Valentino Archives - Smashing the Glass

A Monique Lhuillier Bride for a Daytime Jewish Wedding at Ronit Farm, Kfar Shmariyahu, Israel

25/02/2019 by Karen Cinnamon

We can spot a Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Luz Weddings Photography Jewish wedding a mile away. Their trademark combination of architectual urban shots with emotion and romance is unmistakable — and we can’t get enough of it.

Neither could Mayan, a lawyer, and Dan, a construction engineer, who can’t stop raving about their photographers — in addition to being mega talented at capturing artsy shots, the couple report they were a dream to work with on the day and couldn’t have made even the photo-hating groom more comfortable.

There was certainly plenty to capture, what with the stunning Ronit Farm setting and an unbelievable floral chuppah. And we love how the couple opted to get married at the unconventional-for-Israel hour of noon, allowing them to make the most of that amazing Israeli sunshine.

They also opted for a Friday date, which meant they could throw in some fun pre-Shabbat touches, like their Shabbat flower bouquet favors that each guest picked up from a “flower shop” they had set up!

Over to Mayan, who lived out all her princess dreams in Monique Lhuillier…

How we met

Mayan, the bride: We met in the army, where we both served in intelligence. When I got to the office on the first day he came to sit next to me and started talking to me.

Soon we kissed but because Dan is from Eilat and I am from Jerusalem (a 4 hour drive) he wasn’t sure he wanted to be my boyfriend! So I made him jealous a little bit and soon we fell in love.

We’ve been together for 7.5 years already and I can’t remember my life without him anymore. He is my best friend and we have so much in common, like our love of travelling around the world.

A Vesselina Bride for an Edgy, Colorful Jewish Wedding at Fox Junction in Johannesburg, South Africa

16/07/2018 by Karen Cinnamon

We’re experiencing some serious chuppah envy right now. Do you see that canopy? #chuppahgoals or what?! Dani, an interior designer, and Codey, an MBA student, wanted their wedding to be romantic but edgy, and nothing embodies that more than their fantastic chuppah.

Dani was inspired by the coolest piece of bold floral fabric she found at a local textile house, and she knew instantaneously that it would make the perfect chuppah topper. And was she ever right — the bright colors against the black background are just so cool, and miles away from your typical all-white canopy.

The couple continued their theme of edgy, artsy brights and florals in their dà©cor — you’ve got to check out their epic tabletop dà©cor in Verve Films and Ryan Graham Photography’s captures of the day — and completed their uber-cool look with a neon sign featuring the lyrics to their song. What song, exactly? Read on to find out from beautiful Dani, who found the perfect blend of vintage and rock ‘n’ roll in her beaded lace dress from Vesselina…

How we met

Dani, the bride: We met many years ago when we were around 11 or 12 at a Jewish summer camp (Habonim Dror). Through the years we remained good friends although we did not attend the same school. My husband even attended my bat mitzvah back in the day. We will both attest to the fact that we knew we were each other’s “one” and that marriage was inevitable between us. You can even say we were childhood sweethearts from the moment we met.

A Super Luxe Floral Jewish Wedding in the Bride’s Parents’ Garden at Toorak, Melbourne, Australia

02/10/2017 by Karen

Before we get into the details of Samantha and Troy’s sensational super luxe Jewish wedding, there’s also something to be learned from the way that the happy couple met: always keep your eyes open – you could meet your soulmate anywhere. In this case, walking to your car!

Today’s wedding is a total feast for the eyes as bride Samantha owns a fashion business, and brought her own sense of style to the aesthetic of the day.

Samantha and Troy opted for a traditional white wedding at Samantha’s parents’ private residence in Melbourne, Australia. Adorned with an abundance of outstanding floral arrangements (THAT CHUPPAH!!) and styled to perfection, with not a detail missed, the day was so deliciously decadent, it really was the dictionary definition of a dream wedding – an absolute triumph for wedding planner, Styled by Coco.

The day, of course, ended with a bang – a lot of bangs, actually, in an out-of-this-world fireworks display.

The impact of the dà©cor, and parts of the firework display, can be lived vicariously through the stunning and cinematic video by Untitled Images, which also brings to life the heartfelt and loving speeches delivered by the couple’s devoted friends and family.

Bride Samantha looked straight from the pages of a glossy magazine in her breathtaking J’Aton Couture dress, flawless makeup and chic up ‘do.

Photographer Yervant Photography captured every moment with expert ease, and Samantha has provided us with the wonderful writeup below. Enjoy – and please DO Pin everything you love (that’s a lot of Pinning!)

How we met

Samantha, the bride: We bumped into each other on a Friday night in September 2013, Keilor Road, Niddrie. Literally – bumped into each other. I was walking to my car, and Troy was out getting a bite to eat, when I bumped into his chest and then remarked how tall he was. After a brief conversation, we decided to grab a bite to eat together, nachos. We ate, chatted and exchanged phone numbers and that was it that night.

We met up a couple of days later, struck up a conversation and decided to catch up again soon. A friendship was about to turn into a relationship.

A few weeks later, I went a holiday that had already been planned, and I was thinking about Troy the whole time I was away. Troy was missing me too. On my return, the friendship did become a relationship as we proclaimed our love for each other. Six months later we were living together… and here we are today!
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Lea & Douglas | ‘Costiera chic’ super luxe Jewish wedding at Belmond Hotel Caruso , Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy

12/05/2015 by Karen

Romance, art, al fresco disco — and a party that ends up in the infinity pool – today we’re off to one of our eternal favourite Jewish wedding destinations, the Amalfi Coast.

I have a lot of a soft spot for this dreamy coastline (yes, I honeymooned there!) and quite frankly it just keeps on giving and giving.

Lea and Douglas chose the refined, polished, ancient town of Ravello for their day, sitting high in the hills above the dizzying landscape of Amalfi. Stunning, stunning, stunning!

It was so beautiful they rustled up a famous contemporary artist and relative — Jonas Wood — to capture this magical setting and help them create the most impressive and frame worthy invite (and order of service) ever!

An artistic vein ran throughout this Ravello wedding, with a nod to France — where they met — and a rousing chorus of Empire State of Mind for Big Apple born Douglas.

Even though they planned the wedding from afar, amazingly, Lea and Douglas didn’t use a wedding planner, they simply brought their own exquisite taste and personal touches to make the day unique.

I love that they struck such a fine balance between the natural — check out the gorgeous chuppah of green and white flowers — and the ultra glam – those Valentino powder pink heels and that silhouette enhancing, hand stitched, sequinned, wedding gown for a start. Pure Costiera Chic!

Gianni di Natale sums up the day beautifully in these glorious, awe inspiring shots, together with his exquisite wedding film at the end of the post.

A luxury hotel venue that was once an 11th century palace, overlooking the Amalfi Coast

Lea, the Bride: We got married at the Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast for the wonderful scenery (the deep blue sea, the mountains) and the beauty of the village. Ravello is a romantic and very special poetic place. It is also still very authentic by its people (even with the numerous weddings celebrated there all year round) and the food is delicious.