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My Weekend in Kosher Paradise at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas

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I couldn’t have imagined back in 2019, as a member of Brides Club planning my own Jewish wedding, that one day I would be a part of the incredible team here at Smashing the Glass. As luck would have it, I joined the team back in 2020, and these last three years as a Features Writer have been such a blast. This July, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to take part in the Kosher Fam weekend, sponsored by the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas with other amazing Jewish influencers and to see what it was like to spend a proper Shabbat in the Caribbean. 

The First Kosher Restaurant in the Caribbean 

What makes a stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar so unique is that it boasts the first 100% certified kosher restaurant in all of the Caribbean as well as a fully kosher food truck and other kosher options throughout the resort. Cinko, their Asian Latino fusion inspired restaurant, is not only kosher, but each dish is so unique and delicious that you could have a new item on the menu for every meal in a week and still not run out of tasty options to try. One evening for dinner, I ordered the Korean beef kimchi tacos, the salmon ceviche, and for my main course a stunning red snapper in an aji amarillo and coconut Thai sauce with succulent bites of yuca.

Shabbat Accommodations at a 5 Star Hotel

Whenever I’ve traveled and need to account for Shabbat or kosher meals, it’s usually whatever pre-packaged options I have on hand. I’ve never seen the luxury of a 5-star hotel take into consideration its kosher guests with such preparation and care. Cinko closes its doors to general hotel guests every Friday night through Saturday unless you make special reservations for Shabbat dinner and takeaway lunch, securing your kosher meals ahead of time. 

From Cinko’s candle lighting setup and hand washing station, to the beautiful Shabbat table with challah and wine the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar thinks of everything in making sure all you need is accounted for and you can just enjoy the beautiful Shabbat feast that’s been pre-prepared. Shabbat lunch is just as thoughtful with takeaway boxes filled with scrumptious food, and your own personal challah roll and grape juice for kiddush. The local Chabad Rabbi also has wonderful resources online and does his best to gather a minyan for Shabbat every week. 

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What Happened When I Spent a Day at a Top London Bridal Boutique

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Photo by Voyteck Photography

Mirror Mirror has long been one of my very favourite London bridal boutiques – from their fabulous range of handpicked designs to their bespoke service to their familiarity with all the ins and outs of Jewish weddings, there’s really no place like it. And it isn’t just me who thinks so – Mirror Mirror is a fan favourite with Smashing The Glass’s UK brides, and we’ve been privileged to feature many of their weddings right here on the blog. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a day at Mirror Mirror living out the dream wedding dress shopping experience myself and filming some fun Reels about it – and everything was so fabulous, I truly wish I had occasion to get married all over again (to Mr. STG, of course!) just so I could take home one of their exquisite gowns for my very own. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to wedding dress shop at THE go-to destination for London’s Jewish brides, I’m so thrilled to take you along with me – read on to check out the fab Reels I created with the Mirror Mirror team and to hear why Mirror Mirror’s truly got it all!

A Day in the Life

With an exceptional range of 8 international designers, showcasing styles from classic minimalism to soft boho vibes to super-glam opulent gowns, plus in-house alterations, accessories, stunning chuppah cover-ups and 34 years of excellence dressing brides and celebrities, Mirror Mirror is one of the very best boutiques for Jewish brides. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

I’ve visited Mirror Mirror many times since founding Smashing The Glass, but this was the first time I’d had a chance to try on one of their lovely gowns.  From the warm welcome I received the moment I walked in, I couldn’t have felt more at home. 

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Spend Your Honeymoon in Caribbean Paradise at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s Ultimate Kosher Travel Destination

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If you’re looking for a positively swoon-worthy honeymoon destination that combines luxury, romance, fine kosher dining, and adventure, let us introduce you to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is not only one of the most stunning properties in the Bahamas but is also the only luxury hotel in the Caribbean offering a full range of in-house kosher dining options. Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Bringing Jewish Joy to the Wedding Industry with the UK’s First-Ever Jewish Wedding Industry Lunch at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower

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Last month, I was honored to co-host the UK’s first-ever Jewish wedding industry lunch with beloved Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kimpton Clocktower Hotel Manchester. The day featured incredible kosher catering by another wonderful #STGvendor Feast by Ed, plus so much more from some of the North of England’s top wedding professionals. 

While I’ve been to some wonderful wedding industry events in my time running Smashing The Glass, none has ever made me feel totally seen as a Jewish woman in the business – and I was lucky to find wonderful partners who are just as committed to inclusivity and representation as we are here at Smashing The Glass. 

With the event taking place in Manchester, we decided to focus on the UK’s Northern Jewish wedding scene, and it was so special to be able to bring some of the biggest names in Jewish weddings from Manchester and beyond together in one (totally breathtaking!) room.

We worked with an extraordinary team of vendors who made it a day to remember: Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kate Swerdlow Photography captured the beautiful images in this post; Giraffe Flowers was the mastermind behind the gorgeous florals; wonderful live calligraphy by Inkspiration Artist; and String Infusion provided the soundtrack.

