Today on the blog we’re introducing our 8th gorgeous bride from our crop of 2018 and 2019 Real Jewish Brides! Please give a warm welcome to Gaby who will be marrying David on 26th May 2019 at Trinity Buoy Wharf, London, UK.
THREE FACTS: (1) Gaby and David met at work at an advertising agency in London (2) Gaby is Jewish and David is Christian, and they are planning an inclusive ceremony and party that will embrace both of their cultures (3) They are planning an urban luxe wedding in a converted London lighthouse – we LOVE the sound of this!
How We Met
David and I met at work, at an advertising agency in London. We knew each other for roughly 18 months before anything happened between us, in fact, we were both in different relationships when we met and truth be told, we weren’t each other’s biggest fans!
Overtime we became friendlier and after both our respective relationships ended, we naturally grew closer. It was only when David handed in his notice he took me on our first date. We kept our relationship because we wanted to develop as a couple without office gossip getting in the way. However, during his leaving drinks, David drunkenly declared his love for me, standing on top of a table at the bar. Needless to say, the reaction was a mix of shock and “everyone already knew” so needless to say, we had nothing to worry about! Everyone was very supportive and happy for us.
Due to the nature of our work, David and I we were used to be wined and dined by clients and were lucky enough to often be taken to beautiful restaurants. When we officially started dating, we just wanted to keep things simple. He didn’t need to impress me and I didn’t need to impress him, we had already established a long standing friendship so the need to wine and dine wasn’t necessary.
After living in South London together for the past year, we have just bought our first home in Mill Hill and can’t wait to move in this June!
The Proposal
We went to Iceland at the end of September in 2017. On our second day we woke up at 6am and told me we were driving to a national park. I fell asleep in the car and when I woke, I expected to see endless greenery. Instead, we were at a lagoon and I was greeted with bright blue icebergs that resembled giant diamond floating in the water. Entering this area is a “wow” moment and it really took my breath away. Unsurprisingly, the area is called ‘Diamond Beach’, very appropriate for what was to follow!
He suggested climbing over the hill and walking down to the edge of the water so we could get a better view of the icebergs. Me being my typical ditzy self, hadn’t clocked anything, so I suggested standing at the top of the hill to get a picture instead. Little did I know, the reason he wanted to go down to the bottom was so he could propose in private, and take pictures without anyone else being in the way.
When we reached the right spot on the beach, he set the camera to self-timer mode, propped it up on the tripod, and we started posing for pictures. He then turned to me, got down on one knee and proposed – the whole moment was captured. It was a very unique and special experience. As a result, we designed the engagement ring together an emerald cut sapphire support with two baguette diamonds either side. We wanted the ring to represent the proposal.
Not Your Avarage Jew-ish Wedding
We will be getting married on 26th May 2019 at Trinity Buoy Wharf. The venue is a converted lighthouse in Canary Wharf that sits directly on the river. The backdrop is the skyline of the city, and the contrast of the buildings and rustic lighthouse is amazing. Our theme is Rough/lux, boasting industrial production mixed with elegant and chic accents. We want our personalities and the story of our relationship to be reflected in the wedding, so a lot of the elements will be made by us.
It will be fairly intimate wedding (by Jewish standards), approximately 160 people. To achieve all of the above, we are working with my wedding planner Sam Kingsley of Kingsley Events. Though we still have a year to go until the big day, Sam has been committed and fiercely dedicated to helping us plan our day, and so far, she has helped bring our vision to life. Her knowledge of the community and events is evident in her work and we are so delighted to have her planning our big day with us. Sam will also act as master of ceremonies, coordinating with all the vendors and timings during the day. I have total trust and confidence in her to execute everything perfectly.
As David is Christian, we want to ensure the day captures his culture, as well as mine. It’s important our guests know that although the wedding will carry a lot of Jewish traditions, our marriage is a merging of two religions and we want this to be reflected in our wedding. It’s very important for me to have a Rabbi marry us under a chuppah.
We are however going to have programmes and a lot of explanation on the day, so both sides of our family feel included and can engage with the ceremony and all the ‘Jewish’ aspects of the day.
This was one of the reasons I fell in love with David, he was so understanding of how important Judaism is to me and has been learning over the years. He now feels a connection with Judaism, without officially converting. His friends love the idea of Israeli dancing, and we can’t wait to have a wedding that reflects both of our cultures. This blend will add a uniqueness to the day we are really eager to achieve.
Photographer and Videographer
I have never been a fan of posed shots, as I feel authentic and natural shots reveal more about the day. My photographer Pascal, from Reportage Gallery worked on my brother’s wedding and from knowing how his team operate, and having looked extensively through Pascal’s diverse portfolio, I knew his team were the right fit for my wedding.
We are using Our Further Projects for as our videographers. They are a small creative bunch of artistic wedding videographers who use vintage and modern cinematic filming. I wanted our video to offer more than just a snapshot of the day. Every wedding video they make is unique and tailored to the couples style and taste. They will be using a mix of modern and vintage cameras which will add a unique element to the video.
Hair + Makeup
My friend recommended Frankie Neal for makeup, whom she used for her wedding. After scrolling through her Instagram page I knew she would be perfect. I don’t like to wear a ton of makeup, I prefer a natural and subtle look and have every confidence Frankie will be able to achieve this for me. I’m using Zoe Norris for hair, who has done a few of my friends in the past (both bridal and everyday) I’ve seen her work first hand and she is amazing. Similar to makeup, I want a fairly simple hairstyle, and I know Zoe will be able to give me whatever I want.
What Marriage Means To Me
Marriage, to me, means unity. It’s the merging of two people who fully open their heart and souls to one another, offering a mutual understanding of love, respect and commitment. It also means always making your other half a cup of tea, even when you can’t be bothered.
Click here to read all Gaby’s planning posts to date.
Gaby and David’s Wedding Vendors booked so far:
Venue – Trinity Buoy Wharf
Wedding planner – Kingsley Events
Photography – Reportage Gallery
Videography – Our Further Projects
Hair – Zoe Norris
Makeup – Frankie Neal
