A SPECiAL EDiTiON OF JSTYLE WEDDiNGS AND BAR•BAT MiTZVAH | SPRING 2025
East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216-721-5722 | WRHS.org | @CleStartsHere Contact us at sales@wrhs.org or call 216-721-5722 ext. 1405. You can also fill out a rental inquiry form at WRHS.org.
East Blvd. Cleveland, OH 44106 | 216-721-5722 | WRHS.org | @CleStartsHere Contact us at sales@wrhs.org or call 216-721-5722 ext. 1405. You can also fill out a rental inquiry form at WRHS.org.
The year 2024 began as a whirlwind of bittersweet emotions for Harley Frederick.
The month before her April wedding, the family moved her grandmother, a long-term Beachwood resident, out of her home and into a nursing home due to a signi cant decline in her health.
“It was just a sentimental time in my life,” says Frederick, eight months pregnant with her rst child at the time of her interview with Celebrations.
Her grandmother, Carolyn Schoen, 85, “was always a fashionista, and jewelry was her thing,” Frederick says. Schoen, who is safe and healthy in her new home, was never one to “even entertain costume jewelry” and over the course of her life handed down chunky, gold pieces to Frederick and her sister.
Schoen’s jewelry didn’t quite t the minimalist style of Frederick, 30, she says. To repurpose the pieces and always have a piece of her grandmother with her, she brought the items to Megan Piccione, owner of Megan Piccione High Jewelry.
“(Piccione) had ideas based on what she knew I liked, I had some ideas, and we put them together and within not even 20 minutes we were like, okay this is what we’re going to do,” says Frederick, a Twinsburg resident.
Piccione, a third-generation jeweler specializing in custom bridal and fashion jewelry, has transformed dozens of heirloom pieces
since opening her Beachwood boutique in December 2023.
With these intergenerational items she has created wearable mementos to commemorate milestones like weddings and b’nai mitzvahs. Hearing the stories behind the pieces, including rings, brooches and necklaces, lends itself to a special process, says Piccione, a congregant of Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood.
“… Especially being the descendant of Holocaust survivors, knowing that the story can be taken back from a century or generations ago, those are really special stories to hear about,” she says. “I understand the value of some of the pieces that have survived the tragedies because we have one ring that is my greatgreat-grandmother’s and that is the only piece of jewelry that we have, the only piece of anything we have … that is so special to us because we know what it survived.”
Some customers “love the idea of having the item just be restored to be in its original style,” Piccione says.
The most meaningful reaction Piccione received was from a client who restored her recently deceased mother’s diamond cocktail ring, she recalls.
“The prongs were broken, they were bent - she couldn’t wear it and know that the diamonds would be safe in it,” says Piccione, a Beachwood resident. “So, we took the ring, we remounted it into the same design that she had. We presented it to her maybe two to three weeks later, keep in mind the mother passed about two years prior, and she just burst into tears when she saw it.”
Harley Frederick with her grandmother, Carolyn Schoen, in 2018.
| Submitted photos
Megan Piccione, a third-generation jeweler
Other customers create new pieces with multiple their heirloom jewelry, says Piccione who completed a project with up to 32-pieces of jewelry.
She recalls a grandmother brought in an heirloom brooch and other pieces made of sapphires and diamonds to create pendants to be put on necklaces for her grandchildren’s b’nai mitzvahs.
“We made (a) beautiful 18 karat ower pendant with maybe six di erent sapphires and a diamond in the center, and then a teardrop sapphire pendant with some diamonds going around it,” she says. “That was a hit, it was something that was passed down from a greatgrandparent at that point to a b’nai mitzvah. It was very special.”
The rst and most important step in transforming heirloom jewelry is consultation and examination, she says.
The piece is examined in-house to ensure it can withstand the transformation, including removing stones out of prongs and determining the gold is without any porosity, or solid enough to work with, Piccione says. From there, they work on design.
“We’ll start out with a sketch on paper, or we’ll ask the client about their ideas or their inspiration, sometimes we ask them to bring in photos of something that they would like to use, and if not, then we start sketching.,” she says. “Then, we’ll make something on the CAD system, which is the computer animated design.”
After the client approves the rendering, Piccione begins casting and completes the project in an average of two weeks, she says.
“We do the 3D printing, casting, set work and it’s completely nished in house,” Piccione says.
The current trend is daintier jewelry “rather than their old clunky stu that their family used to have,” she says.
“There have been brides that come in that don’t have their grandparents anymore and they wish that they had them at their wedding,” Piccione says. “In an e ort to have their spirit there, they’ll bring in some of their jewelry and ask to have it transformed into something that goes with their style of the wedding. … That’s a very unique way just to honor the grandparent, not only to have them walk down the aisle with them, but to wear something that was theirs and have it match more of their style.”
Frederick did not know what to do with her grandmother’s necklaces, bracelets and rings but wanted to hold onto the sentimental value behind them with versatile items that could be layered with other pieces and worn every day, says Frederick, who has been friends with Piccione since they were freshmen at Beachwood High School.
Piccione paid Frederick for the gold and used the credit to restore the diamonds – clean and polish them – and put them into a much trendier piece, Piccione says.
“She actually made a very cool necklace that was called a ‘Diamonds by the Inch,’ where there’s a single diamond going around each inch of the chain and it’s something she wears every day,” she says.
Piccione was pro cient in working with her budget and style, making it straightforward and special, Frederick says.
“Megan makes the process so simple and so easy, and she provides so many options,” Frederick says. “Not only is it an easy process, but she makes it feasible for whomever the person is. …She always is very accommodating and makes you feel at peace with what you’re creating. Whether it’s something from an heirloom or whether it’s something brand new.”
Above: Transforming heirloom jewelry is a unique way to honor grandparents while walking down the aisle Piccione says of jewelry she transformed into a necklace in the bride’s style. | Submitted photos
Left and above: Heirloom sapphire and diamond jewelry transformed by Piccione into pendant necklaces for a grandmother’s grandchildren’s b’nai mitzvahs.
