• About Karen
  • Find a Vendor
  • Submit
  • Advertising
  • Shop
  • Brides Club
  • Contact

Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

  • Real Jewish Weddings
    • City Chic
    • Fashion Forward
    • Outdoor
    • Destination
      • Israel
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • France
      • Beach Weddings
    • Super Luxe
    • Budget
    • DIY
    • Same Sex
  • Jew-ish Weddings
    • Real Jew-ish Weddings
    • Jewish-Catholic Weddings
    • Jewish-Chinese Weddings
    • Jewish-Christian Weddings
    • Jewish-Greek Weddings
    • Jewish-Hindu Weddings
    • Jewish-Humanist Weddings
    • Jewish-Irish Weddings
    • Jewish Japanese Weddings
    • Jewish-Muslim Weddings
    • Same Sex Jew-ish Weddings
  • Inspiration + Advice
    • Ceremony
      • Chuppah ideas
      • Jewish ceremony music
      • Jewish wedding ceremony 101
      • Jewish ceremony traditions
      • Ketubah Ideas
      • Jewish wedding legalities
      • Jew-ish ceremony ideas
    • Reception
      • Music
      • Speeches
      • Entertainment
      • Venues
    • Food & Drink
      • Kosher catering
      • Wedding cakes
      • Drinks
    • Decor
      • Decorations
      • Favours
      • Floristry
      • Guestbooks
      • Stationery
    • Style
      • Brides dresses
      • Shoes & accessories
      • Grooms
      • Bridesmaids
    • Advice
      • Converting to Judaism
      • Real blogging brides
      • Dear Karen…
    • Honeymoons
    • STG Live
    • Five Minutes With
    • Wedding Must-Haves
    • Wedding Consultancy
  • Engaged? Start Here
  • Find a Wedding Vendor
Home > Real Jewish Weddings > Israeli Weddings

A Musical Boho Jewish Wedding at Sofia Garden, Beer Sheva, Israel

06/12/2019 by Karen Cinnamon Leave a Comment

Jewish wedding Sofia Garden Beer Sheva Israel_0015

We love it when a couple puts their personalities and passions at the center of their wedding planning. Like today’s wonderful pair, Anna, a physical therapist, and Hagai, a lawyer, did – they’re both obsessed with music, and did it ever come through in their big day!

Between a band, a DJ, a performance by a mega-talented friend, and even a surprise song by the groom himself (dedicated to the bride – aww!), this Jewish wedding was truly alive with the sound of music – and heartfelt emotion. How beautiful is it that Anna and Hagai opted to read aloud letters they’d written to each other under the chuppah?

We also adore this wedding’s boho vibes, from the outdoor garden setting to the bride’s laid-back gown to the chill décor – much of which was created and arranged by the couple and their friends! We’re especially crazy about the the dreamcatchers the couple placed behind their simple chuppah. Photographer Lior Rotstein and videographer Yael Weinberg captured everything so beautifully.

We’ll let the bride fill you in on the rest…

Jewish wedding Sofia Garden Beer Sheva Israel_0015 Jewish wedding Sofia Garden Beer Sheva Israel_0015 Jewish wedding Sofia Garden Beer Sheva Israel_0015 Jewish wedding Sofia Garden Beer Sheva Israel_0015
How we met

Anna, the bride: We met 5 years ago, when I was still a student. During my studies I worked as a bartender in a pub and Hagai would come in a few evenings each week to catch up. It did not immediately develop into a love story. Then we went out together with some other friends to a music show, and we discovered that we had lots in common. And that’s how the love story started.

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)

An Essense of Australia Bride for a Sunset Jewish Wedding at Cochav Hayam in Caesarea, Israel

29/11/2019 by Karen Cinnamon Leave a Comment

Jewish Wedding Cochav Hayam in Caesarea, Israel_0226

Okay, we just can’t even with that sunset chuppah. Truly the stuff Jewish wedding dreams are made of. But would you believe it if we told you that wasn’t even the most remarkable thing about the incredible wedding of Brides Club member  (and blogging bride) Lindsay, an insight manager at a media agency, to groom Dan, an account manager working in corporate events?

So first of all, we’re OBSESSED with Lindsay and Dan’s table plan: they got a polaroid of every guest, then wrote a personal note on the back. These were all laid out for guests to collect as they came in and find their table numbers. Genius!

