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How to Plan a Stress-Free Jewish Wedding Your Way {with Events by Natasha}

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Photo by Rafe Abrook

Wedding planning is such an exciting time in your life – but there’s no denying that it can be stressful, too. Between decision overload, family drama, budget challenges, and more, it’s all too easy to get bogged down in the details and lose focus on the big picture: you’re marrying the love of your life!

It doesn’t have to be that way. It’s not always easy, but with some smart decisions you can keep wedding planning joyful and, yes, low-stress – and I sat down with Natasha Levine of Events by Natasha, one of London’s top Jewish wedding planners, to chat through some top strategies for keeping wedding planning fun and drama-free.

In her years in the wedding industry, Natasha’s seen it all – and I’m so happy she’s sharing her hard-earned wisdom with us. 

Photo by David Pullum Photography

Top Tips for Low-Stress Wedding Planning    

When I asked Natasha for her very biggest tips to keep wedding planning stress-free, she shared four bits of wisdom – all of which speak to some of the most common struggles I hear from Jewish brides and grooms. 

First off, when it comes to selecting suppliers and planning various elements of the day, break it down and isolate each element. If you look at the big picture, it can be very overwhelming, but focusing on one individual component at a time feels much more manageable.

Second, try to not take on board too many opinions from friends and family members. It’s natural that your loved ones will want to help and guide you as best they can, but everyone has different experiences, tastes, and expectations. What might be a wonderful band for one couple might not be the best for another. Too many opinions can lead to confusion, overwhelm, and stress.  

I wasn’t at all surprised when Natasha reported that the most common wedding planning stressor among her couples is family. So many of us have a natural desire to keep the peace and try to please all the major players in the big day – but sometimes that’s just not possible, and letting go of that need to satisfy everyone is one of the hardest yet most essential steps toward a joyful wedding planning experience. 

Photo by David Pullum Photography

Third, delegate where possible. Don’t take on too much of the planning yourselves if you don’t have to. Ask a trusted family member to help source some suppliers or assist in gathering names and addresses for sending out invitations. Alternatively, you could hire a professional like Natasha to assist you with the entire planning production – a great planner will always be on hand at the other end of the phone, and they’ve got years of experience and contacts that can smooth the process (and save you money, too).

Finally, take breaks. Even with the best of intentions wedding planning can be overwhelming at times, and it’s important to remember to take breaks and engage in activities that help you relax and rejuvenate. It could be spending time with your partner, going for a spa day with your girlfriends, a weekend away, or any fun days out in your nearest city.Continue ReadingContinue Reading

My Weekend in Kosher Paradise at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas

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I couldn’t have imagined back in 2019, as a member of Brides Club planning my own Jewish wedding, that one day I would be a part of the incredible team here at Smashing the Glass. As luck would have it, I joined the team back in 2020, and these last three years as a Features Writer have been such a blast. This July, I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to take part in the Kosher Fam weekend, sponsored by the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in the Bahamas with other amazing Jewish influencers and to see what it was like to spend a proper Shabbat in the Caribbean. 

The First Kosher Restaurant in the Caribbean 

What makes a stay at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar so unique is that it boasts the first 100% certified kosher restaurant in all of the Caribbean as well as a fully kosher food truck and other kosher options throughout the resort. Cinko, their Asian Latino fusion inspired restaurant, is not only kosher, but each dish is so unique and delicious that you could have a new item on the menu for every meal in a week and still not run out of tasty options to try. One evening for dinner, I ordered the Korean beef kimchi tacos, the salmon ceviche, and for my main course a stunning red snapper in an aji amarillo and coconut Thai sauce with succulent bites of yuca.

Shabbat Accommodations at a 5 Star Hotel

Whenever I’ve traveled and need to account for Shabbat or kosher meals, it’s usually whatever pre-packaged options I have on hand. I’ve never seen the luxury of a 5-star hotel take into consideration its kosher guests with such preparation and care. Cinko closes its doors to general hotel guests every Friday night through Saturday unless you make special reservations for Shabbat dinner and takeaway lunch, securing your kosher meals ahead of time. 

From Cinko’s candle lighting setup and hand washing station, to the beautiful Shabbat table with challah and wine the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar thinks of everything in making sure all you need is accounted for and you can just enjoy the beautiful Shabbat feast that’s been pre-prepared. Shabbat lunch is just as thoughtful with takeaway boxes filled with scrumptious food, and your own personal challah roll and grape juice for kiddush. The local Chabad Rabbi also has wonderful resources online and does his best to gather a minyan for Shabbat every week. 

