Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

Why Crystal Springs Resort Is the Perfect Spot for Your New York Metro Jewish Wedding Weekend

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Photo by Uri Arnson Wedding Photography 

If you’re dreaming of a New York-area wedding weekend that combines the charm of the countryside with all the luxury and sophistication you could ask for, we’ve got just the place for you: Crystal Springs Resort. Nestled in New Jersey’s Sussex County, just an hour from New York City, this incredible destination offers the ideal setting for a Jewish wedding weekend filled with unforgettable moments.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

The Resort offers a variety of different venues that can accommodate large parties, with spaces to suit the Jewish wedding of your dreams and accommodate each part of your special day.

Each season at Crystal Springs Resort has its own special attractions. In spring and summer, enjoy the rural landscape and relaxed pace that make a country escape enticing. If you love the bright colors of fall, get ready for a spectacular panorama as the mountains shimmer with gorgeous red and gold leaves. In winter, you and your guests can add some excitement to your stay with nearby skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing.

Photo by Tom Haas

Your Wedding Weekend, Your Way

Kick off the festivities with a welcome reception and set the tone for an amazing and unforgettable gathering, and spend a day before the wedding bonding with your nearest and dearest over rounds of golf, spa days, invigorating outdoor adventures, or simply enjoying the resort’s breathtaking mountain views.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

Then, celebrate your nuptials with breathtaking sunsets and mountain views, followed by an unparalleled cocktail hour and extraordinary reception.

Photo by Anthony Ziccardi Studios

Keep the celebration going with an over-the-top after party and exceptional brunch to round out your most memorable weekend ever. At Crystal Springs Resort, your celebration is more than a wedding—it’s a weekend-long love story, shared with those who matter most.

Photo by Custom by Nicole 

A Venue as Unique as Your Vision

Crystal Springs Resort boasts four exceptional properties, each with a variety of spaces to suit your specific style, guest count, and budget. Whether you envision a grand ballroom affair or a rustic outdoor celebration, you’ll find the perfect venue here.

Photo by Fred Marcus Studio

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A Classically Elegant Seaside Jewish Wedding at 5.91 in Netanya, Israel

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Hilit and Alon, 5.91, Netanya, Israel

We love an Israeli wedding, and Hilit and Alon’s does not disappoint! Israeli couple Hilit, a product manager, and Alon, a software engineer, had the most stunning celebration at 5.91 in Netanya, a gorgeous venue by the sea with breathtaking views and a dance floor big enough for their crowd of guests.

Planning a wedding with personal touches was a priority for Alon and Hilit, and they incorporated lots thoughtful details that made the day truly “them,” from owl-themed magnets (a nod to their army days when they first met) to creative guest activities like filling in cards with date ideas for the couple!

Mega-talented photographer and Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Jossef Si captured the wedding so perfectly. Each one of his images is a true work of art, and Hilit and Alon can’t stop raving about how comfortable Jossef made them feel – all while getting the kinds of glam shots that look like they came straight out of a movie!

Read on for the full story in Hilit’s own words…

Hilit and Alon, 5.91, Netanya, IsraelHilit and Alon, 5.91, Netanya, IsraelHilit and Alon, 5.91, Netanya, IsraelHilit and Alon, 5.91, Netanya, Israel
How We Met

Hilit, the bride: We met during our service in the military, Alon came to Hilit’s course for a training session, and later on we served in the same base. We were good friends at first until Hilit made the first move and Alon took it from there.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Get Ready for London’s Dreamiest Hanukkah Pop-up

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This is a guest post by Danya Kay, founder of Contemporary Judaica – my very favourite source for stylish, modern Judaica in the UK. 

This year has whizzed by, and the recent cold spell has ensured the winter festivities of spreading joy and light feel more real now, and on top of that, because Hanukkah is so much later this year, the build-up is even more exciting.

Find Jonathan Adler at Contemporary Judaica 

It’s a cosy feeling of colour, family and smells of fried latkes, but also, we can’t help but think of those unable to enjoy it with us—we can’t forget and for that reason the importance of spreading even more joy and light at this time, is more significant than ever.

Find Chewdaica at Contemporary Judaica 

At Contemporary Judaica, we’re thrilled to do our part by reopening the doors of our Hanukkah pop-up this December 10—15 in the charming village of Hampstead. Nestled between Roni’s Bakery and Ottolenghi, and just moments from Hampstead Heath, our pop-up shop will once again showcase an exquisite selection of Judaica from talented artists around the globe.

Arch Chanukiah by Steven Bronstein

A Celebration of Style and Tradition

Our pop-up shop offers a unique opportunity to browse our curated collection of functional yet beautiful Judaica designed to be cherished all year round—not just during the holidays—featuring designers like Jonathan Adler, Michael Aram, Tchotchke, L’Objet, and more. 