SPOTLIGHT
J USTIN K ADIS & J ACKLYN R OBERSON
WEDDING DAY MAY 23, 2024
VILLA PIZZO IN CERNOBBIO, LAKE COMO, ITALY TODAY
AGES: 41 & 33
HOMETOWN: CLEVELAND
SYNAGOGUE: B’NAI JESHURUN CONGREGATION
Kristin Piteo, assisted by Tom Irwin
HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met on the dating app Bumble, and our rst date was dinner followed by a music show. At the time, Justin didn’t realize just how much I (Jackie) love music. The show ended up being very di erent from what we expected – there wasn’t much of a crowd, and we felt way older than everyone there – but we had a great time anyway. Looking back, that night felt symbolic of our relationship: no matter what’s happening around us, we always enjoy each other’s company.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER?
We’re a COVID couple, so a lot of our early relationship was spent getting to know each other at home while the world was on pause. Without the usual distractions of restaurants, events or big outings, we had the chance to really focus on each other. Whether it was cooking meals, binge-watching shows or just talking for hours, those quieter moments helped us build a strong foundation early on.
HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED?
4 1/2 years.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?
Justin: It wasn’t one big moment – it was all the little moments over the years that added up. We laugh together, we support each other and we share the same values. It just felt right, like we were building something solid and meaningful together.
Jackie: There wasn’t one de ning moment, but over time, it became clear that we were a great match. We get along so well, we have fun and we’re serious about the right things. We share the same values and goals, and the more time we spent together, the more it just felt like the perfect t.
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?
The site visits and food tastings were de nitely the highlight. Walking through the venue and imagining how everything would come together, combined with tasting the incredible food, allowed us to truly picture how special our wedding day would be. It was a chance to bring our vision to life and get excited about sharing it with the people we love.
WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP?
We were told that time would move incredibly quickly during the week and day of our wedding, and that turned out to be so true. The best advice we received was to take moments to re ect and soak it all in – it’s those little pauses that let you truly cherish the experience and carry it with you.
WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING OR PARTNERSHIP?
One of the most meaningful aspects of our wedding was how it brought our families together through Jewish traditions. From the signing of the ketubah to the Italian Jewish unity cord ceremony, our families played an active role in blessing our union.
Justin’s mom and sister signed the ketubah for me (Jackie), while my dad and brother signed as witnesses for Justin. During the unity cord tradition, our parents wrapped the cord around our hands as the rabbi gave a blessing, symbolizing the joining of our families. These traditions didn’t just honor our heritage – they created a powerful sense of connection between everyone present, making
the celebration feel even more personal and unique to us. And, of course, I (Jackie) was especially excited to dance the hora and get lifted in the chair! It was such a fun and lively moment, surrounded by all of our friends and family, and a memory we’ll never forget.
WHAT ELSE WAS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?
I come from a Catholic background, and Justin is Jewish, so it was important to us that our ceremony re ected both of our traditions. Rabbi Barbara (Aiello) did an incredible job creating a meaningful and inclusive ceremony that made both of our families feel comfortable and deeply involved. From honoring Jewish traditions like the ketubah and chuppah to embracing the spirit of unity, it was a beautiful celebration of love, faith and family.
PLANNING
Engagement: July 29, 2022
O ciant: Rabbi Barbara Aiello
Dress: Lihi Hod from Alice in Ivory in Chicago
Wedding rings: Gottlieb & Sons in Beachwood
Jewelry: Jackie wore Justin’s grandmother’s earrings and bracelet and her own grandmother’s bracelet
Hair/makeup: The Studio Como in Lake Como, Italy
Groom’s formalwear: Boglioli tuxedo from J3 Clothing Company in Moreland Hills
Bouquet/ owers/chuppah: Figli Dei Fiori in Como, Italy
Ketubah: Beka Wilk of Foreverie Paper
Photographer: Kristin Piteo, assisted by Tom Irwin
Videographer: Roma & Vera Khliustov of Romavera
Planner/consultant: Alessa Santa and Giulia Tarantino of White Emotion Events
Reception: Villa Pizzo
Cake/sweets/catering: AFM Banqueting
Rehearsal dinner: Hilton Lake Como
Invitations/stationery: Nicety Studio
Music/entertainment: Band and DJ: The Puppets; Pianist and singer: Max Sings; Lights and audio: La Bottega della Musica
Rentals: SOFI Design of Malgesso, Italy
Accommodations: Hilton Lake Como; Sheraton Lake Como; Hotel Asnigo
Registries: Multiple stores
Honeymoon: Ibiza and Barcelona, Spain; Crete and Athens, Greece
“The morning of our wedding began with rain, and we were encouraged to move the ceremony indoors. Determined to stick to our vision, we kept the chuppah on the terrace overlooking Lake Como, and the rain cleared just in time! With no chairs due to the weather, our guests stood together, creating an intimate and deeply connected atmosphere. The view, the unexpected clearing of the sky, and the feeling of being surrounded by our loved ones made it the most beautiful and unforgettable moment of our wedding.”
-Justin & Jacklyn
INCLUSIVE SIMCHAS
Professionals
share tips for helping students with disabilities celebrate b’nai mitzvahs
etting a child ready for their b’nai mitzvah requires intensive preparations. For parents of children with disabilities or challenges, the process may feel especially overwhelming and stressful, and can be di cult to decide where to begin.
However, as National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland and its panelists reminded parents and loved ones during a recent online discussion, help is out there and people want to see your child succeed in celebrating this important Jewish milestone.
The discussion, “The B’nai Mitzvah Process: Adapted + Individualized = Success,” was held virtually Jan. 28 – and remains available to watch online – through NCJW/Cleveland’s LiveSpecial project, which aims to help families identify resources for individuals with special needs and those who develop special needs.
It featured panelists Cantor Alyssa Rosenbaum from B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike; Dassi Shtern, director of special education and SEGULA at the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland in Cleveland Heights; and Rabbi Eddie Sukol from The Shul in Pepper Pike, and facilitators Ronna Kaplan, a retired music therapist, and Susan Ringel, a b’nai mitzvah and Hebrew teacher and tutor.
The group discussed how families can make a b’nai mitzvah celebration one that
By Ed Carroll
everyone can enjoy, and shared success stories they’ve experienced and challenges families could potentially face.
In that spirit of inclusion, Kaplan started the evening by pointing out that almost all words in Hebrew are gender-based, much like many other languages, but one of the few words that isn’t is simcha, the word for joy.
“Simcha is also a Hebrew name for people,” she said. “Almost all Hebrew words are gender-based, but Simcha is a name that is not gender-based because everyone deserves joy.”
