Monthly Archives: September 2011

Real Weddings | Los Angeles, CA

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

The festival of lights took on a whole new meaning when Rachel and Jimmy’s wedding landed on the fourth night of Chanukah. Their ceremony was in the round at the foot of the grand staircase. We love ceremonies held in the round because it feels like the bride and groom are receiving a big hug from all of the guests!

When guests arrived they were greeted by champagne and latkes and after delighting in these festive treats, a shofar blew to signal guests to their ceremony seats. The bride’s reveal was dramatic and romantic. First, Rachel’s parents appeared as the processed down the aisle and then a light came on at the top of the stairs, spotlighting the bride as she took the steps down toward her parents to the song “I Am That I Am” from The Ten Commandments.

The wedding reception continued in a bold and celebratory fashion with a night of dancing, candelight, and fabulous decor.

Mazel tov, Rachel and Jimmy!

Venue – Park Plaza
Coordination – Amber Events
Rabbi – Rabbi Sherre Hirsch
Photographer – Lin and Jirsa Photography
Videographer – Tom Buckley
Catering – Summit Event Catering
Floral Design – Designs by David
Entertainment – Dale Schatz Music
Hair Stylist – Aline Cholakian
Makeup Artist – Rebecca Netzel
Cupcakes and Brownies – Babycakes
Transportation – CCC Tours
Guest Gifts – Poppies Dough

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Real Weddings | Orange County, CA

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Six years of dating, spanning four states, their dream of getting married finally came true. So it’s only fitting that their Ketubah reads, “Beshert, our love is meant to be.”

Ronit and Brian met through a mutual friend down in the Old Pueblo of Tucson, Arizona. Both BBYO alumni and eager freshman at the University of Arizona, the remained good friends through the years. But the love trickled in as their friendship grew. Perhaps it was Ronit’s junior-year study abroad and travels throughout Europe. Or Brian’s countless hours in the anatomy lab. But it wasn’t until senior year of college did they start seeing each other in a more romantic way.

While their romance took some time, the couple fell instantly in love with their venue, Rancho Las Lomas, and even picked one at Kari Happold real estate to move in after their honeymoon! This zoological garden (including zebras and Bengal tigers on the prowl!), was a fantasy location for Ronit & Brian. Rancho Las Lomas is described as a secluded Spanish-style hacienda nestled in the orange groves of Orange County’s Silverado Canyon. To make it their own, Ronit & Brian incorporated into their traditional Jewish ceremony a handmade chuppah, and a kiddish cup from Ronit’s family in Israel. Their magical moment transformed from one happy day to a lifetime of joyous memories.

Mazel tov, Ronit and Brian!

Venue – Rancho Las Lomas
Coordination – Robyn Goldberg
Photographer – Jules Bianchi
Videographer – Whitestone Productions
Catering – 24 Carrots
Floral Design – Fiore Designs
Ceremony & Cocktail Entertainment – Mariachi Alfaro
Reception Entertainment – DeBois Productions
Bakery – Sweet & Saucy Shop
Ketubah – ketubah.com
Hair & Makeup – Snips Salon
Lighting – DPS
Transportation – Best Chauffeured
Bridal Gown – Pronovias
Bridal Shoes – Kate Spade
Bridal Jewelry – Maria de la Luz
Bridesmaid Dress – J.Crew
Formal Wear – Jos. A Bank

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Real Weddings | Malibu, CA

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Ashleigh didn’t have to search hard for true love, but she did go on a quest to her “yes!” A scavenger hunt led Ashleigh to her prize — her gorgeous engagement ring! — and then the wedding planning began! Ashleigh and AJ both agreed they wanted a small and intimate wedding so that they could enjoy personal time with each guest, and since they love the beach, it was a given that they’d be married with the Pacific Ocean as their backdrop. Since Ashleigh is a wedding photographer, she’s seen many variations of weddings and she knew she wanted to have a beachy, yet somewhat formal wedding. She was also sure she didn’t want a cliche beach wedding with seashells and sand dollars. So, Ashleigh used the inspiration of the sunset colors and tropical scenery as the look for their wedding.

