Celebrations spring 2021

Periodical Supplement to Cleveland Jewish News, March 26, 2021

A special edition of Jstyle Weddings and Bar• Bat Mitzvah | SPRING 2021

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SPRING 2021

CONTENTS

10 14 18 22 8

24

A changing Celebrations season

14

Editor Amanda Koehn discusses an upcoming simcha season like no other.

10

Spotlight Wedding of Jamie Collins & Max Garber

Floral Festival Jump into brightly colored florals to give a wedding a playful and fresh atmosphere.

18

Glittering Gala Pair a tent with gorgeous lights to create a romantic environment.

4

Celebrations SPRING 2021

22

Spotlight Ava Watts becomes a bat mitzvah

24

Rebound Ready Anticipating a busy 2021 season, event professionals see light through pandemic

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SPRING 2021

CONTENTS

28 60

Periodical Supplement to Cleveland Jewish News, March 26, 2021

A special edition of Jstyle Weddings and Bar•Bat Mitzvah | SPRING 2021

52 On the cover: Jamie Collins and Max Garber were married Nov. 28, 2020 at their home in Cleveland Heights. While their original wedding plans included 225 guests, due to the COVID-19 pandemic they hosted seven guests – their parents and siblings – at their living room wedding. The wedding was officiated by Rabbi Stacy Schlein of The TempleTifereth Israel in Beachwood, where Jamie and Max are members. Cover photo by Olivia D. Wenger Photography.

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36

Spotlight

38

Wedding of Taryn Weiss & Bobby Derin

32

Planning tips from Northeast Ohio professionals on catering, ceremony preparation, dessert, entertainment, photography and ketubah/creative elements

Party Planning 2021 What to keep in mind during this year’s simcha season

36

Spotlight Michael Karas becomes a bar mitzvah

6

Celebrations SPRING 2021

Ask a Pro

52

Spotlight Wedding of Sarah Shemory & Sam Zimmer

56

Finding the Perfect Present Local boutiques can offer personalized help for gift shopping

60

Spotlight Mia Bourisseau becomes a bat mitzvah

A changing Celebrations season As this special edition of Jstyle Weddings and Bar•Bat Mitzvah arrives, transformation is on the horizon.

As COVID-19 vaccines are being given, the next several months are bound to be filled with gradual modifications from the socially distant experiences of the past year to something hopefully resembling a more “normal” life.

We are slowly adjusting to the idea of being out in the world again. With that means planning and attending lifecycle events – many of which have seemed like forever in the making.

As a result, this issue aims to cover both the small weddings and b’nai mitzvahs taking place at home and with small groups in large spaces, and to look ahead to the big bashes of ... later in 2021 or 2022? I guess we will see. But it’s coming.

To whet the appetite, this issue spotlights Taryn Weiss and Bobby Derin’s wedding in Tulum, Mexico, which occurred before the pandemic. Their wedding story is one example of what will be possible post-pandemic, in addition to larger parties to be held locally. I think you will also find a sense of sweetness in the two at-home weddings spotlighted in this issue, a trend I hope will be here to stay for those looking for a romantic, cozy and intimate start to marriage.

The three b’nai mitzvahs spotlighted in this issue also show how local families and synagogues have gotten creative during this past year. And, as Ryan Konikoff of Rock The House Entertainment Group notes in our Rebound Ready feature, while many b’nai mitzvah students completed the religious aspect of the rite of passage on schedule, few had the parties that are often part of the mix.

For that reason, Konikoff predicts Jewish families will find new opportunities for those teens to have a festive occasion in the months and years to come – with which our local event professionals can certainly help.

And while none of us knows what the celebrations of late 2021 or after might look like, some of the best recent trends may be here to stay – like adding virtual guests and keeping spaces extra clean. Smaller guest lists may continue, both out of preference for a more

8

Celebrations SPRING 2021

Publisher & CEO Kevin S. Adelstein Vice President of Sales Adam Mandell Editor Amanda Koehn akoehn@cjn.org Design Manager Stephen Valentine Managing Editor Bob Jacob Controller Tracy DiDomenico Digital Marketing Manager Cheryl Sadler Events Manager Gina Lloyd Columbus Bureau Chief Stephen Langel Editorial / Contributors McKenna Corson Collin Cunningham Jane Kaufman Alex Krutchik Becky Raspe Custom Publishing Manager Paul Bram

Celebrations Editor Amanda Koehn reminds readers to continue to wear their masks for spring simchas. haimish ambience and for the trade-off of cost-savings, which can help allow for a splurge on special aspects of the day.

We also might need a little time to adjust psychologically to being in a big crowd again.

While I’m more than ready to eat in restaurants and see extended family and friends once it’s safe, it may take some time before I attend a large indoor party or concert. That’s why I hope this issue of Celebrations has a little of something for everyone, whether you are preparing for a small spring wedding in your backyard, a summer destination bat mitzvah in Israel, or a gathering at a local venue with all the family and friends you’ve missed seeing during the pandemic.

No matter what kind of event you have upcoming, for now, stay safe and healthy.

Exciting change is coming, but it’s not here quite yet.

Amanda Koehn Editor

Sales & Marketing Manager Andy Isaacs Advertising Marilyn Evans Ron Greenbaum Adam Jacob Nell V. Kirman Sherry Tilson Yocheved Wylen Design Jessica Simon Ricki Urban Digital Content Producer Alyssa Schmitt Business & Circulation Tammie Crawford Abby Royer Subscriber Services 216-342-5185/circulation@cjn.org Display Advertising 216-342-5191/adsales@cjn.org

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SPOTLIGHT

Olivia D. Wenger Photography

JAMIE COLLINS & MAX GARBER

WEDDING DAY NOV. 28, 2020 AT HOME IN CLEVELAND HEIGHTS TODAY AGES: 29 AND 25 HOMETOWN: CLEVELAND HEIGHTS SYNAGOGUE: THE TEMPLE-TIFERETH ISRAEL 10 Celebrations SPRING 2021

HOW DID YOU MEET? Working as supervisors at Camp Wise.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER? During one of our days off from camp, I (Jamie) took Max to my parents’ house for dinner. As we were driving closer to my parents’ house, Max kept remarking that this was exactly how he got to his house in Solon, and the remarks kept coming as we got closer. We learned that day that we grew up in the same development just a few streets away.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED? We strongly believe that growing up in the same development we likely hung out as children without knowing, but I would say we technically met in May 2018 and were married in November 2020.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?

Jamie: I came back to camp after a day off and my first day “away” from Max in a few weeks, and I told him we had to talk (it was very ominous!). He 100% thought I was going to end things, but I told him on my day off I really missed him – like a lot – and that’s when I realized this wasn’t just some summer fling, but the real deal and that we had something very special.

Max: Just knew, gut feeling.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING? When it ended! In all seriousness, neither of us were all that excited to plan a wedding and deal with all the drama that comes with it.

But, I had a really fun time working with my mom as my wedding planning sidekick, going to wedding shows, tastings, florists and dress shopping. It all felt easier than expected. When deciding on vendors we went with what felt right, and things kind of fell into place ... prior to COVID-19 hitting.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR WEDDING PLAN AND WEDDING DAY? We went from planning a wedding for around 225 guests, down to 70, cut again to 30 and finally ended with just our parents and siblings in our living room, seven guests total. It was a bizarre experience trying to plan, re-plan and adjust expectations, and humbling in the fact that wedding planning was the most challenging experience coronavirus had brought us when the reality for others was much more severe.

In the end, we just wanted to be married, surrounded by the people who mean the very most to us, our immediate families, and knew we were making the right sacrifices now to keep our loved ones safe so we could celebrate together in the future.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY? I am certain there was plenty of advice given during toasts from our parents and siblings at the wedding and messages from friends and family before. I think we are both so lucky to have watched our parents have loving marriages of partnership and friendship, and we expect the same from each other.

