The Wedding Yentas™ | A Guide for the Jewish Bride!™

Honeymooning 101

Posted on October 17, 2011 by Alison in From the Expert, Inside Scoop, Planning

You may as well pack your e-bags and put on your “Just Married” flip flops because we’re about to take you on a tour of honeymoon options and locations. No airline fees, no mini hotel shampoos, and no layovers to your final destination — just your computer, your excitement, and The Yentas! It’s exciting to bring on Runya Simon, a Honeymoon Planning Specialist who is a newlywed herself and is expecting her first baby! You may remember her gorgeous day we featured in Real Weddings! Enjoy!

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Wedding planning can be quite a megillah: so many florists to meet, so many cakes to taste, and many gorgeous gowns to try on! While you are over the moon with excitement and busy hashing out all the details, don’t forget that after you say “I do” and after you dance your little tushie off at your reception, you and your honey will get that much needed alone time and relaxation on your very own vacation made for two: your honeymoon!!

There are many ideas of the derivation of the term “honeymoon,” one of which can be found in the Merriam-Webster dictionary that dates back to 1546: “the idea that the first month of marriage is the sweetest,” and in Hebrew it translates to “yerach d’vash,” or honey month.

With iPhones, Blackberries, computers, and iPads sadly taking over our everyday lives, going on a honeymoon is not only a chance to take the much-awaited trip with your honey and escape work and life’s responsibilities, but it’s also a way to truly unplug from the hustle and bustle and focus on your new life together as husband and wife. It’s also pretty awesome to bask in the glory with all the travel perks that come along with being newlyweds!

Couples always ask me when they should plan and book their “moon” and my answer is always right away. The ring is on your finger, the date and venue have been booked, so start thinking about the type of trip you want to take and when. Most traditional honeymoon locations book up and you want to stay ahead of the game and make sure you get exactly what you are looking for! Depending on the departure date of your honeymoon, be sure to prepare as best you can for the upcoming trip.

This is not just any old vacation; you have many things on your mind and wedding plans that are coming to fruition. So make yourself a checklist and ask these simple questions: Is my passport up to date? Do I need travel shots? Do I have the right wardrobe? Should I pack before or after the wedding? Should I wear my sparkler of a ring, or play it safe with a simple band? Your honeymoon planning should be totally stress-free, so don’t wait until the last minute to plan. Pamper yourself and use an expert honeymoon travel agent, such as myself, to help you with every detail to make this the dreamiest “moon” that’s all about you: the happy couple!

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Honeymoons have evolved over the years and I am here to tell you that it’s 100% acceptable to break the mold! Your “moon” should be special and specific to whatever you want it to be. There are no rules that apply! Traditionally, the couple leaves on their honeymoon the following day or two after the wedding, but this is not necessarily the case anymore. Couples are now carefully taking into consideration where they want to go, what they want out of their “moon” (besides just alone time, wink wink), and what time of year they want to make this sweet trip! Depending on the locale that you choose, you may need to wait a few month. Let’s be honest: if you get married in December/January and your dream honeymoon is a trip to Alaska, it’s probably not the best time to visit the land of glaciers and salmon. Likewise, if your wedding is planned for July and you love the idea of visiting Australia, you probably have forgotten that it’s mid-winter there! It’s okay to wait. You have waited so long to find your soul mate, and have patiently waited for your turn down the aisle, so it’s all right to take your time and plan your perfect honeymoon!

Your honeymoon doesn’t have to be completely paid for out of your own pocket either! Register for memories that will last a lifetime with a honeymoon registry! This is a popular option for couples that would like to add experiences to their gift list: great as a stand-alone registry or to complement a traditional one. A honeymoon registry lets you create a unique gift list of all the parts of your dream vacation, such as the fantasy suite you’ve had your eye on, relaxing massages, romantic dinners, and exciting excursions.

It works perfectly whether or not you know exactly where you want to go because the gifts are virtual and you receive the cash to use when you’re ready, however you like. Deposit a Gift is a perfect option for a honeymoon registry because of how user-friendly it is it is for you and guests: they offer pre-made lists for easy set-up (look for the blue ‘Rapid Registry’ button!), accept credit cards, and even offer a customer service number in case granny gets fermished.

