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Home > Wedding Planning > Page 9

Looking for a candid, creative wedding photographer? We’ve found him…

19/02/2017 by Karen

Ran-Bergman-Wedding-Photography-IsraelSo, is that loved-up selfie you took on Valentines Day still your screensaver? Did you go filter crazy until you got the perfect, natural, image. We’ve all been there.

But your wedding is one day you really don’t want to be critical of your photographs. And you definitely wont have the chance to personally edit them as you go along. In fact, you have to place a huge amount of trust in your wedding photographer — after all you won’t see the finished product until after the event.

Ran Bergman Wedding Photographer Israel Ran Bergman Wedding Photographer Israel_0142Ran Bergman Wedding Photographer IsraelRan Bergman Wedding Photographer IsraelSo, to make a considered selection, that means:

  1. Studying the photographer’s website
  2. Checking their artistic style
  3. Seeing if their personality works for you
  4. Comparing costs.  

All are super-important to find ‘the one’.

Ran Bergman’s got it all

Today, I’d love to help you get to grips with a photographer we’re LOVING at STG, Ran Bergman. In fact I’m blogging a fabulous real Jewish wedding of his next month that will make your jaws drop… and what’s more, for me he sails through with flying colours on all of those points above. 

Ran Bergman Wedding Photographer Israel_0125 Ran Bergman Wedding Photographer IsraelCala shoes wedding
The Man behind the Lens

Based in Israel, Ran photographs weddings all over the world. He LOVES people and he LOVES photography. This is a heady mix for a wedding snapper.

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Hand make your own Chuppah {DIY Tutorial}

17/02/2017 by Smashing The Glass

Build-a-chuppah
You all went crazy over on Instagram for real bride Lauren’s handmade chuppah in last week’s real Jew-ish wedding, so today she has kindly taken to the pages of Smashing The Glass with an easy-to-follow DIY tutorial on how to make one yourself. Please give Lauren Beadle, the craft blogger, a warm welcome!


I like to hand make things. So as you can imagine, my Jew-ish wedding was awash with loads of hand made touches.

I always make big plans to create all manner of complicated items for an event, but inevitably I will pare it back and choose a more simple design or technique. I definitely did this with a couple of ideas I had for the wedding. About a month before the wedding I realised I didn’t quite have enough time to make 140 candles and opted for a more crowd-pleasing miniature bottle of a favourite alcoholic drink, with a hand-lettered tag.

One element that I did actually plan well was our chuppah… I wanted it to it be personal, effective and simple to construct.

Handmade chuppah
There are many ideas and opinions about the origins and meaning of ‘The Chuppah’ (some of which can be found here) but for me a chuppah is a physical representation of a bride and groom’s first home together, one that is supported and surrounded by family and friends from two different families and I feel that it should be something that is built together by the bride and groom as a symbol of that first home.

The chuppah that we created for our wedding was designed to represent this and to be constructed easily the night before the wedding or even on the day. If we can do it, then anyone can! We were incredibly lucky to be able to get into our wedding venue and set up the night before.

DIY chuppah tutorial
I had originally planned the chuppah structure to be set up on the day by the groom and/ or the groomsmen alone, so it needed to be relatively simple (I am a teeny weeny bit of a control freak when it comes to making things). In fact many of the construction ideas came from my husband, going slightly against the grain for me. We really wanted this to be something we built together and use our different skill set to do it.

To make the chuppah you don’t really need any major technical skills. You do need some proficiency with an iron… hopefully you have that skill under your belt!

Build your own chuppah
It would be useful if you were able to use a sewing machine, but if you don’t mind a more rustic look, then you could easily get away with some raw edges on your canopy. In fact any part of this ‘how-to’ can be adapted to suit your own skills or style.


What you’ll need


For The Canopy:

  • A selection of images for the underside of your canopy
  • Inkjet printer
  • 2 meters of a close weave lightweight fabric in a colour of your choice (cotton or a lining fabric) – I got all my fabric from Dunelm
  • 2 meters of linen in a contrasting colour (or matching if you prefer) only required if you want to sew a backing to the canopy
  • Iron-on heat transfer paper for light fabrics — I used about 35 A4 sheets, but this would be dependant on the size and number of images you want to use — I used these from Crafty Computer Paper
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Pins and threads in matching or contrasting colours depending on preference
  • Fabric and Paper Scissors/ Pinking shears (if required)

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Smashing The Glass Takes Over The Savoy For 24 hours

15/02/2017 by Karen

My 24 hours at The Savoy filmed by Adrian Stone of The Dreamcatchers

Happy Wedding Wednesday! To soften the blow as we all come down from our Valentine’s Day highs, I have an exciting post all about my epic, 24-hour takeover of London’s iconic five-star hotel, wedding and events venue, The Savoy.