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING/PARTNERSHIP? We enjoyed meetings with Rabbi (Stacy) Schlein to plan our wedding ceremony to make it feel the most authentic to who we are as a couple. During our ceremony, we had each family member read one of the seven marriage blessings. We also shared in the circling ritual, circling each other three times and once together. And we loved discussing our plans for the future, reminiscing on what Jewish traditions were special to us and how we plan to keep those traditions in our home with our family and build new ones together.

SPRING 2021 Celebrations

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PLANNING

Officiant: Rabbi Stacy Schlein Dress: Luxe Redux Bridal; Heidi Elnora Wedding rings: Diamonds Direct Jewelry: Earrings from Nordstrom Veil: Luxe Redux Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Hair: Blow Dry Bar Makeup: Risa Katz (friend) Groom’s formalwear: Indochino Bouquet/Flowers: Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs Ketubah: Amanda Goldberg Chupah: Hand-built, borrowed from fellow COVID bride and friend Sarah (Tucker) Gall Photographer: Olivia D. Wenger Planner/Consultant: Valerie Semick, Perfectly Planned Reception site: Their home in Cleveland Heights Cake/Sweets: Luna Bakery Catering: Taste Invitations/Stationery: Paperlesspost.com Registries: Crate & Barrel, REI, West Elm Honeymoon: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

“

After re-planning and re-imagining our wedding nearly four times between May and November with different venues, guest lists and vendors, we finally settled on getting married in our living room with just our parents and siblings and 200-plus of our closest friends and family watching on Zoom. The entire day felt so special and unique. The best moment was ascending down the stairs and walking into our completely transformed living room and into this incredibly intimate and special wedding ceremony.

-Jamie 12 Celebrations SPRING 2021

”

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Left and center photos © Genevieve Nisly Photography Right photo © Dennis Crider Photography

Floral Festival

By Jessica Simon After a year stuck inside, jump into brightly colored florals to create dramatic chuppahs or hanging installations, giving a wedding a playful and fresh atmosphere. Ladies, complement this burst of color with a trendy jumpsuit to keep with the casualness we have come to adopt, or wear an equally captivating slip dress. Use jewelry to weave in the colors of the day and complete your look. Men, incorporate different shades with stylish jackets. Use the same color shirt and tie to create a monochromatic look, or add in neutrals to keep the outfit more traditional.

Genevieve Nisly Photography

Nikki by Karen Willis Holmes from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio, a traveling bridal studio headquartered in Hudson Colette by Renee Grace Bridal from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio.

14 Celebrations SPRING 2021

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Floral Festival

Mystique by Lea Ann Belter from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio

Photo by Balsam and Blush Photography / Makeup by American Beauty Artistry LLC / Hair by Megan Cox Bridal / Flowers by Wild Vine Floristry Faridah by Marylise Bridal from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio Elegant wool-silk blend sport coat in a heathered plumgray angle weave by Jack Victor from Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood.

Bardot Jumpsuit by Karen Willis Holmes from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio features a soft, stretch fabric and architecturally inspired seam lines for an all-around feminine, flattering effect.

16 Celebrations SPRING 2021

Mazel Tov on your big day!

Photos by MARIANA EDELMAN PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN

The Marriott Cleveland East offers a wide variety of options for Sabbath dinners, Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, and Sunday brunches, as well as guestroom accommodations for all of your out-of-town guests. Planning a day this special shouldn’t be left up to just anyone, but rather someone you can trust.

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Glittering Gala

By Jessica Simon Outdoor weddings remain the safest way to celebrate with your loved ones, so grab a tent and fill it with gorgeous lights to create the ambiance you might be missing from an indoor space. Bring in chandeliers and tealights and go to town. Complement this romantic environment with a soft gown. Whether it is a ballgown, A-line or sheath style, make sure it is light and flowy.

For men, try a conventional look with a gray suit or tux that will match the look and feel of the day. Spice things up with a patterned tie or socks to keep things whimsical.

Genevieve Nisly Photography / Global Center for Health Innovation Karina by Karen Willis Holmes from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio, a travelling bridal studio headquartered in Hudson.

Classy updated onebutton, blended-fabric shawl collar tuxedo in charcoal by Giorgio Fiorelli with solid black pants to match lapel, all from Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood.

Ethereal by Astrid & Mercedes - Lea Ann Belter from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio.

18 Celebrations SPRING 2021

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Glittering Gala The Cannons Photography / planning and design by Sirpilla Soirées / DoubleTree by Hilton in Canton; flowers by Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs / draping by Sitting Pretty Linens / makeup by American Beauty Artistry / hair by Nina Nicole Hair & Design

Meadow by Emily Kotarski Bridal from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio.

Elodie by Karen Willis Holmes from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio Heavenly by Astrid & Mercedes, Lea-Ann Belter from Ivory and Ash Bridal Styling Studio.

Flower Necklace from Nicholas Jewelers in University Heights

Photo by Balsam and Blush Photography / Makeup by American Beauty Artistry LLC / Hair by Megan Cox Bridal / Flowers by Wild Vine Floristry / Rings by Cambridge Jewelers / Coordinated by Sirpilla Soirées 20 Celebrations SPRING 2021

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SPOTLIGHT HOW DID YOU ADAPT YOUR BAT MITZVAH IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC?

Ava: Instead of gathering together with friends and family from all over the country in person, we livestreamed the bat mitzvah from our temple and hosted a small, local party in our backyard.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE DAY?

Ava: The best part of the day was the feeling of accomplishment when the ceremony was complete.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUNG ADULTS PREPARING FOR THEIR B’NAI MITZVAH?

Ava: The amount of preparation it takes to get ready for your bar/bat mitzvah might seem overwhelming, but one day, when it’s all over, you’ll look back on it and pat yourself on the back. It will be something you can look back on and feel a sense of accomplishment for.

AVA WATTS BAT MITZVAH: OCT. 24, 2020 SYNAGOGUE: BETH ISRAEL-THE WEST TEMPLE CELEBRATION: HER LAKEWOOD BACKYARD AGE: 14 SCHOOL: HARDING MIDDLE SCHOOL IN LAKEWOOD Becky Watts Photo courtesy of the Watts family

22 Celebrations SPRING 2021

“

The feeling of pride we experienced over Ava’s incredible, poised, beautiful reading and interpretation of her Torah portion and leading of the service is something we will never forget. Our hearts overflowed with joy and love.

”

-Becky Watts, mother

Publisher’s note: Becky Watts is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.

SPRING 2021 Celebrations

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Rbud Ray Photo courtesy of Dino’s Catering

Anticipating a busy 2021 season, event professionals see light through pandemic

By Collin Cunningham

B

y its virtue of bringing people together, the event planning industry felt the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic more than most in 2020. Now, a full 12 months into the pandemic, local event professionals who are expecting a busy 2021 season for weddings and b’nai mitzvah say they’re taking care to weigh the lessons learned last year as they help clients plan the receptions they couldn’t hold before.

Mallory + Justin Photography / Rock The House 24 Celebrations SPRING 2021

“The live event industry was one of the most impacted industries throughout the pandemic,” says Ryan Konikoff, Chief Operating Officer at Rock The House Entertainment Group, which provides entertainment services for weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and various organizational events throughout Northeast Ohio. “We were the first to close and we will be the last to reopen.”

Konikoff says the majority of the Oakwood Village company’s clients who had weddings or b’nai mitzvah scheduled last year did not end up having them, instead pivoting to make way for scaled-down or virtual ceremonies in place of traditional ones. However, the vaccine rollout and adherence to social distancing guidelines have opened new doors, allowing clients to plan the in-person or hybrid events they had to forego last year.

“We have a lot of bookings for this year and we expect more to come, and we’re hoping it’s a turnaround season,” says Anna Bolman, owner of Willows and Sage Flowers & Events, a Beachwood florist that creates bouquets and other arrangements for weddings while also offering full event planning for smaller or more intimate occasions, like b’nai mitzvah. “That being

said, we’re also recognizing it’s a double season because a lot of people had put off some bigger celebrations from last year.”