Let me walk you through the whole wonderful day – which was truly a celebration of Jewish joy, made possible by such an incredible team of Jewish and non-Jewish wedding vendors alike.

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Win a Romantic Night For Two at the Pan Pacific London, A Haven of Serenity in the Heart of the City

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Freya and David‘s Jewish wedding at the Pan Pacific | Photo by Dominika Miechowska

If you’re looking for a luxurious haven in the heart of London to host your Jewish wedding, Pan Pacific London is the absolute perfect venue – and I’m so delighted to be able to offer you the chance to win an overnight stay at this stunning luxury hotel that combines Singaporean hospitality with London design.

Located in the center of the City in One Bishopsgate Plaza, Pan Pacific London‘s location is unrivaled. Juxtaposing the best of old and new London architecture, One Bishopsgate Plaza showcases not only a modern bronze tower, but also the 144 year old One Devonshire House. Add in some serene Singaporean flair, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a Jewish wedding.

Freya and David‘s Jewish wedding at the Pan Pacific | Photo by Dominika Miechowska

Naturally, Pan Pacific London is known for its world-class service. The hotel’s events team are passionate about working with each and every couple to plan a day tailored to your individual needs and tastes. 

The hotel’s dedicated Event Emporium – the only one of its kind in the city – is an immersive experience that turns those important occasions into sensory experiences. Absolutely no detail is spared during inspirational one-on-one sessions; from the softness of the linen to the curation of personalised menus and the scent of the room, there are no limits other than your imagination. Pan Pacific London’s dedicated Celebrations Connoisseurs are ready and waiting to help you create a bespoke Jewish wedding that will exceed your wildest dreams. 

Focus on Wellbeing

Part of what makes Pan Pacific London special is its focus on bringing serenity and wellbeing to the bustling City. Nowhere is this better encapsulated than in the hotel’s world-class SENSORY Wellbeing, a destination floor dedicated exclusively to holistic health and featuring the most technologically advanced hotel gym and facilities in London.

Enjoy a personalized approach to everything from treatments to customised exercise, and access to an expert team of health professionals available to help you achieve your specific goals.

Oh, and did we mention the epic infinity pool with sweeping panoramic views over Bishopsgate Plaza?! There’s no place better to relax before (or after!) all the chaos of the big day. 

Fine Dining, Singaporean Style

Pan Pacific London is also home to a variety of fine dining options, including Straits Kitchen, showcasing Singaporean cuisine and featuring the largest Chinese wine offering in London.

The Orchid Lounge is an inviting living room offering light snacks and refreshments throughout the day as well as a seasonally-inspired Afternoon Tea collection, paired with the finest English sparkling wines.

Ginger Lily brings the bar culture of Singapore to the City, serving up cocktails in lively and luxurious surroundings. And Straits Bar offers one of London’s largest mocktail menus – come check out the 12 new mocktails they’ve recently debuted!

A JEWISH WEDDING AT THE PAN PACIFIC LONDON

Whatever your style and event needs, Pan Pacific London’s got it covered with their comprehensive packages. Inspired by the sculptures located in Singapore’s Gardens By the Bay, their collections – Fern, Lotus, Moongate, and Dragonfly – are designed to deliver on your perfect day. You can see full details of all the options here. 

A Range of Spaces

Pan Pacific London’s got a fantastic range of gorgeous spaces to meet your unique needs, whether you’re having a big bash or an intimate wedding of just your nearest and dearest – or anything in between!

Pacific Ballroom

With exclusive access from Bishopsgate Plaza via a glass escalator and lift, Pan Pacific’s majestic double-height subterranean ballroom (the only one within the Square Mile) is nothing short of extraordinary. Featuring contemporary design, the Pacific Ballroom is the quintessence of grandeur and grace.

Offering a neutral color palette, Swarovski crystal chandeliers, and state of the art technology that allows you to share special moments in the moment, globally – so perfect for spread-out Jewish families! – the ballroom is an unrivaled venue for larger celebrations. It can accommodate 280 for dinner and dancing or 400 for a ceremony or standing reception. 

Pacific Ballroom Foyer

Flooded with natural daylight that cascades through the glass escalator, the Pacific Ballroom Foyer is a dedicated pre-function area offered in conjunction with the ballroom. The space provides a dedicated cloakroom and private washroom facilities. It can accommodate 280 for a standing reception. 

Green Dragon

Located on the fifth floor and offering magnificent views over Bishopsgate Plaza through floor to ceiling windows, Green Dragon, which represents good fortune, is perfect for intimate occasions. Possessing a neutral palette for ease of styling, and coming accompanied with a separate private pre-function area, Green Dragon is a unique choice for those looking to do things differently. It accommodates 40 for dinner and dancing, or 50 for a ceremony or standing reception. 

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