There’s nothing like a Jewish wedding in Israel – and we absolutely love Diana and Craig’s! The American couple knew they wanted a destination wedding by the ocean, and naturally Israel was high on their list.
They found the perfect venue in Caesarea’s Caesar Yam, where they were able to have the most stunning outdoor chuppah at sunset with the Mediterranean as their backdrop – and the fact that they were able to gather their friends and family for not just a few hours but a whole weekend of events to celebrate was an added bonus.
When it came time to choose their photographer, Diana and Craig went for Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman, who did a fantastic job not only delivering their vision but also organize all their extended family on the day.
We’ll let the bride – who looked absolutely stunning in her dress from Pronovias – fill you in on the rest…
How We Met
Diana, the bride: We met during Covid. We were both living in NYC.
Venue
We got married at Caesar Yam in Caesarea Israel. We always knew we wanted a destination wedding, specifically outside by the ocean. Israel has always been a special place to us as a couple, we visit frequently with Craig’s family for the Jewish holidays, so it felt like the perfect place for our wedding. On one of our trips to Israel during Sukkot, we visited 7 different venues in one day and the minute we walked into Caesar Yam we knew it was the place for us.
Theme
We both love to travel and love the ocean so we wanted a destination wedding that was outdoors. We wanted a unique space that didn’t require much decoration. Our colors were blue and gold to complement the Mediterranean sea. We planned a whole weekend of events to celebrate with all our friends and family. Ronit at Nua Travel helped us plan our weekend including welcome party, Shabbat meals, and hotel stay. Leora Kaufman Finn was our amazing wedding planner.
Hair + Makeup
Avital & Avital did hair and makeup for the entire group and they were outstanding. We all wanted very natural glam and they did perfect. They brought the best relaxing and fun energy.
Dress
My dress was Pronovias from Jaehee Bridal in Englewood, NJ.
Ceremony & Chuppah
We wanted a very simple chuppah design so that it would allow for enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean behind. Craig’s uncle was the rabbi for the ceremony which made it feel so personal and special, and many of our immediate family members participated in different parts of the chuppah. We even had the most beautiful sunset during our chuppah which felt so special.
Ketubah
Our ketubah hand painted by a local Israeli artist – The Delicate Brush – and it was stunning.
Our music choice
We had Kolot Band perform during the chuppah and the reception and then DJ Daniel Glasser for the party. Both were so incredible and helped create the most fun vibe. We were dancing until the lights came on at the end of the night!
Flowers
Hoana Events did all the decor and florals for our event. We wanted very simple and elegant and they delivered our vision.
Photographer and videographer
Our photographer was Herschel Gutman. We wanted someone who was going to help us deliver our vision and able to organize all our extended family. Herschel did an incredible job capturing our special day. We also used his colleague Tal for videography.
Food and cake
Our venue Caesar Yam did the catering and the food was fantastic. Plus they included a food tasting which we brought our parents too and it was so fun.
Wedding List/Registry
We used Zola for our wedding website and wedding list. We made a registry with Bloomingdales and Crate & Barrel.
Honeymoon
We went on a mini moon in Greece with a group of friends right after which was so fun. And were planning our safari honeymoon to Africa for next year. We are using Ronit from Nua Travel to plan our honeymoon since she was so amazing to work with for all our wedding events.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Trust your vendors, surround yourself with all your favorite people the entire day (friends/family) and try and live in each and every moment.
DIANA & CRAIG’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Herschel Gutman
Ketubah – The Delicate Brush
Venue & catering – Caesar Yam
Planner – Leora Kaufman Finn
Bride’s dress – Pronovias from Jaehee Bridal
Hair + Makeup – Avital & Avital
Flowers – Hoana Events
Music – Kolot Band and DJ Daniel Glasser
Wedding List/Registry – Zola, Bloomingdales and Crate & Barrel
Wedding weekend & honeymoon planner – Nua Travel
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
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