Konikoff, Bolman and Mark Tibaldi, co-owner of Dino’s Catering, all say that many clients who canceled last year are now planning to hold rebound events and celebrations for major life milestones like b’nai mitzvah and weddings that still occurred in 2020 but with no receptions.

They’re happy to see it, too, as the pandemic put a major squeeze on their businesses, financially and operationally.

Making the Moment Photography / Rock The House

LEARNING FROM LAST YEAR “Our whole attitude was to pause,” Tibaldi explains as Dino’s approach to operations during the first few months of the pandemic up through June 2020, when its event centers in Lyndhurst, Wickliffe and Willoughby Hills reopened. “So our cash flow is limited, there’s nothing being done with facilities in terms of any projects we had, facility upgrades – just everything’s paused.

Our purchases are way down, the money coming in has slowed down, the money going out has slowed down.”

Tibaldi says his biggest concern moving into the second half of 2021 is staffing accordingly for the expected busy season in the hopes that people don’t cancel again this year.

Bolman, on the other hand, says a lot of her initial pandemic-induced difficulties dealt with getting hold of her perishable product.

“There were times where just getting quality product and getting it in on time, and even the prices within the flower world, were changing and fluctuating, so there was definitely that element,” she says.

Florists bandied about more philosophical questions, too, including the nature of the industry itself, Bolman says.

“In the first few months of not being an essential business, I remember a lot of conversations with florists asking ‘Are we essential?’” she says. “It was hard, but a lot of it was deciding whether myself and my company should be involved in certain events, whether it’s too many people and what’s the right move for us and what’s the right move to guide our clients.”

Konikoff says the pandemic tasked Rock The House and other event planners to do what they do best: reimagine traditional events to make them accessible for everyone.

“You don’t hire high-end event professionals for when everything goes right – you hire us because we’re the ones who know how to deal with it when something goes wrong,” he says. “That doesn’t just mean the entrees

Photo courtesy of Willows and Sage Flowers & Events are coming out later or the wrong song plays. Sometimes it means the world is flipped upside down and, now, how do you solve this problem?”

Of the about 300 hybrid or virtual celebrations Rock The House has done since last March, Konikoff says his company has been able to employ creative options like virtual bar and bat mitzvahs. One wedding, he adds, featured three different dance floors based on the guests’ comfort level, so younger people could enjoy the more active floor while an older couple could slow dance on the less active one.

LOOKING AHEAD From here on out, Konikoff, Tibaldi and Bolman say it will be up to their teams

and clients to work together to devise unconventional solutions on an event-by-event basis, which may have an impact on the social implications of some events, or create new ones entirely.

“Most mitzvahs did not take place last year, they rescheduled or chose not to do an in-person event,” Konikoff says. “So, I think there’s going to be opportunities for this age group that might have missed something to find the new Jewish quinceañera, or to celebrate sweet 16s. While the religious portion was taken care of, the social portion is also very important as coming of age in this community and, unfortunately, many of the youth were robbed of that social experience.”

Bolman also says working with clients

SPRING 2021 Celebrations

25

Mariana Edelman Photography & Design / Rock The House

on an individual level is a crucial part of Willows and Sage’s strategy to continue providing services through the pandemic, emphasizing the need for recognizing the person at the center of a celebration while keeping everyone healthy.

“With mitzvahs, I felt kids really shined because it was all about them,” she adds. “For a lot of our mitzvah events, it was like, ‘We’re only inviting 25 kids, what can we do?’ And with that they were able to be front and center and play up their likes and what they like to celebrate.”

Between its three event centers, Tibaldi says Dino’s catering focus has also been on what makes clients comfortable since they resumed serving favorite dishes like chicken piccata with penne and cavatelli with meatballs last summer.

“We ask ourselves, ‘What will the client’s outlook be?’” Tibaldi clarifies. “If they’re anxious to get back to normal, I think things will slide back to normal pretty quick. If the clients are apprehensive, then that will slow things down and we’ll have to adjust it and stay in this mode. In our business, the client leads a little bit and so, what will be their thought processes coming in about what they want?”

Part of the reason Dino’s survived, Tibaldi says, is through good working relationships with other businesses. When it came time to pause buying and selling, their vendors obliged.

26 Celebrations SPRING 2021

“The thing about this is we were never in this alone,” he says. “Businesses have these cycles where maybe things aren’t going great or you have to worry about these things, but everyone else is doing their own thing. But with this, everyone was in the same boat. Everyone knew what was going on. So survival was the key here and we know that we’re going to come out of this on the other side OK. We’re still going to be here.”

Even though their businesses are coming off a year of unprecedented hardships, each

Photo courtesy of Dino’s Catering

of the three event professionals seemed positively excited for the upcoming season as they discussed it, sharing a desire to continue making clients happy that goes way beyond professional interest.

“Our industry got hurt, events postponed and some of them will never happen, and we had to downscale our staff,” Konikoff says. “And, at the end of the day, I just miss my friends. We believe in in-person and we believe there is something that happens when people are in a room together that cannot be duplicated.”

by New Image PhotoPhoto

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SPRING 2021 Celebrations

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SPOTLIGHT

Wed Life Media

TARYN WEISS & B OBBY D ERIN WEDDING DAY FEB. 9, 2020 DREAMS TULUM RESORT & SPA | TULUM, MEXICO TODAY AGES: 29 AND 34 HOMETOWN: SOLON SYNAGOGUE: TEMPLE ISRAEL NER TAMID

28 Celebrations SPRING 2021

HOW DID YOU MEET? We originally met on JSwipe. We went on a few dates, but then slowly parted ways. We lived in apartment complexes next door to each other and about a year later our paths crossed again. The rest is history.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER? Early into our relationship we spent a weekend together in Miami, Fla. One morning I (Taryn) told Bobby I made brunch reservations, but when we got to our destination there was no restaurant in sight. Instead, I planned a parasailing excursion and, in the moment, Bobby happily took part. I have since learned that not only is Bobby afraid of heights, but he is also extremely motivated by food and I took away the prospects of food and replaced it with his greatest fear.

But rather than refuse to participate, Bobby enthusiastically took part, and I’m glad he did because it was while we were parasailing that I realized that I loved him.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED? Just over three years.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?

Bobby: Soon after Taryn and I started “talking” I went to Miami, Fla., for the winter. I wasn’t ready to make any commitments before I left, and Taryn never pressured me to make things official either.

However, while we were apart, we talked on the phone every night, texted all day and I looked forward to Taryn’s next visit to Miami.

What they say is true, distance does make the heart grow fonder, and before that winter was over, I knew I wanted to marry Taryn.

Taryn: I knew I wanted to marry Bobby after our trip to Napa, Calif. After spending six days together nonstop, I came home, dropped my bag off and rather than want to spend time alone to relax, I just wanted to spend more time with Bobby. I knew then that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING? The best part of wedding planning was traveling to Mexico to tour venues.

YOUR WEDDING DAY JUST ESCAPED THE PANDEMIC. YOU DIDN’T EXPERIENCE ANY IMPACT OF COVID-19 WITH YOUR PLANNING, DID YOU? We were very lucky in that the pandemic did not affect our wedding day at all.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY? During one of our meetings with the rabbi prior to our wedding, he gave us the advice that you should start and end each day with a kiss and an “I love you!” Even through this crazy first year of marriage, we have followed this advice daily.

WERE THERE ANY CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU OR YOUR FAMILIES IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? DID EITHER OF YOU HAVE TO MAKE ANY SACRIFICES? Honestly, there were no conflicts between the two of us or our families. In fact, our parents possibly got along too well. The four of them traveled to Mexico twice without us to continue the wedding planning.

(Our PTO prevented us from going with them.) The one downside of having a destination wedding is that we had to make sacrifices when it came to the guest list.

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING/PARTNERSHIP? It was important to us that even though we had a destination wedding in Mexico, that we still had a Jewish wedding complete with our rabbi, a ketubah signing and “Hava Nagila.” Perhaps the most special Jewish aspect of our wedding is that Taryn’s grandma baked, traveled and made it through customs with a challah that we cut during our reception.

