Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

Facebook Live Catch Up: Wedding Dress Trends for 2018 {with The Wedding Club}

by

WOW! What a Facebook Live we had on Wednesday, live from central London’s most prestigious wedding dress store, The Wedding Club.

I spent most of it open-mouthed, taking in the awesomeness of the show-stopping  wedding gowns from some of the most sought-after wedding dress designers in the world. I’m talking Berta Bridal, Zuhair Murad,and Naeem Khan – all Smashing The Glass faves!

We were treated to a diverse range of breathtaking looks, from super-sexy and barely-there on one end of the spectrum, to lavish gowns layered with peplums, beading, sparkles and a ‘modern ballgown’ feel.

We also saw some sensational statement two-in-one styles, and overskirts that brilliantly illustrate how you can create two different looks for your chuppah ceremony and party. These drew virtual gasps in the comments boxes with lots of ‘wooooah’s and wow’s. We ADORED all your comments, questions, interaction and shares. Thank you so much!

Smashing-The-Glass-Facebook-LiveContinue ReadingContinue Reading

An Emotional Destination Jewish Wedding Overlooking Jerusalem at Olmaya, Israel

by

Destination Jewish Wedding Olmaya Israel_0016
Here at STG HQ, we have to admit that we welled up a LOT while putting together today’s real Jewish wedding. From bride, Jenna’s moving words about their choice to marry in Jerusalem, overlooking the old city, to groom, Jacob’s heart-stopping speech about his love for Jenna, we’re sure there wasn’t a dry eye at the wedding (and there certainly wasn’t one here). 

Their history together explains why. Not a lot of couples can make a long-distance relationship work, but Jenna and Jacob were so sure that they were meant to be, that they did everything in their power to ensure that they could be together. 

The wedding itself looked effortlessly beautiful, with the surroundings and Jenna’s stunning wedding ensemble speaking for themselves. Also, while we’re gawking, we definitely wouldn’t mind one of those Nutella cupcakes!

The intense adoration, which is such a rare find in this life, is so evident in the beautiful spread of photos, taken by much loved STG Recommended Vendor, Luz Weddings, who photography weddings in the UK, USA

We’ll hand over to Jenna for her beautifully eloquent and tear-jerking writeup of her and Jacob’s wedding – we’re sure you’ll join us in wishing them a long and blissfully happy life together.

Destination Jewish Wedding Olmaya Israel_0004

Destination Jewish Wedding Olmaya Israel_0032

Destination Jewish Wedding Olmaya Israel_0069

How we met

Jenna, the bride: Jacob is from Switzerland and I am from Australia. We met in Israel, as both of us were studying at Tel Aviv University as law exchange students.

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Throwing The Perfect Hen Do / Bachelorette Party… the Non-Traditional Way

by

Bachelorette-Party
This is a guest post by Tash Rosehill whose wedding we featured on Smashing The Glass last May

Hands up if you’re planning a hen do (or bachelorette party!) right now? Chances are, if you’re in wedding mode, you’re also in hen mode. If you’re like me and having a bumper year, you have a wedding or hen do almost every weekend during the summer months.

Where to start?

The first thing to think about, unsurprisingly, is the hen herself! What type of things does she like to do? Is she more artsy than outdoorsy? Does she prefer a can of coke over a champagne? Is her Instagram more restaurants than raves? Take a few of her favourite things and try and think up a couple of activities that she might find interesting.

Breaking the ice

If you’re planning a hen, or going on one, you may be worried about bringing different groups of friends together. This is where hen games come in, yes they are cringe but they are supposed to be, so embrace it! Hen games are a great way to help everyone get to know each other a bit more and start the drinking off as well (if you haven’t already!) 

Hen-Party

A Memory Book

A lot of hens also make a hen book, which is a lovely little memory for the bride-to-be, filled with memories. This could be a traditional book with messages, pictures and even recipes, or something entirely different! You could make a collage-style canvas out of the pictures, or get photos, drawings, or messages printed onto pretty much anything!

Hen Game ideas

  • Toilet paper wedding dress – Divide the hens into 2 teams, give them several toilet paper rolls and get them to construct a dress on a model. Make sure the bride is one of the models (or gets to choose the winner!)
  • Cads About Matrimony – if you love Cards Against Humanity – you’ll love the wedding version! You can always instigate a drinking game element too – download and print off here: http://cadsaboutmatrimony.com/product/cads-about-matrimony/
  • Mr & Mrs – Q&A where the bride and groom answer questions about each other – sometimes done as a video. If the bride gets it wrong, she has to drink! (I know this is an oldie but always goes down well)
  • Dare necklace – get everyone in the hen party (and maybe mummy hen too!) to submit some dares. Write these on card, number them from nice to naughty, fold over, hole punch and thread a ribbon through to create a necklace. The bride can complete some/all of the dares during the course of the hen do to win a prize!

