We’ve heard of so many couples who’ve had to scale back their Jewish weddings last-minute due to changing COVID restrictions. Not so much couples who’ve been able to upsize their weddings at short notice because restrictions were relaxed – but that’s exactly what happened to Israeli couple Adina, a social worker in a hospital in Jerusalem, and Aaron, who works in high tech as a solutions architect.
They’d initially planned a small wedding in the groom’s parents’ garden, because that’s what was permitted when they firmed up their plans. But then, ten days before the wedding, some of Israel’s restrictions were lifted, and the couple’s wedding planner, Debbie Nussbaum, managed to move the proceedings to Jerusalem’s stunning Olmaya, which is not only a gorgeous venue with stellar views but also allowed the Adina and Aaron to double their guest list!
Still, not all the important people in the couple’s lives could be there in person – most of all, their beloved grandparents in London and Sydney. However, thanks to the wonders of Zoom, the far-flung grandparents on both sides were able to livestream a bracha to the couple during their ceremony!
As always, we’re absolutely blown away by all the energy, emotion, and love shining through in every single image from the couple’s photographer, Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Herschel Gutman – Adina was so impressed after seeing pictures he’d taken at friends’ weddings, she knew she wanted him to photograph her wedding even before she met Aaron!
Now over to the bride, who looked so elegant in Tali Shurin…
How we Met
Adina, the bride: We met at a mutual friend’s wedding a month and a half before the first corona lockdown. The next wedding we went to together was our own!
Change of Plans
Olmaya in Jerusalem.With the corona restrictions we had planned to get married in Aaron’s parents’ garden in Maale Adumim. Everything was ready to go when all of a sudden some restrictions were lifted. Our incredible wedding planner Debbie Nussbaum had a plan B up her sleeve and 10 days before the wedding she managed to move the whole wedding to Olmaya, where we were able to double our guest list. With its stunning view we didn’t have to think twice to move everything there.
Planned to Perfection
Debbie Nussbaum Events planned our whole wedding. We were aware from the beginning that due to corona things could change at any moment and we had to be as flexible as possible. Knowing we had Debbie there to direct us and help throughout was incredibly reassuring.
As we were planning on having the wedding in the garden we decided to go with a floral, rustic theme, using blush pinks, sage green and subtle blues. Olla Designs put together the most beautiful mood board that when we decided to move the wedding we knew we had to bring the whole design with us.
Invitations / stationery
Gali Graphic Design designed our invitation exactly how we imagined them. They fit the rustic, floral theme perfectly.
Hair + Make-up
Continuing the rustic, natural theme I wanted to have a natural look that was still special for my wedding day. I found it difficult to explain my vision but Leah Neppe knew exactly what to do and my hair and make up turned out even more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.
A Tali Shurin Dress
My dress was “Iris” designed by Tali Shurin. I initially was looking for something plain and simple but I tried on this dress and even though it was very different to what I thought I would want I fell in love with it. I made a few minor alterations to the neckline and sleeves but other than that it was perfect from the beginning.
Accessories
Last minute I thought about maybe having a small hair piece so I ordered on Amazon a week before the wedding. Only on the day did I actually decide that I wanted it in my hair.
Shoes
In the run up to the wedding there were a couple of lockdowns so no shoe shops were open. I ended up ordering a pair of nude shoes with a small heel online from Republic Store which surprisingly fit. I borrowed a pair of wedged converse from a friend for the dancing which were incredibly comfortable.
The handsome groom
Aaron wore a navy custom made suit by Kingsman Suits and bright orange sock with Australian animals!
Bridesmaids
My five best friends designated themselves as bridesmaids! I didn’t have a specific colour in mind but didn’t want any dark colours. They discussed between them and all wore pastel blue and green which definitely fit the theme. They all looked absolutely stunning.
Ceremony
Our chuppa was a really powerful part of the wedding. Family is very important to both of us and we wanted to make sure to include everyone in some way. My sister was the MC, our brothers, their wives and kids, our grandfathers and grandmas and our fathers did sheva brachot, our mums gave a welcome speech and Aaron’s sister who is a soldier in the IDF read the prayer for the soldiers. The highlight however was our grandparents, in London and Sydney, giving us a bracha over zoom during the ceremony. We were devastated they couldn’t make it to Israel but we wanted them to be a part of our special day.
Ketubah
We decided to use the basic ketuba we were given by Tzohar.
Chuppah
To match our theme Olla designed our chuppah with leaves and blush pink flowers.
Our Music Choice
At the chuppa my uncle sang ‘Im Eshkachech’ and sang me down the aisle to ‘Boee Bshalom’ to the tune of ‘Always Remember Us This Way’ from A Star is Born. Aaron walked down to ‘Bereshit Olam’ by Shlomo Shabbat. At the party we had a great mix of Jewish, non Jewish and Israeli music.
Flowers
Olla Designs was the florist who transformed the hall. Using the colours I had in mind she found a way to make the hall, chuppa and bouquet blend perfectly, with lots of leaves and different height floral center pieces.
Photographer
Herschel Gutman was our photographer. He had been the photographer for a number of friends of mine and after seeing their pictures I knew I wanted Herschel to capture the day before I had even met Aaron. Our pictures are beautiful and really show what a special day it was.
Food and Cake
Luiza catering made sure not to leave our guests hungry! They adhere to the slow food philosophy ensuring the food is nutritious, environmentally friendly, organic, fair trade and above all, delicious.
Entertainment
Our friends did two different flash mobs. One was the classic dance from the yeshiva Aaron went to and the other my friends choreographed with all my favourite workout moves!
Honeymoon
Corona has currently meant we have paused any honeymoon plans. As soon as we can we will be getting on a plane to both London and Sydney to visit each other’s family that we are yet to meet.
ADINA & AARON’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Herschel Gutman Photography {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Wedding planner – Debbie Nussbaum
Venue – Olmaya
Bride’s dress – Tali Shurin
Bride’s shoes – Republic Store
Bride’s accessories – Amazon
Groom’s attire – Kingsman Suits
Hair + Makeup – Leah Neppe
Flowers – Olla Designs
Band- Mebereshit Band
Catering – Luiza
Bar – Peacock Cocktail Bar
Ketubah – Tzohar
Stationery/Invitation – Gali Graphic Design
Rabbi – Rabbi Benji Levy
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