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PLANNING

Officiant: Rabbi Matthew Eisenberg Wedding colors: Blush and navy Dress: Landry by Enzoani Wedding rings: Groom’s ring is from Ark Jewelers; Bride’s ring is from Albert’s Fine Jewelers, Inc. Jewelry: Great-grandmother’s bracelet Veil: Sister’s veil that she wore at her wedding 10 years ago Shoes: Klub Niko ‘Moxie’ from Nordstrom Hair and makeup: Dreams Tulum Spa Bridesmaids dresses: Amsale and Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids Groom’s formalwear: Jos. A. Bank Groomsmen: Jos. A. Bank Bouquet, flowers and chupah: Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa Ketubah: Ketubah.com Photographer and videographer: Wed Life Media, a destination wedding photographer Planner/consultant: Victoria Arista of Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa Reception and catering: Dreams Garden at Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa Cake/sweets: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa Rehearsal dinner: All white party at the Dreams Tulum Beach Invitations/Stationery: Noteriety Invitations Music/entertainment: The Imperial Band of Cancun, Mexico Rentals and accommodations: Dreams Tulum Resort and Spa Registries: Amazon, Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond Honeymoon: London and Paris Extras: A Weiss family tradition is to end every event with Krispy Kreme Doughnuts. Our parents made sure that Krispy Kreme Donuts made it to our wedding too!

“

We are still extremely humbled by the fact that our friends and family traveled from all over the world to celebrate with us in Tulum, Mexico. With the way the world changed just over a month after our wedding, we are more grateful every day that we had this experience and don’t take it for granted. Our hearts go out to all of the brides, grooms and families that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

-Taryn & Bobby 30 Celebrations SPRING 2021

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What to keep in mind during this year’s simcha season

By Becky Raspe

T

hough 2020 brought about the COVID-19 pandemic, many families still had happy lifecycle events to celebrate, from engagements and weddings to anniversaries and b’nai mitzvah. And as the pandemic continues – and hopefully recedes – families, party planners, event venues and vendors alike are getting creative in order to celebrate safely.

With health, fun and creating a personalized event in mind, Gene Natale, Jr., owner and founder of Burning River Entertainment Group in Cleveland; Karen Troyer, director of sales, and Tammy Bloebaum, director of catering, at Cleveland Marriott East in Warrensville Heights; and Elizabeth Coughlin, director of catering sales at the Cleveland Museum of Art in Cleveland, share their predictions for aspects of the planning process ahead of another unique year of parties.

CATERING Pandemic safeguards caused event food service to go through a complete overhaul to keep guests and servers safe. To make sure attendees still leave events satisfied, many events are going with single-serve and smaller portions, the professionals explain.

• Coughlin: “We’re seeing individual food displays, as well as grab-and-go items. It is kind of like food and wine pairings, but with the drinks and food immediately in the same vicinity. It has been interesting and fun to look at what people are doing in those perspectives.

A lot of parties have been utilizing grab-and-go and cute bite-sized foods, too.”

• Troyer: “People have a vision for food items, but we do have to make some adjustments there in offering packaged and

32 Celebrations SPRING 2021

single-serve items. So, it’s about working with your vendors on the packaging to meet the guidelines, but to also make sure the packaging fits into the overall feel of the event.”

• Bloebaum: “One of the words we use for 2021 in events is ‘individualized,’ and I find myself using that word a lot when it comes to food practices and serving. With cocktail receptions, (before) you’d see big mountains of food where people would reach over each other. But now, we’re doing individual crudite cups served by a server in gloves and a mask, so you’re not touching other people’s foods. It’s about individual care.”

DECOR AND DESIGN Since events are much smaller, you see more customization in ceremonies and events, all the way down to party favors. But some of the bigger changes in party planning and hosting come from how events are structured using decor and each venue’s available space.

And when in doubt, get creative with your visuals when utilizing the extra space made necessary due to social distancing.

• Coughlin: “We’ve seen larger venues (like the Cleveland Museum of Art) thrive because of extra space that can be provided for smaller groups. Sometimes, that discouraged smaller groups in the past

A January 2021 bar mitzvah where entertainment included 6 foot dancing squares on the floor, marked by glow in-the-dark tape in a black lit room.

Burning River Entertainment Group because of all of the excess space. But this encourages social distancing and allows guests to feel safe in the space.”

• Bloebaum: “We are used to traditional seating of eight and 10 at events, but now we’re seeing creative ways to seat people.

Like doing a hollow space, where (the table) creates a space in the middle, giving the distance needed to sit with other people.

Individual cocktail tables have been great, too.”

• Natale: “With lighting, we have seen a lot of requests for custom lights and monograms and things like that to project on the walls or floors.”

ENTERTAINMENT Every party still needs something to engage guests, or you’ll just have a group of people sitting around in a room filled with silence or chatter. While entertainment methods like dancing might be out the window in the traditional sense, finding ways to keep the energy going can lead to unique party aspects, many of which that rely on visual engagement.

• Natale: “We did a bar mitzvah in October 2020 where we did virtual reality video games, airbrush apparel and had a DJ playing songs, with only a little bit of actual dancing. The party mostly centered around the VR stuff. Another mitzvah in January called for more visuals, like a room set up with black lights, focusing on games and activities that encouraged social distancing.”

• Coughlin: “We’re seeing a lot of people rethink the entertainment piece, incorporating entertainment that is

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more concert-style instead of getting people dancing. Or doing something more unique like trivia games centered around the celebrant, or maybe incorporating more toasts.”

MILESTONE EVENTS While many families postponed their large events for a future beyond the pandemic, that future remains to be seen. So as to not miss out on familial milestones, parties got smaller. In 2021, think anniversary events of the original date.

• Troyer: “We’re seeing a lot of families that had their ceremonies as planned, which were much smaller with (only) immediate family, and they are scheduling their bigger reception or celebration for 2021. We’re seeing people say though their event has passed, they want to celebrate it now, too. It gives people the opportunity to think outside of the box.”

• Natale: “More people now are confident in planning their event.

We’re seeing more families come to us and plan their events that should’ve happened last year. People are still getting engaged.

Birthdays still happen. So, we’re determined to be ready for all the parties when they do finally want them to happen.”

Mariana Edelman Photography / Cleveland Marriott East New Image Photography / Cleveland Museum of Art

VIRTUAL The biggest thing to come out of 2020 events were virtual and hybrid components. With strict private gathering rules to follow, many families took the plunge with fully virtual celebrations where the only people attending in-person were the wedding couple or the b’nai mitzvah child and family living in the same home. As time went on, families got creative, finding ways to have a small group of people attend in-person and have the rest of the guests tune in live via video from across the world.

• Natale: “With wedding ceremonies and any videography clients, we have been doing a lot of broadcasts – free of charge with any couple that gets married during the pandemic. So, if there are any guests that couldn’t make it, they can watch it live. And with Zoom, they can still hear the music because we can play that through the broadcast.”

• Bloebaum: “For hybrid events, we’ve seen people get married off property and then they livestream it to the hotel’s event space because we have a safe environment where guests can view and still

be part of the ceremony, but not physically contained in a smaller space. Hybrid is another word we’re using for 2021 – it’s about doing anything you can virtually.”

NEW GUIDE OFFERS TIPS FOR ‘ZOOM MITZVAHS’ Moving Traditions, an organization to inspire Jewish youth toward self-discovery and learning, early this year released a guide to creatively celebrating a bar or bat mitzvah during the pandemic.

“Zoom-Mitzvah 101: A Moving Traditions Guide to Thinking Creatively About Pandemic B’nai Mitzvahs” aims to address the question, “How do we celebrate a b’nai mitzvah online and still make it joyous, authentic and meaningful?”