Chai Necklace in Silver by Shlomit Ofir

This is our third year of popping up in Hampstead—times have changed and, from a personal standpoint, the way artists, customers, friends, and acquaintances have rallied together to stand up, support one another and connect with their Judaism more deeply than ever is the most wonderful and positive feeling to be had in 15 years of running Contemporary Judaica.

Rova Chanukiah by L’Objet

It feels more like being part of an extended family—making connections and spreading joy through the process of selecting beautiful Judaica and seeing the Jewish joy it brings.  Whether you’re treating yourself, selecting a meaningful gift for a loved one, or honoring a significant milestone—like choosing a tallit for your child or transforming a smashed chuppah glass into a treasured keepsake—each piece tells a story of joy and connection.

Heart Dreidal by Michael Aram

The unique experience of the pop-ups to date has been special–friends randomly meeting, people popping by and stories told.  Come and see for yourself!

‘Ripples’ Marbles Concrete Chanukiah by Logifaces

If you’re thinking of creating a bespoke online Judaica Wedding List [note from Karen: I highly recommend doing this to ensure the Judaica gifts you receive match your taste and style!], this is a great opportunity to pick your favourite pieces out in person!

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Farewell to a Bridal Icon: Find Your Dream Dress for up to 75% Off at Steven Birnbaum’s Closing Sale, December 4 – 15

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It’s the end of an era in the bridal world. After over 40 years of crafting breathtaking gowns for brides and eveningwear aficionados alike, the legendary Steven Birnbaum is closing the doors of his Chelsea, NYC, atelier. As he prepares to step into a well-earned retirement, he’s offering one final gift to the brides-to-be of the world: a farewell sale of one-of-a-kind couture pieces at an incredible 70-75% off retail prices.

For those who know Steven’s work, this is a bittersweet moment. His designs have graced countless weddings, galas, and celebrations, each piece lovingly created with the skill and artistry that comes from decades of dedication.

From his beginnings in costume design, creating pieces for theatre and dance that balanced beauty with functionality, to his celebrated collaboration with Robert Bullock in launching Birnbaum & Bullock in 1998, Steven’s commitment to elegance, ease, and craftsmanship has always been unmatched.

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A Winnie Couture Bride for a Summer Jewish Wedding Where Old Hollywood Meets the Mediterranean at Bel Air Bay Club, California, USA

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Sophe-and-Alex-Bel-Air-Bay-Club-California-USA

Have we got a gorgeous Jewish wedding for you today! The Mediterranean meets Old Hollywood in Sophe and Alex’s big day at Bel Air Bay Club, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and we are here for it. Every detail of their summer celebration reflected elegance and sunshine—from the light, summery color palette to the joyful florals in shades of pink, yellow, and orange.

Tragically, Sophe lost her beloved father seven years prior to the wedding, and including him in the day was a top priority. Sophe’s 95-year-old paternal grandfather walked her down the aisle, did a grandfather-granddaughter dance, and made a toast where he handed over Sophe’s dad’s hat to Alex – how special is that?

Jordan Elizabeth Photography and Loufas Films captured every moment of the day so beautifully, and we’re in love with Sophe and Alex’s gorgeous personalized ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Rabbi Leah Richman of Ketubahs and More, featuring the most exquisite blue Mediterranean tiling design.

Read on for all the details in Sophe’s own words!

 

Sophe-and-Alex-Bel-Air-Bay-Club-California-USASophe-and-Alex-Bel-Air-Bay-Club-California-USASophe-and-Alex-Bel-Air-Bay-Club-California-USASophe-and-Alex-Bel-Air-Bay-Club-California-USA
How We Met

Sophe, the bride: Our story begins in August 2016 as young 23 year olds trying to figure out the real world. Only two weeks after moving to Los Angeles to do Teach For America, Sophe’s school did an overnight retreat for the teachers in Malibu and at the end of the night she decided to go on Bumble to see if she came across any celebs or cute surfers. Even better, she came across a handsome Greek man and Sophe immediately recognized him from their alma mater Chapman University (and swiped right).

Fortunately for Sophe, Alex was living in Calabasas (right over the hill from Malibu) so she was in his geographical range because Alex refused to drive more than 5 miles in LA traffic. The joke was on him as Sophe actually lived in West LA and was a 1.5 hour drive after work (aka we were long distance dating in LA).

Soon text conversation turned into a first date where Sophe and Alex got kicked out of the sushi restaurant because they stayed so long. From then on, Sophe and Alex became inseparable. A few months into dating they decided to add each other on social media, only to find out that they were already Facebook friends. Turns out they became Facebook friends in 2011, as college freshmen, and Alex even wrote “Happy birthday :)” on Sophe’s wall for her birthday in 2012. The jury is still out on if they ever did talk at some college party or if Alex always had his eye on Sophe. Continue ReadingContinue Reading