Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

A Galia Lahav Bride for a Luxe Jewish Wedding with a Dreamy Floral Chuppah at the Landmark London, UK

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Rachel and Daniel, The Landmark, London, UK

Have we got a stunner of a Jewish wedding for you! Rachel, who’s in beauty PR, and Daniel, who works for a bank, had the most breathtakingly gorgeous London Jewish wedding you ever did see.

The duo worked with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor GEN Z Events to plan the day of their dreams, and, in Rachel’s words, “I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without them! Jay and the team bought my vision to life in ways I didn’t even know were possible. The theme of the wedding was fairytale, whimsical and to bring my dream of being a princess for a day come true, and it definitely did!”

Speaking of being a princess for the day – can we talk about Rachel’s gown? Rachel always dreamed of a gown by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Galia Lahav, and true to plan she found the absolute perfect dress (and veil!) in the beloved Israeli designer’s Gia – with some added customization to make it totally, 100% her. Rachel can’t stop raving about her experience at Galia Lahav’s London flagship.

The Landmark London, with its glass ceiling and palm trees, provided the perfect outdoor-indoor atmosphere for the day, and we’re also obsessed with the couple’s divine floral chuppah! Don’t miss it all in the wonderful photos by Rachel Takes Pictures.  

Now over to Rachel…

Rachel and Daniel, The Landmark, London, UK Rachel and Daniel, The Landmark, London, UK Rachel and Daniel, The Landmark, London, UK

How We Met

Rachel, the bride: We met at JFS secondary school in year 7! We were in the same year, had the same friends and officially got together in year 9!

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A Berta Bride for a Magical Jewish Wedding at Finca La Concepcion, Marbella, Spain

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Lauren and Daryl, Finca La Conception, Marbella, Spain

 

Marbella is such a magical spot for a Jewish wedding, and Lauren and Daryl’s is truly something special. Finca La Concepcion was the perfect backdrop for their big day, with its glam garden vibes.

This was one epic party, and Lauren and Daryl brought in all kinds of fun touches to make the day truly theirs – like a “take your pair and find your chair” seating plan, with a wall covered with sunglasses for all the guests to take!

Another special thing about this wedding is the fact that Lauren and Daryl were able to have both sets of grandparents with them under the chuppah, alongside their parents – how touching is that?!

Throw in a stunning floral chuppah and an uber-elegant gown by Israeli designer Berta, and we’re sold. Nora Photography and Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Denee Motion captured the day so perfectly – don’t miss the breathtaking cinematic trailer! 

Now over to Lauren…

 Lauren and Daryl, Finca La Conception, Marbella, Spain Lauren and Daryl, Finca La Conception, Marbella, Spain Lauren and Daryl, Finca La Conception, Marbella, Spain

How We Met

Lauren, the bride: We met in school and got together when we were 19 years old.

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An Ines Di Santo Bride for a Bold Jewish Wedding Bringing Miami to New Jersey at Crystal Plaza, Livingston, New Jersey, USA

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Monica and Jonathan, Crystal Plaza, Livingston, New Jersey, USA

When New Yorkers Monica, a beauty publicist, and Jon, a data analyst, started planning their Jewish wedding, they dreamed of making things official in Miami, which has always felt like their second home. Ultimately, they realized it would be too challenging for their grandparents to travel, so instead they decided to bring Miami to New Jersey.

We’re obsessed with the modern, bold energy the pair brought to their special day at Crystal Plaza in Livingston, NJ. For the ceremony and cocktail hour, they focused on strong black details – most notably, a dramatic black acrylic chuppah – paired with white and green florals in sleek, structural arrangements. Then for the reception, the mood shifted to an explosion of color set against a striking black backdrop. And did we mention their dog, Chili, played a big part in the proceedings? Don’t miss all the fab details in the photos by Felix Feygin and video from My Wedding Way.

Read on for the full story from Monica – who looked so glam in her Ines De Santo gown…

How We Met

Monica, the bride: Jonathan and I met on Hinge in December 2021 and had our first date at Subject, a cocktail bar on the Lower East Side. From there, we realized we were starving and went to a nearby diner as most places were closing up their kitchens by that point. We realized we shared all of the same favorite foods – grilled cheese, buffalo chicken sandwich and a malted milkshake. What was meant to be a quick drink turned into hours of conversation, and we both knew right away there was something special.

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An Elegant Country House Jewish Wedding at Fennes, Essex, UK

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Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

We love a country house Jewish wedding, and Carla and Ben’s is simply divine! Essex’s Fennes was the dreamiest spot for this very special day, with its timelessly romantic vibes and picturesque grounds.  

The verdant outdoor environs made the ideal backdrop for the couple’s striking acrylic outdoor chuppah, delicately adorned with white flowers – the juxtaposition of the contemporary chuppah design with the traditional style of the venue is just perfection.

When it came time to choose a photographer to capture their special day, Carla and Ben knew that only Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Kate Swerdlow would do. In the bride’s words, “Kate has been a part of my family events since my bat mitzvah in 2011. Having her as my wedding photographer 14 years has been so special to me and my family and we couldn’t be more grateful to her. She captured our day perfectly, we smiled all the way through looking back at our wedding pictures and we love them so much.”

We’re also delighted that the duo found the colorful ketubah of their dreams – which now adorns the walls of their bedroom – through Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Ketubah.com.

Read on for the full story of this magical day in Carla’s own words…

Carla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UKCarla and Ben, Fennes, Braintree, UK

How We Met

Carla, the bride: We met on a dating app!

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Ketubah You’ll Still Love in 50 Years {with Melanie Dankowicz}

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Flowery-Lace-Ketubah-in-gold-by-Melanie-Dankowicz

Photo by Owen Billcliffe

So much of wedding planning is about curating a perfect moment in time. Gorgeous flowers, delicious cake, music that gets everyone on the dance floor – it’s all so special, but at the same time so fleeting. 

But your ketubah? That’s forever.

Connection Ketubah with orchids by Melanie Dankowicz

Your ketubah is more than just a formality – it’s one of the most meaningful parts of a Jewish wedding. It’s at the heart of your big day, a reflection of your values – and if you choose wisely, it’ll also be a piece of art you’ll delight in seeing on your wall every single day for years to come. 

Garden Ketubah in Rose Gold by Melanie Dankowicz

Elizabeth and Bernie‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Maya Myers

To help you choose a ketubah that’ll still make your heart skip a beat on your 50th anniversary, we chatted with renowned papercut artist Melanie Dankowicz. With her decades of experience creating exquisite Judaica that blends tradition and contemporary elegance, Melanie knows exactly how to design a ketubah that will stand the test of time. Read on for her top tips on choosing one that’s just right for you. 

Photo by Stevie Dee

Quality is Everything

You and your partner are in it for the long haul – and your ketubah should be, too. Your ketubah should last as long as your marriage (and then some). That’s why Melanie emphasizes choosing archival-quality materials. The paper, inks, and finishes should all be designed to last – no fading, yellowing, or crumbling allowed.

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