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

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I’m delighted to share with you my latest Instagram Live with the wonderful Sharon Wilkes, an incredibly talented handbag designer with awesome new line of bridal handbags – plus some truly fabulous Jewish-themed bags!

https://sharonwilkes.com/collections/allbagsview/products/jerusalem-marilyn

Jerusalem Marilyn Bag | Photo © Tony Powell

She’s filling a much-needed gap with her show-stopping bags with a personal touch.

Tel Aviv Tote (email or DM Sharon to order) | Photo © Tony Powell

A committed Zionist, Sharon’s a longtime supporter of Shenkar College in Israel, and she’s worked with some up-and-coming young talents from Shenkar on some of her designs.

Gold Brocade Marian Bag | Photo © Andrew Werner

A Smashing Beginning

Sharon and I first connected when we featured her daughter Micaela’s wedding on Smashing The Glass – Sharon designed and sewed Micaela’s beautiful gown, and also crafted this adorable custom bridal bag for her featuring the couple’s beloved beagle Loki recreated in sequins! Though Sharon’s long worked in fashion, it was that Loki bag that inspired her to get into bridal bags in a big way – and I’m so in awe of what she’s accomplished! 

Destination-Jewish-Wedding-at-the-Great-Synagogue-of-Rome-and-the-St-Regis-Rome-Italy

Micaela and Zac’s Jewish wedding | Photo © David Bastianoni

All in the Family

We chatted about Sharon’s incredible family story working in couture in Vienna before the war – and how her grandparents’ Italian fashion contacts helped them escape Austria in 1939. 

 Tel Aviv Marilyn Bag | © Tony Powell

Quality Construction

Then we got to see some bags! I’m absolutely obsessed with Sharon’s sparkly Tel Aviv evening bag – and the quality and craftsmanship is absolutely exquisite. All of Sharon’s bags are manufactured ethically in Italy, and the level of workmanship is just beyond. 

Jerusalem Tote (email or DM Sharon to order) | Photo © Tony Powell

Sharon showed us some of the details that really show the quality of her bags, and it’s just incredible. I also love her commitment to working with factories that treat their employees well and pay them fairly – such a rare thing in today’s world, but so important.

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How to Handle Wedding Planning Stress, Anxiety, or Overwhelm {Instagram Live with Michelle Jacobs of Elegante by Michelle J}

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Before you got engaged, you probably figured that wedding planning would be a pretty exciting stage in your life. But what you might not have expected is that it can also be extremely stressful. Between family drama, financial struggles, overflowing to-do lists, and good old decision overwhelm, there’s an awful lot to manage. 

But if wedding planning is starting to feel more like a source of anxiety than anything else, it doesn’t have to be that way! And that’s why I’m thrilled to be going live on Instagram this Tuesday, March 29, at 8 pm BST / 3 pm EDT / 12 pm PDT with one of the very best wedding planners around, Michelle Jacobs of Elegante by Michelle J, who’ll be sharing her best tips and tricks for handling wedding stress and overwhelm and talk us through some of the most common challenges facing engaged couples.

We’ll also be giving away an incredible prize to one lucky viewer tuning in live: a 1-hour inspiration session with Michelle, plus 3 months of complimentary membership in Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club! This is truly an incredible value – so do plan on watching live if you can!

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Win a Romantic Stay for Two at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester’s Hottest New Luxury Jewish Wedding Venue

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I’m so delighted to offer you the chance to win an overnight stay in Manchester’s extraordinary new luxury hotel: the fabulous Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary elegance.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is such an exciting new property, and it’s an amazing place for a luxe city getaway – not to mention a truly fabulous Jewish wedding!

Every inch of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is steeped in 19th century history: the property is housed in a magnificent terracotta Grade ll-listed building, complete with oak panelling, dramatic chandeliers, and high ceilings.

But needless to say, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel never stints when it comes to top-of-the-line modern comforts! 

Photo by @LONDON

It’s truly the most wonderfully special space, and I’m so excited that we’ve teamed up with Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to offer one lucky couple (and you can be single with a plus one, engaged or married to enter) an unbelievable prize to experience the luxuries of the hotel to include:

  • A two-night stay in a glamorous suite
  • Breakfast in the Winter Garden both mornings of your stay
  • Gin and tonic trolley in your room on arrival
  • In-room massage for two
  • Dinner for two and a bottle of wine in The Refuge
  • Floral workshop with Giraffe Flowers (the hotel’s in-house florist) – build your own beautiful bouquet
  • Complimentary car parking during your stay
  • Total prize value = £1,000 

Photo by @LONDON

A Jewish Wedding at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

It practically goes without saying that Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is an incredible venue for an urban glam Jewish wedding right in the heart of Manchester.

I’m obsessed with Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s array of swoonworthy spaces, from intimate affairs in the delightful wood-paneled Directors Room to big bashes (we’re talking up to 700 guests!) in the majestic ballroom. There are also a range of gorgeous smaller spaces that offer a perfect backdrop for your tisch or badeken. 

When it comes to food, their acclaimed kitchen team will guide you through the kosher-style menus and introduce you to their preferred kosher caterers.

The fantastic team at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel believes that your wedding should be as unique as you are, and they’re 100% committed to helping you realize all your wedding day dreams. The dedicated events team, with a wide-ranging experience hosting Jewish weddings, will ensure every aspect of your day is planned to perfection.

Another thing I love about Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is that they make it so easy to turn your big day into a big Manchester weekend with all your friends and family. Their discounted room blocks make it easy to gather your favourite people under one roof and share even more quality time together.

And if you’re a member of Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club (our members club for Jewish and Jew-ish brides) Kimpton Clocktower Hotel are generously offering you 20% off private hire for weddings booked for 2023 and 2024 (blackout dates apply)!

