue – Annadel Estate Winery
Bride’s dresses – Friday outfit – J. Andreatta from Spina Bride, Saturday wedding gown – Reem Acra Afterparty dress: The Attico
Bridal stylist – The Bold and Bridal
Bride’s shoes – Alexandre Birman and Stuart Weitzman
Bride’s accessories – Camilla Christine
Groom’s attire – Tailor’s Keep
Hair + Makeup – The Glamourist
Flowers – Revel Floral
Quartet – Bellarosa String Quartet 
Band – Hip Service
Catering – Pascaline Fine Catering
Invitations – JackE Custom Invitations 
Invitation calligraphy – The Left Handed Calligrapher
Day-of Paper Goods – Stephanie Sobierski
Rabbi – Carol Caine


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.


 

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Real Jewish Weddings, Jewish Garden Weddings, Jewish Super Luxe Weddings, Outdoor Tagged With: Buster Brown Productions, Annadel Estate Winery wedding venue, The Bold and Bridal, USA, The Glamourist, Reem Acra, Tailor's Keep, Revel Floral, Online dating success story, Hip Service, Pascaline Fine Catering, the ketubah, Stephanie Sobierski, California Jewish Wedding, The De Jaureguis

You might also like...

  • A Justin Alexander Bride for a Modern Classic Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens Wedding, Costa Mesa, California, USAA Justin Alexander Bride for a Modern Classic Turnip Rose Promenade & Gardens Wedding, Costa Mesa, California, USA
  • A WTOO by Watters Bride for a Star Wars-Themed Jewish Wedding at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo, California, USAA WTOO by Watters Bride for a Star Wars-Themed Jewish Wedding at Sterling Hills Golf Club in Camarillo, California, USA
  • A Pronovias Bride for a Backyard Jewish Micro Wedding in Santa Barbara, California, USAA Pronovias Bride for a Backyard Jewish Micro Wedding in Santa Barbara, California, USA
  • A Magical Rustic Jewish Micro Wedding in the Forest at San Moritz Lodge, Crestline, California, USAA Magical Rustic Jewish Micro Wedding in the Forest at San Moritz Lodge, Crestline, California, USA
  • A Willowby by Watters Bride for a Reimagined Jewish Micro Wedding at a Private Airbnb in Malibu, California, USAA Willowby by Watters Bride for a Reimagined Jewish Micro Wedding at a Private Airbnb in Malibu, California, USA
  • An Essense of Australia for a Rustic Rave Interfaith Jewish Wedding at a Private Residence in Morgan Hill, CA, USAAn Essense of Australia for a Rustic Rave Interfaith Jewish Wedding at a Private Residence in Morgan Hill, CA, USA

Comments

  1. Laura Harrison says

    16/02/2022 at 12:41 pm

    An absolutely beautiful location for a wedding, I love California vineyards.

Jewish Weddings by Country

Vendors We Love

Weddings by Colour


Jewish Wedding Gift List


Awesome Jewish Gifts

Vendors We Love

Get posts directly into your inbox

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Liberty London
Biscuiteers Baking Company
Kate Spade UK Limited
Mr And Mrs Smith Honeymoons
Monica Vinader

Today’s Top Posts

  • An Ines Di Santo Bride for a Vibrant Jewish Wedding in Orange and Pink at Mizner Country Club, Delray Beach, Florida, USA
    An Ines Di Santo Bride for a Vibrant Jewish Wedding in Orange and Pink at Mizner Country Club, Delray Beach, Florida, USA
  • A guide to the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service under the chuppah
    A guide to the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service under the chuppah
  • Dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
    Dates in 2023, 2024 and 2025 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
  • Breaking The Glass – Jewish Wedding Traditions Explained #7
    Breaking The Glass – Jewish Wedding Traditions Explained #7
  • The Tisch – Jewish Wedding Traditions Explained #3
    The Tisch – Jewish Wedding Traditions Explained #3

Subscribe by Email

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Connect

Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube
Twitter
Advertise
Mailing List
Email Karen

Receive Smashing The Glass posts via Email

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

closeClick Here To Get The Ultimate Jewish Wedding Checklist

All content © Smashing The Glass 2023