The guide is geared toward those planning b’nai mitzvah in the first part of 2021, offering reflections, ideas and best practices compiled from parents who already celebrated a child’s bar or bat mitzvah during the COVID-19 era, and Jewish educators and clergy who work

with families across North America. It highlights celebrations that are either broadcast from inside a synagogue or temple, or held at home or outdoors, taking readers from the pre-planning phases to the special day to after the simcha. The guide also offers a family worksheet for planning, and tips for talking to celebrants about their upcoming ceremony.

Moving Tradition, based in Elkins Park, Pa., aims to help Jewish pre-teens and teens thrive as healthy, ethical and Jewishly connected people, according to its website.

It works to prevent youth from disconnecting with Jewish life after b’nai mitzvah, and aims to challenge sexism and foster positive peer-to-peer relationships.

-Amanda Koehn

To view the “Zoom-Mitzvah 101” guide, visit bit.ly/3slD2Fi. To read more about Moving Traditions and its programming for teen boys in the Spring 2019 issue of Bar•Bat Mitzvah, visit bit.ly/movingtraditions

34 Celebrations SPRING 2021

Publish Date

Publication

April 30 Canvas Spring/Summer

Ad Space Deadline April 16

June 11

Jstyle Summer

May 28

August 13

Canvas Fall

July 30

August 27

Jstyle Weddings Fall

August 13

September 24

Jstyle Fall

September 14

October 22

Bar•Bat Mitzvah Fall

October 8

November 12

Canvas Winter

October 29

December 17

Jstyle Winter

December 3

December 24

Source

December 10

Specialty Publications Reach the diverse, engaged readers of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company’s specialty magazines! In 2021, we plan to publish five magazines targeted toward the community of Northeast Ohio – Jstyle, Source, Bar•Bat Mitzvah, Jstyle Weddings and Celebrations. Additionally, our readers and local newsstands will receive Canvas – a secular publication focusing on the Cleveland arts and entertainment community.

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SPOTLIGHT HOW DID YOU ADAPT YOUR BAR MITZVAH IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC?

Michael: My bar mitzvah plans changed drastically.

Originally, I was going to have an awesome ceremony with all my friends and a killer party afterwards. Then, COVID-19 hit. Instead of all the things we had planned, we changed my bar mitzvah date to Nov. 7, 2020, as opposed to May 16, 2020. I had a small celebration, masked, with a few of my closest friends. Even though this wasn’t the ideal bar mitzvah, I am still so thankful that I was able to even have one.

Kori Karas, mother: Michael had a virtual bar mitzvah on May 16, 2020, reading an original portion not out of the Torah, with Rabbi (Matthew Eisenberg) on Zoom and our family. Then Rabbi suggested he learn a new one to chant because my husband taught him how to read trope. For his first (Torah portion), he had a tutor along with my husband. Rabbi suggested he do the Rosh Hashanah portion and then chant it on Rosh Hashanah.

Michael did just that with the help of my husband and Rabbi. He learned it in five months, and then chanted it again on his actual bar mitzvah, Nov. 7, 2020.

Michael learned so much through this process. He learned what a bar mitzvah is all about and that it’s about the service, not the party. All he kept saying was how all he wanted to do was read from the Torah, in the temple, with Rabbi Matt and his family.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE DAY?

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36 Celebrations SPRING 2021

Michael: The best part of the day was celebrating becoming a bar mitzvah with my family and close friends, and finally being able to have a bar mitzvah at the temple, reading out of the Torah. I also had my dad up on the bimah as gabbai because he taught me my Torah portion.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUNG ADULTS PREPARING FOR THEIR B’NAI MITZVAH?

Michael: For all of the upcoming b’nai mitzvot, I suggest keeping your options open. Be flexible with what was given to you, even if it’s not exactly ideal. Keep your head up and don’t give up. Yes, learning to chant or read the Torah seems impossibly hard, however, with just enough practice, you can read it in your sleep.

“

The best part was watching Michael take pride in becoming a bar mitzvah and truly understand the meaning of becoming a bar mitzvah. We also enjoyed watching him grow and learn, especially because his father, Jonathan Karas, taught him how to chant two Torah portions and the Haftorah.

”

-Kori Karas, mother

Stephanie Penick Photography SPRING 2021 Celebrations

37

By McKenna Corson

COVID-19 has created a world of unknowns. But what shouldn’t remain plagued with tumult is celebrating once-in-a-lifetime milestones. Fortunately, local professionals provide advice for those venturing into the now-uncharted seas of simcha planning, alleviating stress for what can feel like an overwhelming mission.

These professionals’ biggest advice? Do as our world has done this past year: change, try something new and remain flexible to create a safe and memorable event.

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WHITNEY NEIDUS

CATERING

DINNER

GENERAL MANAGER STONEWATER GOLF CLUB HIGHLAND HEIGHTS

WHAT SHOULD BE THE FIRST STEP WHEN PLANNING DINNER CATERING? The first thing I would do is think, “Do we want a plated dinner or family-style dinner for our guests?” Then, based off of the style, it’s, “Do we want to offer our guests proteins?” That should at least help figure out the budget as a starting point.

HOW DO YOU RECOMMEND FAMILIES SELECT A DINING STYLE? Back in the day, the more traditional route – the formal route – was plated, and everybody used to do it. Now, with a lot of these events, it’s a different vibe where they’re not so black tie anymore. For couples who want conversation starters for their guests, family-style is the way to go.

It’s a little more laid back.

HOW CAN THOSE CELEBRATING PERSONALIZE THEIR CATERING? Have fun with it. Couples could have some items that reflect them, so perhaps there’s his favorite, her favorite, and then build from that so you’re paying special attention to both the bride and groom and what they like.

Maybe the couple’s been into traveling, so they take a dish from places they’ve traveled throughout the world. You don’t have to stick with one type of food; you can switch it up and bring a little culture into it.

A lamb rack dominates this entree.

WHAT ARE SOME POPULAR TRENDS IN CATERING? I think couples and families are really doing menus that reflect them.

So instead of the traditional beef, chicken and vegetarian, I have couples and families for b’nai mitzvahs and weddings who are doing fun themes, like barbecue or Mediterranean style. Some people are doing finger foods for dinner, so they’re not using the traditional fork and steak knife.

HOW CAN FAMILIES CATER TO THOSE WITH DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?

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It is nice to choose a menu that appeals to the majority of people, but in terms of those with dietary restrictions, I personally don’t think that a couple needs to gear their menu towards those few select people. The venue can do special plated meals for those specific and maybe not so common dietary needs.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR CELEBRANTS PLANNING THEIR MENU? I’d make sure that it’s a well-rounded menu. For example, if it’s a more traditional menu, I like two proteins, three sides, plated salad and then a number of appetizers. Make sure it’s a nice full menu and that your guests leave the event full.

couples and families are really doing menus that reflect “them.I thinkSo instead of the traditional beef, chicken and vegetarian, I

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have couples and families for b’nai mitzvahs and weddings who are doing fun themes, like barbecue or Mediterranean style.

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SYNAGOGUE RABBI MATTHEW EISENBERG RABBI TEMPLE ISRAEL NER TAMID MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

HOW CAN FAMILIES CUSTOMIZE THE SERVICE SO IT REFLECTS THEM? Every congregation and every rabbi works diligently to meet the needs of the family. Each rabbi would have different ways of working with families in terms of customization. It’s never been a problem to try to customize the service, you just have to talk with your clergy.

HOW HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED THE WAY SYNAGOGUES ARE ABLE TO HOST OR CELEBRATE LIFECYCLE EVENTS? Speaking for our congregation, I would say we stopped having services gathering together at the beginning of November 2020, because it was too cold to have services outside. Every service that we do has a virtual and partially in-person component to it.

One of the families who celebrated a bar mitzvah in early November, their son read Torah out in the parking lot. For the actual bar mitzvah, we had a limited number of people inside the sanctuary, and some people were outside listening on a radio transmission that we set up because the weather was nice so people were comfortable and distanced. If they were inside, we followed safety protocols, like wearing masks and checking temperatures. In order to have the human aspects, I wanted to be able to see one another.

