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Hands in marriage: how to get the perfect manicure for your big day

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Today’s post is written by the lovely Lauren Shalson from Spa By Car. I’m a big fan of Spa By Car and have been using them for all my beauty treatments for about 7 years now. Apart from anything else they do the *best* manicures in town, so who better to advise you on how to get your hands looking gorgeous for your W-day!

Hey brides – have you thought about your big day manicure yet? It’s actually a little scary how much your hands are in the spotlight! You’ll want photos of the bouquet, the ring exchange, any candle-lighting or sand ceremonies, signing the register, raising your glass, cutting the cake… no pressure, right?! Luckily, we’ve been keeping tabs on the ultimate wedding day nail trends. If you’re booking a bridal manicure, here’s what we at Spa by Car would recommend.
French Tips
FRENCH TIPS
French tips are a tried and tested bridal style, with a bonus pop of colour or sparkle instead of a Classic white! If you’re trying one of these styles for the first time, our mobile nail technicians recommend a pre-wedding “test run” so you know what you’re getting into. Just because you love a style from a fashion mag doesn’t mean it’s going to be right for your wedding day!

Blue wedding nails SOMETHING BLUE
From duck egg pastels to bold exotic  cobalt,  blue nails are always super stylish. Make a statement on your big day with glossy, flawless gel polish to really show off your something blue! We love Artistic’s gel gloss polish colour Graceful, a gorgeous light blue shade, or sparkly royal blue colour Contempo.

Kate Middleton wedding nails CLASSIC NEUTRALS
Bride of the century Kate Middleton is still our biggest inspiration for the big day! Get her princess-perfect nails with Essie’s Allure polish, one of the colours really worn by the Duchess at her wedding. It’s a classic shade that keeps the attention on your glittering ring finger.  Other Classic neutrals we love from Essie are Ballet slippers, Adorable and Like Linen.

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Thinking of converting to Judaism? 5 questions to ask yourself before making the decision

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I am delighted to introduce a fabulous second guest post from Michele Schwartz, editor of The Modern Jewish Wedding, a popular website for Jewish/ interfaith couples and wedding planners.

Charlotte Harry Sex and the City
[image: Sex and the City via HBO.com]

“I know that game. I invented that game. So, they’re Rules Rabbis,”
Charlotte York Goldenblatt from Sex and the City.

It’s true.  When considering conversion to Judaism from another religion, whether for a wedding, or just because, rabbis will traditionally turn you away. Rabbis are known to test your commitment by saying “NO!” three times. Then it is up to you…

If you are considering converting for your ‘beshert’ (your meant to be), here are some questions that will be useful to ask yourself and your intended before taking the plunge.:

1. How do I know if Judaism is right for me?

You’ll know! I hate to sound trite–but, you’ll know. If you are pressured to convert or feel as if you must do so just to be married, then you should stop reading now and read my previous post on incorporating Jewish traditions into your interfaith wedding. However, if you are committed to having a Jewish home, raising your children Jewish and are intellectually curious about Judaism–then read on. The best place is to start is with curiosity.

  • Read, read and then read some more.
  • Attend services at several different local synagogues.
  • Take a class. Most congregations offer a weekly text study you can attend. You can also check out your local Jewish Community Centre or even a local university to find classes or lectures that spark your interest.

Kensington Roof Gardens Jewish Weding
[image: Lee Ann & Andre’s London wedding / Gavin Hart Photography]

2. Even if I don’t convert can I work Judaism into our marriage and home?

Absolutely. Most people begin the road to formal conversion after first experiencing life in a Jewish family, home or community. Jewish rituals don’t negate anything you were raised to believe. You can get married under the chuppah, you can participate in congregational services, learning and holiday celebrations, you can attend or host a Passover seder, you can light candles on Shabbat and enjoy a day of rest on Saturday. If nothing else feels right for you–learn a new recipe or two and eat Jewish soul food.
TUSCANY WEDDING
[image: Daphna & Godwin’s Tuscany wedding ]

3. How “Jewish” do I want to be?

There are lots of different flavours of Judaism. But no one is more Jewish than any other (despite what you might hear or think). You should try them all–and decide for yourself what feels right for you. Do you like traditional music and lots of Hebrew in your worship service? Do you want to belong to a community that keeps strictly kosher? Do you feel more comfortable in a setting where there are same-sex couples and no one frowns at ear piercings or tattoos? Judaism is a big tent–you have to find the most comfortable seat for yourself.

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5 ways to ‘incorporate Jewish’ into your non-Jewish or Interfaith wedding

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jewish_wedding hora
image: Chyna Darner Photography

Mazel Tov, you’re engaged! You are starting to put together Pinterest boards, you’re buying every wedding magazine going and bookmarking all the best wedding blogs. There’s only one hitch – you are Jewish, and your fiancà© isn’t. But no need to worry, because by adding Jew-ish touches to your wedding and reception, you can honour both sides and have everyone “kvelling” in no time.

Here are five simple and fun ways to incorporate Jewish wedding traditions into your special day:

1. FIND AN INTERFAITH KETUBAH: There are Ketubot written in English with no mention of God or religious beliefs. Every couple should agree to love, commitment and laughter (three things the Ketubah represents); it’s good for the soul! interfaith_ketubah [image: Interfaith ketubah from Daphna & Godwin’s Tuscan castle Jewish wedding ]

2. HAVE YOUR PARENTS WALK YOU DOWN THE AISLE: Every Jewish mother dreams of the day she’ll walk her child down the aisle (wearing a dress that’s the envy of all her friends). Don’t deprive her of this proud moment! Plus, your soon to be in-laws will no doubt find it charming, thereby giving you some serious brownie points.

3. HAVE A CHUPPAH: The chuppah represents your new home and forms a beautiful, striking central space for the wedding ceremony. Also, designing a chuppah will be a special way for you both to create something symbolic and beautiful together. Just add it in to the floral budget and enjoy the experience and symbolism. CHUPPAH [image: Chuppah from Lee & Gary’s Jewish Wedding at The Criterion, London / Peachy Productions ]

4. SMASH THE GLASS! Since even Jews can’t agree on why we break a glass at a Jewish wedding, there’s really no reason not to include the tradition. It’s fun! Everyone shouts “Mazal Tov” and everyone claps and hollers. Who doesn’t want a standing ovation on their wedding day?

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