We’re also super inspired that these two worked with non-profit Israel Blooms, an organization that will collect flowers leftover at the end of the wedding and repurpose them into small arrangements that they distribute in hospitals and old age homes. What a meaningful (and easy) way to spread the joy of your big day!

The couple’s photos from Idan Canfi and video from Ruslan Shane are simply sensational, and we love that Lindsay and Dan opted to have a separate couple’s photoshoot a couple of days after the wedding – this allowed them to get some dreamy portraits without them having to take time out of the wedding for photos. Such a smart idea!

Oh, and did we mention that Lindsay and Dan are working with the incredible Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Abby Taubman of Colletts Travel to plan their honeymoon to Australia and Thailand next year?

Now over to the bride, who looked lovely in her Essense of Australia dress…

Jewish Wedding Cochav Hayam in Caesarea, Israel_0226 Jewish Wedding Cochav Hayam in Caesarea, Israel_0226
How we met

Lindsay, the bride: We met through my cousin’s wife. She was an old school friend of Dan’s and decided that we would be a great match – and she was right!

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)

A Laid-Back Destination Jewish Wedding with a Rugelach Tower at The Lawrence in Old Jaffa, Israel

25/11/2019 by Karen Cinnamon Leave a Comment

Jewish Wedding The Lawrence in Old Jaffa in Israel_0125
Is there anything better than a Jewish wedding in picturesque Old Jaffa? Between the historic architecture and the ocean views and the chill Israeli vibes, we’re pretty sure the answer is a resounding no! If you don’t believe us, just look at the incredible photos of Brides Club member Dianne, who is completing a surgical residency, and lawyer groom Shaya’s big day captured by mega-talented Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Ronen Boidek – according to the couple, booking him was one of the very best decisions they made during wedding planning. And we couldn’t agree more!

And while you’re at it, check out the awesome trailer from videographer Vladimir Tkach.

With such a stunning setting, Dianne and Shaya knew they wanted to keep their décor simple, favoring greenery and white florals that complemented the historic space – and they found the absolute  perfect person for the job in Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Yana from Craspedia Events. We’re totally obsessed with the bouquets, centerpieces, and decorations she created.

And we’re positively drooling over the delicious menu from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Maasia Catering, who put together a delectable modern Mediterranean menu, complete with fun interactive food stations.

Oh, and we can’t turn you over to Dianne before we tell you about one more awesome touch: instead of a traditional cake, Dianne and Shaya opted for a rugelach tower. Yes, you heard that right – in honor of the groom’s favorite sweets from Jerusalem’s famed Marzipan Bakery, these two celebrated with three tiers of chocolate and cinnamon rugelach goodness – with a small cake on top, for tradition’s sake.

Ok, now over to the bride!

Jewish Wedding The Lawrence in Old Jaffa in Israel_0125
How we met

Dianne, the bride: While I am from Vancouver and Shaya is from Montreal, we met in Toronto while I was doing an elective as a medical student and Shaya was there for work. We did not think we were going to see each other again after I flew home, but here we are!

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)

A Limor Rosen Bride for a Meaningful Family-Centered Jewish Wedding at Ba’yaar, Israel

08/11/2019 by Karen Cinnamon

Jewish wedding At Bayaar Israel_0050

We adore the magical forest vibes of today’s Jewish wedding at incredible Israeli venue Ba’yaar. This is one stunning celebration, no question – and the couple’s photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Ran Bergman, captured all the emotion and beauty of the day in his signature style.

But the thing that REALLY warms our hearts about how Shira, an occupational therapist, and Jonathan, who works as a political consultant, celebrated their marriage is the way they made their big day all about tradition and family – while making sure their own personalities always shone through.

Take the ceremony. For Shira and Jonathan, there was no question that crafting a personal, moving, yet traditional ceremony was priority #1. To make sure their ceremony truly spoke to who they are as a couple, the pair each spoke under the chuppah, shared individual vows to each other, and exchanged rings. We also love that in between the traditional 7 brachot said by men, they asked 4 women to each add their own personal blessing.

And then there’s the couple’s incredible paper cut ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Danny Azoulay Art– truly a work of art!

But what really, REALLY blew us away about this ceremony was something we don’t usually remark on: the groom’s wedding band. Jonathan used his grandfather’s wedding ring from before World War II, to his first wife who perished in the Holocaust along with the couple’s two young children. What an incredible heirloom to pass down through the generations. 