WHAT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BY A FAMILY PLANNING A SIMCHA AT A SYNAGOGUE? What is overlooked is remembering to really enjoy and be grateful for this time in your life. If you’re getting married, it’s not all about stress and perfection, it should be about blessings and gratitude. The same with a bar or bat mitzvah. It should be about this blessing in your life, the blessings of family, the blessings of a faith community, and the gratitude for living in this wonderful country – gratitude that the Jewish people is strong and lives. The stress and the details of planning sometimes overshadow that joy and those blessings.

WHEN SHOULD A FAMILY BEGIN THE PROCESS?

Stephanie Penick Photography WHAT’S THE FIRST THING FAMILIES SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING THE SYNAGOGUE ASPECT OF A LIFECYCLE EVENT? One of the first things that families should do is contact the clergy to make sure the date is available. I have had weddings in the past where families contacted the venue, florist, caterer and then they finally got down to the rabbi and the rabbi couldn’t do it. The rabbi or clergy should be among the first people contacted when planning a wedding or bar or bat mitzvah.

42 Celebrations SPRING 2021

As soon as you think about it – and early, you should make an informational phone call to a clergy or temple office to see if the rabbi or temple calendar is open. Calling a synagogue for its availability doesn’t obligate you. You also don’t have to know the exact date of your event when you call. It could be, “I’m looking to get married in the summer of 2022. I think I’ll call the synagogue to see what’s going on there.”

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR FAMILIES PLANNING A SIMCHA? Step back, take a deep breath and be conscious of this joyous blessed moment in your lives. Try not to stress; try to concentrate on the gratitude and the blessings. We do so many of these events over the course of years, so there is no detail that isn’t figured out somewhere along the way. When the ceremony happens, everything works out.

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ENTERTAINMENT JAMIE HAGGERTY GENERAL MANAGER ADRENALINE MONKEY WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS

Mariana Edelman Photography & Design

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO GET RIGHT WHEN PLANNING ENTERTAINMENT FOR B’NAI MITZVAH? Ask your child what is important to them and let them be a part of the decision making. Also, it is always important to manage expectations. If you cannot afford something, say it. Lay it all out on the table in the beginning of the planning process so no one is disappointed later.

HOW CAN FAMILIES DECIDE WHAT ENTERTAINMENT WOULD BE BEST FOR A CHILD’S BAR OR BAT MITZVAH? Allow the entire family to be a part of the planning process, especially the guest of honor. If they feel included, they are more inclined to make an informative decision and embrace the outcome. Also, explore all options and keep an open mindset. We have learned that most families are willing to take a chance on something new.

WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING THE ENTERTAINMENT? The experience. You want the entertainment to be memorable. Everyone has a typical event that includes expensive food, disc jockey, dancing, lighting, etc. Explore entertainment that creates a one of a kind and unforgettable experience.

HOW HAS COVID-19 AFFECTED THE WAY ENTERTAINMENT CAN BE USED? COVID-19 has taken the intimacy away from entertainment. Entertainment events and gatherings are meant to bring people together, provide a sense of community, love and support. Unfortunately, we have been removed of those feelings and forced into this new norm and way of life.

WHEN SHOULD FAMILIES START PLANNING THE ENTERTAINMENT ASPECTS? Right away. Selecting the right entertainment, venue, theme, etc., can take months to get right. Also, don’t pick option one or the best deal. Do what is best for the entire family and friends involved.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST PIECE OF ADVICE FOR FAMILIES LOOKING TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT IN THEIR B’NAI MITZVAH? The biggest piece of advice is to enjoy the process. The process of providing entertainment should not be stressful. Leverage this time to connect with your family, listen to each other, consider all options and have fun.

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CATERING

DESSERT ROSIE BEISNER EVENTS COORDINATOR CATEROLOGY BEDFORD HEIGHTS Caterology

but we also add in a variety of things that maybe they’ve never heard of. Actually going and having a tasting and making sure it’s exactly what you want is a very important task.

HOW DO YOU ADVISE FAMILIES CATER TO DIETARY RESTRICTIONS?

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP FAMILIES SHOULD TAKE WHEN CONSIDERING CATERING FOR CAKE AND DESSERT? Explore your options; it’s not always just about one thing. There are so many different options out there to do these days where it’s not about tradition when it comes to the wedding cake anymore – now it’s more about variety and flair.

I think that Pinterest is a good place to start, but if you’re looking at certain caterers, go to their social media. Many of us put out there on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, different pictures or collages on a weekly or daily basis that can catch your eye and spark something new.

HOW CAN FAMILIES PERSONALIZE CATERING FOR CAKE AND DESSERT? When planning any aspect of an event, it should be exactly what the couple or person wants. It doesn’t need to just be a standard, traditional form – they need to be able to express themselves and their choices. We do a lot with people who choose items either based on nationality, religious restrictions or dietary restrictions.

HOW DO YOU ADVISE FAMILIES SELECT THEIR DESSERTS OR CAKE STYLE? Many caterers – including us – do tastings for our clients. Our tastings are free with different packages that we offer, which gives them the opportunity to not just pick certain things that they like,

46 Celebrations SPRING 2021

They need to have a variety. Not everybody is the same, and I feel that there are ways especially like with bar and bat mitzvahs that you can have options for everyone. I’m actually working with three different parents now where some of their b’nai mitzvah guests are kosher and some are not, so we’re doing individualized portions for these dietary needs while also meeting the general needs of most people.

ARE THERE ANY TRENDS IN CAKE AND DESSERT CATERING? With the pandemic going on, a lot of the individual shooters – smaller portion desserts that are pick-up-and-take without having any community-type utensils or the need for service – are an important thing to people right now.

As far as weddings go, many brides and grooms are choosing these days not to do a large cake; there’s always so much waste and leftovers to it. I see more people doing cake toppers with individualized desserts, such as shooter cups of our cassata cake and cookies and mini cupcakes to also help with fighting the pandemic.

WHEN SHOULD FAMILIES START PLANNING THEIR CAKE/DESSERT CATERING? For a wedding, I would say start six months prior, to narrow it down as far as what you want to do. Bar and bat mitzvahs are a little bit more open, so probably a month of leeway time.

DO YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL ADVICE FAMILIES SHOULD KEEP IN MIND WHEN PLANNING DESSERT CATERING? Keep it simple. Having too many options or trying to please everybody isn’t going to be an effective way. It’s a special event for that couple or that person, and they need to concentrate on celebrating that day for those people and not necessarily what’s on their plate.

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PHOTOGRAPHY HOW CAN FAMILIES SELECT A PHOTOGRAPHER BEST SUITED FOR THEM AND THEIR EVENT?

JONATHAN KOSLEN FOUNDER AND PHOTOGRAPHER NEW IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY CHAGRIN FALLS

I would say mostly through referrals. I would check if their venue and their friends have used photographers. Obviously check the photographers’ websites. Find something that meets their style, maybe meet with a few people and see who they click with.

HOW CAN FAMILIES AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WORK TOGETHER SO EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE AND SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS? Go over details, go over details, go over details. I prefer to have a meeting with the parents or the couple as we’re closer to the event. There should be a plan and a schedule for me to go through. I like to talk out the whole day with them to make sure that there is nothing that’s missed because you just don’t want anyone to be disappointed.

We get especially frustrated if we’re, like, looking for a mother of the bride because she’s off paying someone, when her daughter’s getting her dress on – stuff like that happens a lot. Photographers really need to make sure they lay down the law as far as where everyone needs to be at what time and make sure nothing is missed.

HOW CAN FAMILIES PERSONALIZE THEIR EVENT’S PHOTOGRAPHY? They should find a photographer that fits their style. We’ve had some brides come to us with some odd requests, and it can be a fun challenge to be able to do something outside the box. Photographers need to communicate with the bride and see what she’s looking for. If people have certain ideas, then of course I’m all for it and excited about it. I feel like a really good photographer needs to be able to work with a couple, pick a background that’s appropriate and then find a pose that fits it.

