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Lindsey Beckwith Photography
Amy Galon Photography
Mara Geller and Joseph Hendlin share a special moment on their wedding day on New Year’s Eve, 2023. Their ceremony was at Crimson & Clover Events and dinner was at Zhug, both in Cleveland Heights. Story on Page 28.
David Swidrak / SWIDRAK & CO.
Genevieve Nisly Photography
Lindsey Beckwith Photography
Amy Galon Photography
Mara Geller and Joseph Hendlin share a special moment on their wedding day on New Year’s Eve, 2023. Their ceremony was at Crimson & Clover Events and dinner was at Zhug, both in Cleveland Heights. Story on Page 28.
David Swidrak / SWIDRAK & CO.
Genevieve Nisly Photography
IFROM THE EDITOR
Personal touches for the big day
n this fall 2024 issue of Jstyle Weddings, a special focus developed on nding unique ways to bring your personal style, background and taste into the wedding day
With weddings, there is always a line to toe between creating a timeless, romantic and classic vision while also incorporating more fun and personal pieces. Generations ago, that standard, classic wedding scene was expected – likely in uenced by the fact that people often got married younger and may not have known each other very long before the wedding. Today, as couples increasingly get married older and have years of traditions, experiences and memories together before marrying, there’s a real sense of history and mutual interests to show o through their weddings. They may have pets, mutual hobbies, memorable vacations, family and friend connections, and diverse cultural traditions all to display on the big day.
So, in 2024, I’ll say it: you can have it both ways – classic, romantic and charming, and also a distinctive wedding that shows o your more idiosyncratic values and personalities.
their family danced around them and swept the oor with brooms, symbolizing his parents sweeping their house clean of children as their last child got married.
For Mara Geller and Joseph Hendlin, after their planned wedding in Israel was canceled just after the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks and the ensuing war, they chose an intimate ceremony and dinner here in Northeast Ohio. They selected Zhug in Cleveland Heights for the wedding dinner, which suited them perfectly for a small party and reminded them of Tel Aviv.
Lauren Borstein and Garret Ohringer’s personalized touches included a family heirloom passed down for generations, as well as using long, connected tables at the reception, hoping to create new friendships between wedding guests (which was indeed successful, they tell Jstyle Weddings).
And, Etamar Levy and Ilana Borstein –Lauren’s sister, as we were fortunate to spotlight both their weddings in this issue – also had some very special pieces to their wedding. As Etamar is from Israel, they included traditions consider how you (or an engaged couple close to you) can incorporate your interests and the special people and creatures in your lives into your celebrations. And, if there’s a unique way you are doing so, Jstyle Weddings would love editor@
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VOL. 148 NO. 35
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Etiquette EXPLAINED
Wedding professionals answer your biggest questions in preparation for the big day
By Lydia Kacala
Photo by Genevieve Nisly Photography
n the midst of wedding season – typically from late spring to early fall – questions may arise as to how to go about certain scenarios popping up during the months leading up to the big day.
Following the “rules” of wedding etiquette may help you gure out what to do when faced with a problem you’re unsure how to handle. However, how can you follow the rules if it’s unclear what they are?
To help those planning weddings and those invited to attend the celebrations, Jstyle Weddings spoke with two local event planning professionals and presented some of our readers’ big questions. Whitney Neidus, general manager at StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights, and Chelsea Dettorre, senior event planner at A Charming Fête in Westlake, share their opinions on ve etiquette questions. Their responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Am I required to make a registry for my wedding? There’s nothing we really need, and I’d love to just accept cash, honeymoon and home funds, or not require gifts at all.
Dettorre: Having a wedding website is very helpful in many different ways –one being your registry. It is a polite way to let guests know that as much as you would love another frying pan, you would rather have cash for a future adventure. We have a lot of couples that also donate to charities along with a “honeymoon” fund.
Neidus: No, I don’t think you’re required to make a registry, but I think it’s really helpful for your guests so that they know what to get the happy couple.
The RSVP deadline for my wedding just passed and many people still have not responded. Isn’t that rude? How do I follow up politely when I think I shouldn’t have to?
Dettorre: This is a big issue. Many guests receive the invite and forget to reply or it gets lost in the mail. Reaching out to guests starting a week before the deadline is key. You can also follow up with them two to three days past your deadline. After that, it is acceptable to
send out a “so sorry you cannot make it” card in the mail. All vendors have deadlines – we like to keep ours three weeks out, and stick by that rule. You can always “blame” it on catering, they need the nal numbers to order the food and submit nal payments. Be strict from the beginning with your timelines.
