Smashing the Glass | Jewish Wedding Blog

Inspired Jewish Weddings

Home > Jewish Destination Wedding > Page 5

An Ysa Makino Bride for a Cambodian-Jewish Wedding at The Noor, Jaffa, Israel

by

Ayia-and-Christopher-The-Noor-Jaffa-Israel

When American couple Ayia and Christopher, both emergency room nurses, decided on a destination wedding in Israel, they knew they needed a stellar planner on the ground to make the day of their dreams a reality. They found the perfect fit in Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Bebke, led by dream team Inbar and Gev. To quote Ayia, Bebke is “a creative powerhouse,” and helped the duo with everything from finding the perfect only-in-Israel venue to incorporating the groom’s Cambodian heritage into the day.

Ayia and Christopher knew they wanted to get married somewhere with character and history – the kind of space that couldn’t be anyplace else but Israel – and Bebke delivered: hidden away in Jaffa’s artistic alleys, The Noor is an absolute stunner, the kind that really encapsulates the magic of Israel.

We also love the way Bebke worked with the couple to incorporate Cambodian culture into the day, culminating in a traditional Cambodian/Khmer string tie ceremony. Ayia and Christopher changed into traditional outfits and knelt on colorful pillows, with incense burning and traditional Cambodian wedding music playing in the background, as each guest approached  them and tied a red string on both the bride and groom’s wrist, followed by a blessing for a happy and healthy marriage. Don’t miss  Mor Elnekave and Ben Mizrachi’s exquisite photos of this unmissable moment.

Ayia-and-Christopher-The-Noor-Jaffa-Israel Ayia-and-Christopher-The-Noor-Jaffa-Israel Ayia-and-Christopher-The-Noor-Jaffa-Israel Ayia-and-Christopher-The-Noor-Jaffa-Israel
How We Met

Ayia, the bride: We met on a dating app as it was the heart of Covid and everything was closed. We bonded knowing we were both working so hard, and dealing with so much sadness and stress in the emergency room. It bonded us. We met a month later and it was all history from there 🙂Continue ReadingContinue Reading

A Berta Bride for a Jewish Wedding at Borgo Stomennano, Tuscany, Italy

by

Yael-and-Joel-Borgo-Stomennano-Tuscany-Italy

There’s no question that Tuscany is one of the world’s most gorgeous destinations for a Jewish wedding – and Yael and Joel’s special day is just beyond!

After recovering from a serious car accident, the couple knew their top priority was spending quality time together with their loved ones – and so they decided to make a full wedding weekend of it at beautiful Borgo Stomennano, a picturesque historic estate nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany.

The couple’s photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Ronen Boidek, captured the day in all its glory. Yael says that Ronen “has so much talent and has this special capability to catch the essence of people’s personalities in his pictures,” and we couldn’t agree more!

Yael also looked absolutely radiant in her stunner of a gown by beloved Israeli bridal designer Berta – read on for the full story in her words…

Yael-and-Joel-Borgo-Stomennano-Tuscany-Italy Yael-and-Joel-Borgo-Stomennano-Tuscany-Italy Yael-and-Joel-Borgo-Stomennano-Tuscany-Italy Yael-and-Joel-Borgo-Stomennano-Tuscany-Italy
How We Met

Yael, the bride: We met at the wedding of our good friends Jenija and Steph in Tel Aviv, in 2017. Jenija and Yael went to kindergarten together and Joel and Steph met playing tennis together as kids while on holiday in Israel, a few decades ago.

Bride and groom thought we’d be a great match and had planned to seat us next to each other on their wedding at the singles table, but we already ‘found’ each other a few days before at their pre-party at the bar and have been inseparable ever since.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

A Marcella NYC Bride for a Dreamy Jewish Wedding at Villa Corsini, Florence, Italy

by

AS-Villa-Corsini-Florence-Italy

There’s something about a Tuscan wedding – and we’re head over heels for the beautiful Jewish destination wedding of American couple A and S.

Both professional musicians with busy schedules, these two knew they could use some help making the wedding of their dreams a reality, and they turned to Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Primavera Dreams. In the couple’s words,  founder Luba

was instrumental in implementing our wedding vibe/atmosphere. We wanted it to feel luxurious but not too stuffy, casual and comfortable but also elegant, colorful but also classic. Luba and Yael helped execute amazing events leading up to the wedding for our guests that allowed them to get to know each other and bond.

