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Why We Love Kimpton Clocktower Hotel for Manchester Jewish Weddings

26/01/2023 by Karen Cinnamon Leave a Comment

If you’re planning a Jewish wedding in Manchester, UK, there’s no better place to do it than the fabulous Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, an extraordinary luxury hotel where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary elegance.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is such a breath of fresh air to have a venue option combining the chicest of surroundings with rich Jewish wedding expertise. Grounded in history matched with peerless contemporary style, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s events team has the knowledge and experience to ensure every aspect of your day runs flawlessly.

A JEWISH WEDDING AT KIMPTON CLOCKTOWER HOTEL

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is truly the perfect venue for an urban glam Jewish wedding right in the heart of Manchester. Every inch of the property is steeped in 19^thcentury history: Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is housed in a magnificent terracotta Grade ll-listed building, complete with oak panelling, dramatic chandeliers, and high ceilings.

I’m obsessed with Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s array of swoonworthy spaces filled with character, with plenty of options for building your perfect day whatever the size and style of your big day. For a big bash (we’re talking up to 700 guests!), there’s no place better than the majestic ballroom, perfect for entertaining and dancing the night away.

Or for something a bit more intimate, natural light pours through the stunning double-height windows of The Whitworth Rooms, creating magical moments for your wedding ceremony.

The intimate oak panelled Directors’ Suites offer a luxurious space for smaller celebration meals or your badeken, while the Post Room is the perfect location for a tisch.

How to Craft Your Perfect Interfaith or Jew-ish Wedding Ceremony {with 18Doors}

24/01/2023 by Karen Cinnamon Leave a Comment

Photo by @paramountsight

If you’re planning an interfaith ceremony – or a not-so-traditional Jewish one – it can be hard to know where to start. The fact that there’s no set template to follow can be freeing, but it can also be overwhelming.

That’s why I’m so excited to share a wonderful wedding ceremony planning tool designed specifically for couples planning interfaith and/or unconventional Jewish weddings. 18Doors, a wonderful nonprofit organization that supports interfaith Jewish couples and families, has launched a DIY Wedding Ceremony Script Builder that makes it easy to explore the key traditions of a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony. With the tool, you can figure out which Jewish traditions speak to you – and which might not – to craft a ceremony that feels true to who you are as a couple, and as a new Jew-ish family.

If you’ve opted to have a friend or relative officiate your wedding instead of a rabbi or cantor with experience in advising ceremony structure, the wedding ceremony script builder is an invaluable tool. And did I mention that it’s 100% free to use?!

Photo by Charlotte Watts Photography

How It Works

To get started, you’ll have access to short videos explaining different components of the Jewish wedding ceremony featuring real footage submitted by interfaith couples from their own Jew-ish weddings. You’ll not only get a brief overview of what the tradition is and what it symbolizes, but you’ll also be able to see modern spins couples have chosen to put on them.

Once you’ve had a chance to familiarize yourself with the traditions and think what might be good to include in your own wedding, you’ll fill out a short form before being directed to the custom script builder. This tool was created by 18Doors with generous funding from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta.

Photo by @1028photo

The custom script builder tool will allow you to choose traditions you wish to include to your script, and offer multiple text options for your officiant for each tradition. With a few simple clicks, you can build your ceremony from start to finish and hand it off to your officiant. Whether you’re looking to go modern or traditional, to speak to classical Jewish symbolism or more universal motifs, you’ll be able to choose language that reflects your relationship and the marriage you’re creating.

Photo by Lacey Gabrielle

For example, as an introductory remark under the chuppah, the script builder presents three different text options:

Option A

________ and ________ stand underneath this chuppah, the Jewish wedding canopy, today as a symbol of the home they have built and will continue to build together. The chuppah reminds us of the Jewish patriarch Abraham and matriarch Sarah who opened their tent to welcome in anyone who passed by. Today, this couple invites you to witness one of the most transitional moments in their lives as they combine their families into one. May they be blessed in doing so under this holy structure.

Option B

In all Jewish weddings, the chuppah acts as a temporary structure that reminds us of how far the Jewish people have come from nomadic times in search of permanence. Today the chuppah shows the community’s supportive role in celebrating this marriage, as this couple creates a permanence in their relationship today. May _____ and ______ build their home in a way that mirrors this chuppah, and allows them to continue to be open to the community that surrounds them.

Option C

Surrounded by those you love, and who love and support you both, you stand underneath this chuppah, the Jewish wedding canopy, the symbol of the home. This home, a unique blend of each of your backgrounds and cultures, is open on all sides, welcoming others to enter into our lives and reminding us that we are part of a larger community. May your home be a shelter against the storm, a haven of peace, a stronghold of faith and love.

How to Choose Your Ketubah {with Danny Azoulay}

12/01/2023 by Karen Cinnamon Leave a Comment

The absolutely enormous variety of ketubahs out there can overwhelm even the most know-what they-want, self-assured kind of couple—let alone the rest of us. But choosing your ketubah doesn’t have to stressful – and with a few helpful tips, it can be one of the most meaningful and enjoyable parts of your planning process.