If you want to find out more about Jewish weddings at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, email manchesterweddings@ihg.com or call +44 (0)161 288 1111. 

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Meet Karen Cinnamon and Kick-Start Your Dream Jewish Wedding Gift List at The Wedding Shop London Townhouse

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It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with The Wedding Shop – in my opinion, they’re the ultimate one-stop shop for your Jewish wedding gift list in the UK. Between their unrivalled service, flexibility, and astonishing array of gift options (including not just homeware, honeymoon funds, charity contributions, and personalised funds – not to mention some seriously gorgeous Judaica from beloved brands including Michael Aram, Jonathan Adler, Bernardaud, Christofle, and more!).

And I’m so delighted to announce that on Thursday, 21 April, I’ll be teaming up with The Wedding Shop to host a fabulous evening at their London Townhouse, where you and your partner can chat with members of The Wedding Shop’s fabulous team, other engaged couples, and me – all while kick-starting your dream Jewish wedding gift list!

Photo by Claudine Hartzel

The Experience

One of the very best things about The Wedding Shop is their unique immersive shopping experience – which means that, while you can of course always browse their extensive selection of gifts online, you’ve also got the option of shopping in-person at two fabulous London locations: their flagship Townhouse, where this special event will be hosted, plus their showroom at Selfridges!

The four-storey London Townhouse, in particular, is an absolute dream, and I can’t wait to explore it with you. There are a full 11 rooms, packed with inspiring products to give you lots of ideas for your gift list – and, especially for our event, there’ll be a wonderful selection of Judaica items on display too! You’ll be able to download The Wedding Shop’s app to scan and add gifts to your list as you go – plus there’ll be bubbly and a goody bag for all attendees!

The Event

Come experience The Wedding Shop London Townhouse with me the evening of Thursday, April 21! From 5:00 to 8:00 PM, you’ll be able to explore a gorgeous selection of gifts in a home setting, meet some of The Wedding Shop’s expert Gift Gurus, who will answer your gift list questions throughout the process, and mingle with like-minded engaged couples over bubbles! 

What to expect:

  • Meet and greet with me, Karen Cinnamon
  • Personlised gift list advice from The Wedding Shop’s Gift Gurus
  • Explore over 450 homeware brands in our four-story townhouse
  • Check out a display of gorgeous Judaica offerings
  • Bubbles and a complimentary goody bag

Have I sold you on this fabulous event? Then reserve your spot today – there are only 60 tickets available, and when they’re gone they’re gone, so don’t delay!

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Make Your Ultimate UK Jewish Wedding Gift List at The Wedding Shop

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When it comes to choosing your wedding gift list in the UK, you’ve got lots of options. But in my humble opinion, there’s no better choice for a Jewish wedding registry than The Wedding Shop. I love The Wedding Shop for their exceptional service, flexibility, and unrivalled choice: you can register for over 450 homeware brands, honeymoon funds, charity contributions and personalised funds – plus some seriously gorgeous Judaica. And they’ve got a fantastic open weekend coming up February 26-27 at their London Townhouse – read on for all the details!

Wisteria Gold Matzah Plate, Wisteria Gold Menorah, Wisteria Gold Bread Board, Wisteria Gold Bread Knife, Wisteria Gold 6 Compartment Serving Plate, and Wisteria Gold Celebration Cup | Michael Aram

Flights Of Fancy Apple Plate | Michael Aram

The Judaica

Here in the UK, it’s not so easy to find a one-stop-shop where you can register for all the standard household stuff, PLUS a fabulous selection of Judaica from beloved brands like Michael Aram, Jonathan Adler, Bernardaud, Christofle, and more – and they’ve even got additional lines in the works to be added over the coming months! 

Joseph Tribe Set Of 6 Mini Dishes | Bernardaud

Twist  Celebration Cup and Twist Menorah | Michael Aram

The Process

For over three decades, The Wedding Shop has been providing couples with a gift list journey like no other. You will have your very own Gift Guru there to help you at every stage. Storage and delivery are made easy with the option to store your gifts for up to six months, as well as two UK home deliveries. The Wedding Shop ‘Thank You Manager’ will even keep track of guests’ details. And did I mention it’s completely free to all couples?!

Plus, choosing The Wedding Shop gives you peace of mind. All funds are protected under a ring-fenced trust account, giving you financial guarantee. The Wedding Shop will even go the extra mile by offering you a 20% discount on any top-up gifts you add to your order once your balance is spent. There’s even a lifetime 10% discount on any future purchases as a special thank-you!

Botanical Leaf Set Of 2 Candle Holders | Michael Aram

The Experience

I’m also obsessed with The Wedding Shop’s unique immersive shopping experience. While you can of course always browse their extensive selection of gifts online, one thing that really sets The Wedding Shop apart is their fabulous in-person shopping experiences in London, at both their flagship Townhouse and their showroom at Selfridges.

You can meet your Gift Guru face to face with a glass of bubbles and explore a beautiful selection of gifts in a home setting. Couples also have the option to add custom gifts from any UK retailer, ensuring your gift list is exactly what you dreamed it to be.

The Wedding Shop Open Weekend

Ready to experience it for yourself? Come experience all that The Wedding Shop has to offer at their Townhouse Open Weekend, taking place Saturday February 26 and Sunday February 27! Explore a gorgeous selection of gifts in a home setting, meet some of The Wedding Shop’s expert Gift Gurus, and be inspired by one-off brand events – from champagne tasting with Moët & Chandon to coffee demonstrations with Sage to a display of Neom Organics London, and so much more! 

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