I also have a rather extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime accompanying competition to win a night for two at the world-famous Savoy, so keep your eyes peeled at the end of this post to make sure you don’t miss out (seriously, this one’s a biggie!).

Weddings-at-The-Savoy-HotelAs I was given a rare, all-access pass to a world-famous institution and the epitome of the lap of luxury (special thanks to Charlotte Faith, the amazing PR manager at The Savoy who arranged this incredible experience), I had a lot of questions — and was, in turn, provided with a plethora of answers, so it’s worth perhaps brewing a cup of tea or coffee before you sit down to read this post as there is so much fabulousness to take in.

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London
Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonAccompanying me were award-winning wedding photographer, Claudine Hartzel and world-class wedding filmmaker, Adrian Stone of The Dreamcatchers. Huge thanks to both of them — for Adrian for his spectacular film right at the top and also the longer (and even more action-packed!) 5 minute version lower down in the competition section). And to the divine Claudine for capturing my stay with her fabulous photos throughout this post and on social media. Thank you to both of them for their excellent company!

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London
Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London
Savoy FlowersA suite with a river view and a second-to-none butler service

On arrival, I checked into my stunning £1,600 a night one-bedroom Edwardian suite with a river view over the Thames, looking out onto London’s much-loved landmarks, where a sumptuous lunch was already laid out for us (as well as fabulous floral arrangements from Savoy Flowers and a Chocolate Delight, which you’ll have to watch the Facebook Live video to truly appreciate). I was then introduced to The Savoy’s head butler, the delightful Sean Davoren.

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London
Suites at The Savoy come with an indescribable 24-hour butler service and now, having said that, I’m going to have to attempt to describe it in a way that does it justice.

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London
Butlers at The Savoy represent a living, breathing definition of customer service. In fact, if you look up ‘customer service’ in the dictionary, you’ll find a picture of a smiling Sean Davoren proudly presenting you with a lovingly arranged tray of all of your favourite things.

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London
There’s nothing that a butler at The Savoy can’t manage. They will respond to any request within four minutes, from pressing the dress on your wedding morning to taking care of all the mundane details you don’t want to think about (kind of makes your other half seem obsolete, huh); from drawing you a luxurious, scented bath to sending up a selection of your favourite foods, whether on the menu or not — even packing for you, if you so desire.

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel London_0035This service came in extremely handy when, in all the excitement of getting glammed up for a night at The Savoy’s exceptional restaurants and bars, I actually forgot my pyjamas. It was only getting to bed, past midnight, that I realised.

Despite the antisocial hour, Sean immediately arranged for loungewear from the gym to be sent up to my room and saved the day!

Blogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonBlogger review of Weddings at The Savoy Hotel LondonTo further illustrate my point: Sean was once asked to provide fresh-from-the-teat goat’s milk to fill a guest’s bath and sent a taxi all the way to Wales to collect it. How’s that for above and beyond?

Hear some more of Sean’s outrageously entertaining butler tales by catching up with our Facebook Live video below!

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Searching for an exceptional wedding planner? It has to be Lamare London

01/02/2017 by Karen

Liesl-Lamare-London-Wedding-PlannersWow, 1st of February already. How did that happen? 2017 is going so fast but I hope our newly engaged readers are still in that blissful day-dreamy phase.

When you let your mind wander, what would your guests say about your fantasy wedding? Would they say it was chic, smart, brilliant and SO YOU? Will they be talking about those gorgeous, thoughtful touches that brought the whole occasion together?

Please meet Lamare London. These extraordinary wedding planners specialise in getting just that reaction. They plan and craft weddings in the UK that are brimming with style and personality.

And no matter what the size of your wedding, every event gets the same TLC treatment. For Lamare London, this means ‘Touches of Luxury and Character”. I love that.

Lamare London works on a “luxury is in each detail” principle. And that’s got everything to do with it’s founder Liesl Lamare. 

