Category Archives: Real Jewish Weddings

Real Weddings | Marietta, GA

Posted on October 14, 2010 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Erik and Charlotte met at Georgia Southern University and lived in the same dorm during their freshman year. So, it stands to reason that Erik thought there was no better place to propose than Georgia Southern! They were going to Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day weekend in March of 2008 and Charlotte asked Erik to stop through their old college stomping grounds to visit with friends and lunch at a favorite spot. He asked if they could go for a walk through campus before heading the rest of the way to Savannah, and Charlotte, nostalgic for college, loved the idea! They began walking… scratch that. Charlotte walked and Erik ran. She told him to slow down due to her vertically-challenged legs. They walked by their old dorm, and wound their way around to Sweetheart Circle. This is one of the oldest spots on campus. It’s very pretty and green. Charlotte decided to sit down and look for four-leaf clovers. Meanwhile, Erik paced back and forth a few feet away. She asked him to stop because he was making her nervous. He apologized, and the next thing she knew he was crouched down on his knees with the ring in a box in front of his face asking Charlotte to marry him. The gushing began.

They included so many of Charlotte’s Jewish traditions in their wedding day, and she wanted to include something from Erik’s family traditions as well. She made his grandmother’s cookies as their favors. Charlotte found a ketubah that they both love and that has a beautiful, easy-to-understand text. And they included a beautiful pure white rose in memory of Erik’s mother. He asked Charlotte not to use any white flowers in the bridal party’s bouquets and boutonnieres because that was for his mom. What a beautiful way to honor her. With such pride, nostalgia, and love the couple has for all areas of their life — from college to family — it’s no surprise they had a beautiful day together.

Mazel tov, Charlotte and Erik!

Venue – Temple Kol Emeth
Photographer – Artstar by Laura Stone
Caterer – A Peach of a Party
Bakery – Simone’s Bakery
Entertainment – Universal Entertainment
Dress – Maggie Sottero
Ketubah – Chosen Treasures

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Real Weddings | Maui, HI

Posted on October 12, 2010 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Matt and Heather were married at a private beachfront home in Wailea on the island of Maui in Hawaii. They were originally going to be married at the Hoku Lani Estate next to the famous Keawalai Church (built in 1855 and made of 3 foot thick lava rock) but were forced to relocate venues just weeks before their wedding! Luckily, they pulled some strings and secured a friend’s beachfront estate, just minutes from the Four Seasons on Makena Beach.

Heather and Matt got ready at The Four Seasons, and then moved over to the home for their First Look, Ceremony and Reception.

Heather converted to Judaism, and the ketubah signing was sweet and touching. The rabbi is an accomplished musician and incorporated the guitar into the entire 30-minute long ritual. Their entire wedding party and immediate family members were in the room and everyone held each other and sang and moved in rhythm.

Another favorite moment from the ceremony was when Matthew tried to break the glass on the grass — it wouldn’t break! So he grabbed it and ran onto the deck and jumped on it. Everyone yelled “mazel tov!” while he ran back to his bride — they embraced and kissed!

Mazel tov, Heather and Matthew!

Venue – Private Estate in Wailea, Maui
Destination Photographer – Callaway Gable
Event Planner – First Class Weddings
Caterer – Aloha Events Catering
Floral Design – Asa Flowers
Bakery – Four Seasons
Ceremony Entertainment – Jaime Lawrence
Reception Entertainment – Ryan Robinson Band
Bridal Gown – Monique Lhuillier
2nd Reception – Four Seasons Wailea

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Real Weddings | Closter, NJ

Posted on October 7, 2010 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

What was love like before the Internet? These days, we see so many online-inspired romances, that instead of asking, “How did you meet?” we should ask couples, “Which site brought you together?” After all, this was the case for today’s Real Weddings bride and groom. When mutual friends connected David with Rona on Friendster.com, David was initially intrigued by Rona’s experience living in exotic places, which included everything from Key West to Israel. They decided to meet, and Rona was impressed with David’s genuine interest in her. A relationship blossomed, and the couple dated for over a year.