Here’s how it works:

Users make gift registries just like people do with a traditional store registry, using a database of images or by clicking on a pre-made list.
Guests choose a gift to purchase, finding the right price point for their budget. They are not actually buying the present, but it feels more personal than sending a check. The money gets deposited into the recipient’s Deposit a Gift account.
When users are ready to spend the money, they cash-out in the form of check, VISA gift card or direct deposit.

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My husband and I got married in the month of March, yet we dreamed of a Greek/Mediterranean honeymoon, but we soon found that our “moon” would have to wait until June in order to have optimal weather and other tourism factors, so three months later, still newlyweds, we embarked on a wonderful Mediterranean Cruise adventure which we will never forget. Two days after the wedding we were lucky enough to escape to Maui for just a few relaxing days in paradise to unwind and enjoy our “Just Married” status (Brides, I know you want to wear your Mrs. ____ Juicy track suit on the plane!). If you choose this postponed honeymoon, you can always get away for a night, use air miles to go somewhere not too far from home, or drive to some romantic location for a few nights, all while your official honeymoon awaits you! If you are a traditionalist and must go on your honeymoon the day or two following your wedding — you go girl (and guy)! When and where you plan to celebrate the sweetness of your new nuptials doesn’t matter as long as you’re both happy. Whether it’s on a white sandy beach in paradise, or amongs lions and tigers on an African safari, you will be snuggled close with your beshert!

Honeymooning with your honey will be the icing on the cake, the cat’s meow and the bee’s knees! Saying “I do” is just the start to the many adventures you will have together, so don’t let your honeymoon be just an afterthought! This trip marks the newlywed phase of marriage and should you have a little too much fun “honeymooning,” you will soon need to book a Babymoon — but that is a whole other type of trip that we can discuss when the time is right!

Mazel tov and happy travels!

Runya Simon is a Honeymoon and Wedding Travel Specialist. Just like a wedding coordinator helps your wedding dreams come true, she assists you with every step of planning and booking the “moon” of your dreams. Runya is based in Los Angeles, but can help jet-setting brides and grooms everywhere. Her vast knowledge and passion for travel make her your ideal honeymoon coordinator. You can email her with questions and reservations at runya.simon@gmail.com. Runya is looking forward to hearing from you! Enjoy the rest of your planning!

Put A Ring On It

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Alison in Featured

Chelo Keys, an east coast wedding and lifestyle photographer, is a big believer in photographing the moments that make weddings special, but she loves to take spare time to give the weddings rings their time in the spotlight and make a little magic.

Many times, Chelo will look for an interesting surface, something that will make the viewer wonder “What is that?!” She likes to try to use an object or area from the wedding, like cool DJ lights or sparkly table decorations. If she’s in a hurry and she has to improvise, sometimes the most ordinary objects set the best scene for the rings. Chelo has used everything from the wet reflective surface of a ping pong table to an aqua-globe (that round, shiny thing that waters your plants!). When it comes to processing the images, Chelo lets the image speak to her and lets the art — the color or the texture — take the lead.

Work with your photographer to get the must-have shots. You must trust your photographer, too, and know that he or she will capture the important events of your wedding day, but sometimes specialty shots get overlooked if you have something specific in mind. Communicate those unique moments or objects you’d like to have photographed and you’ll be able have those images to last a lifetime. Just like some brides love to have a photo of their dress hanging on the hanger to preserve their splendor, Chelo likes to take pictures of her couples’ bling! Here are some of her favorites that may also inspire you to have the same artistic photos!

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Real Weddings | Israel

Posted on October 12, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Jenni and Jino, a JDate success, were featured on Tuesday with a showcase of their Brooklyn civil wedding. But the lucky couple enjoyed a second wedding in Israel. The August religious ceremony in Israel brought the couple’s families together. Jenni’s dad and stepmom, a cousin from France and two bridesmaids joined 150 of Jino’s friends and family! Jino’s grandfather who was a ritual director at a synagogue in Philadelphia for over 20 years led the ceremony and the signing of the Ketubah. Being wed in Israel and by Jino’s grandfather made it so much more special! Jino’s grandfather has a beautiful voice and took such pride in leading the ceremony.