Lamare London Wedding Event Planner_1610Lamare London Wedding Event Planner
About Liesl Lamare

Liesl, who’s been organising weddings and events for ten years, is an unshakeable, detail-led and supremely creative, planner. She’s zeitgeisty and brings this to her work. Her influences include emerging interior design trends, fashion, travel and exhibitions. She’s got taste, folks. Lots of it.

Liesl is also actually a good friend of mine. We met through the industry and have spent loads of time together over the last couple of years. She’s amazing — such a lovely person but also so sophisticated, stylish and graceful. You know those people who just ooze understated glamour and are always well put together?

Unsurprisingly, the weddings she plans with her team at Lamare London are as crisp and gorgeous as the woman herself. 

Lamare London Wedding Event Planner_1585Lamare London Wedding Event Planner_1603Lamare London Wedding Event Planner_1587Lamare London Wedding Event Planner_1590
Why Use a Wedding Planner?

You could SAVE money, gain control over your wedding and take away a whole lot of stress.

For most, your wedding day will probably be the first major event you’ve organised and it’s one hell of a learning curve if you go it alone.

So what can you expect to gain with a GOOD wedding planner like Lamare London?

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Save £1000’s on your wedding essentials with money saving offers exclusively for Smashing The Glass readers

01/01/2017 by Karen

Smash-and-grab
Happy Sunday + Happy 2017! We’re into a brand new exciting year and to celebrate, we’ve got a shiny new blogging schedule – from now on, we’ll be blogging not one, but two real Jewish weddings per week, as well as advice posts, creative ideas and ceremony inspiration to make your Jewish (or Jew-ish) wedding as individual and unique as you are. 

Not only that, but I’m also excited to tell you about ‘Smash & Grab’, my hot-off-the-press personally curated money saving offers from some of the very best wedding vendors in the business (believe me, I’m incredibly fussy about who I partner with). Below you’ll find my exclusive collection of discounts, exclusively for Smashing The Glass readers, for vendors all over the world, from wedding dress designers, photographers, videographers, planners, make up artists, DJ’s, bands, florists, and more!

I suggest you bookmark this page for speedy reference, as many of these offers expire in February 2017 (some even sooner).

I’m a huge fan of each and every one of the wedding vendors listed, and I have handpicked them for these offers, not only because they love Jewish weddings (and know every little detail about them) but because they are some of the most fabulous, creative, and talented people you could ever wish to work with. Service and style.

To redeem any of the offers listed, simply quote SMASHING THE GLASS.

If there’s a supplier you’re looking for that’s not listed, please email me at karen@smashingtheglass.com and I’ll help you in whatever way I can.

Happy wedding planning!

signaturebridal-boutiques
From L-R: Melanie Potro /  Sassi Holford /  Berta Bridal available exclusively from The Wedding Club

Melanie Potro Bridal Couture is offering £ 200 off any wedding dress from the current collection when ordered by 15th February. Simply quote ‘Smashing The Glass’.

See Melanie Potro Bridal Couture featured on Smashing The Glass // Contact Melanie Potro Bridal Couture


The Sassi Holford sample sale is taking place 21st — 28th January 2017. Their London store is offering up to 70% off sample gowns from the Sassi Signature Collection and Couture Collections and an exclusive extra £100 off any gown bought in their sale. Simply quote ‘Smashing the Glass’ when booking the appointment.

See Sassi Holford featured on Smashing The Glass // Contact Sassi Holford London


The Wedding Club is offering a 10% off any dress order placed in January at their London store (excludes sale dresses). Simply quote ‘Smashing The Glass’.

See The Wedding Club featured on Smashing The Glass // Contact The Wedding Club


cakes
Peboryon Wedding Cakes 

Peboryon Wedding Cakes is offering a 10% off for all orders booked by 28th February 2017. Simply quote ‘Smashing The Glass’.

See Peboryon Wedding Cakes featured on Smashing The Glass // Contact Peboryon Wedding Cakes


chuppot
Paper Anniversary

Paper Anniversary is offering a 15% discount on any Paper Anniversary artwork (including bespoke chuppah designs) ordered in January or February 2017. Simply quote ‘Smashing The Glass’.

See Paper Anniversary featured on Smashing The Glass // Contact Paper Anniversary


flowers
Blue Sky Flowers

Blue Sky Flowers is offering a free Bridal bouquet with any full wedding package booked before end of February 2017. Simply quote ‘Smashing The Glass’.

See Blue Sky Flowers featured on Smashing The Glass // Contact Blue Sky FlowersContinue ReadingContinue Reading

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