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

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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.

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The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Destination Wedding in Israel

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

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

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.

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Win a Romantic Stay for Two at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, Manchester’s Hottest New Luxury Jewish Wedding Venue

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I’m so delighted to offer you the chance to win an overnight stay in Manchester’s extraordinary new luxury hotel: the fabulous Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, where Victorian grandeur meets contemporary elegance.

Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is such an exciting new property, and it’s an amazing place for a luxe city getaway – not to mention a truly fabulous Jewish wedding!

Every inch of Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is steeped in 19th century history: the property is housed in a magnificent terracotta Grade ll-listed building, complete with oak panelling, dramatic chandeliers, and high ceilings.

But needless to say, Kimpton Clocktower Hotel never stints when it comes to top-of-the-line modern comforts! 

Photo by @LONDON

It’s truly the most wonderfully special space, and I’m so excited that we’ve teamed up with Kimpton Clocktower Hotel to offer one lucky couple (and you can be single with a plus one, engaged or married to enter) an unbelievable prize to experience the luxuries of the hotel to include:

  • A two-night stay in a glamorous suite
  • Breakfast in the Winter Garden both mornings of your stay
  • Gin and tonic trolley in your room on arrival
  • In-room massage for two
  • Dinner for two and a bottle of wine in The Refuge
  • Floral workshop with Giraffe Flowers (the hotel’s in-house florist) – build your own beautiful bouquet
  • Complimentary car parking during your stay
  • Total prize value = £1,000 

Photo by @LONDON

A Jewish Wedding at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel

It practically goes without saying that Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is an incredible venue for an urban glam Jewish wedding right in the heart of Manchester.

I’m obsessed with Kimpton Clocktower Hotel’s array of swoonworthy spaces, from intimate affairs in the delightful wood-paneled Directors Room to big bashes (we’re talking up to 700 guests!) in the majestic ballroom. There are also a range of gorgeous smaller spaces that offer a perfect backdrop for your tisch or badeken. 

When it comes to food, their acclaimed kitchen team will guide you through the kosher-style menus and introduce you to their preferred kosher caterers.

The fantastic team at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel believes that your wedding should be as unique as you are, and they’re 100% committed to helping you realize all your wedding day dreams. The dedicated events team, with a wide-ranging experience hosting Jewish weddings, will ensure every aspect of your day is planned to perfection.

Another thing I love about Kimpton Clocktower Hotel is that they make it so easy to turn your big day into a big Manchester weekend with all your friends and family. Their discounted room blocks make it easy to gather your favourite people under one roof and share even more quality time together.

And if you’re a member of Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club (our members club for Jewish and Jew-ish brides) Kimpton Clocktower Hotel are generously offering you 20% off private hire for weddings booked for 2023 and 2024 (blackout dates apply)!

If you want to find out more about Jewish weddings at Kimpton Clocktower Hotel, email manchesterweddings@ihg.com or call +44 (0)161 288 1111. 

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Win a Romantic Night For Two at the Pan Pacific London, A Haven of Modern Luxury

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I’m so delighted to offer you the chance to win an overnight stay at one of London’s most stunning  luxury hotels, Pan Pacific London!

Located in One Bishopsgate Plaza, Pan Pacific London is a haven in the city and combines sincere Singaporean hospitality with contemporary London design. With the hotel’s luxury proposition, unrivaled location and sincere service this is undoubtedly an ideal choice for a memorable Jewish wedding.

Epitomising the juxtaposition of old and new London architecture, One Bishopsgate Plaza encapsulates not only a bronze tower, but also the 144 year old One Devonshire House, creating the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. A new statement of indulgence with an array of distinguished spaces, including the largest ballroom within the square mile, Pan Pacific London undoubtedly has something perfectly fitting for your day.

Tailoring everything to individual tastes, the hotel’s dedicated Event Emporium – the only one of its kind in the city – is an immersive experience that encapsulates the spirit of sincerity, sophistication and inspiration, turning those important occasions into sensory experiences. Absolutely no detail is spared during inspirational one-on-one sessions from the softness of the linen to the curation of personalised menus and the scent of the room, there are no limits other than your imagination. Here, creativity and collaboration combine for bespoke experiences that don’t just meet discerning expectations but, exceed them.

Pan Pacific London showcases a concept that is contemporary and all encompassing. The hotel’s dedicated Celebrations Connoisseurs are with you every step of the way on your journey, guiding you through a lifetime of celebrations. Whether your looking for a pre-wedding pamper, post wedding anniversary dinner or any other landmark life event, you can trust the team to be by your side throughout.

