We love it when a couple hones in on togetherness and love as their top Jewish wedding planning priorities – which is exactly what Hannah and Greg did. Shying away from extras when crafting their special day at The Park Savoy in New Jersey, the couple created an effortlessly elegant celebration ALL about the emotion.
That’s not to say the wedding wasn’t absolutely gorgeous – just take a peek at the stunning photos by Jen Brister from Story and Gold Weddings and video by Jonathan from 4k Weddings to see just how beautiful the big day truly was.
And then there’s the couple’s exquisite ketubah designed by the incredibly talented Britt Yudell from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor BritColors. We’re not only obsessed with the minimal chic design of the ketubah itself, but also with the way Hannah and Greg structured their ketubah signing: their rabbi had all those present for the signing form a Blessing Circle, where the couple’s closest family and friends came together to share their best wishes and memories – how special is that?
There’s so much more to say about this very special Jewish wedding – but we’ll turn you over to Hannah, who looked radiant in Essense of Australia, for the rest…
How We Met
Hannah, the bride: An unlikely pairing….I work in Digital Marketing and Greg is a Software Developer. A likely meeting….we met on Hinge back in 2017!
An Elegant Venue
We got married at the gorgeous The Park Savoy in Florham Park, NJ. From the moment we stepped foot in the space, we immediately were able to picture every moment of our special day there. The space that our ceremony took place in was the only one we had seen where I could envision walking down the aisle towards the chuppah. The staff and hospitality were icing on the cake to the already exquisite ambiance.
All About the Love
To us, the most important piece was feeling as much love around us as possible. We didn’t want to spend too much time or energy thinking up lots of “extras” that could take people away from being together and off the dance floor. I like to think of our wedding vibes as minimal chic…all very intentional yet simple tones and approaches that made the evening feel effortless and elegant. While we didn’t hire our own planner or coordinator, The Park Savoy’s staff couldn’t have been more attentive and hospitable! They were ready and willing to help at a moment’s notice from start to finish.
Hair + Makeup
An Essense of Dress
My dress was by Essense of Australia and was purchased at Jaehee Bridal Atelier in Englewood, NJ! I’m incredibly picky when it comes to dress styles and had such a clear vision in my head of what I wanted to end up with. Something timeless with a unique element, but overall comfortable. And that’s exactly what I found!
Ceremony & Chuppah
Our ceremony was so special. Not only was our Rabbi so special to us, but she also knows my family very well and welcomed Greg in with such open arms as well. Her biggest thing is encouraging her couples to give the traditional aspects of a Jewish wedding that they wanted to incorporate, personal and unique to the two of them. We had my cousin, an artist in Brooklyn, create our chuppah by using watercolor on silk.
The design was her interpretation of how I envisioned the vibe and tone of my wedding, from colors to florals and beyond. We’ve since had the silk matted and framed and is hanging in our apartment and will forever be a statement in our home.
Ketubah
Our ketubah was designed by the incredibly talented Britt Yudell from BritColors! I found out about Britt through my friend who also used her for her own ketubah a few years back. It was a full circle moment because my friend that referred me to Britt then signed my ketubah.
Our ketubah signing was one of the most special parts of our wedding. Our Rabbi had all of those who were present for the signing (our bridal parties, immediate families, and grandmothers) form a Blessing Circle. This was an opportunity for all of our closest family and friends to come together and share their best wishes and memories to Greg and myself. It was such a special way to stay present and grateful before walking down the aisle.
Our music choice
We’re the couple that doesn’t leave that dance floor at a wedding, so we only expected the same at our own! We used the awesome Silver Arrow Band. We love a good mix of genres and decades, and even requested an acoustic guitar cover of 50 Cent’s ‘Best Friend’ to play as we walked back up the aisle. Let’s just say they understood assignment.
Flowers
Flowers have always been so important to me. I grew up always having fresh flowers in my house and still have the tradition in our home to this day. I always had a strong vision for what my florals would look like on my wedding day. My best friend who’s a florist helped me bring my vision board to life, and when I shared that with my wedding florist, Crest Florist, she immediately realized I knew what I was talking about. We had so much fun chatting through everything and making it a reality, and it was exactly what I had pictured: ethereal, minimal, fresh and moody.
Photographer and videographer
Our photographer, Jen Brister from Story and Gold Weddings, was a referral through a friend. I knew from my friend’s wedding photos that she not only knew how to capture raw and real moments, but knew how to capture the literal light around you and within you. Words can’t describe her talent, her kindness and her eye. By the end of our wedding, she felt like a friend!
Our videographer, Jonathan from 4k Weddings, was beyond talented. Not only did he use incredible cameras, but he managed multiple and was a ONE MAN SHOW. I still can’t wrap my head around it. He caught every incredible moment of both us and our friends & family, and seemed as though he managed to be in 5 places at once. He is true talent, collaborative, quality and kind. We watch our video on repeat….still lol.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Try to take moments to breathe, remember to prioritize, but most importantly…SET BOUNDARIES. Something about wedding planning makes everyone feel like they need to share their opinions. Set boundaries with family and friends early on about levels of involvement that feel best for you, and stick to them. You can’t control other people, just how you react. Remember, this is YOUR day, and nobody should make you feel inferior to that.
HANNAH & GREG’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Story and Gold Weddings
Videography – 4k Weddings
Ketubah – BritColors {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue – The Park Savoy
Bride’s dress – Essense of Australia found at Jaehee Bridal Atelier
Hair + Makeup – Hair by Corinne Melanie Handler
Flowers – Crest Florist
Band – Silver Arrow Band
Smash The Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
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.
