Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

Register for our FREE ‘Make a New Jewish Bestie’ Challenge – we get started this Sunday November 26!

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Since the atrocities of October 7, so many of us are feeling the need to connect with fellow Jews now more than ever. During this hard time for our people, nourishing Jewish friendships energize us and make us feel comforted, connected and understood.

That’s why I’m running running the Make a New Jewish Bestie Challenge from this Sunday, November 26 through Thursday, November 30.

If you’re lucky enough to already have strong Jewish friendships you’ll want to join the Jewish Bestie Challenge to make even more! And if you don’t have many Jewish friends, or a community who gets how you’re feeling right now, this challenge is exactly what you need to feel whole again.

And although the new friends and deepened connections you’ll make are the real reward, for a little extra excitement we’ll also be giving away three STUNNING Magen David necklaces by three different Jewish jewellery designers! 

JOIN THE CHALLENGE FOR FREE

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A Badgley Mischka Bride for a Magical Garden Jewish Wedding Weekend at Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, Italy

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Anya & Kevin, Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, Italy

We love it when a couple plans a Jewish wedding that’s totally, 100% them – and that’s exactly what Anya and Kevin did in creating their swoonworthy three-day wedding weekend celebration in Italy.

The Charlottesville, VA-based couple found the perfect spot to bring their loved ones together for three days of music, food, wine, yoga, and, of course, lots of Jewish joy in Borgo Stomennano, where their magical garden dreams came to life.

Anya and Kevin opted to work with Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Primavera Dreams to plan the festivities, and were thrilled at the way founder Luba helped them source fabulous local vendors and incorporate personal details. In Anya’s words, “Having a wedding planner was extremely helpful and took away so much stress. We are so glad that we worked with Luba. No matter how well you plan, something will always go wrong and it will never be what you think.”

The couple’s  photographers, Studio AQUA, captured the whole day so beautifully – so do scroll down for more gorgeousness, plus all the details in Anya’s own words…

Anya & Kevin, Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, ItalyAnya & Kevin, Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, Italy Anya & Kevin, Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, ItalyAnya & Kevin, Borgo Stomennano, Monteriggioni, Italy
How We Met

Anya and Kevin were 12 years old when they first met on the tennis court in Manalapan, New Jersey. But their love story didn’t exactly start then. They went their separate paths for many years. After college, Kevin stayed in Charlottesville, VA, while Anya lived in Brooklyn, NY. Kevin found passion in entrepreneurship and music, and Anya in yoga and wellness.

On Christmas Day in 2018, their paths reconnected. Over hours of deep conversation, their connection was undeniable. Kevin asked Anya on a first date during a business trip to New York, and soon after, they spent their first unforgettable weekend together in Charlottesville.

Over the course of 9 months, many flights between the two cities, and a couple getaways to Hawaii and Mexico, their relationship blossomed. The values that they found in each other were exactly what they were looking for in a partner and in life. It was an easy decision for Anya to move down to Virginia in June of 2020. Kevin, Anya, and their Bernese Mountain dog, Alby, together have created a home and community in Charlottesville unlike any other.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Your Name, Your Way: Everything You Need to Know about Changing Your Name in the UK 

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Lyubov and Juan‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Fergie Medar Photography 

If you’re a bride-to-be, chances are people have started asking you whether you’re planning to change your name once you’re married. Even today in 2023, when changing your name is very much a choice, this can be a fraught topic. 

But the good news is, it is a choice. And you’ve got lots of options, far beyond just keeping your original name or changing over to your spouse’s. Personally, I opted to stick with “Cinnamon” professionally, but double barrel with my new surname legally and in my personal life. 

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Ella and Joel‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Matt Parry 

I sat down with NameSwitch, who I wish was around back when I got married, to go over the most popular choices and some of the things you might want to consider as you make your decision. NameSwitch are the only UK based company to offer such a unique name-changing service that makes it so much easier.

No one knows more about the ins and outs of changing your name in the UK than NameSwitch – and if you do decide to make a change, their streamlining service can save you hours of research and admin. NameSwitch’s extensive knowledge and liaison with government bodies ensures you get it right the first time, and their UK-based customer service team is always on hand to help. And as a Smashing The Glass reader, you’ve got access to a £5 discount off any NameSwitch  package – just enter the code “SMASHING-FIVE” at checkout. 

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Amy and Andrew‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Mike Staff Productions 

9 of the Most Popular UK Name Change Options

These days, we’re lucky to have such a range of choices when it comes to changing your name (or not). I’ve put together a list of nine of the most popular choices, from double-barrelling to picking a totally new surname for the both of you. 

  1. Keep your given name.
  2. Take your spouse’s name.
  3. Have your spouse take your name.
  4. Take your spouse’s name legally, but keep your given name professionally.
  5. Make your given surname your middle name and take your spouse’s last name.
  6. Take each other’s surname as your middle name.
  7. Double-barrelling your names.
  8. Blend your last names into a new hybrid name.
  9. Create a totally new last name.

Obviously, some of these options are more common, while others – like creating a totally new last name for the two of you – may raise a few eyebrows. But the most important thing is to make the choice that feels right to you and your partner – after all, this is the name you’ll proudly carry for the rest of your life!

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Darah and Yoni‘s Jewish wedding | Photo by Michael Segal

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A Caroline Castigliano Bride for a Classic and Elegant Jewish Wedding at The Biltmore, London, UK

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Who could use some extra Jewish joy right about now? We certainly could – and that’s why we’re bringing you the beautiful London Jewish wedding of Ella and Josh. The bride and groom, both business owners, brought SO much love and emotion to their big day, and we hope you’ll feel as inspired as we do by their ultra-moving photos by Robert Shack and video by Andrei Weddings.

The Biltmore in London was the perfect setting for Ella and Josh’s timeless and traditional Jewish wedding, and their classic décor, filled with white florals and abundant greenery, complemented the space so exquisitely – as did Ella’s gorgeous modern gown by Caroline Castigliano.

Music is such a big part of the atmosphere at a Jewish wedding, and Ella and Josh couldn’t be more thrilled with their choice of Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Matzoh Boys. In Ella’s words, “They were fantastic! The atmosphere was just the best – they really brought the London and Manchester crowd together. We loved their Israeli music sets especially and the chuppah was beautiful.”

Read on for all the details of this very special day in the bride’s own words…

 Ella-and-Josh-The-Biltmore-Mayfair-UKElla-and-Josh-The-Biltmore-Mayfair-UK
How We Met

Ella, the bride:  We met through mutual friends – I was living in Birmingham and Josh was in Manchester. 

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Join Us For a Jewish Community Zoom Get-Together This Sunday November 12

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This Sunday November 12, I’m running another FREE 90-minute community Zoom get-together for everyone who could use some support, a mindset boost, and some connection right now.

I’ve had such incredible feedback from the past two sessions I’ve led, and as we continue dealing with rising Jew hate, I want to help you feel empowered, uplifted, and connected with other Jews who get how you’re feeling right now.

The event will take place this Sunday November 12, at 8:30 PM UK / 3:30 PM NYC / 12:30 PM LA, and you’ll find:

  • Connection, community, and camaraderie with fellow Jews who understand what you’re going through right now – including breakout sessions to say whatever you are feeling
  • Q&A session – for advice and guidance on anything you want to talk about or share
  • Support for a positive mindset and finding meaning in the pain.

This event is free and open to all, so please do register now  – and share with anyone you think could benefit.
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