Rosenbaum noted she only became an ordained cantor in 2021, and already has celebrated several b’nai mitzvahs with students with special circumstances.
“It just serves to show us all how
important it is to bring this to our awareness, that there are families out there that want to have experiences like this,” Rosenbaum said. “... One of the things that generally is true is that b’nai mitzvah, bar, bat mitzvah is something that happens automatically when a person comes of age. We make b’nai mitzvah ceremonies. We use those opportunities to celebrate this milestone in a young person’s life. And why shouldn’t we nd a way to celebrate that in a way that is unique and makes sense for whatever an individual student needs?”
Shtern said she’s had a number of students with language-based learning di culties, among other diagnoses, and there were ways to adapt the ceremony to match their strengths.
“Not every kid needs to (read the Torah),”
Speakers Rabbi Eddie Sukol, from top left, Ronna Kaplan and Dassi Shtern, bottom left, Susan Ringel and Cantor Alyssa Rosenbaum, discuss the b’nai mitzvah process for children with disabilities. | Photos / Screenshots
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she said. “You certainly do not have to read from the Torah in order to become a bar, bat mitzvah. ... I’ve had students who reading Torah was not going to be something that they had the right con dence or skill set for. So, we look to some other kinds of accomplishments or things that they could set as goals for themselves. But for a few of those families, that was something they really wanted –they wanted to at least try. And so, what we did was we really kind of leaned into the skills they did have.”
She cited an instance where a family designed a smaller service to accommodate a b’nai mitzvah where the students were able to memorize a section of the Torah by learning it almost like a song, note by note. The family also scheduled the service on a Monday, and not on Shabbat, to put less pressure on the students.
The ceremony doesn’t even necessarily need to be held in a synagogue, Sukol said. He
mentioned all that’s needed is a Sefer Torah and an ark, and recalled working with one student who wasn’t from the Cleveland area. The family’s synagogue was unable to accommodate the student’s needs for one reason or another.
“They were referred to me, and initially we spoke by phone and then Zoom,” Sukol said. “I conducted all of the lessons by Zoom, which was not so typical then. It became quite typical during COVID, but then it wasn’t. We just kind of step by step worked with them and gured out what would be appropriate for this individual bar mitzvah student. It meant modi cations in the service and it meant modi cations in the size of attendees and it meant modifying what is often done with a bar or bat mitzvah student in terms of their participation in the service. But we were able to bring in ... that student’s individual talents and give them an opportunity to shine and to use what’s part
of them in a Jewish setting, at an important event in their lives and an important simcha for them and their family.”
Ringel shared she uses adaptable worksheets to help her students learn the Torah portion. The worksheets include Hebrew writing, if the student can read it, as well as a transliteration in English and space underneath for the student to include their own. Some students want to change how the words are written or include pictures, which she encourages because the students can always start anew on another worksheet.
She also shared potential adaptations families can utilize for the service if a student’s needs call for them, including using larger font sizes, color coding or making a recording of the student performing the reading in a more comfortable setting, such as home.
A student doesn’t need to perform the ceremony at age 13 if they aren’t ready, Kaplan said.
She’s also had success teaching a student the end of a section, allowing someone else to begin it and have the student come in for the grand nale.
“If a student stands in front of an open Torah, then they’ve become bar or bat mitzvah,” Ringel said. “If they can do one line, then that’s the accomplishment.”
Ringel also reminded attendees of three important things they may forget.
“This is this individual’s b’nai mitzvah – not that of older siblings or cousins or anyone else,” she said. “Parents or caregivers, you know the child better than anybody. What is their learning style? What works for them? Be sure to keep the lines of communication open with the clergy, with the tutor, with whoever is working with the student toward the ceremony, the service.”
To view the discussion, visit bit.ly/4hqbnNb
Susan Ringel shares an adaptable worksheet to help students learn their Torah portion.
YOUREVENTISOUREVENT YO YOUR EVENT IS OUUR EVENNT
SPOTLIGHT
S ARI R OSENBLATT
BAT MITZVAH: DEC. 7, 2024
CEREMONY: B’NAI JESHURUN CONGREGATION
CELEBRATION: CANTERBURY GOLF CLUB, BEACHWOOD
OFFICIANT: RABBI HAL RUDIN-LURIA
PLANNER: NOTEWORTHY EVENTS
DJ: ROCK THE HOUSE
AGE: 13
HOMETOWN: PEPPER PIKE
SCHOOL: GROSS SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL
Mariana Edelman Photography & Design
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE DAY?
Sari: The best part of the day was walking into the celebration venue and seeing all the decorations. I loved celebrating with all of my friends and family.
Brooke Lampl, mother: Watching Sari be surrounded by all the people she loves and cares about was the best part of the day. She has an incredible community of people who care about her.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUNG ADULTS PREPARING FOR THEIR B’NAI MITZVAHS?
Sari: When you are leading the service, try not to be nervous and try to enjoy the moment. It is fun!
YOUR PARTY QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY EXPERTS
By Lydia Kacala
Specialists answer etiquette questions to help party goers, celebrants
When planning for major life event celebrations, situations can arise that may be di cult to navigate. However, to get to the big day and ensure everything runs smoothly, these situations must be considered and handled thoughtfully.
To help with those tricky questions this party season, Celebrations spoke with some local event planning professionals to seek their advice on some of the biggest issues guests and celebrants run into.
Ryan Harmon, director of sales at Lasting Impressions in Cleveland, and Denise Rosby, owner and event planner at Annie Rose Events, LLC in New Albany, o er their opinions on ve etiquette questions. Their responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.
My cousin is having a destination wedding abroad next year. While I’d love to go, I’m not sure it’s how I want to be spending my money. How do I justify either spending so much or skipping it?
Harmon: I think the rst thing is, when people decide to have a destination wedding, they’re very well aware that not every guest
that they invite is going to be able to attend – whether for time o of work, which is a big one, but also the nancial burden that it could put on someone. If the expense of attending that wedding is a burden on you, I think it’s important to prioritize your budget and the rest of your life and opt not to go. If it’s your cousin, your close-knit cousin, have that conversation. Just be overly candid with them and let them know that you’ve considered it, but you have constraints because of a nancial or time commitment and are unable to attend due to those. Let them know that you’re supportive of their marriage and you hope to see them when they come back – maybe have a nice, small dinner upon their return to show your support for them. Find a unique way to celebrate their special day.