We asked internationally acclaimed Israel-based ketubah artist Danny Azoulay, who has been designing ketubahs for years, for some guidance on how to choose the right ketubah, one that reflects your shared vision and aesthetics as a couple and speaks to all the hopes and dreams you bring to your married life. Danny shared some truly great advice, so if you’ve yet to select your ketubah, do read on!

Get Started

As a first step, Danny suggests narrowing the field. Limiting your search from the beginning by asking yourself these basic questions can help you avoid getting overwhelmed. You’ll probably find you have a good idea what you like and what you don’t care for as much, so a try to not get waylaid with choices that will utterly throw you off course.

First off, think about the style you prefer. Are you looking for:

Something classic
A traditional design
Contemporary
Eclectic

Then, figure out your color scheme:

Soft palette: pastels
Whites and off-whites
Bold colors
Metallic embellishments; gold or silver

Stay on Budget

First, the good news: there are beautiful ketubahs available to suit all budgets, so no matter how much or little you have to spend, you can find something beautiful and meaningful.

But, if ketubahs are your thing and you have a little wiggle room in your budget, Danny suggests that this might be an area where you’ll want to splurge a little. After all, your ketubah is one of the few things from your wedding that you’ll get to take home with you after the celebrations are over—and so many STG couples proudly display their ketubah as a piece of art in a prominent place in their home.

Narrow It Down

Another suggestion of Danny’s is, after you have narrowed your search, to place your 3-4 semi-finalists side by side—either as printouts or on the screen. Seeing one next to the other really can prove helpful in being able to reach a decision, or at least at narrowing it down to the finalists.

Now, you need to ask yourself, which one do you want to live with and look at for the rest of your life (Sounds familiar, right?). After a day or two, return to that question with fresh eyes one more time to be sure of your decision.

Work Together

When you make your choice, it’s not just the final result that matters; you’ll also want to think about what the process of creating your dream ketubah will be like. Remember to pick a company or artist that is professional; one you’ll be able to work with easily and who has good lines of communication. Danny Azoulay says this is a major consideration: “The process of text and personalization requires that your ketubah maker be aware of all the possible pitfalls involved with different text requirements, and especially about timeline.” He also encourages couples to contact the artist they’re considering and feel them out before committing.

Choose Your Text

Now to the most important part: the text. When figuring out your ketubah text, the first thing you’ll need to do is check with your rabbi or officiant. They may have a set text they require to use.

If that’s not the case for you, you’ll have some choices to make. You can search for a text that is representative of their beliefs, values and view of the life you will create together as a couple. You could also consider writing your own text.

Regardless, if you’ve found an artist you like, be sure to check out the texts that artist can provide, and how flexible they are when it comes to using custom text. No matter how gorgeous their art, if they can’t work with the text you need it’s not a fit.

How to Turn Your Smashed Glass Shards Into a Keepsake Souvenir of Your Jewish Wedding

05/01/2023 by Karen Cinnamon

Smashing a glass under the chuppah is THE defining moment of a Jewish wedding (not that I’m biased or anything!).

There are so many beautiful explanations for why exactly we break the glass – you can read some of them here – but whichever you choose to believe, there’s no denying that breaking a glass under the chuppah is one of the most meaningful Jewish wedding traditions.

While some Jewish couples will opt to smash a cheap wine glass or even a light bulb, I’m seeing more and more STG readers opt to pick out a colorful glass specifically intended to be made into a bespoke wedding memento once the big day has passed – and this is one trend I absolutely adore!

There are wonderful glass artists out there who’ll work with you to turn your chuppah glass shards into a mezuzah, kiddush cup, picture frame, or so much more, and what could be more meaningful than a Judaica object or piece of art that is literally made of the love you and your partner shared on your special day – and continue to share every day after?

However, once you’ve decided you like the idea of having your broken glass from under the chuppah made into a keepsake, there are lots of choices to be made, and it can be tricky to sort through it all.

That’s why we were so delighted to chat with Talia Cywiak, the incredibly talented glass artist behind Talia C, about all things chuppah glass art.

Talia is such a font of wisdom – as well as a truly delightful person – and we so appreciate her sharing her insights into everything from why you might want to make a keepsake from your broken chuppah glass shards, to how exactly the process of turning your broken pieces into an art object works, to some of the most popular and attractive items to make with your glass. If you’ve yet to smash that glass – or if you have your old shards hidden away somewhere from years back – read on!

Why Make a Smash Glass Keepsake?

Plenty of couples will keep their smashed glass shards in a pouch as a souvenir, but it’s so easy for them to be forgotten at the back of the drawer or the bottom of a box this way – how much better would it be to turn those broken glass pieces into a keepsake you can cherish each day?

A Piece of Your Wedding Day to Cherish

There are so few physical mementos from your wedding that you get to take home with you after the day has drawn to a close – and even fewer you can display proudly in your home. A keepsake made from the shards of your chuppah glass – whether a decorative piece or a functional Judaica item – is the perfect reminder of your love for one another.

This wonderful mission of keeping all those beautiful memories of your wedding day, and all the love and commitment that day symbolizes, alive is exactly what inspired Talia C to develop her beautiful collection of Jewish wedding glass breaking kits, which not only ensure you’ll end up with a stunning heirloom-quality souvenir but also make the process as easy as can be.

