Some couples feel such a strong, heartfelt connection to Israel, that it comes across in every moment of their wedding day. Dorit and Eli certainly fall into that category.
Having met in Jerusalem, the pair decided to theme their wedding around the city, while embracing the breathtaking natural surroundings of their mountainous Israeli venue.
Stunning bride, Dorit, ran with her creative impulses, creating a floral Eden, with a gorgeous petal-strewn aisle, a Chuppah lined with beautiful blooms and table centrepieces that her guests are still talking about to this day.
She even took her love of flowers to the next level and had a flower station – an outstanding idea that has come up in Israeli weddings before (we’re calling it – trend alert) that we think would be almost criminal not to steal.
Jerusalem’s big, collective, beating heart was proudly on display all over the joyful celebration, with sublime Jerusalem-inspired artwork running through the whole stationery suite, and in Dorit’s Jerusalem skyline headpiece (um, where can we get one, please?). Much-loved Smashing Supplier Herschel Gutman captured all of the décor, as well as the emotion of the day with absolute gusto – the pictures really do speak for themselves.
So sit back and feast your eyes on all of this wedding pretty – we’ll let Dorit talk you through every detail of her and Eli’s dream wedding day.
How we met
Dorit, the bride: I’m a BA degree student studying political science and communications. Eli and I are both Russian speakers, and we met in Israel during a summer camp for Russian-speaking students three years ago. Last summer, we flew to Belarus for the same camp, this time as counsellors.
A mountainous venue
We got married in Ein Hemed, which is on the way from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, in the Judea mountains. We wanted an a outdoor wedding in nature and near Jerusalem, because it’s our favourite city and it’s where we met each other.
A magical, nature ‘Jerusalem’ theme packed with flowers
We wanted a magical wedding in nature. Our wedding was full of flowers, as we got married in nature and wanted to capture the magical feeling of the forest. Also, we had an amazing flowers stand, where each guest could wear flowers in a different ways, or have flowers woven into their hair.
So, our theme was nature and Jerusalem. We had an amazing local wedding designer. We sat together for hours, and she captured our tastes perfectly.
Temple Mount invitations
For us, it was a priority to have the Temple (Be’it Ha’mikdash) on our invitations. So, our designer drew me and Eli sitting and watching the Temple Mount. On the other side of the invitation, she drew Jerusalem for us. Our gift magnets were designed with the same brand as our invitations (which had a drawing of Jerusalem on the cover). In addition, our benchers also had a drawing from Jerusalem on the cover.
A beautiful braid and natural makeup
I had the best and the most amazing and professional hair and makeup artist, Natasha K., who did exactly what I wanted to suit my style. My hair was styled in a side braid, and my makeup was natural.
A custom-made wedding dress
My wedding dress was custom designed for me, from scratch, with unique fabric. The fabrics were extremely high quality. I came with an idea to Raquely Zohar, and she designed it accordingly.
A Jerusalem skyline headpiece
I had a headpiece, which was designed by my friend to resemble the skyline of Jerusalem. That connected to our Jerusalem theme.
The handsome groom
My husband wore a fitted, three-piece suit, a grey vest under a blue blazer.
His entire outfit, shoes included, was from Diplomat. We had an amazing experience with them. They gave us perfect service and a warm attitude. We got an exclusive discount for the whole package.
A fairytale floral Chuppah
Our Chuppah was designed to match our flowers theme.
Eclectic floral arrangements
My bouquets were a mixture of orchids and roses; they looked very impressive and special. On each plate on our tables, there was a single pink flower. Some centrepieces were white and pink and a had a candle, which lay on wooden platter. On some tables, the centrepieces were big romantic oil lamps.
Our fabulous photographer
Our stills photographer was the amazing Herschel Gutman. We had a great time with him during the photo shoot. He was calm, professional and he managed everything. We highly recommend him.
Special touches
Our wedding was special to us because it brought together many different types of people and social circles. From soldiers (my husband’s friends), to family members and friends who came from abroad (from the USA, Ukraine, Germany etc.). Yuli-Yoel Edelstein and Natan Sharansky were also guests (Yuli is an Israeli politician, and Natan is the head of the Jewish Agency).
Everyone danced together- religious and non-religious, Israelis and non-Israelis, and had an amazing time together.
Advice to brides and grooms planning their wedding
Firstly, I recommend that you enjoy everything, from the preparations to the wedding. Enjoy the process. Do what you want to do – it’s your day.
A lot of people told me before the wedding that nobody will remember which or how many flowers there will be on the tables, but for me, the designing part was the most important – so I went all out with it (of course, taking our budget into account). As can be seen, even six months after the wedding, people are still talking about my wedding and the design.
But the main point is that I’m happy that I listened to myself, and did what I wanted.
Dorit & Eli’s little white book
Photographer – Herschel Gutman
Venue – Ein Hemed
Bride’s dress – Raquely Zohar
Groom’s attire – Diplomat
Hair + Make-up – Natasha K.
This is so stunning–congrats to Dorit and Eli! The natural setting and daylight fits the natural theme perfectly, and you can tell how close this place is to the bride and groom’s hearts.
Orchid and rose are such a lovely color combination, and the flower station idea is wonderfully clever. So fresh and engaging! I’m curious, did you have it staffed or just ask guests to help themselves and decorate however they wished?
Gutman’s photographs are absolutely gorgeous as well. Was there a private session outside the big day? I’ve found that can sometimes provide an atmosphere that’s a lot more relaxed, which these photos certainly are. Everyone looks so natural. He did a wonderful job capturing all those soft pastel colors and beautifully intimate shots of family.