Rosby: Honesty is always the key in all relationships, all friendships and all family. Be honest with yourself – can you spend the money and if you do, will you regret it? And if you cannot spend the money and if it’s too much of a stress, just call your cousin up and say, ‘Listen, as much as I love you, I am not able to attend.’ Then, give them a nice card, give them a nice gift. I think it’s better than having frustration in the future, especially with family.
Photos Hannah Cessna Photography
Harmon
Photo courtesy: Mariana Edelman Photography
Photo courtesy: Brooklyn Media
Photo courtesy: Mariana Edelman Photography
Photo courtesy: Mariana Edelman Photography
My son’s bar mitzvah is coming up and I’d like to invite friends of ours who are in the process of getting divorced. We are family friends with both members of the divorcing couple and would like to have them both there but realize that might be awkward or they may not both want to come. How do I navigate inviting them both and showing respect during their di cult time?
Harmon: This is a one-time, couple-hour event that they’re navigating. There are other milestones and other events they’re going to be navigating together. You have to have some sympathy, empathy and understanding. Express that you would like them both to attend and let them know that you’ve invited both. I think being very transparent and upfront and managing expectations is huge in this situation. Let them know that their presence is welcome, but also if they choose not to come, it won’t be held against them.
Let them know the reason they’re being invited is not to mend fences at that event or have some drawn-out war, but to celebrate your son’s bar mitzvah. Mitzvahs, there are usually hundreds of people, so they’re not going to be right on top of one another.
Rosby: I’m going back to honesty. Just be honest with both parties – invite them both and tell them, “You are both our friends, you are both connected to us, I’m inviting you both.” That is not their problem, that is not their situation. Their situation is that they’re (both your) friends, and I would just navigate it that way. It’s really the responsibility of the divorced couple to show respect at the event. Be honest, and that removes you from that stress of trying to people please and be in the center of any stress. It’s (your child’s) special day and it’s not fair to put that stress on someone.
I’m a bridesmaid in a wedding in Detroit, and the same weekend I was invited to another wedding in Philadelphia. I am attending the one I am in the wedding party for, but I’m bummed I’m missing another friend’s wedding and wondering if I should take that into account when buying a gift? Should I spend more because I’m missing it, or less because they’re not paying for my attendance?
Harmon: It depends on your relationship with that friend. If it’s a closer friend, you might take a little more consideration with the amount of money you spend. If there’s a meaningful gift or something that really relates to the couple, that, I think, speaks more than the dollar amount. Gifts, the sentiment behind them and being thoughtful far outweighs any amount of money you can spend. Again, you can do something with them if you meet up with them, whether they come to your city or you go to their city. There are de nitely ways to do things post-wedding, but I don’t think that you should spend more or spend less because of that. You should just really nd something that is within your budget, within your means, and is still heartfelt and sentimental.
Rosby: You don’t need to spend more if you’re not attending it. Everyone loves to get a gift and (you) can put a nice note in the card and say, ‘Hey, I’m so sorry. I’ve already had a prior commitment.’ Keeping her commitment is key. Make a special note and give her something o her registry. The happy couple is going to always remember where they got the gift from, not how much they spent.
What is the etiquette for requesting songs during the party? I love making recommendations and dancing to them, but don’t want to overwhelm the DJ or ask them to play something the hosts feel is inappropriate.
Harmon: A part of an event, a wedding especially, is that dancing element. Most couples are going to hire a DJ that they feel comfortable with, who knows how to work a crowd, who knows how to get that energy going. A lot of times there’s a standard
playlist that DJs have for a speci c type of event, so a wedding or a mitzvah, and those are crowd-pumping anthems. And, a lot of times a couple is giving their ‘do not play lists’ to the DJ, as well. So, I think keeping that in mind, there are going to be certain songs that you request that the DJ has been told by the party host not to play for a variety of reasons. Typically, go up to the DJ and ask how they would like you to request a song and then request it in that fashion, but don’t be bummed if it’s not the next song or something played at all or if it’s mixed into a di erent song. The DJ is working that energy and reading the room, and keep in mind that not every song you request and not every version of every song request is going to be something that the DJ is either able to access or able to play. And, your three-minute song, while it’s important to you, there’s going to be how many hours of dancing and other songs to be played.
Rosby: Every couple is di erent. Sometimes, a couple will say they do not take requests from the guests. Oftentimes, a couple will have a “do not play list” and then a “yes” playlist. We go through all of that during the planning. They will write it down and send it to the DJ so the DJ will know.
If they do not allow taking requests, which is easiest, the DJ will have to say, “Oh, I’m not able to play that.” So it’s easiest to not take requests, but oftentimes they do, and it’s fun and it gets the crowd out there. The guest can go up to the DJ and say, ‘Hey, I’d like to make a request.’ The DJ’s responsibility is to say, ‘Listen, we do not take requests at this time,’ or ‘Hey, perfect, that will work.’ It’s really up to the couple if they allow requests or not.
How do you actually enforce a phone-free celebration? We are very sure we want no phones out or cellphone photos taken during a family ceremony in a few months, but whenever I see this rule on invitations, people are still on their phones – like they’ve forgotten or just don’t care. Is there a way to properly initiate this rule and enforce it as politely as possible?
Harmon: The direction that we’re going into in today’s world is everyone wants to get instantaneous information. They want to be able to share that instantaneous information and create kind of that buzz on their social feeds, but I understand where a couple would be wanting to put that in place. Obviously, being transparent, managing expectations, putting on the invitation, and on the day of the ceremony on the directionals to the actual ceremony area, having a small sign that states that same sentiment. Maybe it’s also listed on the program, but before the wedding takes place, have the o ciant just gently remind everyone in a polite fashion that this is a no-tech ceremony.
There are di erent things you can rent where you can have attendees put their phone in a sleeve. They can hold onto it – the little sleeve is locked so they can’t access it – and then upon the end of the ceremony, you can have a sta member, whether from the venue or from the planning side of it, unlock those pouches.