Neidus: Regardless of any event you’re planning, there’s always people that don’t respond. That’s just the nature of the game when you’re planning an event. You can, ever so nicely, shoot an email or a text and say, “Hey, I wanted to follow up and see if you had a chance to check your calendar to see if you’re able to attend.”
Dettorre Neidus
Above: Photo courtesy of StoneWater Golf Club / Making the Moment / Brian + Joelle Photography Opposite page: Photo courtesy of A Charming Fete / Joey Kennedy Photography
HUGE SALE UNTIL
My wedding is coming up in a few months and my ance and I are so excited, but also very nervous about everything going well. Do you have any tips for what will prepare us enough so we feel con dent and ready to have a great time with less stress?
Dettorre: Having a planner on your side to guide you is key. We use platforms to help you and always have timelines/deadlines. As long as you check o your to-dos, you are in good shape. Another big thing to keep you calm is not to listen to everyone else, and listen to what the experts have to say. Don’t procrastinate, it comes up fast. Breathe, relax and trust the process.
Neidus: There’s only so many things that we as humans can control. Things that we can’t control are weather and guests arriving late. It’s really best to focus on the happy day, on each other and not anything that could go wrong or could happen. It’s great to take a breath, slow it all down and enjoy each other.
I’ve already RSVP’d yes to a friend’s wedding but can no longer attend. Do I still send a gift? And how is the best way to communicate this to the couple?
Dettorre: I would just say that something came up and you are unable to make it. Make sure to let them know as soon as possible. Two weeks prior to the wedding, your names will still be on the seating chart and meals will still have to be paid for as many deadlines have passed. Send a card in the mail right away.
Neidus: It is my opinion that 100%, you should absolutely send a gift. Obviously things come up all the time, so call the couple and explain the situation. They are most likely still paying for you, even if you cancel, depending on how far out it is. So, the appropriate thing is to send a gift.
When does an etiquette rule really matter, and when is it worth having a conversation with someone to potentially break it when it comes to weddings? There are so many “rules,” but I feel like everyone takes them with a di erent level of seriousness and I’m curious as to whether there’s a rule of thumb for what actually matters.
Dettorre: There are a couple we follow – for vendors and for guests. A month out from the wedding, RSVPs are due. Three weeks out: seating is almost nal, meals are in and all nal counts are being accounted for. Two weeks out: everything is nal for the wedding.
Please be on time for the wedding. We have a lot of guests who show up late, even if you put on the RSVP 15 minutes prior. Always bring a card – gifts are OK, too, but mostly a hassle at the end of the night. Please follow dress code listed on the invite.
The most golden rule is: It is about the couple. Friends and family tend to forget that. Give input if asked, but at the end of the day, it’s a suggestion.
Neidus: There’s di erent types of etiquette that are deal breakers. Cellphones should be turned o during a ceremony –it’s not appropriate if that goes o . Wedding attire should be followed, especially if on the invitation it speci es black tie or formal. There’s de nitely times when it’s important to follow etiquette rules, it just depends on what the etiquette is at that moment. sj
Have a wedding etiquette question you don’t see here or in past issues (all at jstylemagazine.com)? Ask it by emailing editor@jstylemagazine.com, and your question and a professionalapproved answer may appear in these pages.
Above: Photo courtesy of A Charming Fete / Lauren Gabrielle Photography
Below: Photo courtesy of StoneWater Golf Club / Making the Moment / Brian + Joelle Photography
meets
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Plus, perfect brunch spots for your Bridal Shower: Kitchen Social • The Last Page • Pinstripes
Sydney Ungar & Ben Milgrom
Wedding Day Sept. 3, 2023
The Madison, Cleveland
Today
Ages: 29 & 33
Hometown: Solon
Synagogue: B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
Photos / Amy Galon Photography
How did you meet?
A mutual friend set us up.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
Within the rst six weeks of dating, we separately took international trips. We talked every day via WhatsApp, and because of that we still use WhatsApp instead of regular texting to communicate with each other.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
Just under four years.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Ben: I knew I wanted to marry Sydney while on our way back from our rst trip together. We had driven to Toronto for the weekend, just four days before COVID-19 started, and on our drive home we stumbled upon an incredible brunch spot in the Niagara area. The food was amazing, and the day was bright and sunny. Sitting there together after nishing our meals was a moment I wished I could bottle up forever.
Sydney: I knew I wanted to marry Ben after watching him interact with my family and seeing how perfectly he t in, as well as watching him within his own family and how he instantly included me. There was a particular moment during Shabbat dinner when Ben’s dad was dancing with our niece, and Ben watched them with the biggest smile on his face, even tearing up. Instead of watching the dancing, I was watching Ben. It was in that moment I knew he was the love of my life.