We also love that bride A opted for an off-the-rack dress from Marcella NYC rather than a traditional wedding gown – a great reminder that there are lots of fabulous out-of-the-box (and budget-friendly) options when it comes to bridal fashion.

We’re obsessed with the exquisite photos by Michael Zennaro – scroll on to take in ALL the gorgeousness for yourself!

AS-Villa-Corsini-Florence-Italy AS-Villa-Corsini-Florence-Italy AS-Villa-Corsini-Florence-Italy AS-Villa-Corsini-Florence-Italy
How We Met

The bride: We actually first met (as friends) in high school at a summer music program, but reconnected about 10 years later living in New York City.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

A Beachy Boho Jewish Wedding on the Mediterranean at Caesar Yam, Israel

by

Ophira-and-Jacob-Caesar-Yam-Israel

There’s something so special about getting married in Israel – and not just because of the sunny climate and stellar views. Cleveland couple Ophira, a therapist, and Jacob, a market research consultant decided to hold their Jewish wedding at Caesar Yam in honor of the couple’s strong collection to Israel, where Ophira grew up.

The whole day was a celebration of the couple’s blended American and Israeli roots, and the importance of Israel in their lives – how cool is it that Ophira and Jacob wrote their vows in both English and Hebrew?

We also love that Ophira wore her mom’s wedding dress from the ‘80s – and started a new tradition of family heirlooms too, with her multi-talented mom handcrafting her tiara and earrings!

The couple’s photographer, Yafit, and videographer, Dana of Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Colorfool, captured this joyous day so exquisitely. In Ophira’s words,

They worked really well as a team. We decided to work with them because they are each artistic in her own way, and we knew they would capture the genuine and intimate moments of our wedding.

And we can’t hand you over to Ophira without sharing her words of wisdom to newly engaged couples: “Consider getting married in Israel–it’s way more chill than the States, and more affordable.” Ok, now over to the bride…

Ophira-and-Jacob-Caesar-Yam-Israel Ophira-and-Jacob-Caesar-Yam-Israel Ophira-and-Jacob-Caesar-Yam-Israel Ophira-and-Jacob-Caesar-Yam-Israel
How We Met

Ophira, the bride and Jacob, the groom: We met through an online dating app–we both got struck by Cupid’s arrow and said “Ok!”. Our first date was at a local coffee shop, and we really hit it off.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

An Elie Saab Bride For a Tuscan Jewish Wedding Full of Love, Lemons, and Local Charm at the Great Synagogue of Florence and Villa Maiano, Tuscany, Italy

by

Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy

There’s nothing like a Tuscan wedding – and Aviva and Alan’s is one for the books! These two went all out in embracing the local color and charm of their oh-so-scenic environs, from the majestic Grand Synagogue of Florence where the chuppah took place to the dreamy reception at Villa di Maiano, nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany.

Planning a destination wedding abroad is no easy feat, and Aviva and Alan wisely chose to work with planner extraordinaire Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Elegante by Michelle J to make their dream Jewish wedding weekend a reality.

Michelle brought in a team of nine coordinators who all worked to ensure that the couple and their guests were incredibly well looked after, not only on the wedding day but throughout the wonderful pre- and post-wedding events Aviva and Alan hosted for everyone.

Michelle also worked with the couple’s florist, Il Giardino delle Fate Flower Design, to style every space in a unique and beautiful way – don’t miss it all in the wonderful images by David Bastianoni!

Now over to the bride…

Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy Aviva and Alan, Villa di Maiano, Fiesole, Italy
Venue

Aviva, the bride: We married at the beautiful Florence Synagogue where we hosted a pre-ceremony reception in the gardens, tisch in the synagogue entrance hall and a stunning ceremony with a small orchestra in the synagogue itself.

Following the ceremony, our planner had arranged transportation to drive all of our guests to Villa di Maiano, which is in a small town called Fiesole, about 15 minutes’ drive away and in the hills just above Florence. The venue is in a beautiful setting with spectacular views of the city and the surrounding countryside.Continue ReadingContinue Reading