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A Suzanne Neville Bride for a Timelessly Classic Jewish Wedding in Tuscany at Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy

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Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy

There’s nothing like a Tuscan wedding – between the gorgeous scenery, the brilliant sunshine, and, of course, the food, there’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destination spots for STG couples. And Katie, who works in PR for interior and lifestyle brands, and Jamie, who works in sales, had a truly unforgettable Tuscan Jewish wedding.

We were so thrilled to hear that they found their wonderful venue, Villa Oliva, right here on Smashing The Glass – and it’s easy to see why they fell in love with the verdant grounds at first sight.

Katie and Jamie’s photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Alessandro Colle, and videographer, Alte Vedute, “went above and beyond, and they captured every single moment possible! We trusted them and were happy to follow their lead, and we’re thrilled with the results!”

Read on for all the details of this magical day in the bride’s own words…

 Professions / notes for Emily –

Jamie works in sales, whereas i work in PR for interior and lifestyle brands.

 Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy Katie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, ItalyKatie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, ItalyKatie and Jamie, Villa Oliva, Lucca, Italy

How We Met

Katie, the bride: We first met when we were 16 on an Israel tour! We became best friends, and over time, we ended up becoming boyfriend and girlfriend. 10 years later, Jamie proposed!

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New to Smashing The Glass for June ‘25

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Photo by Christian Gideon Photography 

Here at  Smashing The Glass, we’re constantly thrilled to bring together the best wedding professionals who understand the unique needs of Jewish and Jew-ish couples. This past month, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming some incredible new Recommended Vendors to our community, and we can’t wait for you to get to know them! 

10 x 15 Structures | UK and Worldwide  

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and memorable backdrop for your wedding, we love Ten by Fifteen’s stretch tents. Providing a luxurious, adaptable space, they’re ideal for weddings with multiple elements and a dynamic flow. Their elegant architectural design create a seamless environment for ceremonies, receptions, and dancing, with the flexibility to tailor the layout to each moment of the celebration.

The structures work beautifully in any setting, offering an open, light-filled space in summer or a warm, enclosed atmosphere when needed, and the expert team delivers meticulous planning and flawless installation, ensuring every detail enhances the day.

0118 380 5580
team@10×15.com
https://www.10×15.com/
Instagram
Reading, UK: Creative House, Station Road, Theale, RG7 4PD
Available worldwide

The Couplers | Florence and Lecce, Italy

Italy is one of the most popular wedding destinations for STG couples, and it’s easy to see why. Italy isn’t just a destination—it’s a feeling. And The Couplers do the absolute best job distilling it all into one special day. 

Being Jewish himself, founder Sandro is perfectly positioned to help couples from abroad celebrate their love of Italy while honoring their Jewish identity, every step of the way. 

Based between Florence and Lecce, The Couplers plan destination weddings across Italy for couples from around the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic villa, a sunlit masseria, or a seaside ceremony, they’ll help you bring it to life—with intention, soul, and care. Sandro and his team work hand-in-hand with rabbis, kosher caterers, and trusted local partners to create weddings that are both meaningful and effortless.

Instagram 
Based in Florence and Lecce, Italy 
 
Join our Members Club and save 10% on wedding planning with The Couplers

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A Self Portrait Bride for a Jewish Wedding All about Chesed at Allerton Shul and Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England

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Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England

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…

Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England Danielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, EnglandDanielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, EnglandDanielle and Paul, Palm House Sefton Park, Liverpool, England

How We Met

Danielle, the bride: We were introduced by our Rebbetzin.

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5 of Our Favorites: Jewish Weddings with Dogs

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Rachel and Aaron‘s Dog-Friendly Wedding | Photo by Hello Blue Photo

Welcome back to “5 of Our Favorites,” where we highlight five stunning Jewish weddings each week, all centered around a special theme. This week, we’re all about weddings with dogs!

STG couples have come up with the cutest and most creative ways to incorporate their beloved pups into their special days – whether that means full-on participation, up to and including walking down the aisle, or simply taking some heirloom-level photos together and adding in sweet tributes throughout the wedding. 

We’re so excited to share these fabulous dog-freidnly weddings with you and inspire your own pet-friendly celebration!

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Jacqui and James‘ Wedding | Photo by Sarah Diller

Jacqui and James’ Barnyard Jewish Wedding at Red Gate Farms, Savannah, Georgia, USA

We love a good barn wedding. And a wedding with pets. AND a Jewish wedding where the couple goes the extra mile to personalize their ceremony. Put all those things together, and you’ve got one incredible day.

Jacqui and James‘ Wedding | Photo by Sarah Diller

Jacqui and James pulled off the perfect laid-back barn wedding – the bride wanted all the guests to feel “like they were hanging out in their own backyard.”

Jacqui and James‘ Wedding with Pets | Photo by Sarah Diller

And how cute is it that the couple got their beloved dogs in on the fun? We’re obsessed with the pics of the pair walking back down the aisle with their sweet pups in tow.

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Wendy and Nagesh‘s Wedding with Pets | Photo by Laurie Bailey

Wendy and Nagesh’s Dog-Forward Wedding at Bel Air Bay Club, Los Angeles, CA

Smashing The Glass Brides Club member Wendy and Nagesh incorporated the beloved dogs in their lives into their big day in the sweetest ways! 

The couple knew they wanted to include their pug, Shimi (named after the late Shimon Peres), in their day, so they hired Black Tie Pups to bring her to and from the venue for photos. 

Wendy-and-Nagesh-Bel-Air-Bay-Club

Wendy and Nagesh‘s Wedding with Pets | Photo by Laurie Bailey

Wendy and Bagesh included not only their own dog, Shimi, but also Wendy’s parents’ dog, Snoopy, who is a bit of a family mascot. They named their signature drinks after the pups and got cute signs from Etsy.

Wendy-and-Nagesh-Bel-Air-Bay-Club

Wendy and Nagesh‘s Wedding with Pets | Photo by Laurie Bailey

Even Wendy and Nagehs’s ketubah, custom designed by Etsy artist Jerise, featured a beach scene with an image of  the couple and Shimi!

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A Same-Sex Summer Camp Jewish Wedding at Forest Lake Camp, Chestertown, New York, USA

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Eliana and Baylee, Forest Lake Camp, Chestertown NY, USA

How fun is it that today’s couple, Baylee, the founder and CEO of an AI company, and Eliana, who works in HR strategy in the financial industry, opted to hold their Jewish wedding at a summer camp?!

The couple wanted more than just a few hours to spend with their guests, so they invited their loved ones to the spend the weekend with them at Forest Lake Camp! Instead of a formal rehearsal dinner, Baylee and Eliana held a welcome barbecue for all of their guests – and pre-wedding, everyone loved the range of activities available onsite, from swimming to hiking to tennis. 

We also love that the duo opted to write their own ketubah text, and read it aloud to each other as their vows during the ceremony – plus the fact that on their way down from the chuppah, guests lined the path and threw flowers at Baylee and Eliana for a colorful recessional! Don’t miss the wonderful photos by Kristen Tomkowid of Little But Fierce Photography.

Read on for all the details in the brides’ own words…

Eliana and Baylee, Forest Lake Camp, Chestertown NY, USAEliana and Baylee, Forest Lake Camp, Chestertown NY, USAEliana and Baylee, Forest Lake Camp, Chestertown NY, USAEliana and Baylee, Forest Lake Camp, Chestertown NY, USA

How We Met

Eliana & Baylee, the brides: We met in 2017 at a University of Pennsylvania LGBTQ+ alumni event.

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