There’s nothing like a museum wedding. And you couldn’t ask for a more stunning setting than the Cleveland Museum of Art, where Dara, who works in entertainment and is the founder of her own fragrance and design company, L’or de Seraphine, and Max, an attorney, opted to hold their Jewish wedding.
Full of refined details befitting the elegant setting, this wedding took full advantage of the majestic spaces – both indoor and outdoor – the museum offers. These two had an absolutely stunning outdoor ceremony with a twelve-foot(!) garden chuppah made of boxwood. And we love the emotion and spirit of the ceremony. Don’t miss the exquisite photos from Genevieve Nisly Photography and video from Making the Moment.
And you won’t want to miss the giant puppets Dara and Max brought in for their afterparty, either. But we’ll leave that to the bride, who looked oh so elegant in Oscar de la Renta…
A Museum Wedding
Dara, the bride: The Cleveland Museum of Art. Cleveland, Ohio is the city where my family is deeply rooted. The ceremony was held on the South Terrace just before sunset. The guests entered through the 1916 building and were invited into the Ames Family Atrium. The Atrium is the majestic centerpiece to the museum’s recently completed eight-year expansion and renovation project, designed by Rafael Viñoly. The soaring, three story high ceiling accentuates the grandeur of the glass-enclosed space, centrally located in the heart of the world-renowned galleries of the museum.
All in the Details
The design was a culmination of talented people. My mother is an interior designer with a keen eye for color and detail. The floral designer was Stephen Tokar who helped bring everyone creative ideas, including his own to fruition. Kim Singerman of Noteworthy Events was our wedding planner. Kim worked with us and our families for well over a year planning not only the wedding but multiple events including Shabbat services.
INVITATIONS
Our Wedding invitations by 1440 NYC feature a lovely combination of letterpress, gold foil, beveled edging and a wax seal.
Hair + Make-up
We used a team of professionals to assist with the numerous number of bridesmaids, mother’s, grandmother’s and the bride.
An Oscar de la Renta DRESS
My dress was Oscar de la Renta. The classic timeless design was why I chose it – understated, but beautifully detailed.
Accessories
Earrings were Paul Morelli, and hair accessory was a large jewelled comb by Jennifer Behr.
Manolos
Shoes were blush silk Manolo Blahnik.
Bridesmaids
There were 10 bridesmaids + 5 sisters!
Garden Chuppah
Our chuppah was a monumental twelve foot garden chuppah made out of boxwood with a six foot domed top.
Our ceremony was extremely traditional as that was very important to Max, however, we had a program on each guest’s chair explaining the significance of each part of the ceremony.
Being danced up the isle to the yichud room at the end of the ceremony, surrounded by all of our closest friends was my favorite part of the ceremony. The dancing and singing perfectly captured our excitement and happiness.
Our music choice
I walked down the aisle to “Erev ba Shoshanim”, which my grandfather used to sing to me when I was a little girl.
Flowers
The magnificent Stephen Tokar of Stephen Tokar Floral Design was the designer. The bride’s bouquet was a clutch of Quick Sand garden roses collared in dark green magnolia leaves. The bridesmaids carried David Austin garden roses with powdery shades of lilac and apricot.
Photographer and videographer
Our photographer was Genevieve Nisly Photography and Making the Moment created the wedding film.
Food and Cake
Fire Food and Drink, with Chef Doug Katz planning and overseeing all aspects of food service.
Entertainment
So much entertainment! We had strings during the processional, Jewish singer Avy Schreiber sing during the part of the ceremony. The Avy Schreiber Band also played the hora. After dinner we had The Sly Band entertain guests with more contemporary dance music.
We had giant two story puppets enter for the afterparty, along with lighting changes and visual displays on the iconic interior 1916 wall of the museum. We transitioned to DJ Smoov who changed the entire vibe of the music, and finished out the evening along with the giant puppets who danced amongst the guests.
Favours
Wedding favors were the leaded glass jewelry boxes, filled with petite tea roses and the place cards.
Honeymoon
We are going to Positano, Lake Como, and Rome, Italy
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Most importantly, have a vision and hire wonderful vendors who will work as a team to execute your dreams.
What ‘Smashing The Glass’ Did For Us
We loved the beautifully artistic weddings that are shared with the viewers.
DARA & MAX’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Genevieve Nisly Photography
Videography – Making the Moment
Wedding planner – Noteworthy Events
Venue – Cleveland Museum of Art
Bride’s dress – Oscar de la Renta
Bride’s shoes – Manolo Blahnik
Bride’s accessories – Paul Morelli, and Jennifer Behr
Flowers – Stephen Tokar
Band – The Sly Band
Jewish Band and singer – The Avy Schreiber Orchestra
DJ – Cleveland Music Group – DJ Smoov aka Herby Lofton
Catering – Chef Doug Katz at Fire Food and Drink
Lighting – Vincent Lighting
Ketubah – Danny Azoulay Ketubahs
Invitations – 1440 NYC
Smash The Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
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