One night they had planned to go to dinner with their parents, but when Rona arrived at David’s apartment, he was late getting ready and suggested she catch up on the latest episode of 24, a show they both loved to watch. Rona quickly discovered that the show he’d put on wasn’t 24 after all, but a 24-style video of their first date followed by a slideshow documenting their time together as a couple — complete with theme music! When it was over, David asked Rona to report to the “situation room” (his bedroom) and proposed to her in Hebrew and English, presenting her with a diamond that was a family heirloom. This is a proposal that would definitely make Jack Bauer swoon!

Mazel tov, Rona and David!

Venue – Temple Emanu-El
Photographer – Silk Studio
Floral Design – Atlas
Paper Products, Yarmulkes and Benchers – Party Panache
Ketubah – Art Ketubah
Bakery – Closter Caterers
Entertainment – Ike Walkover
Bridal Gown – Kleinfeld
Bridesmaid Dresses – Macy’s

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Real Weddings | Malibu, CA

Posted on October 5, 2010 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

As a little girl Natasha drew pictures of wedding dresses and wedding cakes in all of her notebooks. She had daydreams of what her picture-perfect wedding would be like, but she never thought that her daydream would be a dim comparison to the real wedding.

The venue was Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, a private estate with buffalo, zebras, horses and camels all living together in a valley covered in grapevines with a cluster of old oak trees. It was a magical place that really captured what Dan and Natasha wanted for their wedding. The natural beauty of Saddlerock set the stage for an elegant affair but also allowed their guests to feel relaxed and calm in such a serene place. Just walking the grounds there is an experience unto itself.

Decor was a huge part of Natasha’s vision. She had decided on a slightly vintage/country/glamor theme. Hydrangeas and roses in shades of pink and white covered everything. She also used a lot of glass pieces and candles in varying heights and widths to make it feel as though guests were sitting down at someone’s dining room table. Natasha wanted the reception to feel intimate and warm, that it should glow. And glow it did.

Dan and Natasha are extremely loving people. There are so many people in their lives that are truly a part of who they are as a couple and they wanted to celebrate that. A 10-piece band rocked the night away followed up by a DJ until 2 in the morning. Over 50 people celebrated with the newlyweds until the last song played. It’s no wonder the party kept going and going. It mirrored the love that Natasha and Dan feel for each other and their loved ones — there’s no end. The wedding day was just as Natasha had dreamed and more, and now, in her reality, she gets to live happily ever after with Dan.

Mazel tov, Natasha and Dan!

Venue – Saddlerock Ranch
Photography – Meghan Aileen Photography
Wedding Coordinator – Heidi Jacobsen
Videography – Well Spun Weddings
Catering – Pat’s Catering
Flowers and Decor – Commerce Flowers
Cake and Dessert – Unique Pastry
Entertainment – Debois Productions
Rentals and Lighting – Classic Party Rentals
Hair and Makeup – J Beverly Hills Salon

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Real Weddings | Flagstaff, AZ

Posted on September 30, 2010 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Mark is a “Flagstaff local” and it seems everyone around town knows him. This is probably because Mark has provided many lucky feet with comfort and durability with his creation, Teva sandals. And even though these world-famous sandals provide people with safe, easy steps, the best step Mark ever took was marrying Kali, his new wife and stunning bride. Teva happens to be the Hebrew word for nature which is where their beautiful wedding was held: Mark and Kali’s home in the Arizona forest, which lent itself as the perfect venue for their perfect day.

Kali and Mark included many personal touches in their meaningful ceremony. They made their own chuppah and incorporated some Native American wedding traditions in their ceremony to honor the Northern Arizona region in which they live. Mark’s sister, Leslie, helped the rabbi officiate, Mark’s son walked his dad down the aisle and delivered the rings, and Mark sang a song to Kali. They provided a program that explained many of the Jewish traditions for the guests. After the ceremony, the reception was held in their driveway where the band played on and guests enjoyed delicious food. Love was in the desert air as the couple took their first steps into newlywed bliss.

Mazel tov, Kali and Mark!

Venue – Couple’s Private Residence in Flagstaff, Arizona
Photographer – Cameron and Kelly Studios
Caterer – Heartline Cafe
Florist – Sutcliffe Floral
Entertainment – The Spokes
Bakery – Sedona Cake Couture

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