Today on the blog we’re introducing our 3rd gorgeous bride from our crop of 2017 and 2018 Real Jewish Brides! Please give a warm welcome to Mel who will be marrying Mitch on 18th March 2018 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!
How We Met
Mitch and I met on JDate (yes, we are one of those couples!) in 2013. I had not long come out of a long-term relationship so I joined with the main intention of just knowing that there were people out there and that I wouldn’t be single forever! I didn’t for one minute think that I would end meeting the man I was going to marry — funny how things come along when you least expect it. After a month or so I was actually going to delete my account — until I received what can only be described as an essay from ‘mitch2302’. I thought, if this person has taken the time to look through my profile and made the effort to write a long message, the least I could do is respond.
Going on a first date — particularly never having met the person before — is quite unnerving. I suggested a nice gastro pub for a drink near where I lived. I always think that a drink on a first date is the best option as you’re less committed to spending long there if you weren’t feeling it, compared to if you go for dinner (call me crazy!).
Three hours later, we were still talking but it was time to go, with so much still to say. Our second date was four days later. This time we went for lunch. Eight hours later we were still in the same spot, chatting away like we had known each other for years. I left still wanting to know more about him #GoodSign.
People in common…
Being Jewish, it doesn’t take long to come across mutual friends. We did the usual “do you know such-and-such?” Little did we know just how ‘close’ we were — it turned out his parents are best friends with my aunt and uncle and have known each other since they were 16! *Cue MIL-to-be insane excitement*
We chose to keep my last name a secret at first (that would have given the game away) so that Mitch’s mum didn’t get too ahead of herself and call my aunt and cry with excitement that she will be related to her best friend of 40 years — bearing in mind I met his parents after the fourth date so marriage was definitely not on the cards yet. Sadly, my identity was revealed – I was practically quizzed when I first met Mitch’s parents. His mum then decided to have a Facebook stalk (as you do when you meet someone for the first time) and found me. Luckily, she honoured our wishes not to tell my entire family we were dating until we were ready.
After a few more dates, we became ‘official’. And then gave Mitch’s mum ‘permission’ to call my aunt — she was probably more excited about this than knowing Mitch had a girlfriend.
The Proposal
Mitch and I love travelling so it was only right that we went away for our third anniversary. We had bought our first home together that year so our budget was tight. We decided to go for an all-inclusive week away in Lanzarote. Our anniversary was on the day we were due to fly home, so Mitch suggested we go for a late dinner the night before and welcome our anniversary in on the beach at midnight. We decided to go for dinner at 9.30pm, however, en route my sandals snapped, meaning we had a mad dash to find a shop still open that sold shoes. 20 minutes and €40 later, I was in new sandals and we could finally eat — nothing ever runs smoothly!
After dinner, we took a stroll down to the beach to enjoy a bottle of what can only be described as Spanish lambrini courtesy of the hotel (the word ‘enjoy’ is used very lightly!). Typically, out of all the places along the one-mile beach, a group of people decided to perch right next to us, slightly dampening our romantic moment (refer back to “nothing ever runs smoothly” comment). We decided to move further along the beach. At 11.59pm, Mitch started playing our song, and when the clock struck midnight he got down on one knee. *Cue tears, joy and laughter*.
If we thought Mitch’s mum was excited to tell my aunt we were dating, you can only imagine her excitement when we told her we were engaged!
After the excitement had died down a little, Mitch told me that he was very nearly not going to propose due to some tragic news in my family just 3 days before (again, refer back to “nothing ever runs smoothly” comment). My dad was the only one who knew he was going to propose — he asked my dad’s permission first which I loved — so Mitch confided in him. Luckily, he gave his seal of approval to go ahead with the proposal. And I’m so glad he did!
On our return to the UK I didn’t want to hang around with starting wedding planning. Due to Jewish festivals, we were limited to the dates we could choose — as I’m sure all Jewish brides and grooms-to-be reading this are well aware of. We knew we didn’t want too long of an engagement but equally wanted to wait longer than 12 months. We decided on March 2018, giving us a 17 month engagement.
Wedding Plans so far…
We are getting married at the Warren Weir at Luton Hoo. We completely fell in love as soon as we saw it. The venue is exclusive and it set on over 1000 acres of land.
Being not religious, we opted for a ‘non-offensive’ menu so plan to serve a meat-free meal which will be catered by the venue. As soon as we booked the venue, we then booked one of the most important aspects for us — music. We decided on XS Showband after a recommendation from Mitch’s cousin. They are amazing and we cannot wait for them to perform. They will be with us throughout the entire day, with their Chazan singing during our ceremony, their saxophonist playing throughout the drinks reception, and obviously, the live band performing the Hora and the main event. They are also providing all the production, including staging, lighting and dance floor.
We have also booked our photographer. We met a few people but when we met Chiko from Chiko Photography we knew straight away we wanted him. Luckily he was available on our date so we didn’t hang around!
Mitch was really keen on having a videographer. I needed more convincing. But after some research and watching Mitch’s brother’s wedding video (he married his wife — who he also met on JDate — the month before we got engaged), I decided it was something we should have. Denis from Denee Motion confirmed our decision to have a videographer and we are so excited to see what Denis produces.
Finally, we have also booked our florist, Alexandra’s Florist. We went to a wedding not long after we got engaged and loved the flowers. After some research, we realised Alexandra had done some of our friends and family’s weddings. The fact Alexandra also has loads of experience of doing Jewish weddings and has her own Chuppah for hire, we knew we wanted to have her. As part of the package with our venue, we get table decorations included. These are being done by Liz from Wedding Venue Decorators.
Style of Jewish wedding
I always knew I didn’t want a big fancy, extravagant wedding in central London with 300 guests, a big meringue dress and fire eaters! I just knew I wanted the day to be what we both like and want. Luckily, Mitch was in agreement. We had both been to several large central London weddings, and, whilst they were lovely, it just wasn’t us.
Throughout planning so far a theme has emerged based on the colour scheme, my ring design and just the overall look we are going for – it seems our taste is ‘vintage’ (or at least that’s what Pinterest suggests!). We are going for a classy, traditional but with modern element day. Music and food are the biggest focus for us.
Marriage and What It Means To Me
To me, marriage symbolises the bond two people share. It makes that bond stronger and unbreakable and is the ultimate commitment to someone. I appreciate some people believe they don’t need “a piece of paper” to show their love for someone.
But I believe marriage creates the foundation of a strong and happy life and future family. Knowing that I will have that one person that I can always rely on, laugh with, love with, cry with, and create a family with, is all that I’ve ever dreamt off and I cannot wait to marry my man.
Click here to read all Mel’s planning posts to date.
Mel & Mitch’s Wedding Vendors booked so far:
Venue — Warren Weir
Photographer — Chiko Photography
Videographer — Denee Motion
Band – XS Showband
Flowers — Alexandra’s Florist
Table decorations – Wedding Venue Decorators
