We are just blown away by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Ran Bergman’s fabulous, artistic photos of Dana and Daniel’s super cool contemporary Israeli Jewish wedding at Avigdor 22 in Tel Aviv. Every shot is framed to perfection — just look at that shot of the two of them standing against the orange wall!
And it doesn’t hurt that Dana and Daniel are basically supermodels. Dana looked beyond gorgeous in not one but TWO fantastic gowns: for the ceremony, a long-sleeved, high-necked lacey Liz Martinez for a touch of old-fashioned glamour, and then, for the reception, an ultra-contemporary sleeveless, backless number from Yaniv Persy with a striking geometric print. Dana chose it because she knew it would be perfect to dance in, and if you look through the photos of the couple’s fab dancing, you’ll see she was absolutely right!
Oh, and their food? With a spread including everything from za’atar-coated Jerusalem bagels to colorful macarons to fresh mozzarella, this is one wedding that’s got our mouths watering! Now over to Dana…
A Tel Aviv Wedding
Dana, the bride: We got married at Avigdor 22. We chose this venue because we were looking for a place that would be convenient for most of the guests (in Tel Aviv) and especially because we wanted our Friday afternoon wedding to continue into the night, so we looked for a place that was not kosher. Besides, we liked the urban concept.
Cocktail Vibes
We did not use a wedding planner. We knew the style we wanted – a cocktail atmosphere that would gradually become a party – and that’s what we got. It was important to us for the wedding to have a certain atmosphere – young, light, and flowing.
Two dresses
I had 2 dresses. The first one, for the ceremony, I bought from designer Liz Martinez. This was the first dress I tried on, and I knew immediately that it was the one. It is very special and memorable.
I bought the second dress from Yaniv Persy – it was lighter and open-backed, and I knew it would be perfect to dance in.
Yaniv Persy Earrings
I bought earrings from Yaniv Persy, while I was being fitted for the dress. I thought they would complete the look nicely.
Snake Print Shoes
The heels I wore was average considering that I’m 5’8″: 7 cm, in golden snake color. I bought them from a store called Shoes.
I originally planned to switch them out when I put on the second dress, but I was so comfortable in them that I didn’t change in the end.
Hair + Makeup
The hair stylist was Mickey Zeituni, whom I have known for years. I had no doubt that he was the one for me. He ran with me, and I trusted him with his eyes closed.
I chose my makeup artist on Mickey’s recommendation. Adva Almakias is excellent, and I really felt that she made me the most beautiful I could be.
The handsome groom
Daniel, the groom, wore a suit from the Blue Navy store that he bought on Dizingoff Street: a dark blue suit with burgundy shoes and a matching burgundy pocket scarf.
Little Attendants
Our little nephews and nieces were the groomsmen and bridesmaids. They entered before us walking toward the chuppah, with the 3 boys, with rifles firing soap bubbles, immediately followed by the 3 girls, who scattered white petals.
A Traditional Chuppah
We wanted a traditional chuppah so that our friends could hold the pillars.
A Short and Sweet Ceremony
Daniel and I chose to enter together, with our parents already standing inside. We had a rabbi who worked with us and made the process short and sweet.
A Band Called Ritalin
First of all, as part of the cocktail party ambience we were going for, we had a super cool band named Ritalin play throughout the first part of the reception. The chuppah song with which we entered was by Idan Raichel, and the DJ we chose to accompany the event was from Shablul DJs company.
Flowers in Yellow and Purple
We didn’t put much emphasis on flowers, but we did have some as part of our decor. We went with a color scheme of yellow and dark purple.
Our fabulous photographer
Our photographer was Ran Bergman. To this day, we are still receiving compliments on the pictures from everyone! We had good chemistry with him from our first meeting, and we knew that he would be perfect to document the day. And really he was, his style was light and he made us feel as comfortable as possible.
A Surprise Film
Our friends and family prepared film for us as a surprise. It was amazing and especially exciting!
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
What made the planning process so much fun was working together with Daniel; it was wonderful how easily we agreed on everything without thinking twice.
Dana & Daniel’s little white book
Photography – Ran Bergman
Venue – Avigdor 22
Bride’s dresses – Liz Martinez and Yaniv Persy
Hair + Makeup – Mickey Zeituni and Adva Almakias
DJ – Shablul DJs