Tell us about the proposal.
Ben organized a private tour of the Mitchell’s Ice Cream factory in Ohio City, and invited a few of our friends to go along with the rouse. At the end of the tour, there was tasting time so the guide distracted me (Sydney) while Ben made an ice cream sundae with my favorite avor and he put the ring on the top. When he told
me my ice cream was ready, I turned around and that’s when he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was really full circle because it’s also where we concluded our rst date.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
Ben: The food tasting.
Sydney: Taking dance lessons together.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
Leading up to our wedding, someone advised us to hold hands throughout the entire night. With so many people wanting to talk to us, it was important that we shared the exact same experiences. This way, our memories of the wedding would be the same.
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
Having a traditional Jewish wedding was very important to us. We loved the idea of participating in the same Jewish traditions our ancestors did at their own weddings. We incorporated many family heirlooms into our wedding rituals, including being wrapped in Ben’s maternal grandfather’s tallit, standing under my maternal grandfather’s tallit in the chuppah, using my paternal grandmother’s ring during the ring exchange and much more.
We had a combined Tisch/Bedeken ceremony that led into our ketubah signing. Ben delivered a d’var Torah, we sang traditional Jewish songs, our loved ones shared relationship advice and well wishes, and we performed the Bedeken (the traditional veiling ceremony).
We also did a traditional Yiddish dance called the Mezinka, where Ben’s parents sat in chairs while all their family danced around them and “swept the oor” using brooms. This symbolizes the parents “sweeping their house clean of children” when their last child gets married.
What else was unique about your wedding?
We didn’t serve wedding cake. We are huge Mitchell’s Ice Cream fans so we served some nger food desserts, but the real star of the show was the Mitchell’s sundae bar. We also had cookies decorated to look like our dog, Babka. Also, our dog was the “dog of honor,” and he walked down the aisle.
Milgrom means pomegranate in Yiddish. We included lots of pomegranates throughout our wedding, from the invitations to the decor.
My (Sydney’s) dad, aunt, uncle and a couple of friends surprised us with a special musical performance on stage with the band. They rehearsed with our band for a few months leading up to the wedding and performed “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” and “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You).”
To view more photos from wedding Spotlights, visit jstylemagazine.com/spotlights
Our advice to others: In addition to holding hands all night, make sure to eat your dinner and dessert. Focus on yourselves so you have enough energy to party the rest of the night.
- Sydney and Ben
Planning
• Engagement: May 21, 2022
• O ciant: Rabbi Hal Rudin-Luria, B’nai Jeshurun Congregation
• Wedding colors: Bright jewel tones
• Dress/veil: Brides by the Falls
• Wedding rings: Gottlieb & Sons
• Shoes: Custom-made shoes by J. Renee
• Hair: Kyin Lin
• Makeup: Kajal by Kimberly
• Bridesmaids’ dresses: Purchased on their own
• Groom’s formalwear: Tuxedo from J3 Clothing Company, shoes from Mar-Lou Shoes
• Groomsmen’s formalwear: The Black Tux
• Bouquet/ owers/chuppah: Patra Designs
• Ketubah: Nancy Schwartz-Katz
• Photographer: Amy Galon Photography
• Videographer: Just Hitched Wedding Films
• Planner/consultant: Samantha Lutch, Engaged with Nora
• Reception: The Madison
• Cake/sweets: Luna Bakery and Cafe, Cody’s Cookies, Mitchell’s Ice Cream
• Honeymoon: Buenos Aires and Patagonia, Argentina
• Transportation: A1 Mr. Limo and Baron’s Bus
• Dog care: Doggy I Do
PETs PERFECT
Kayla Rae Photography
Let your love for your pets shine through the wedding day
By Abigail Preiszig
More than half of pet owners in the United States say their pets are as much a part of the family as humans, according to an April 2023 study by Pew Research Center. Sixty-two percent of Americans own a pet, and 51% of pet owners consider their pet equally important as people.
So, if your mother’s friend’s neighbor is invited to the wedding, shouldn’t your pet be there, too?
“Couples are having dogs (and other pets) before having kids and even before getting married,” says Mariana Edelman, owner of Mariana Edelman Photography & Design based in Northeast Ohio. “It’s meaningful for them because it’s part of the family.”
Edelman, Amy Finkenthal, owner of Noteriety Invitations in Beachwood, and Michelle Salm, owner of Basil Place Farm & Venue in Munson Township, o er Jstyle Weddings readers 10 ways to incorporate “fur babies” into their special day.