Rosby: In all honesty, what I’m going to tell you, is the answer is really no. I have done over 200 weddings and there is no way to get everyone to completely comply. You just have to be patient. We can make announcements, they can have signs, but there’s always that one person. Sometimes, that one person will even stand with their phone even after the o ciant has said, “Hey, this is a phonefree ceremony.” This is the
situation and it’s frowned upon, but what can you do? As a wedding planner, I’m not going to walk down the aisle and tap them on the shoulder – unless they are being invasive, unless they are blocking a view – but I’m not going to tap them on the shoulder and say, “I’m sorry,
would you put that away?”
It’s very di cult because oftentimes the weddings are big – 200, 300 people – and you just don’t know, but it’s proper etiquette that if you are asked to not have your phone out, that you put your phone away. Sometimes, you
have a wonderful person who’s leading the wedding and they will say, ‘OK, everyone, get out your phones right now, take a picture, and then put it away.’ Most of the time, people really do respect the wishes of the couple, but it’s so di cult for everybody to comply.
Table settings for a celebration dinner by Lasting Impressions.
Photos by MARIANA EDELMAN PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
S AMANTHA E NGLANDER & N ORA B RYAN
WEDDING DAY
SEPT. 1, 2024
HINES HILL AT CUYAHOGA VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, PENINSULA TODAY
AGES: 38 & 36
HOMETOWN: UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS
Darling Rose Photography
HOW DID YOU MEET?
We met online. We were supposed to meet for co ee but the spot we chose had some kind of in uencer super-event that day so we pivoted to a tap house where we ended up closing the place down. We talked for hours, though it felt like minutes, and we both knew right away that we’d met someone special.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER?
Even though at rst it seems like we have highly disparate interests – I (Nora) am a lawyer who loves to read and Sam works in tech and plays ve instruments – it turns out we both are highly curious about each other’s interests, with Sam nding herself engrossed in a new crime thriller every week and I am discovering one of my favorite weekend activities, hearing the Cleveland Orchestra.
HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED?
About 3 years.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?
Samantha: When she met my family! I knew she was nervous because my family is very important to me and I really value their opinions, but it meant the world to me that she understood that and wanted to make a good impression. Obviously she didn’t have to try at all, and they knew she was family within minutes.
Nora: I hate to echo Sam’s answer, but it was absolutely when she met my family. My family has always been the most important part of my life and Sam went above and beyond in getting to know them and understand the bond we all share. Now, they like her more than me!
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?
Setting time aside for us to tackle a project together that would be a re ection of us, our love and what we consider a good time. Oh, and cake tasting.
WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP?
Someone told us to plan the wedding we wanted to attend, not the wedding we thought others wanted to attend, and to make sure we had fun because that’s what others nd fun. That was such great advice. Also, make sure your hora chairs have arm rests!
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?
This is boring, but no, actually. I guess you could say we sacri ced our initial budget.
WHAT ELSE WAS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?
We designed all of our own materials, from invitations to programs to signage. This saved us some money, but mostly allowed us to express ourselves how we wanted and feel like we owned every element of the day.
PLANNING
Engagement: May 27, 2023
O ciant: Alyse Paridon, best friend of Nora
Wedding colors: All of them
Dresses: Sam’s dress was custom designed and gifted by friend Trisha Stacks. Nora’s dress was from Park & Fifth.
Wedding rings: Automic Gold, a queer-owned jeweler based in New York specializing in ethical sourcing
Jewelry: Various Etsy nds, and a couple family heirlooms: Sam’s grandmother’s wedding ring, and her grandfather’s fraternity ring
Hair: Mallory Horan
Makeup: Natalie Marignoni
Bouquet/ owers: Tallulah in Bloom
Chuppah: The LaChance Family
Photographer: Darling Rose Photography
Videographer/music/entertainment: The DJ Crew
Planner/consultant: Hannah Winkler Weddings
Reception: Hines Hill at Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Cake/sweets: The West Side Bakery
Catering: Spice Catering Co.
Rehearsal dinner: Mission BBQ, catered to our rental house at the national park
Invitations/stationery: Self-designed
Accommodations: Courtyard by Marriott
Registry: Zola
Honeymoon: Cancun, Mexico
Extras: Katherine Gwynn was the best attendant to our one and only wedding party: our dog, Nigel. Corkscrew Johnny’s supplied the ingredients to make our dream signature cocktails a reality.
AKT Rentals was clutch with lawn games. And Alex at Sword Furs was a dream tailor, turning our dresses into timeless gowns that left us feeling so beautiful.
“We were so lucky to be gifted a handmade chuppah from our dear family friends, the LaChance family. It had so many elements that made it uniquely ours, including wood-burnt imagery to honor our loved ones who are no longer with us, hooks for draping the tallis Sam’s grandmother gifted to her on her bat mitzvah day, and a rainbow detail to celebrate our journey to finding love against life’s headwinds. The structure continues to be a place of reflection and refuge in our yard, and served as our sukkah the first Sukkot after our wedding. We were so honored to get married under such a special chuppah.”
-Samantha & Nora
•
Photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography
FASHION Red Romance
By Amanda Koehn
Incorporating romantic red elements into your wedding creates a timeless ambiance that radiates love. Start with a classic, romantic gown – or even one with subtle red accents such as embroidered oral designs or a cascading ombre train. For a bold statement, consider a red gown that exudes con dence and drama. Accessories like ruby jewelry, red heels or a crimson bouquet tie the theme together.
Extend the romantic theme into your decor with lush oral arrangements of roses, peonies or ranunculus in varying shades of red. Pair them with candles, gold accents or soft white tones for a warm and elegant look. Tablescapes can feature red linens, charger plates or centerpieces that blend crimson with touches of greenery for balance. For lighting, opt for soft, ambient options like string lights or lanterns. A red aisle runner, velvet lounge furniture or even a signature red cocktail can further carry the theme throughout the day. And to make a grand statement, consider a red wedding cake with intricate detailing or oral accents.
Photo / Andrea Hallgren Photography / andreahallgrenphotography.com
Above left: Clara gown by Julie Vino with stretch satin gloves from Essense of Australia, all from Radiant Bride.
Above right: Frida gown by Toni Federici from Brides by the Falls in Chagrin Falls.
Right: Heart-themed rings from SheRocks Diamonds at sherocksdiamonds.com.
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FASHION
Clockwise from top left: Coco gown by Pen Liv from Radiant Bride in Rocky River; Vintage-inspired ruby and diamond ring from IMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst; Francesca gown by Toni Federici with bold red oral and jewelry accents from Brides by the Falls; Inside outside set ruby and diamond yellow and white gold earring hoops, 2.94 total carat in ruby and .99 in diamond from IMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst; Red and romantic jewelry from SheRocks Diamonds at sherocksdiamonds.com.