A JEWISH WEDDING AT THE PAN PACIFIC LONDON

Whatever your style and event needs, Pan Pacific London’s got it covered with their comprehensive packages. Inspired by the sculptures located in Singapore’s Gardens By the Bay, their collections – Fern, Lous, Moongate, and Dragonfly – are designed to deliver on your perfect day. You can see full details of all the options here. 

A Range of Spaces

Pan Pacific London’s got a fantastic range of gorgeous spaces to meet your unique needs, whether you’re having a big bash or an intimate wedding of just your nearest and dearest – or anything in between!

Pacific Ballroom

With exclusive access from Bishopsgate Plaza via an impressive glass escalator and lift, Pan Pacific’s majestic double-height, subterranean ballroom (the only one within the Square Mile) is quite extraordinary. Featuring contemporary elements amid elegant interiors the Pacific Ballroom is the quintessence of grandeur and grace. Offering a neutral color palette, Swarovski crystal chandeliers and state of the art technology that allows you to share special moments in the moment, globally, the ballroom is an unrivaled venue for those larger celebrations. The Pacific Ballroom can accommodate 280 for dinner and dancing or 400 for a ceremony or standing reception.

 

Pacific Ballroom Foyer

Flooded with natural daylight that cascades through the glass escalator, the Pacific Ballroom Foyer is a dedicated pre-function area perfectly complements the Pacific Ballroom. It is offered in conjunction with the ballroom and the space provides a dedicated cloakroom and private washroom facilities. It can accommodate 280 for a standing reception. 

Green Dragon

Located on the fifth floor and offering magnificent views over Bishopsgate Plaza through floor to ceiling windows, Green Dragon, which represents good fortune, could not be more perfect for those intimate occasions. Possessing a neutral palette for ease of styling and coming accompanied with a separate private pre-function area, the venue presents a unique choice for those looking to do things differently. It accommodates 40 for dinner and dancing, or 50 for a ceremony or standing reception. 

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Say I Choo: Explore Jimmy Choo’s Bridal Collection & Made To Order Service

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When it comes to luxury bridal footwear, one name never fails to come in top of mind: Jimmy Choo. So many of our beautiful Jewish and Jew-ish brides, of all styles, opt to say I do in Choo – whether you’re looking for classic or quirky, showstopping or understated, Jimmy Choo’s got something to suit every taste.

And now, with Jimmy Choo’s Made To Order service, you can truly partner with the iconic brand in creating your wedding shoes (or bag, or sparkly sneakers to change into for dancing), your way! It’s easy and fun to select your style, fabric, color, and other finishing touches – there’s even an option to add a monogram or date plaque commemorating your big day!

A Choo for Every Foot

Whether you go for a towering heel encrusted with sapphire crystals, or a dainty flat in luxe blush kid leather, the sky’s the limit when it comes to Made To Order shoes. Though when you think Jimmy Choo, you might initially think of a sky-high heel, the reality is they’ve got so much more – whether you’re looking for a chic low heel or an elegant flat, there are so many gorgeous options. Some of Jimmy Choo’s most popular styles, including Sacora and Max, are now available as part of the line’s Made To Order journey.

  

To Have and to Hold

Complete your bridal look with a classic clutch or satin or crystal-embellished Bon Bon bucket bag. Jimmy Choo’s bridal handbag collection is rapidly expanding, and they’ve got some truly divine options to choose from, for tastes running from dainty to statement. The popular Bon Bon bag is now available in the mini size as well – perfect for just those few wedding day essentials!

Keepsakes to Cherish

And, unlike your wedding dress, your wedding shoes and bag are pieces you can enjoy long after the big day – whichever style you choose, you’ll be able to work it into your long-term wardrobe for daily dressing or special occasion glitz. What a special way to keep those beautiful wedding memories alive!

The Process

It couldn’t be simpler to create your perfect match in a Made To Order style. Just click through a menu of styles, then choose details like fabric, color, and other embellishments – it’s always simple and never confusing, and in mere minutes the shoes or bag of your wildest dreams can become a reality! From the date a Made To Order style is finalized, delivery is estimated to be 10 weeks, so do plan accordingly.

All photos courtesy of Jimmy Choo.

CONTACT DETAILS

Jimmy Choo
Made To Order
Instagram | Facebook
Find your nearest Jimmy Choo store here.

Jimmy Choo is a Smashing The Glass handpicked sponsor and this is a sponsored post.
We only ever work with sponsors that we absolutely ADORE and would use ourselves.
You can find out more about sponsored posts here.