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What Happened When I Spent a Day at a Top London Bridal Boutique

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Photo by Voyteck Photography

Mirror Mirror has long been one of my very favourite London bridal boutiques – from their fabulous range of handpicked designs to their bespoke service to their familiarity with all the ins and outs of Jewish weddings, there’s really no place like it. And it isn’t just me who thinks so – Mirror Mirror is a fan favourite with Smashing The Glass’s UK brides, and we’ve been privileged to feature many of their weddings right here on the blog. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to spend a day at Mirror Mirror living out the dream wedding dress shopping experience myself and filming some fun Reels about it – and everything was so fabulous, I truly wish I had occasion to get married all over again (to Mr. STG, of course!) just so I could take home one of their exquisite gowns for my very own. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

If you have ever wondered what it’s like to wedding dress shop at THE go-to destination for London’s Jewish brides, I’m so thrilled to take you along with me – read on to check out the fab Reels I created with the Mirror Mirror team and to hear why Mirror Mirror’s truly got it all!

A Day in the Life

With an exceptional range of 8 international designers, showcasing styles from classic minimalism to soft boho vibes to super-glam opulent gowns, plus in-house alterations, accessories, stunning chuppah cover-ups and 34 years of excellence dressing brides and celebrities, Mirror Mirror is one of the very best boutiques for Jewish brides. 

Photo by Voyteck Photography

I’ve visited Mirror Mirror many times since founding Smashing The Glass, but this was the first time I’d had a chance to try on one of their lovely gowns.  From the warm welcome I received the moment I walked in, I couldn’t have felt more at home. 

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Spend Your Honeymoon in Caribbean Paradise at Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, the Caribbean’s Ultimate Kosher Travel Destination

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If you’re looking for a positively swoon-worthy honeymoon destination that combines luxury, romance, fine kosher dining, and adventure, let us introduce you to Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is not only one of the most stunning properties in the Bahamas but is also the only luxury hotel in the Caribbean offering a full range of in-house kosher dining options. Continue ReadingContinue Reading

Win a Romantic Night For Two at the Pan Pacific London, A Haven of Serenity in the Heart of the City

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Freya and David‘s Jewish wedding at the Pan Pacific | Photo by Dominika Miechowska

If you’re looking for a luxurious haven in the heart of London to host your Jewish wedding, Pan Pacific London is the absolute perfect venue – and I’m so delighted to be able to offer you the chance to win an overnight stay at this stunning luxury hotel that combines Singaporean hospitality with London design.

Located in the center of the City in One Bishopsgate Plaza, Pan Pacific London‘s location is unrivaled. Juxtaposing the best of old and new London architecture, One Bishopsgate Plaza showcases not only a modern bronze tower, but also the 144 year old One Devonshire House. Add in some serene Singaporean flair, and you’ve got the perfect backdrop for a Jewish wedding.

Freya and David‘s Jewish wedding at the Pan Pacific | Photo by Dominika Miechowska

Naturally, Pan Pacific London is known for its world-class service. The hotel’s events team are passionate about working with each and every couple to plan a day tailored to your individual needs and tastes. 

The hotel’s dedicated Event Emporium – the only one of its kind in the city – is an immersive experience that turns 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. Pan Pacific London’s dedicated Celebrations Connoisseurs are ready and waiting to help you create a bespoke Jewish wedding that will exceed your wildest dreams. 

Focus on Wellbeing

Part of what makes Pan Pacific London special is its focus on bringing serenity and wellbeing to the bustling City. Nowhere is this better encapsulated than in the hotel’s world-class SENSORY Wellbeing, a destination floor dedicated exclusively to holistic health and featuring the most technologically advanced hotel gym and facilities in London.

Enjoy a personalized approach to everything from treatments to customised exercise, and access to an expert team of health professionals available to help you achieve your specific goals.

Oh, and did we mention the epic infinity pool with sweeping panoramic views over Bishopsgate Plaza?! There’s no place better to relax before (or after!) all the chaos of the big day. 

Fine Dining, Singaporean Style

Pan Pacific London is also home to a variety of fine dining options, including Straits Kitchen, showcasing Singaporean cuisine and featuring the largest Chinese wine offering in London.

The Orchid Lounge is an inviting living room offering light snacks and refreshments throughout the day as well as a seasonally-inspired Afternoon Tea collection, paired with the finest English sparkling wines.

Ginger Lily brings the bar culture of Singapore to the City, serving up cocktails in lively and luxurious surroundings. And Straits Bar offers one of London’s largest mocktail menus – come check out the 12 new mocktails they’ve recently debuted!

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, Lotus, 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 a glass escalator and lift, Pan Pacific’s majestic double-height subterranean ballroom (the only one within the Square Mile) is nothing short of extraordinary. Featuring contemporary design, 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 – so perfect for spread-out Jewish families! – the ballroom is an unrivaled venue for larger celebrations. It 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 offered in conjunction with the ballroom. 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, is perfect for intimate occasions. Possessing a neutral palette for ease of styling, and coming accompanied with a separate private pre-function area, Green Dragon is 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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