WHEN SHOULD FAMILIES SHOULD START PLANNING THEIR EVENT’S PHOTOGRAPHY? New Image Photography

There are certain dates that are more popular, like the holiday weekends – those usually book up about a year ahead of time. If it’s a Sunday in a normal month, then some couples will wait three to six months. If it’s a Saturday, I would say nine months to a year is probably good.

They should start the process as soon as they have a date because the best people will be booked the longer they wait.

Then, they may wind up paying a lot of money for a not-so-great photographer.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR FAMILIES PLANNING THEIR EVENT’S PHOTOGRAPHY? Make sure they book someone they trust who’s been around for a long time. A lot of companies are here today, gone tomorrow and end up leaving and no one knows where they’ve gone, which has happened quite a few times in Cleveland. Other photographers promise the world and then don’t deliver their product. It’s best to find a very, very reputable studio that can be trusted. You just don’t want to be one of those people who paid for albums and product, and then the photographer is gone and someone else has to do it if you were lucky enough to even get your files.

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KETUBAH, INVITES,

creative elements JENNIFER KAPLAN OWNER AND DESIGNER JENNIFER KAPLAN DESIGNS LYNDHURST

HOW CAN KETUBAHS, INVITATIONS AND CREATIVE ELEMENTS SET THE TONE FOR AN EVENT? It’s been a growing trend especially with the pandemic that these creative elements are taking on a larger role for two reasons. One, I feel like the invitations that you’re sending out are going to set the whole tone of the event because everybody’s remote and you’re on Zoom. There is no other real way to set the tone and personalize things.

Two, for couples getting married, the pandemic is forcing them with smaller groups and ceremonies to focus on things that are really important to them. Things like custom ketubahs are more important than they were before because they’re still an integral part of the ceremony, and they’re a lasting piece of art that the couple will have.

HOW CAN FAMILIES PERSONALIZE KETUBAHS, INVITATIONS AND CREATIVE ASPECTS?

A witness signs “Floral Ketubah” made by Jennifer Kaplan. | Tarren Bailey Photography I would also strongly encourage people to poke “around and not be afraid of reaching out to a

custom artist. If you think it’s out of your budget, the worst that you can do is ask, they tell you their number and you say no. I think now is the perfect time to include that extra bit of personalization and symbolism into this stuff, because why not?

”

– Jennifer Kaplan

I would encourage them to think about things that are important to them and their relationship and incorporate these symbols into their creative elements. If it’s a bar or bat mitzvah, think about things that are important to the child – hobbies, favorite colors. You can carry symbols through in monograms on the invitation, decor, ketubah and menu cards.

You can also create blessing cards that have your stamp on them, whether they’re sheva brachot cards to read under the chuppah, or different prayers that you somehow give out to people over Zoom. For weddings or smaller bar or bat mitzvah ceremonies, you could do a siddur that has either just your name on it, or maybe you create your own siddur as a meaningful piece of the ceremony and you give it out as a gift to attendees.

WHAT ARE POPULAR TRENDS IN KETUBAHS, INVITATIONS AND CREATIVE DESIGN? Papercut ketubahs are still very popular. I’ve been seeing a lot of papercut invitations, which you could definitely incorporate into either a wedding or a bar or bat mitzvah.

Lately, there’s been a lot of requests for grays and neutral colors.

Custom ketubahs are having a little bit more of a moment right now because I think people have been stuck at home for such a long time that they’re more willing to take a look around at their walls and think about if they have extra money to create art that’s meaningful.

WHEN SHOULD FAMILIES START PLANNING THE KETUBAH, INVITATIONS AND CREATIVE ELEMENTS? I would say at least six months before the wedding. All of these things, I know, can be rushed, but if you’re planning on a custom ketubah, you never know what the backlog is with the artists that you’re working with. It’s always better to give plenty of time.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL ADVICE FOR FAMILIES?

Jennifer Kaplan’s papercut, “Shirat HaYam/Song of the Sea,” is an example of a way to include the Torah portion as a lasting, beautiful b’nai mitzvah gift with personal meaning and lasting artistic value.

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Pinterest is such an amazing source. I know that’s not news to brides, but there’s really been an increase in Jewish wedding content on Pinterest.

I would also strongly encourage people to poke around and not be afraid of reaching out to a custom artist. If you think it’s out of your budget, the worst that you can do is ask, they tell you their number and you say no. I think now is the perfect time to include that extra bit of personalization and symbolism into this stuff, because why not?

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SPOTLIGHT

One Red Door Photography

SARAH SHEMORY & SAM ZIMMER WEDDING DAY OCT. 17, 2020 AT HOME IN SOUTH EUCLID TODAY AGES: 33 AND 37 HOMETOWN: SOUTH EUCLID SYNAGOGUE: TEMPLE ISRAEL NER TAMID 52

Celebrations SPRING 2021

HOW DID YOU MEET? Sam and I (Sarah) met through mutual friends about five years ago but never connected romantically.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER? We both ended serious relationships at the end of 2018 and reconnected early in 2019 because Sam “slid into my DMs” on Instagram. He relentlessly commented on my photos and stories for six weeks before I understood that he was flirting!

He finally asked me out and on our first date, that night I knew he was the one. I called my mom and best friend on the way home from the date and I told them that I was marrying him. The rest is history.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED? We went on our first date March 20, 2019, but knew each other socially for about five years. From our first date it was a whirlwind. Dating, to engagement, to marriage and now pregnant with our first baby due in August 2021. We’re having the best time growing with each other and adding to our family. Sam and I felt a deep, serious connection the second we decided to cross over from friend territory to dating. It’s all been very fast, but very fun and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

We dated a little over one year before he proposed. Sam popped the question in our pajamas on Saturday, May 9, 2020 in our living room. I was totally shocked. I knew it was happening soon, but never expected to be in my pajamas! We called just our immediate family and best friends then stayed up the whole night laughing.

The next day, Mother’s Day, we got to see my nana who had gotten very sick, and due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our family made the decision to move her home with my uncles. We got to share our joy with her before she sadly passed away two days later. After her passing, we decided that there was no day but today to celebrate and decided on a wedding date a few short months away.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?

Sarah: I knew the second I went on our first date. We went to Batuqui on Larchmere and he just felt like my person. I never wanted the date to end and I never wanted to not be around him. Sam is the most gentle, kind, compassionate and funny person I’ve ever met. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, seriously.

Sam: It took me a little longer than Sarah, but I knew from date one that she could potentially be my person. What started as a fun first date blossomed into something bigger than I could of ever imagined.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING? That our whole family could be involved. The whole event was super collaborative and inclusive. Since our wedding was just our immediate family we wanted to make it special for everyone.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR WEDDING PLAN AND WEDDING DAY? Because of COVID-19, our guest list was small but mighty (nine of us total). On Oct. 17, 2020, we tied the knot in our living room, the exact place we got engaged five months prior. Our brothers were our best man and man of honor. I got ready with my mom and mother-in-law at our house and we met the rest of the family at the Cleveland Museum of Art for first look and family portraits. We lucked out with the most beautiful fall day. We had a traditional Jewish wedding officiated by the rabbi who I (Sarah) was bat mitzvahed by. Following the wedding, we toasted champagne and had a few nibbles before going to our favorite restaurant, Giovanni’s Ristorante, for an Italian feast. Even though COVID-19 kept our wedding small, the love was boundless and the laughs overflowing. Our day turned out absolutely perfect.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY? The best advice we got was to not forget that the big day is just a day to celebrate, but a marriage lasts forever. Don’t get lost in the details and the planning, it’s not what’s important. Check in with each other through the process and enjoy it. It’s just one small moment in your lives together.

WERE THERE ANY CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU OR YOUR FAMILIES IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? DID EITHER OF YOU HAVE TO MAKE ANY SACRIFICES? Not at all. We’ve become like one family – we call ourselves the Shimmers! We feel so lucky to all love each other.