Jino, bass player for NY based rock band, Team of Rivals, used his singing skills to surprise Jenni by singing one of their favorite songs, “Passenger” by the Deftones, with the Israeli Wedding Band, the Bachelors.

While their honeymoon was being able to go to Israel for three weeks, they made a special point to get away to a bed and breakfast in the north of Israel near Lake Kinneret where they had some time to relax. They enjoyed some sights, but mostly their indoor Jacuzzi!

Jenni had recently started her own business making handmade crafts and Judaica and made Hamsa key chain favors for both weddings! They were used as table decorations at the Israel wedding. She wanted to give fun yet meaningful gifts to all of their friends and family who attended their weddings.

Mazel tov, Jenni and Jino!

Venue/Catering/Coordinator/Design – MC2
Photographer – Einav Rimon
Band – The Bachelors
DJ – Laloona
Favors – Lea Joelle Handmade

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Real Weddings | Brooklyn, NY

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Alison in Real Jewish Weddings

Jenni and Jino are another lucky couple who met through JDate! They fell in love instantly after meeting at a coffee shop in the East Village. Unfortunately, Jino had to go back to Israel only a couple weeks after they met. Jino had only moved to the U.S. less than a year ago. He was born and raised in Israel, not far from Tel Aviv. He came to the US to pursue his music career. Luckily, through daily 5 a.m. Skype calls, their relationship only grew stronger and almost one month later they were back together.

Even before their first trip to Israel together they knew they wanted to be married and that their second trip to Israel would be their wedding. Only a few of Jenni’s family members could make the trip to Israel so they knew they would be celebrating twice. Jenni and Jino had a smaller wedding and civil ceremony in Brooklyn and everyone in Jenni’s family was able to be a part of it. Jino’s parents flew in from Israel as well. Even though it was only the legal ceremony, it was important for them to incorporate some Jewish traditions including the blessing over the wine and the breaking of the glass. It was a beautiful evening in the gorgeous backyard of a coffee house in Downtown Brooklyn.

Not only is Jenni crafty when planning a DIY wedding, she also has a business making handmade crafts and Judaica and made Hamsa Key chain favors for both weddings! They were used as escort cards at the Brooklyn Wedding. She wanted to give fun yet meaningful gifts to all of their friends and family who attended their weddings.

Venue/Catering– Linger Café and Lounge
Photographer- Photography by Liam
Officiant- Judie Guild, Civil Officiant
Cupcakes and Cake- Downtown Atlantic
DJ– Molten Pros
Dress– David’s Bridal
Makeup Artist/Hair Stylist– Appease, Inc.
Favors– Lea Joelle Handmade

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From The Expert: Top 10 Things Every Bride Should Know

Posted on October 10, 2011 by Alison in From the Expert

Randy Lehrman is the owner of Real Genius Entertainment, a special events company that specializes in Jewish life cycle events, making every event unique and different while paying close attention to detail and a high level of personal service. With 20 years of experience, Randy uses his personality to drive the party. He also will help you with lighting design, music selections, room layout, and making your wedding exactly how you want it. Real Genius Entertainment is located in West Hills, California and is available for all your party needs!

In this crazy world of wedding event planning, I tell people all the time that these things have become mini-productions. I envision future weddings to be produced like the Oscars or Grammys with staff using walkie talkies and guests giving red carpet interviews. Okay, so I’m kidding, but only a little. The truth is, so many experts go into helping you achieve your dreams of your wedding day and everyone gets to be star of the day at some point. You’ve trusted some of the best pros in the biz to join you on your wedding day –DJs, entertainers, videographer, photographer, florists, caterers — but, there are two more people that are the true celebrities of your special day: You!