There’s so much more to say, but we’ll let the bride (who wore an absolute stunner of a gown from wonderful Israel designer Limor Rosen) take it from here…


A Magical Forest 

Shira, the bride: We scoured throughout Israel to find something that conveyed a feeling of magic while also providing the highest quality. When we walked into Ba’yaar we knew we found it. Nothing compared to the feeling you get of walking into a magical forest when you walk into their perfectly lit and beautiful garden of orange trees and blossom. Additionally, they stood out with the very high quality food, technology and professional staff.

We got married in spring, and another important factor was a stunning indoors due to what turned out to be a realistic fear of rain. The spectacular glass incased room surrounded by lit greenery was exactly the combination of class and nature.

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)

A Heidi Hudson for an Intimate Second Marriage Destination Jewish Wedding on a Budget at the Mount Zion Boutique Hotel, Jerusalem

28/10/2019 by Karen Cinnamon

Destination Jewish wedding_0032

Gorgeous chuppah alert! We’re obsessed with the way Nicki, head of trust fundraising at a national charity, and Andrew, who runs his own business as in commercial energy surveying and is a qualified pilot on the side, worked with their venue’s already stunning in situ outdoor foliage-laden chuppah, by adorning it with white roses and marking the path down the aisle with pillar candles and eucalyptus leaves. Pure perfection!

This was a second marriage for both members of the UK-based couple, and we love how they kept things intimate and family-focused, with a clear understanding of what mattered – celebrating with their nearest and dearest – and what didn’t. This was really a day all about love, and that comes through so clearly in the wonderful, natural photos from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman.

With a tightknit guest list of just 50 people and a commitment to spending sensibly, Nicki and Andrew made sure to involve their families in the big day – their four children participated in the ceremony, and other relatives read the Sheva Brachot.

There’s so much more to say, but we’ll leave the rest to Nicki, who looked stunning in her off-the-shelf (and affordable!) Heidi Hudson gown (chosen with the help of her 16-year-old daughter/bridal stylist!)…

Destination Jewish wedding_0021 Destination Jewish wedding_0021 Destination Jewish wedding_0021 Destination Jewish wedding_0021
How we met

Nicki, the bride: We met on JDATE!

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Share this post:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 23
  • Next Page »

Jewish Weddings by Country

Vendors We Love

Weddings by Colour

Vendors We Love

Get posts directly into your inbox

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Bobbi Brown UK
Liberty London
Vivienne Westwood
Kate Spade UK Limited
Monica Vinader
Biscuiteers Baking Company
Mr And Mrs Smith Honeymoons
Shop BHLDN Weddings

Today’s Top Posts

  • Our Top Judaica Finds for Hanukkah 2019 and Beyond
    Our Top Judaica Finds for Hanukkah 2019 and Beyond
  • Dates in 2020, 2021 and 2022 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
    Dates in 2020, 2021 and 2022 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
  • Real Jewish Brides: Naomi's Bringing her English-Venezuelan Crew Together
    Real Jewish Brides: Naomi's Bringing her English-Venezuelan Crew Together
  • Vendors We Love
    Vendors We Love
  • A Pronovias Bride for a London-Meets-Israel Jewish Wedding at Offley Place, Hitchin, UK
    A Pronovias Bride for a London-Meets-Israel Jewish Wedding at Offley Place, Hitchin, UK

Subscribe by Email

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

Popular Posts

  • original-guestbook-ideas 18 Unusual and Creative Guest Book Ideas
  • birch-rose-chuppah Chuppah ideas
  • Jewish-Wedding-Tribeca-Rooftop-NYC-New-York-USA_0060 Dates in 2020, 2021 and 2022 to avoid for a Jewish wedding plus a 12 Month Wedding Planning Monthly Checklist
  • Top 10 Chuppah Entrance Songs
  • A guide to the Jewish Wedding Ceremony and Order of Service under the chuppah

Connect

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Pinterest
Snapchat
YouTube
Advertise
Mailing List
Email Karen

Receive Smashing The Glass posts via Email

Enter your email address below and get the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox.

closeClick here for all the Jewish wedding traditions (and our top ways to personalize them)

All content © Smashing The Glass 2019