FASHION
Retro Callbacks
By Amanda Koehn
Adding retro elements to your wedding can evoke a charming sense of nostalgia and pay homage to beloved styles of the past. Start with a vintageinspired gown with a silhouette that re ects a bygone era, created with feminine details like lace, bows or tulle. Consider incorporating a handeddown veil or headpiece, along with timeless accents such as long gloves and pearl jewelry.
Extend the retro vibe to the decor with era-speci c colors – jewel tones for a 1920s look, soft pastels for a 1950s theme, or bold, funky combinations for a 1970s aesthetic. Vintage furniture, mismatched china and nostalgic lighting can further set the scene. And, ask your photographer to capture some vintage-style photos to remember the day in retro elegance for decades to come.
Clockwise from top left: An assortment of retro-style rings from SheRocks Diamonds at sherocksdiamonds.com; Style 1823 by Martina Liana from Brides by the Falls in Chagrin Falls; Vintage diamond watches with opal and onyx from IMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst; Photo by Andrea Hallgren Photography / andreahallgrenphotography.com
FASHION
Clockwise from top left: Gold and diamond bracelet totaling 7.80 carats from IMG Jewelers; Retro-style diamond ring from SheRocks Diamonds at sherocksdiamonds.com; Tessa gown by Enaura from Brides by the Falls; Style 1704 by Martina Liana from Radiant Bride; The Chrissy gown by Pen Liv, part of the Enzoani Collective, with a removable corsage at the back waist, from Radiant Bride in Rocky River.
SPOTLIGHT
B LAKE F RIEDMAN
BAR MITZVAH: JAN. 4, 2025
CEREMONY: CONGREGATION MISHKAN OR CELEBRATION: CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
OFFICIANT: RABBI ROGER KLEIN
AGE: 13
HOMETOWN: SHAKER HEIGHTS
SCHOOL: SHAKER HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Kim Ponsky Photography
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF THE DAY?
Blake: Beginning my transition to Jewish adulthood is important to me. I enjoyed being able to share what I learned about my Torah portion with my friends and family.
Jamie and Larry Friedman, parents: Knowing how much Blake’s bar mitzvah meant to him, the best part of the day was watching Blake conduct a service, read from the Torah and present his d’var Torah. We also had a wonderful time celebrating this joyous occasion with our family and friends.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER YOUNG ADULTS PREPARING FOR THEIR B’NAI MITZVAHS?
Practice your Hebrew, and if you want to learn more about your Torah portion, search online.
VENUES ARE VITAL
SELECTING THE RIGHT LOCATION CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE FOR YOUR CELEBRATION
By Amy Richards
Creating a memorable b’nai mitzvah or wedding begins with picking the perfect venue to meet your needs. Celebrations spoke with leaders of a few local venues who o er unique and exciting elements to any celebration. The rst, in University Circle, began as a Gothic mansion. The second, near downtown Willoughby, was originally a country estate. The third, in Madison, is a working farm on a vast property that once served as a popular Boy Scout camp. Having your simcha at any of these distinctive settings would make for a special occasion that you and your guests will never forget.
GLIDDEN HOUSE
Glidden House is located in the heart of University Circle in a 1910 French Gothic style mansion built by the Glidden Paint family. Many of the original features of the mansion home have been maintained, including the parlor and the library, and Glidden House is included on the National Register of Historic Places.
It has a large indoor space for both ceremonies and receptions and lovely outdoor gardens featuring a gazebo to use as a romantic backdrop for outdoor ceremonies. General Manager Tom Farinacci says, “The indoor space, the Juniper Room, has operational windows on three sides, bringing the outdoors, indoors. The room is neutral, allowing for any color theme to look beautiful.”
STANDING ROCK FARMS
Glidden House can accommodate 150 guests, and has 52 guestrooms and eight suites for out-of-town attendees, or those that just don’t want to drive home. Guests that stay over could spend some time visiting the world-renowned gems of University Circle, including wonderful museums, parks and restaurants. Although the hotel has been open since 1989, the current event space was built in 2016.
Farinacci says that “our sales team is experienced in all aspects of an array of event types and will take the client from initial contact to the day of the function. We also have on-site coordinators to make sure each event goes o perfectly.”
Glidden House will provide a list of approved outside caterers with varying price points.
Farinacci adds, “Each caterer is well-versed in creating a custom menu for each event.”
In addition, there are kosher options available.
WILLOUGHBY HOUSE
Willoughby House is located three blocks from the center of downtown Willoughby on 4.3 exquisitely landscaped acres. It is the result of a two-year-long restoration and renovation of the 20,000-square-foot sandstone country estate built in the NeoGothic style in 1902 by the Van Gorder family.
Co-owner Mike Neundorfer says, “Our historic venue is elegant, warm and intimate. It o ers an Inn (opened in May 2023) with 10 beautifully appointed suites, an upscale restaurant, called Julia’s 1902 (opened in April 2024), including a beautiful bar, and a lovely, exible event space.”
According to Neundorfer, “Each of our 10 guest suites is unique, and decorated tastefully and comfortably, with all modern amenities.” The rst- oor facility can host up to 130 guests. By including the secondoor event room, which can accommodate 40 guests, the total number can include 170 guests.” Neundorfer emphasizes that their event spaces “feel like rooms in a ne home,” but include “the latest technology for entertainment.”
He adds, “Our guests rave about the comfortable but elegant historic décor and the ne cuisine prepared by Chef Jose Coronado, formerly of Felice Urban Café and co-owner of Julia’s 1902.”
According to Neundorfer, “Our delicious food is prepared with fresh, local ingredients and although we don’t have a kosher kitchen, we can meet a wide range of dietary requirements, including vegan, vegetarian, and non-dairy requests.”
In addition, Neundorfer states that “the event planning and support team, including our event manager, Chef Jose, and bar sta , seek to understand each host’s objectives and then plan for and execute the event with extraordinary skill and hospitality.”