Bachelorette-Party

Decor and theme ideas

You might find it helpful to theme the hen weekend or each part of it around things in the hen’s life. For example, I’ve planned a Doctors and Nurses themed hen for a Doctor, been on a safari night for another hen (it was where her now-husband proposed) and completed political hen games for a hen obsessed with current affairs.

Don’t forget the little touches – decorating the venue and yourselves with photos, banners, or even just willy confetti all add to the spirit of the hen do. Sashes, personalised t-shirts, temporary tattoos and even a bouquet made of willies (yes – its a REAL thing and yes, I have bought it for a hen do!) amplify the silliness.  Continue ReadingContinue Reading

A Super Luxe Gold Jewish Wedding With a Hermione de Paula Bride at Bevis Marks and Devonshire Terrace, London, UK

by

Devonshire-Place-Jewish-Wedding
All that glitters actually is gold when it comes to today’s luxurious and delightfully decadent London Jewish wedding. 

As an event organizer, Natalie knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding to now-hubby Paul: a wedding venue with an outdoor feel that could survive the perils of the unpredictable British weather, and a LOT of gorgeous gold accents. 

Fortunately, both were well within Natalie’s capabilities, and the entire aesthetic of the wedding turned out to be simply divine. 

We ADORE (with a capital EVERYTHING) the idea of a musical street procession between two venues (the divine Bevis Marks Synagogue and Devonshire Terrace) what a way to travel in style! We’re sure we’ll be seeing many more STG street parties, now that the trend has well and truly been set.

Natalie looked radiant in her totally bespoke, and one-of-a-kind Hermione de Paula gown, paired with beautiful blue skyscraper heels, and her big day was truly a Smashing the Glass-fest, with no fewer than four Recommended Vendors on the case: award-winning photographer, Claudine Hartzel; sensational stationer, Dimitria Jordan, brilliant band, The White Keys; and finally the beautiful video you see below is by HD Moments.

ewish Wedding Bevis Marks Synagogue Devonshire Terrace London UK_0002 Jewish Wedding Bevis Marks Synagogue Devonshire Terrace London UK Jewish Wedding Bevis Marks Synagogue Devonshire Terrace London UKJewish Wedding Bevis Marks Synagogue Devonshire Terrace London UK
How we met

Natalie, the bride: We went to King Solomon together. I was four school years below Paul, and fancied him back then. But we got together years later through Facebook, and after our first date, I told my mum I was going to marry Paul and yes, I was right!

Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Real Jewish Brides – Mel: Family Really is the Most Important Thing

by

Today on the blog it’s the 2nd post from Mel who will be marrying Mitch on Sunday 18 March 2018, in a Jewish wedding at Warren Weir at Luton Hoo, UK.

THREE FACTS: (1) Mel and Mitch met online on JDate (2) Their Jewish wedding will be classy and traditional with plenty of modern touches  (3) Mel is a member of Smashing The Glass’s private Jewish & Jew-ish Brides Facebook Group. Not yet a member? Come join us here!

Jewish-brides
Involving our families

As I write this post, we are just 9 months away from our wedding. Planning is picking up again with our focus now on our invitations.

Throughout our planning so far, our family has been very involved; visiting venues, meeting vendors, giving their input, etc. Mitch and I are both really close to our parents so it’s important for us that they are involved. We are so lucky that our parents are happy for us to have the final say over everything.

I come from a fairly large family on my dad’s side. Mitch’s family is much smaller. Despite the size, we are both very close with our family and always have been. Family is one of the most important thing, and at our wedding, we obviously want all of our loved ones round us to celebrate the happiest day of our lives.

Family-at-weddings
Fear becoming reality

It would be the worst thing in the world if someone close to us wasn’t able to be there with us. Unfortunately, that fear almost became a reality. Twice.

In October 2016, 4 days before Mitch and I got engaged, my uncle went missing. No one had seen or heard from him for 10 hours, which was very unlike him. With a lot of rallying around and the use of a private investigator, my uncle was found the next day; 15 hours after last contact. He felt ill at the wheel, pulled over and had suffered a major stroke.

It hit us all really hard. Particularly the fact that he was one of the healthiest people I know and life and soul of the family. Thank G-d he survived but his recovery is still ongoing.Continue ReadingContinue Reading