For the most part, as an entertainer, I drive a party to its success with the bride and groom as part of my team to deliver the most amazing event it can be. So believe it or not, there are actually many things you can do to make your own wedding even better. It’s really the difference between good and optimal. Follow this Top 10 List and you might float to your honeymoon on Cloud 9!

#1. Dance! That’s right. Even if you and your spouse are as stiff as boards you need to dance and participate on the dance floor. Why did you hire an awesome DJ for your event? To get people dancing all night! But, if you and your new partner are at the bar all night or yapping outside, how do you expect everyone else to get out there? Lead by example. You are the hosts. Monkey see, monkey do. And you guys are the two best dressed monkeys there!

#2. Know when to schmooze! With only a certain amount of time to visit and thank all of your guests, you usually rush around like little bees to thank them, which is very kind of you. But doing it at the right time can be a scheduling nightmare in itself. So my advice to you is to make sure you eat first (you get fed first anyways) and then there is time go chat and thank. You might also have schmooze opportunities at cocktail hour, salad, dinner, and cake cutting to say thanks! And remember, some of your best conversations might be on the dance floor!

#3. Work with your DJ! Don’t be your own! Of course you want your favorite music at your party. Many brides and grooms are focused on their taste in music instead of thinking of dance music. Use the expertise of your DJ to pick music for dancing. If something you like doesn’t work for the dance floor, it shouldn’t be a problem. Utilize it instead as background music during the meal, or as people enter the party. Green Day isn’t going to fill a floor no matter how much you like it.

#4. Don’t play your montage during dinner. Ninety-nine percent of all weddings are four to five hours long. If you are showcasing pictures of the two of you, the worst thing you can do is play it while your 200 guests are cutting chicken. Allow dinner time to be a time to relax and socialize. Set up the slideshow during dinner and after all the plates have been cleared, voila! It’s showtime! It will ensure you have all of your guests’ attention on something that is very special to you.

#5. More sugar! Have a secondary dessert if you can. The longest lull in the party is when the caterer is slicing cake for each and every one of your guests. I suggest having a candy or extra dessert table. That way after you’ve cut the cake, you can send your guests to that goodie table to nosh, and by the time they get back to their table there’s cake there, too!

#6. Bring money! Even if you leave cash or a check with your coordinator, you never want to run out of green. Many DJs require overtime payment on the spot so if you want to keep dancing the night away, have your coordinator take care of that for you. There is literally one instance at every party where you will need some kind of money for someone, whether it’s a tip or overtime. Count on not needing to pay up, but be prepared just in case, and make it easy on yourself.

#7. Beware of offsite photos. Out of the 20+ years of weddings I have worked, one thing has remained constant: when a photographer requests to take the bride and groom off-site for photos, the couple never returns on time. Try to avoid doing this at all costs because guests have already been there a long time and when your doors open they expect to see you introduced within fifteen minutes. If you aren’t at the beginning of your own party it will be uncomfortable for everyone there. We cant start without you, right? You can also schedule a photo shoot with your photographer where you get all dolled up again and take photos at a cool location or favorite spot. Bottomline, take as many photos as you can before the ceremony or the reception. You will be glad you aren’t late to your own party!

#8. Eat! You should get your plates before other guests, so take advantage of this and eat. This is a long and special weekend. You need lots of energy while dancing, chatting, and just meeting new family. Eat and drink water to keep yourself going. The number of times I’ve seen a bride or groom not eat before or during an event? Six. The number of times one of those people has fainted or thrown up? Six. Do the math.

#9. Inform your special VIP guests. All too often there is a mother-son dance where mom is floating at the bar, or there’s the emotional cousin who has just been asked to — surprise! — give a toast and had no idea. Tell your toasters, tell your dance partners, tell the people who are doing the motzi over the challah. Tell all your VIPs that you are honoring them with a special duty and then they’ll be prepared and excited about what they are doing.

#10. Have fun! If you have fun at your own party everyone else will, too! Don’t sweat the small stuff at your wedding reception. All too often, brides become upset over just one song they might not particularly like and and then not even realize that the dance floor is packed. Trust your DJ, smile, take pictures, kiss your new partner, and enjoy the best day of your life.