Show Me Everything - Smashing the Glass

A Dorit Izbizki Bride for an Elegant Jewish Wedding at Psagot Winery, Israel

13/12/2021 by Karen Cinnamon

There’s nothing like an Israeli wedding… and the nuptials of Eliana, a student, and Naftali, who just finished his army service and is currently in yeshiva, just tick all our boxes!

These two got married at the stunning Psagot Winery in the Shomron. In addition to the gorgeous natural scenery, the couple – who got engaged during COVID – loved the fact that Psagot was flexible and worked wonderfully for both smaller and larger weddings.

Like so many couples getting married in Israel, Eliana and Naftali knew from the get-go that they wanted to work with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman as their photographer – so much so that they chose their wedding date around his availability! As always, Herschel and his team were fantastic to work with – and naturally, the couple is over the moon about their beautiful photos (just scroll through this post and we’re pretty sure you’ll see why).

And how special is it that the couple got married under Naftali’s family chuppah?! What a wonderful tradition to have a family chuppah that can be brought out for all the weddings!

Now over to the bride, who looked so elegant in her dress by Dorit Izbizki…

How we Met

Eliana, the bride: We both grew up in Beit Shemesh but only knew of each other. We officially met at a mutual friend’s wedding when Naftali sat with Eliana’s brother. We first spoke there and the rest was history….Continue Reading

Handbags to Hold Your Jewish Life {Instagram Live with Designer Sharon Wilkes}

12/12/2021 by Karen Cinnamon

One thing I’m absolutely loving these days is the burgeoning Jewish design scene, with mega-talented Jewish designers bringing their Jewish pride to the forefront. And I’ll be going live on Instagram this Wednesday, December 15, at 8 pm GMT / 3 pm EST / 12 pm PST with one of the most exciting voices, Sharon Wilkes, handbag designer extraordinaire and proud Jewish bubbe – who’s committed to designing ethical, top quality handbags that fit right into your Jewish life!

Photo © Tony Powell

It was only natural that Sharon became a designer – her Jewish family’s got a long history in the business, going all the way back to pre-war Vienna – and equally natural that her Judaism plays a huge role in her work.

Photo © Andrew Werner

Now with a fabulous new line of luxury handbags, Sharon’s got some fantastic out-and-proud Jewish pieces in her collection – among them crystal evening bags graced with the skylines of Tel Aviv or Jerusalem! – and she’s also working on a fantastic series honoring great Jewish American women (the first of which featured none other than RBG)!

Photo © Tony Powell

Sharon will be chatting about how her Judaism influences her work, showing us some of her fabulous handbags live, and she’ll also talk us through how she sources the highest-quality materials and finest Italian artisans to ethically manufacture each one of her gorgeous pieces.

Photo © Andrew Werner

We’ll also be chatting about Sharon’s line of bridal handbags, perfect for brides and mothers-of-the-bride (or groom) to tote their essentials during the wedding festivities and to cherish as special mementos for ever after – or bring out for subsequent swanky events as a sweet reminder of your day. Sharon can even do bespoke keepsake handbags incorporating the lace from your gown or whatever else you like – like your beloved pet (see below)!

Photo © Andrew Werner

Jewish Newlywed Spotlight: Eliana Marc

09/12/2021 by Karen Cinnamon

Eliana was a member of our Brides Club for Jewish and Jew-ish brides.

Inside Brides Club, I personally help you to minimize wedstress and overwhelm, and maximize your wedding budget. Oh – and every Brides Club member gets a free smash glass pouch (designed by me) for under the chuppah posted out to them too. Mazal Tov!

Come and join Brides Club too – for advice, discounts, community, sisterhood… and your sanity!

ABOUT ELIANA

Where are you from? I grew up in Dallas, Texas, but I’ve lived in Orlando, FL for the past 7+ years.

What do you do for a living? I’m a Mental Health Therapist.

How did you meet your partner?We met at my house! One of his best friends was my roommate at the time.

When did you first know you were in love? For him it was instant! For me, it was probably when I met his family and saw how much love and warmth there was between them.

A Caroline Castigliano Bride for a Jewish Wedding Bringing the Outside In at Manor of Groves, Hertfordshire, UK

06/12/2021 by Karen Cinnamon

Dreaming of an outdoor Jewish wedding but nervous about unpredictable weather? How about making it official in a glass-walled and roofed, sundrenched conservatory? That’s what Anna, a therapist, and Nate, who works in the life sciences industry, did when they chose the Manor Suite at the Manor of Groves, Hertfordshire, as their venue – and we’re in love with the results!

The pair’s big day truly felt like it brought the outdoors in – and the couple played it up even further by choosing a color scheme of green, white, and yellow, reflecting the verdant surroundings visible outside. The natural florals and birch chuppah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Happy Chuppah People – adorned with wild-looking greenery and florals – completed the look. Matt Heath Photography did a perfect job capturing the natural vibes of the day – not to mention the fabulous light!

We’re also in love with Anna’s gorgeous, classic gown from Caroline Castigliano, which she wore with an added lace topper for the chuppah. We could go on and on, but we’ll let the bride take it from here…

How we Met

Anna, the bride: We first met on Jswipe in January 2017 where we had our first date at Doodle Bar in London. We drew a portrait together on the chalk walls where Nate drew himself and I drew me and it formed one face. Continue Reading