Michal and Ilan wanted an unforgettable destination for their Jewish wedding – and they found the perfect spot, Cyprus’s Atlantis Gardens, thanks to their amazing planner Noam of Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kai Wedding Planner.
The couple worked closely with Noam to curate an authentic and carefree experience for their guests, including a Greek tavern kickoff party complete with traditional food and drinks, Cypriot tunes, and some plate smashing!
In Michal’s words,
Noam of Kai Wedding Planner, our star planner, was an absolute godsend. He flawlessly brought all our visions to life, catering to every little wish and request with genuine dedication. From our very first chat, we knew he was the perfect fit for our special day.
The whole celebration was so full of emotion and love – don’t miss the incredible images from Lychee Weddings!
Now over to Michal…
How We Met
Michal, the bride: We first crossed paths during the crazy COVID times when a mutual friend set us up. Our love story blossomed at a hospital where I was working as a EMT and Ilan as an intern and later Orthopedic resident. Fast forward to today, we’re still working side by side at the same hospital.
A Wedding in Cyprus
From the get-go, we knew we wanted a wedding that was unique and unforgettable. After toying with the idea of an abroad wedding, we first checked in with our nearest and dearest to see if they were up for the adventure. Once everyone gave us the green light, our awesome planner Noam from Kai Wedding Planner presented us with various dreamy locations in Greece and Cyprus. When we laid eyes on the stunning hotel, Atlantis Gardens in Cyprus, we were sold—it ticked all the boxes for us and our guests in terms of charm, hospitality, and overall experience.
Theme + Wedding Planner
Both of us are huge fans of the sea and vast open spaces, so we were on the lookout for a venue that could marry the two. Opting for Cyprus, we aimed to curate an authentic experience for ourselves and our guests. Our first evening kicked off with a lively Greek tavern party complete with traditional food and drinks, Cypriot tunes, and yes, some plate smashing! We aimed for a laid-back and carefree vibe throughout, both for the tavern, the ceremony and wedding party. All the guests dressed up in full white for the tavern, creating a magical ambiance and capturing some stunning photos. At the wedding reception, tables were adorned with dainty floral arrangements and soft lighting to set a cozy and inviting mood.
Food was a top priority for us, and we left it in the capable hands of the catering recommended by our planner, Noam of Kai Wedding Planner. Despite not getting a taste beforehand, we were blown away by the visuals on social media and reassured after a quick chat with the manager that our culinary needs were in good hands. Noam, our star planner, was an absolute godsend. He flawlessly brought all our visions to life, catering to every little wish and request with genuine dedication. From our very first chat, we knew he was the perfect fit for our special day.
An Oshrat Mishal Bridal Dress
I had the pleasure of donning three stunning dresses. Two of them, worn during the tavern party and wedding reception, were custom-made by a private tailor, Rebecca, and the main showstopper, my ceremony gown, was crafted by the talented Israeli designer ÖSHRAT MISHAL BRIDAL. Comfort and uniqueness were key for me when selecting these dresses.
Ceremony & Chuppah
The canopy, adorned with delicate yet vibrant blooms just steps away from the water, provided the most serene backdrop. A truly moving moment for us was exchanging heartfelt vows in such a picturesque setting.
Our music choice
Pini Dekel, our Israeli DJ, set the mood just right with his diverse music selection. With our eclectic tastes, we wanted someone who could blend genres effortlessly and honor both our preferences and family traditions. The musical journey at our wedding was truly special and a standout among the weddings we’ve attended.
Photographer
Our photographers from Lychee Weddings felt like old friends, having captured the weddings of many of our pals. They made us feel at ease during the photo session, resulting in natural and beautiful shots. We also ventured to Lefkara for a photo shoot, a quaint town with a medieval charm. Every photo is a gem—picking a favorite is a tough call!
Extra details
One of the most unforgettable moments was at the end of the reception when nobody wanted the party to end with everyone reveling until the wee hours. To this day, our wedding remains a hot topic whenever we gather with friends, reminiscing about the magical vibes and the love shared on that day. Opting for a destination wedding brings a whole new dimension to the celebration, both for the couple and the guests. It allows for a more personalized and modular approach compared to traditional weddings.
To pamper our guests, we handed out straw hats on the first day of festivities, a keepsake that’s still being used by our friends. The morning after, each guest went home with a framed family photo from the Taverna party, now proudly displayed in their homes.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
We highly recommend finding a planner who truly gets you—a connection is key. When selecting our wedding vendors, we followed our gut and chose those with whom we felt that special “click”. Trust your gut!
MICHAL & ILAN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Lychee Weddings
Planner – Kai Wedding Planner
Venue – Atlantis Gardens
Bride’s dresses – ÖSHRAT MISHAL BRIDAL, Rebecca
DJ – Pini Dekel
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.