STANDING ROCK FARMS
Located in Ohio’s Grand River Valley, Standing Rock Farms was established in 1930 as Camp Stigwandish by the Boy Scouts of America. Operations Manager Laura Toprani explains that “in 2020, the owners acquired the 352-acre property, transforming it into a vibrant farm featuring organic ower elds, vegetable and herb gardens, and thriving honeybee populations. Home to Scottish Highland cattle and a ourishing oriculture program, Standing Rock Farms o ers two unique wedding venues, the Flower Farm and the Barrel Room.”
The Flower Farm, originally a commercial ower drying facility, o ers 12,000 square feet of versatile space featuring unique reclaimed corral fence wood accent walls and tables crafted from wood harvested on-site. Large glass doors connect indoor and outdoor spaces, “allowing nature’s beauty to ow into the event.” It can accommodate 350 guests. There is a private bridal suite, a full catering kitchen, a 40-foot bar, views of the indoor wild ower grow room and a covered patio with multiple outdoor re tables.
According to Toprani, it “is a perfect mix of countryside elegance and contemporary sophistication.” The Flower Farm also includes a “rustic yet elegant” barn with oor-to-ceiling windows that might be the perfect place to hold your ceremony. The barn is equipped with modern lighting,
GLIDDEN HOUSE
live-edge bench seating, Wi-Fi and Sonos systems, and is temperature controlled. The farm’s Carriage House includes a honeymoon suite.
If you are looking for something more rustic, their Barrel Room venue features an open bowstring truss roof, an intimate 4,000-square-foot layout, and “a cozy yet re ned setting” where 100 guests can be accommodated. Large glass doors open to a 1,600 square foot patio with beautiful
nature views. It includes a caterer’s kitchen, full-service bar, Wi-Fi and indoor/outdoor speakers, and a bridal suite equipped with styling stations and a groom’s suite with a full bar, games, and a 70-inch TV. Standing Rock Farms collaborates with a diverse range of caterers, o ering a wide array of dining options, including bu et, family-style, or plated meals, and partners with Preferred Kosher Catering to o er kosher dining options.
WILLOUGHBY HOUSE
MAKING
Mocktails
Consider adding these nonalcoholic drinks to your celebration menu
By KIrsten Beard
Looking to add something to your next Jewish celebration – how about a mocktail.
Marigold Catering + Events in Cleveland can help you nd the right choice when it comes to what mocktails – those nonalcoholic drinks – to add to the menu that will boost the vibe at your next event.
“We love to add a mocktail as a specialty drink to the soda bar at mitzvah’s for something fun for the kids to enjoy,”
Melissa Marik, CEO of Marigold Catering + Events, said. “These are always a big hit!”
Marik said Marigold Catering + Events is a full-service catering and event company specializing in weddings, bar/ bat mitzvahs, and corporate and social events that has been in business for 28 years, serving Northeast Ohio. Its exclusive venues include Tenk West Bank, Red Space, Cleveland Botanical Gardens, all in Cleveland, and Bellavie, which is set to open in the spring in the former 700 Beta Conference Center location at 700 Beta Drive in May eld.
Marik added that in addition to its exclusive venues, Marigold Catering + Events is the preferred caterer in
JOLLY RANCHER
MOCKTAIL
• 2 oz. Jolly Rancher simple syrup
• .75 oz lemon juice
• Soda water or Sprite
• Ice
• Gummy bear garnish
about 20 other locations and has the capabilities to cater at residences or any other location of choice.
“At Marigold, we strive to deliver a truly unique and memorable experience from start to nish,” Marik said. “We’re not a big operation that churns out cookie-cutter parties, but we’re also not a small shop that lacks the resources to ensure your event runs smoothly. We are right in the middle. Our dedicated event team will provide you with personal attention to guide you through the event planning process.”
From o ering customizable menus in addition to wedding and corporate packages, Marigold Catering + Events will handle everything from food and beverage, including a full bar, to sta ng and event rentals.
“We believe that catering is more than just food on a plate and we measure our success by the personal connections we create and invest ourselves completely in the happiness of our clients and guests,” Marik said.
Marik shared two popular mocktail recipes that can help boost your next event.
Submitted photos
STRAWBERRY AND MINT MOJITO
MOCKTAIL
• 4 strawberries
• 4 mint sprigs
• 1 lime
• Soda water
• Add in juice of 1 lime
• Fill the glass with ice
• Top with soda water
• Muddle the strawberries and mint together
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E MILY S CHULTZ & K YLE S CHLESSINGER
WEDDING DAY
SEPT. 1, 2024
BASIL PLACE, CHARDON TODAY
AGES: 24 & 26
HOMETOWN: BEACHWOOD
SYNAGOGUES: JEWISH FAMILY EXPERIENCE AND B’NAI JESHURUN CONGREGATION
Diana Galay Photography
HOW DID YOU MEET?
I (Emily) started at a new school, and he was the rst boy to catch my eye. It took two years before we ended up in the same class and started hanging out. From there, it was like the universe aligned, and we were meant to be. Fast forward, and here we are – high school sweethearts, building our forever.
DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER?
When we were rst getting to know each other, we found out that we share each other’s half birthdays. We both just looked at each other, amazed. It felt like one of those little signs that we were meant to cross paths.
HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED?
Almost 8 years.
WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?
Kyle: From the moment I met Emily, something just felt di erent –like I had found the person I was meant to be with. Being with her has always felt natural, and I knew early on that she was the one. In 2021, when we had just bought our rst home together, it felt like the perfect time to take the next step. We had been talking nonstop about getting married. A year later, in 2022, I proposed in one of our favorite places to travel to, Los Angeles.
Emily: From the moment I met Kyle, it felt like I had known him forever. Everything between us was e ortless, like we had already crossed paths in another life. Our connection has always been deep. He’s my yin to my yang, my feeling of home. When you nd that kind of soul connection, you just know – and I think, deep down, I knew from the very rst moment.
WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?
De nitely watching my (Emily’s) vision come to life, from meeting with the vendors to seeing all the details come together. It was a lot of hard work, but seeing my vintage garden theme bloom and having our favorite people all in one place made it all worth it. The day was lled with love, laughter and happy tears, marking a magical beginning to our next chapter.
WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP?
A year ago, someone shared advice that Kyle and I (Emily) now live by: let go, trust that things will work out and have fun. This mindset goes beyond just weddings – it’s something we apply to life in general. Our strong faith in God has played a huge role in helping us embrace this perspective. We’re so grateful for where we are today.
WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING OR PARTNERSHIP?
The mikvah! It was such a beautiful, spiritual experience for both of us and we’re so glad we decided to do it.
PLANNING
Engagement: Aug. 8, 2022
O ciant: Rabbi Joshua Caruso of Congregation Mishkan Or Wedding colors: Pastels
Dress: KR Bridal & Tailoring
Wedding rings: Alson Jewelers in Woodmere
Jewelry: Anthropologie
Shoes: Bella Belle
Hair: Janine Lydic
Makeup: Jane Polshcha from Jein P Studio
Groom’s formalwear: Ticknors
Bouquet/ owers/chuppah: Cleveland Florist Co.
Ketubah: Etsy
Photographer: Diana Galay Photography
Videographer: Day Dream Films
Planner/consultant: Rachelle Shawel
Reception: Basil Place in Chardon
Cake/sweets/catering: Preferred Kosher Catering
Rehearsal dinner: Pinstripes at Pinecrest in Orange
Music/entertainment: Cleveland Music Group
Registries: Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Etsy and Anthropologie
Honeymoon: Hawaii (Kauai, O’ahu, Maui)
“One of the most incredible moments of my wedding was standing there, holding Kyle’s hands, and just feeling everything around us, the people, the love in the air, the energy of it all. It wasn’t just about the vows, it was this unexplainable feeling of being completely in the moment, like the world had slowed down for just a second. The atmosphere, the decor, the music, the laughter – it was exactly the kind of magic I always hoped to feel.”
-Emily
KOSHER CONNOISSEUR
Landerhaven eyes expanded o erings to attract b’nai mitzvahs, Jewish weddings
By Lillie Askari
Chris Hodgson, president of Driftwood Restaurants and Catering, says that Driftwood’s 90,000-squarefoot Landerhaven event space is focusing 2025 on celebrating the Jewish community – kosher-style.
“There was a need for kosher, and there was a need for a venue and a di erent style of kosher,” Hodgson, who grew up attending b’nai mitzvahs at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven – the event space’s predecessor owned by Harlan Diamond, says. “And so we spent the winter (of 2023-24) considering it,”
With an investment of more than
$50,000 dedicated to new kosher plates, silverware and utensils, and upgrades to the on-site, kosher kitchen, Hodgson says Landerhaven is ready to grow its kosher service with a “heavy focus” on hosting b’nai mitzvahs and Jewish weddings.
Hodgson also said he hopes to turn heads with a newly-curated, contemporary style of kosher food at Landerhaven at 6111 Landerhaven Drive in May eld Heights.
“We wanted to be more of a contemporary kosher cuisine, and so you’ll see more international avors come in,” Hodgson says, citing that the expansion of dairy and meat substitutes increase “our ability to make kosher food unique, di erent, creative and more chef-centric.”
Hodgson says with more access to a variety of new kosher ingredients – like several variations of vegan cheese - about 90% of Landerhaven menus can now be translated into kosher menus, including Indian, Japanese, Nigerian and Chinese cuisines.
“So our ability to actually make (meals) that don’t scream that they’re kosher has grown signi cantly,” Hodgson says.
According to Hodgson, quality produce and kosher meat, paired with attention to detail, are also key to kosher success, “so we go looking for the best product that we can possibly nd.”
Rabbis oversee and monitor everything, from food delivery to prepping, cooking and serving kosher meals.
Above left: Landerhaven can create kosher desserts, like this kosher lemon tart with mascarpone cheese, white chocolate and candied lemon. Above right: Driftwood Restaurants and Catering president Chris Hodgson says Landerhaven procures top-quality kosher meat, like this oven roast chicken with baby beets, ngerling potatoes and asparagus with a roast chicken demi sauce. Below: Rabbis oversee everything from deliveries to prep to cooking for items including this kosher tomato and mozzarella salad with heirloom tomatoes, pickled shallot, balsamic pearls and baby mozzarella cheese. Opposite page: Driftwood president Chris Hodgson says that newer kosher ingredients have enabled Landerhaven’s menu to expand, including entrees such as kosher whole roast cauli ower with marcona almond herb puree.
“There (are no) ingredients that go in the kitchen without (a rabbi’s) blessing,” Hodgson says.
Driftwood Catering items – which are prepared at Landerhaven – can travel to just about anywhere and transport food in kosher hot boxes and kosher coolers, Hodgson says.
Landerhaven has multiple kitchens serving its three ballrooms that can be split into six event spaces, but the kosher kitchen with its own dishwashers and updated ovens can be locked o and is restricted when non-kosher and kosher events occur on the same night, Hodgson says.
Hodgson, who grew up in Shaker Heights, and Driftwood partner and CEO Scott Kuhn wanted to maintain Landerhaven’s legacy and name, when they purchased it in 2021 from Diamond, the innovative caterer of Cleveland with a strong reputation, Hodgson says, adding that Diamond, who died Feb. 27 at 90, was ready to retire and Driftwood needed the facility, when the parties entered into negotiations.
“You know, you can go anywhere in the country, and if people have been to Cleveland, they’ve probably been to Landerhaven,” he says. “And so, that was really important for us to be anchored down in a community we were familiar with, and to have a have a legacy that we had to carry on.”
Hodgson says he and Kuhn make a good pair, with Hodgson being a culinary creative and Kuhn an “operations person,” who met and became friends about 14 years ago.
In addition to Landerhaven, Driftwood owns ve restaurants: Bin 216, Cibreo, Green Rooster Farms, Republic Food and Drink and the Welsh eld Inn and runs concessions, including at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland.
While running a thriving catering and event business has not been without challenges and costs, including increased prices due to in ation and advertising expenditures, the employees have helped the business thrive, Hodgson says.
“There’s very few restaurant groups that didn’t just survive, but thrive during COVID, and that’s nothing short of the people that we had working with us,” he says, noting that his employees are like family and, when in a pinch, they can bring their children to work.
Hodgson says Driftwood looks forward to Landerhaven’s next chapter.
“We’re just reaching back out to the community, becoming a part of it again,” he says. “It’s important, and as the world is changing and shifting, it’s just important that we all have good relationships and can support each other, and that’s what I think we need.”
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From the chuppah to your home, celebrate life’s most precious moments with gifts that tell a story. Whether you’re selecting a wedding gift or building your registry, select heirlooms that will be cherished for generations.
