We’re in love with the theme Danielle, a vet, and Paul, an A+E consultant doctor, chose for their Jewish wedding. In the bride’s words, “The theme was chesed, loving kindness/thoughtfulness, as we wanted to throw a party to thank our friends and family for supporting us over the years as singles. We and they have waited a very long time for this day!” How beautiful is that?
And that’s just the start of the wonderful personal touches that made this wedding so special. Danielle and Paul chose not just one but two venues with serious significance: they had their chuppah at Allerton Shul, where the rabbi and rebbetzin who introduced them work, and for the reception they moved on to The Sefton Park Palm House, which Danielle’s father was instrumental in restoring – a glazier, he donated almost 4000 panes of glass for it!
When it came time to choose a photographer, Danielle and Paul went with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kate Swerdlow, and they can’t stop raving about how wonderful she was. In Danielle’s words, “She took time to understand our situation, gave us some fantastic ideas, and pulled off all of our requests. We didn’t want photographers everywhere on the day, and somehow, although our guests barely noticed her, she captured thousands of incredibly beautiful moments alone. She is a truly talented professional, she knows a Jewish wedding inside and out, was a joy to work with, and our photos are completely stunning.”
Read on for the rest of the story in Danielle’s own words…
How We Met
Danielle, the bride: We were introduced by our Rebbetzin.
A Venue with Meaning
We married at Allerton Shul as this is where the rabbi and his wife (who introduced us) work. It is my family shul too. We were married by them — so special.
We had our reception at The Sefton Park Palm House, which is just down the road from where I live. My father was part of the committee that rescued this amazing building from being a wreck. My father, a glazier, donated almost 4000 panes of glass for it. The Palm House now hosts almost 100 weddings each year, with people coming from all over the country so we were lucky to be able to walk there!
All About Love
The theme was chesed – loving kindness.
We wanted to celebrate those closest to us who had waited so patiently and supportively for us both to find each other.
A Self Portrait Dress
Self Portrait bought online at midnight, days before the wedding, when the original dress i had planned fell through.
Accessories
Veil was borrowed from my sister-in-law, and with a week to go, she last used it 40 years ago, but it came to the rescue.
Ceremony & Chuppah
Paul built the chuppah himself using the tallit I bought for him. We chose to leave the synagogue with minimal decoration so as not to detract from the chuppah. Then it was full-on floral at The Palm House!
Our music choice
We had an amazing trio of chazzanim at shul. Totem played at the reception.
Flowers
Our beautiful flowers were by Verdure, Salford.
Photographer and videographer
Kate Swerdlow came highly recommended as a photographer based in the North, and now I see why. She took time to understand our situation, gave us some fantastic ideas, and pulled off all of our requests. We didn’t want photographers everywhere on the day, and somehow, although our guests barely noticed her, she captured thousands of incredibly beautiful moments alone.
She is a truly talented professional, she knows a Jewish wedding inside and out, was a joy to work with, and our photos are completely stunning.
Food and cake
Our catering was by Marc Sharer and Eighteen Events.
Extra Details
Paul’s Land-rover had a surprise makeover to become our wedding car. When we drove from the shul to the Palmhouse in it, so many people sounded their horns, it was something totally unplanned but absolutely brilliant!
As a couple in our 50s, we wanted to try to have an age-appropriate wedding! The theme was chesed, loving kindness/thoughtfulness, as we wanted to throw a party to thank our friends and family for supporting us over the years as singles. We and they have waited a very long time for this day!
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
I’d say keep your close family informed/involved/updated so they can help when things don’t go according to plan in the run-up to the day.
DANIELLE & PAUL’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Kate Swerdlow #STGVendor {offers 15% discount on an engagement shoot to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – The Sefton Park Palm House & Allerton Shul
Bride’s dress – Self Portrait
Music – TOTEM
Flowers – Verdure
Catering – Marc Sharer
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.