The traditional aspects of the wedding were fused with secular elements. Ashleigh is Jewish, but does not actively practice. However, she felt it was important to tie in Jewish-inspired motifs. They got married in a chuppah-esque canopy. Though not a standard chuppah, it definitely carried the idea of Ashleigh and AJ’s first home together as husband and wife. And of course AJ enjoyed stepping on the glass at the end of the ceremony! Later at the reception, the couple and their guests danced the hora, finishing off a day that reflected exactly who they are as a Mr. and Mrs.

Mazel tov, Ashleigh and AJ!

Venue – Sunset Restaurant
Coordination – Just Chic Events
Photographer – Palos Studio
Videographer – HDinVision
Hair & Make Up – Blushing Bridal Makeup
Floral Design – Kate Baker Florals
Linens – EDS Linens
Bakery – A Sweet Design
Entertainment – After Dark Entertainment
Stationery – 529 Designs

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Real Weddings | Saint Augustine, FL

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Cute boy + cute girl = true love. That’s simple addition, but Melissa needed a little extra help with the harder college math and lucky for her, she had a great tutor who would also someday become her husband. But before that would happen, the first order of operations was Melissa asking Josh to her sorority formal where they had their first official date.

After five years of dating, Josh and Melissa spent the day in Old Saint Augustine where they went wine tasting and enjoyed a lovely tapas dinner. During a lull in the conversation, he got down on his knee and asked the big question. Melissa was so excited and emotional that she forgot to say “yes” and Josh had to confirm she accepted his proposal so he could finally stand up.

Josh is Jewish and both the bride and groom wanted to make sure that their religions were portrayed without overshadowing the other, and it was a learning process they both enjoyed. Melissa loves the symbolism of the chuppah, and built it from scratch with her mom. They intended for it to be the centerpiece of their wedding ceremony and it certainly made for a beautiful and meaningful, picture-perfect scene. Including traditions from their own religions represented Josh and Melissa as individuals, but the came together as a couple to show that love unites: a perfect equation!

Mazel tov, Melissa and Josh!

Venue– The River House
Photographer- Gwendolyn Tundermann Photography
Coordinator– Sara Grace/The BIG Event
Cake– Dream Theme Custom Cakes
Entertainment / Music– McGee Entertainment
Caterer– Moore Fine Foods
Dress– www.preownedweddingdresses.com
Makeup Artist- Artistry By Erin
Hair Stylist – Beauty By Alison LeeAnn
Officiant – Reverend Mike Hailey & Rabbi Barry Altman
Favors – Shutterbooth
Bridesmaids’ Dresses– Bella Bridesmaid
Tuxedos– Michael’s Formal Wear
Ketubah – ketubah.com

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This Real Wedding was made possible to a partnership with Two Bright Lights!

Real Weddings | Los Angeles, CA

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Here’s a plea that no judge or jury can rule untrue: With love, all things are possible! While studying for the Florida bar exam and moving across the country from Washington D.C., Avi and Rachel were also planning their wedding in Los Angeles. It would be easy to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that these two had a very busy and high-pressure summer, jumping from one legal milestone — preparing for the bar exam — to another — taking their love to the highest and legal level.

Rachel and Avi’s wedding reflected their fun, modern, and sophisticated taste. The night began with the couple walking down the aisle to Spanish guitarists playing tunes by the Beatles, and ended with lots of dancing (and mounds of fluffy cotton candy). They were thrilled to celebrate with friends and family from around the country. And with that, the judgment is in and Avi and Rachel have been ordered to enjoy a lifetime of love and happiness.

Mazel tov, Rachel and Avi!

Venue – Sofitel Los Angeles
Photographer – B&G Photography
Videographer – David Robin
Bakery – Vanilla Bake Shop
Floral Design – Nisie’s Enchanted Florist
Entertainment – De Bois Entertainment
Hair & Makeup – Stephani Resnick
Ketubah – Modern Ketubah

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