The Ultimate Personalized Wedding Gift

While plenty of couples will purchase a chuppah glass kit for their own wedding, one of these sets also makes a wonderful, meaningful present to another engaged couple in your life – if you’re looking to gift friends or family approaching their big day with something a truly unforgettable, unique Jewish wedding gift, set them up with everything they need to create a beautiful keepsake item out of their smashed glass shards.

How It Works

If You Don’t Yet Have a Glass

If you’ve yet to smash the glass, by far the easiest way to guarantee a stunning chuppah glass keepsake is to order a kit that includes everything you need for the big day.

Talia C. offers Jewish wedding glass breaking kits that include a beautiful glass in the color of your choice and a pouch to smash it in. After the big day, you’ll send the shards back to her after the big day to be transformed into a mezuzah, kiddush cup, picture frame, or whatever you choose from Talia’s wonderful array of options (which she’s constantly expanding!).

Whatever you choose, you can opt to have your names and/or wedding date added if you like, too. Once your keepsake item is complete, Talia mails back the completed artwork, as well as the extra shards placed in a small bottle.

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Israel

14/07/2022 by Karen Cinnamon

Laura and Elad‘s Jewish wedding in Tel Aviv | Photo by Ronen Boidek

Some of my very favorite Smashing The Glass real weddings have taken place in Israel. I always dreamed of getting married there myself, and even though in the end we decided to get married in our hometown so that my husband’s 97-year-old grandmother could be at the center of our celebration, I love living vicariously through all our gorgeous Israel brides.

In addition to being such a meaningful place to hold a Jewish wedding, Israel also happens to be pretty unbeatable when it comes to sunny weather, unbeatable food, great views – from lush green forests to pristine beaches, vast deserts to stunning mountain – and the best parties I’ve ever been to. Just check out our real Israeli weddings section if you need any more proof!

Photo by Valeri Prochin

The downside? It can be more than a little overwhelming to plan a wedding long distance, in a country whose language you might not even speak, and with somewhat different cultural norms than the US or UK. There’s also some tricky bureaucracy to contend with. But never fear! I sat down with Gev Rotem of Bebke, one of the very best Israeli destination wedding planners around, to demystify the process of planning the Israeli destination wedding of your dreams, one step at a time.

Bebke are known for planning some of the most creative, vibrant Israeli destination weddings around – you can see some we’ve featured on Smashing The Glass here – and there’s no one I trust more than Gev to be on top of all the up-to-the-minute ins and outs of crafting your perfect wedding in Israel from abroad.

Photo by Moran Mayan

How Do You Find Vendors?

It can be really daunting trying to find vendors overseas, especially when there are language/cultural barriers, although most Israelis do speak good English. When you’re less familiar with the landscape, it can also be trickier to make sure you end up with a trustworthy team you can depend on to bring your wedding dreams to life.

Recommendations from friends and family can certainly be helpful, but we also have a handy list of Israeli Recommended Vendors, carefully vetted to get you started, and, again, our past Israeli real weddings come with a vendor list at the end of each post, so if you see something you like, you can get in touch.

Even better is working with a trusted planner like Gev, who can not only source fantastic vendors you can trust who’ll be the perfect fit for your version, but will also make sure you get the best rates possible.

Photo by Jen Sladkov

How About a Venue?

When it comes to nailing down that perfect venue, Gev shared some great insights – including one reason for working with a planner that you may not have considered: “There are lots of great villas and private properties open to hiring themselves out for weddings, but the problem with these tends to be that after a couple of events, their neighbors start complaining and they end up needing to shut down. For this reason, we hold lots of weddings at one-off locations where we can fly under the radar – and we have a team constantly looking for new options.”

Photo by Jen Sladkov

While there are also plenty of gorgeous established venues in Israel, Gev notes that your typical Israeli venue holds an average of 250(!) events per year – which means they tend to offer only set packages geared toward Israelis, leading to cookie-cutter events which may not be quite in line with what couples from abroad are looking for. These venues often aren’t open to the kinds of bespoke touches those of us coming from the US and UK might want to include to craft a wedding that truly reflects them as a couple.

Laura and Elad‘s Jewish wedding in Tel Aviv | Photo by Ronen Boidek

What Kinds of Unique Venues Can I Find in Israel?

Gev loves to help connect his couples with unique, only-in-Israel venues like olive and pecan groves, open fields, glamorous villas, old houses in Jaffa or ancient structures in Jerusalem, and locations amidst atmospheric archeological ruins. Israel’s got so many fabulous spots so full of character that are unlike anything you’d find at home, and Gev strongly believes that if you decide to get married there you should take advantage, rather than try to find a venue that imitates a New York club or an English garden.

Why We Love Kimpton Clocktower Hotel for Manchester Jewish Weddings

A JEWISH WEDDING AT KIMPTON CLOCKTOWER HOTEL

How to Craft Your Perfect Interfaith or Jew-ish Wedding Ceremony {with 18Doors}

Photo by @paramountsight

Photo by Charlotte Watts Photography