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING/PARTNERSHIP? Sam and I had so much fun coming back to our Jewish roots as a couple. We especially loved making a date night out of the car Shabbat services this summer and fall. At our wedding, we incorporated elements from our grandparents (kiddush cup, yarmulke, tallis, jewelry).

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PLANNING

Officiant: Rabbi Matthew Eisenberg Wedding colors: Bright and tropical Dress: Mikaella from Luxe Redux Bridal Wedding rings: Robert & Gabriel Jewelers Jewelry: Earrings borrowed from Sarah’s mother-in-law, a ring from her nana Veil: Sara Gabriel from Luxe Redux Bridal Hair: Jennifer French at Andrews Colour Atelier Makeup: Jessica Miller at Andrews Colour Atelier Groom’s formalwear: J. Crew Bouquet, flowers and chupah: Stems Fleur Ketubah: From our rabbi Photographer: One Red Door Photography, Melissa Lopez Reception site: Giovanni’s Ristorante in Beachwood Catering: We had a cocktail party at our house following the ceremony before dinner, catered by Gigi’s on Fairmount in Cleveland Heights Rehearsal dinner: The whole family (minus our dads) went to get nails done at Manifest followed by all of us having cocktails and pizza at Garden City, both in Shaker Heights Invitations/Stationery: Our friends made our invitations, Jackie Spoth and Meggie Hill Registries: Crate & Barrel, West Elm, Bed Bath & Beyond Honeymoon: Charleston and Kiawah Island, S.C.

“The best moment of our wedding was actually spending the day with our family.

It was nonstop laugher and smiles. We got married in our home with our parents and brothers – just nine of us total. To celebrate our love during the midst of a global pandemic was exactly the magic our family needed.”

-Sarah

54 Celebrations SPRING 2021

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Finding the

PERFECT PRESENT Unsure of what to gift a newlywed couple or b’nai mitzvah teen?

Local boutiques can offer personalized help for gift shopping

By Jane Kaufman Finding the perfect gift – for weddings or b’nai mitzvahs – may be more art than science.

Not every couple registers at a big box store, and not every occasion calls for it. Teens, for example, rarely register for their rites of passage.

Guests who want to shop locally can find thoughtful gifts of their own choosing – artisanal, handmade and personalized – at boutiques in Greater Cleveland. They can also count on the owners and sales associates of those boutiques for advice on what tends to be most appreciated.

Angelina Rodriguez Pata, owner of Blackbird Fly Boutique at Pinecrest in Orange, says she often asks customers for information about the gift recipient.

“My approach is always to dive in and do a little digging,” Rodriguez Pata says. “I’m a pretty hands-on, in a way, personal shopper for people like this.”

She says she serves in that role frequently, particularly for men.

“I have a lot of men that will come in, and I hate to say this, but they’re clueless,” Rodriguez Pata says. “They don’t know sizes. They don’t really know what kind of style. So, typically, I start by saying, ‘show me a picture.’ I swear to you, a picture can speak a thousand words.”

Rodriguez Pata says there is often some element to a photo – even a profile photo on social media – that shows something of a person’s style.

“There are so many clues from just one picture,” she says. “This is where modern-day technology comes in handy.”

She says the person’s clothes, jewelry, even a piece of furniture in the background, can help guide the shopping experience.

Lauren Bosworth, co-owner of Laura of Pembroke, also at Pinecrest in Orange, uses a similar approach. She says she will ask customers to pull up a bridal registry on their cellphones to help match the style of the gift to the taste of the couple.

“By looking at a registry, even if it’s not from our store, you can kind of tell if they like cleaner lines, like more plain design things, or if they have a little bit more formal taste,” she says. “You can tell by looking at even just the kind of dishes that they register for.”

Bosworth sells primarily home decor and lighting, but also women’s clothing and gift items. Laura of Pembroke maintains an in-store registry, which can be personalized in nontraditional ways, allowing guests to chip in with others to buy large furniture pieces such as a couch or dining room table, “similar to the honeymoon fund.”

That sort of arrangement may be particularly desirable for those who may be getting married after already living on their own and who may already have the smaller items they need.

Off registry, Bosworth says go-to items include aluminum alloy picture frames and serving dishes by Beatriz Ball, which are

56 Celebrations SPRING 2021

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collectible and don’t need polishing. In addition, she offers custom books, carrying a city name or the GPS coordinates of a wedding venue.

Candy Mashmoor, owner of YaYa & Co. in Cleveland, supports the artisans she works with across the globe through training and education as well as by offering a fairtrade market. She sells handmade, artisanal textiles made from natural, organic fibers, including a line that incorporates recycled materials.

She says there are certain go-to items she points to when someone wants to buy the perfect wdding gift.

High quality throws, pillows, towels and tablecloths are all good choices, she says. But there is one nearly universally appreciated gift.

“A white set of bedding – because everybody loves laying in a white bedding,” she says, “because it’s comfy.”

Mashmoor sells linen and cotton bedding with 400 to 800 threads per inch – designed to last decades.

“You spend eight hours in bed,” she says. “This is an investment for the time that you are resting.”

YaYa & Co. is working on an online registry, which will be ready by April.

Blackbird Fly Boutique offers an in-house gift registry as well. A metalsmith, Rodriguez Pata can engrave pieces of jewelry or decanters if customers want a personalized gift.

She frequently creates baskets for bat mitzvahs or brides, built around such items as candles, teas or organic skincare products.

Of weddings, Rodriguez Pata says, “You cannot go wrong with kitchenware, barware, candles. Everyone appreciates a great cookbook. Everyone loves towels. It’s a necessity.”

Rodriguez Pata says she trains her staff to help shoppers find the perfect dress by carefully observing their style as soon as they walk into the store.

“But I tell them,” she says, “the same is true when you’re looking for gifts for people.”

Beatriz Ball / Laura of Pembroke

Blackbird Fly Boutique

YaYa & Co.

Beatriz Ball / Laura of Pembroke

58 Celebrations SPRING 2021

SPOTLIGHT HOW DID YOU ADAPT YOUR BAT MITZVAH IN RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC?

Mia: To adapt to the pandemic we had my bat mitzvah livestreamed to my family and friends. Fortunately, I was able to have three friends and my immediate family come to the temple for the live service, (with) everyone wearing masks and socially distanced. Instead of a large party, I had a few friends and family come over to my house for lunch, of course with masks on. We plan to have a celebration after COVID-19.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE DAY?

Mia: The service was the most meaningful part for me. I studied very hard and was grateful my parents, brother, grandmother, aunt and uncle could be in person to watch me become a bat mitzvah, and that so many others could watch from afar.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUNG ADULTS PREPARING FOR THEIR BAR OR BAT MITZVAHS?

MIA BOURISSEAU BAT MITZVAH: OCT. 24, 2020 SYNAGOGUE: THE TEMPLE-TIFERETH ISRAEL CELEBRATION: DELAYED DUE TO COVID-19

Mia: Accept that you may have to adapt, for example, using Zoom for tutoring since you cannot always be in person. Always make sure you are practicing. Practicing will make your reading stronger and sound confident.

I would even practice your portion and prayers in front of your family. This helped me feel much more prepared for my service.

You have been preparing for so long and the day you have your service, it feels amazing. Enjoy your special day as best as you can and stay positive even if things are not the way you thought they would be. I can say my bat mitzvah, even in the middle of a pandemic, was one of the greatest days of my life.

AGE: 13 HOMETOWN: ORANGE SCHOOL: BRADY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mariana Edelman Photography & Design 60 Celebrations SPRING 2021

“

We are so blessed Mia was able to read from the Torah in the synagogue. Mia demonstrated grace and maturity in a challenging time. She showed us the meaning of becoming a bat mitzvah. Her father and I could not be more proud.

-Toby Bourisseau, mother

”

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Photo Credit (From Top Left To Bottom Right): Making The Moment Photography • Sarah Renee Studios Mariana Edelman Photography • Dan Buckley Photography • Dale McDonald Photographer • Dennis Crider Photography