Michal and Samuel met whilst traveling across South America and dated long distance for some time, flying back and forth between Switzerland (where Samuel is from) and Israel, until they decided to make a life together in Tel Aviv.
For their wedding they wanted everyone to have an amazing, relaxed time and didn’t want anything too formal or stuffy. Their focus from the start was on food, drink and intimacy and they held their wedding where Michal grew up, and her parents still live, in a kibbutz in the north of Israel called Ein Gev on the shores of the Sea of Galilee (or Lake Kinneret as it’s known in Israel).
It’s an amazing kibbutz all about family and togetherness, with a communal, peaceful and natural atmosphere. This is the exact ambience that they wanted for their wedding, and is very much in the spirit of who they are. Michal in her own words even “went for the most untypical bride shoes – flip flops. April on the beach… who needs anything more?!”
Samuel’s close family and friends flew in from Switzerland, and with the couple wanting to bring a mixture of Israeli and Swiss culture to their wedding, Samuel’s family brought over Swiss wine, cheese and meats for the party (all spread out and packed in their suitcases)! They also had what I personally think is a genius idea of an ice cream bar for dessert.
It’s a beautiful authentic wedding with the chuppah taking place just after sunset. Michal, the Bride, is here to tell you all about it, along with images from the fabulous Newman Photography.
VENUE
Michal, the Bride: When Samuel and I started to think about our wedding plans we knew we wanted something small and intimate with just our very close family and friends. I was born and grew up in Kibbutz Ein Gev, on the shore of Lake Kinneret. I think it’s one of the most beautiful places in Israel and luckily Samuel thinks so too, so our choice of wedding venue was obvious. It would be a beach in the kibbutz.
DRESS
My dress was designed by Karin. I fell in love with it when I saw it for the first time… simple, long, with small floral details, and the perfect style dress for a pregnant bride!
JEWELLERY
I wore a beautiful necklace with leaves on it, designed for me by Noa-le. She also designed our wedding rings.
A BRIDE IN FLIP FLOPS!
I went for the most untypical bridal shoe – flip flops. It was April and we were on the beach. Who needs anything more?!
THE HANDSOME GROOM
Samuel and I went together to buy his outfit. He picked a nice purple shirt which (was a perfect match to the blossom tree in the background of our wedding photos) and we matched that with a tie and black trousers. And of course he also wore flip flops!
FLOWERS
With April being in the middle of spring, the kibbutz is full of flowers so our mums picked all kinds and decorated the wedding space themselves.
PHOTOGRAPHER
I met Lauren Newman of Newman Photography for the first time a few years ago when we were worked together in the kibbutz.We liked her work very much and as a multilingual photographer, Lauren was the perfect match.
SWISS FOOD + AN ICE CREAM BAR
We went for Swiss specialities with a South American asador and alongside a healthy salad buffet. For the dessert, we went with what every human loves: ice cream and some more ice cream.
ADVICE TO OTHER BRIDES
Don’t be afraid to do it your way, when you two will feel comfortable so will others, even if all our guests are coming together from all over the globe.
MICHAL + SAMUEL’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography — Newman Photography
Venue + catering — Kibbutz Ein Gev
Bride’s dress — Karin
Ring & Jewellery Designer — Noa-le
Assador Cook – Marcelo Bensik
Love this wedding!
It’s so relaxing and authentic, isn’t it?!
Fantastic use of color and texture