Isn’t summer just the best? The sunlight, the long days, the greenery… they all come together to make it a fantastic time for a Jewish wedding. And we love the way today’s couple, Zippy, a social worker, and Danny, a rabbi, really made the most of the season.
Their venue, Mickelefield Hall, has the most picturesque English garden outdoor space, and the couple took full advantage by holding their chuppah in the open air. Warren from Howell Jones Photography captured the beautiful setting so well – not to mention all the emotion and fun of the big day. Zippy says she and Danny chose Warren because “every photo he took tells a story,” and we couldn’t agree more. Videographer Moon & Back made the most gorgeous, moving trailer – don’t miss it!
We love that Zippy and Danny chose the mega-talented The Matzoh Boys – their lead singer is Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Jonny Mosesson – as their band. And how sweet is it that Zippy borrowed her wedding dress from her sister, who’d gotten married months earlier? There’s so much more to say, but we’ll le the bride take it from here…
How we met
Zippy, the bride: Before we met a number of our people had remarked that we would go well together. Our paths finally crossed when Zippy went to a meditation class that Danny was leading. The rest was history.
A Country House Venue
We got married at Mickelefield Hall, Hertfordshire. This was the second venue we saw, and we knew right away that it was the perfect fit. It reflected our appreciation of nature, calmness and lent itself to a relaxed but fun atmosphere. The outdoor space where we had our chuppah was breathtaking and we were blessed with magical weather!
A Fab Planner
We used Kati Pauk as a day planner from KP Events. She made sure that our day ran perfectly and that we could relax and enjoy it all. We wanted an end of summer, rustic feel which complimented the venue. My favourite touch was the ivory which was laced up the sides of the barn.
Invitation
We designed our invitation. It included the Hebrew verse from Ecclesiastes 4.10 that reads “If one falls his friend will pick him up” which felt very appropriate for our relationship. We loved our invitation so much we now have it displayed as artwork in our home.
Hair + Makeup
I used Ayelet Garson. I loved her natural style. I wanted to look like me on a great hair and make up day, not like I’d been transformed into someone different.
A Borrowed Dress
My sister got married two months before me and when I saw her dress, I knew it would suit me and would fit our late summer wedding theme. She kindly allowed me to borrow it. The fact that she had worn it added extra sentimental significance.
Flowers in my hair
I had flowers in my hair provided by my hair and makeup artist Ayelet Garson. They fitted in with my bohemian style dress and barn yard wedding.
Cream Wedges
I wore low wedges in traditional cream.
The handsome groom
Danny wore a beautiful navy suit which was tie less, reflecting his laid-back personality.
Chuppah
We kept it simple to enhance the beautiful surrounding nature.
Our music choice
Danny walked down the aisle to ‘Mitachat Lashamayim’ by David Broza. A song we both love.
I walked down to ‘Aishet Chayil’, the Yaakov Shwekey version. Our friends play in a wedding band and kindly offered to sing us down the aisle which added extra significance.
Our first dance was to Bread – ‘I Want To Make It With You’.
Flowers
We worked with Sarah Loughrey Jennings from Hiding in The City. She was a pleasure to work with and created the perfect colourful flower arrangements against the rustic backdrop of the barn. She created beautiful, unique centre pieces with flowers and candles and was able to arrange ivy sneaking up the beams in the barn-one of my favourite decorative touches. She arranged a beautiful, autumnal wedding bouquet with a matching hair piece.
Photographer
Our photographer was Warren from Howell Jones Photography. We chose him as every photo he took tells a story and there’s nothing boring about any of his pictures. His photos really capture the mood of the day and portray the multitude of emotions of the day.
Videography
We used Moon & Back and their video complemented Warren’s photography perfectly. We could not have asked for a more creative duo to capture our special day.
Entertainment
The Matzoh Boys were our band.
Involving family and friends
Our friends and family were really involved in making our day feel personal and meaningful. Danny had a tisch prior to the chuppah in which many of his friends gave him blessings and words of wisdom, and created a perfect pre chuppah atmosphere through uplifting singing. Zippy’s mum waved her feminist flag and gave the “father of the bride” speech.
Honeymoon in Mexico
We went to Mexico for some winter sun in the winter after we got married. We then did a fabulous road trip through California the following summer.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
It’s not meant to be a perfect day, but rather a day that truly celebrates the couple, the journey they have been on and the one in which they are about to embark on together.
Zippy & Danny’s little white book
Photography – Howell Jones Photography
Videography – Moon & Back
Band – The Matzoh Boys {their singer, Jonny Mosesson, offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – Mickelefield Hall
Wedding planner – KP Events
Hair + Makeup – Ayelet Garson
Flowers – Hiding in The City
