Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

A Vera Wang Bride for a Magical Forest Jewish Wedding in the City at the Hilton Midtown Hotel, New York City, New York

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Okay, we’re still picking our jaws up off the floor from this INCREDIBLE chuppah. I mean… wow. Bride Rebecca says she felt like she was in a magical forest, and we can’t really think of a better way to put it than that. You don’t want to miss the exquisite photos by Cristina Calvi and Hy Goldberg.

Rebecca and Eric, who both work in finance, wanted to bring the outdoors in to their big day – despite getting married smack dab in the center of Manhattan – and did they ever. The fairytale trees and flowers surrounding the couple under their chuppah, amidst an uber-romantic background of flickering candles, was just beyond.

The flowers for the rest of the wedding were totally outstanding, too – the arches of hanging ombre wisteria that formed the backdrop of the badeken, the luxe tablecenters, even the flowers adorning the couple’s gorgeous wedding cake.

Now over to the bride…

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How we met

Rebecca, the bride: We grew up only a few blocks from each other and were one grade apart, but we “officially” met and starting dating in high school (Rebecca’s junior year, Eric’s senior year) and we have been together ever since. We only figured out years after we started dating that we had been on the same bus in elementary school!

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A Dana Harel Bride for a Design-Conscious Jewish Wedding at Bait Al HaYam, Yafo, Israel

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When the bride’s a designer, you can be pretty sure you’re going to end up with one seriously stylish wedding. And that’s exactly what you get in the gorgeous Jewish wedding of May, an interior designer and home stager, and Tomer, a businessman.

Given the pair’s focus on design, it’s no surprise they went for Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Luz for photography and videography. Luz’s distinct trademark style – their symmetry, their straight lines, their composition, how they present the couples as a natural part of the architectural landscape – was right up May and Tomer’s alley (and the couple were so thrilled with the results that they’re hanging a massive print of one of the architectural landscape shots in their living room!).

We also love their floral design – not only is it beautiful, but each centerpiece doubled as a gift to their guests. Such a great favor idea – and a smart way to make sure those flowers you splurged on get to be enjoyed for more than a few hours.

Now over to May, who worked with designer Dana Harel to create a custom wedding gown that was a perfect reflection of her style…

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A Wedding by the Sea

May, the bride: We always knew we wanted an intimate wedding by the sea. Bait Al HaYam was the first venue we saw, and we just knew that it was where wanted to get married. Bait Al HaYam is located in old Yafo, and that alone sealed the deal; it was a nice addition that they made it feel like home.

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Join Me at the Kimpton Fitzroy London’s Bridal Summer Soiree

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I’m so thrilled to announce that one of my very favourite London venues, the Kimpton Fitzroy London, is hosting a fantastic Bridal Summer Soiree on Friday, 12 July, from 3:30 to 8:00 PM – and I’d love to see you there!

Set amidst the central London hotel’s Grade II listed ballroom and stunning Palm Court and Summer Terrace, this is going to be the ultimate summer evening garden party.

Photo by Jade Nina Sarkhel

There’ll be live music all evening, circulating champagne and canapés, a truly epic Indulgence Bar® of the most exquisitely crafted sweets by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor GC Couture, a cocktail bar on the Summer Terrace – and it’s all FREE.

Photo by Jade Nina Sarkhel

There’ll also be some super fun interactive inspiration stations, from glam stations where you can try out bridal hair and makeup looks to making your own flower crowns and floral accessories to personalized cake decorating with the Kimpton Fitzroy London’s Thibault Marchand, winner of Bake Off: The Professionals 2019.

Photo by Jade Nina Sarkhel

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A Made with Love Bride for a Tropical Jewish Wedding at The River Rooms at The Mermaid, London, UK

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A tropical wedding in London? Sounds crazy, you say? Well, you might want to wait until you see the gorgeous Jewish wedding of Michelle, a fundraising manager at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, and Joel, a property developer, before passing judgment.

Inspired by their engagement in Curacao, these two knew they wanted a relaxed Caribbean party vibe filled with beautiful tropical plants and colours – and they didn’t see their desire to wed in their hometown of London as a barrier.

And with some help from fantastic wedding planner Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Rachel Flax – who Michelle says “seriously saved my sanity” during the last few months! – they pulled it off and then some.

From their fab tropical chuppah with its lush green canopy and soft pink florals to the balloon installation in tropical pinks and peaches by the bar (not to mention the giant flamingo balloon at the corner of the dancefloor), we’re totally getting those beachy Caribbean vibes. Photographer Martin Phelps captured the day SO perfectly in his trademark documentary style.

Michelle and Joel chose fabulous Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Totem to make sure their big day not only looked like a party but felt like one too. It’s no surprise that Totem created a killer atmosphere and kept guests on the dance floor all night long – but what was a surprise was that they secretly worked with the groom on a musical performance of his own! Much to Michelle’s surprise, Totem announced Joel onstage and accompanied him as he sang‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ ! There’s nothing like a fun surprise element to make your day super memorable!

Now over to the bride, who looked radiant in her Made with Love dress and Hollywood glam look courtesy of Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Pamela and Andrea Makeup…

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How we met

Michelle, the bride: We met on a Sunday afternoon in the pub, The Kings Head in Crouch End. We were both with friends having a chilled afternoon and got talking and the rest is history!

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Real Jewish Brides: Jaime Talks About What’s Happened in The Past Three Months and What’s Next

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Jaime will be marrying Varun on 26th October 2019 at Hummingbird Nest Ranch, California, USA. Click here to read all Jaime’s planning posts to date.

THREE FACTS: (1) Jaime and Varun will be having a Jewish ceremony AND a Hindu ceremony – on the same day! (2) They’re planning a swanky but not stuffy wedding at one of our fave California venues, Hummingbird Nest Ranch! (3) Jaime is a member of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club!


What’s happened in the past three months

Hey everyone! My goodness it’s been such a whirlwind since I last checked in with STG! April, May and June have been full of fun! As I mentioned in my last blog – we had the best time doing our pre wedding shoot with Clane Gessel – our wedding photographer – just check some of these out…


Image by Clane Gessel

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