There’s nothing like finding an undiscovered gem of a Jewish wedding venue – and even more so when it’s under an hour from London! We’re so glad Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Michelle Jacobs of Elegante by Michelle J – the organizer behind this gorgeous shoot – took some of her pandemic downtime to scout out gorgeous Hylands Estate in Essex.
As of yet, it’s not really on the Jewish wedding radar – but we’re guessing that’ll change fast after these stunning images go out into the world. Hylands was truly the perfect setting for this beautiful, whimsical shoot, which brought together an amazing team, including Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendors photographer Claudine Hartzel, bridal boutique Morgan Davies Bridal, stationer Dimitria Jordan, makeup artist Katy Angelidi, chuppah supplier The Happy Chuppah People, florist Gabriella Shemtov Floral, harpist Noa Davies, and Judaica purveyor Contemporary Judaica.
When Michelle discovered Hylands Estate, she was surprised it hadn’t yet made its way onto the Jewish wedding scene, since it ticks so many boxes for couples looking for a dreamy English countryside wedding. Between the exquisitely renovated stately manor house, breathtaking grounds, availability for dry hire (which means you can bring in your own kosher caterer) and convenient location in Chelmsford, just 45 minutes from North London, what’s not to love?
And speaking of things to love – we are totally and completely obsessed with this stunner of an Ersa Atelier wedding gown provided by Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Morgan Davies Bridal.
Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor The Happy Chuppah People provided their Primrose Hill wooden chuppah, which fit Hylands’ Banqueting Room so perfectly.
We’re just a little bit obsessed with the rich red walls and ornate blue and gold ceiling of the Banqueting Room – what an unforgettable setting!
Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Contemporary Judaica took care of all Judaica needs for the shoot – from tallit and kippah to ketubah and kiddush cup.
It never gets old seeing one of our very own Smashing The Glass smash glass pouches in action!
How stunning is this cake from the Essex-based Honey Bee Wedding Cake Company?!
Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Dimitria Jordan designed the elegant invitation suite (as well as the menus and table numbers, plus the escort display, which featured bookmarks) – loving the way it plays on the red of the Banqueting Room’s walls and the ornate gold of the ceiling.
Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Katy Angelidi did a magnificent job with our bride’s makeup, and we’re loving her dramatic waves, styled by Cassandra Rizzuto.
How dreamy are the grounds at Hylands Estate?! We couldn’t imagine a better spot for photos.
The tableware and glassware for the shoot was provided by Options Great Hire, and the lines by Just 4 Linen.
For the wedding dinner, the team moved into the Terrace Room, a calm oasis featuring a muted green color palette and tons of natural light – truly the kind of space that feels like bringing the outside in. Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Gabriella Shemtov Floral took the lead in ensuring the design for the shoot presented a cohesive look across two very different spaces.
In Gabriella’s words,
When collaborating on this shoot, Michelle and I agreed that we wanted to achieve a light and airy, unstructured, meadow like aesthetic. We planned to use a lot of foliage with touches of flowers. This would tie in beautifully with all the accessories Michelle had already selected to compliment the beautiful rooms at The Hylands Estate. We really wanted to maximise on how stunningly they have been decorated, each so different from the next. I decided that I would use an abundance of British grown product from local flower farmers as the product lends itself much more to a dainty English garden look, and the flowers are naturally more variegated in colour.
Michelle and Gabriella decided to make a feature of the Terrace Room’s fireplace, and we’re absolutely in love with what they did.
LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Venue – Hylands Estate
Event planner/shoot organizer – Elegante by Michelle J {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Make up artist – Katy Angelidi
Photographer – Claudine Hartzel
Videographer – Confetti & Silk Films
Wedding Dress – Morgan Davies Bridal
Invitations & event stationary – Dimitria Jordan {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Judaica – Contemporary Judaica
Chuppah – The Happy Chuppah People
Harpist – Noa Davies {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Groom’s suit – Impeccable
Furniture and tableware – Options Great Hire
Linen – Just 4 Linen
Wedding cake – The Honey Bee Wedding Cake Company
Flowers – Gabriella Shemtov Floral
Accessories – Rockman Jewellery
Bride’s shoes – Harriet Wilde
Hair stylist – Cassandra Rizzuto
Models – Georgia Dispenza and Oliver
Smash Glass Pouch – Smashing The Glass Etsy Shop {or join Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club and get one for free!}