PRE-WEDDING PARTICIPATION
1. Engagement photos and card stock
Including pets in engagement photos can convey they are a part of the couple’s family without the stress on the day of the wedding, Edelman says.
“I think an engagement is easier to coordinate versus the wedding day,” she says. “... Even though they’re the most loyal in the world, you cannot reason with pets. A lot of things could go wrong (on the wedding day).”
When a pet is present at a photo shoot, be sure a friend or family member is available to hand them o to after their moment in the spotlight, Edelman says. That way, the couple can take photos together without worrying about their pet.
Photos with pets are great keepsakes, but can also be used in card stock, including engagement announcements, save-the-dates, invitations and thank you notes, as well as in other ceremony and reception imagery.
Finkenthal says she has yet to see pet-themed wedding invitations but suggests adding a personalized pet pattern to an envelope liner.
2. Pre-wedding festivities
The pet can join for pre-wedding festivities including the bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. That way, they can interact with a smaller group of family and friends without the day-of hustle and bustle.
3. Wedding registry
Pet appreciation can also be apparent in the wedding registry by listing items intended for the couple’s animals or suggesting guests donate to a local animal shelter in their name.
Mariana Edelman Photography & Design
PET-INSPIRED WEDDING ELEMENTS
Pets can be involved in the ceremony and reception in fun and creative ways without being physically present.
“It is a trend,” Finkenthal says, adding that over the past year, she’s seen more pet-themed wedding items than ever before. “People are doing it as a little accent, not to take over the whole wedding.”
4. Pet portraits on favors, signage and more
Pet portraits or drawings in a pet’s likeness have made way into signage, table numbers, cake toppers, props and favors, Salm says.
Favors with pet images may include cookies, match boxes, hand sanitizers and even stu ed animals for younger guests.
“Create a pet-themed guest book or have guests sign a photo of the couple with their pet,” she suggests.
PET PREPARATION
Here are four things to prepare if it is meaningful and important to have your pet present at the wedding.
1. Ensure the venue allows and accommodates pets Have shaded spots, water stations and relief areas for pets, Salm says. Also, have a plan for pet care during travel and any parts of the day when the pet might not be present.
2. Inform guests in advance
“Inform guests in advance if pets will be present, especially those with allergies or fears,” Salm says. “Consider having a designated pet-free zone for guests who may prefer it.”
Custom cardboard cutouts of a couple’s pet can also serve as a fun prop in a photo booth or on the dance oor.
Cocktail napkins designed with pets in mind.
Noteriety Invitations
3. Groom the pet
Make sure your pet is clean and well groomed prior to the ceremony or photos, Edelman says. Also, establish ways to keep the pet – and the bridal party – clean throughout the day. This may include pet-friendly wipes and towels to keep dirt o paws, bags to pick up after the pet and ways to remove fur or stains from ceremonial clothing.
4. Have a pet handler
When the couple knows someone is caring for their pet, it will allow them to relax, Edelman says. This may be a professional or a trusted individual, like a neighbor.
“Hire a professional pet sitter to look after the pets during the event, ensuring they are fed, exercised and taken care of while the couple and guests enjoy the celebration,” Salm suggests. “Provide a quiet space where pets can relax if they get overwhelmed.”
Basil Place Farm & Venue / Bailey Toot Photography
5. Cocktail hour
One place the pet theme has sat and stayed is at cocktail hour.
Couples have opted for signature cocktails or drinks named after their pets and created cocktail napkins and “swizzles,” or stir sticks, in their pet’s likeness, Finkenthal says.
6. Clothing
Embossed pins of a pet’s silhouette may be added to the bouquet or boutonniere, or embroidered on a dress, tux, veil or pocket square.
DAY-OF PARTICIPATION
The couple should be aware of their pet’s behavior and be realistic about what parts of the day would be enjoyable to have their furry friend around.
Edelman and Salm suggest having a pet handler – either a professional or a close neighbor or coworker who is not a wedding guest – bring the pet to the venue for certain parts of the day.
7. Pet photo opportunities
Allowing the pet to visit while the couple is getting ready to walk down the aisle can provide the pair comfort and a nice
photo opportunity early in the day, Edelman says. It will also limit concerns over the pet getting dirt or hair on ceremonial clothing.
Pets can also visit during bridal party photos between the ceremony and reception.
8. Involve pets in ceremonial roles
Pets, especially dogs, have been trained to walk down the aisle as ring bearers, ower pets – with owers attached to their collar, harness or leash – or having a spot in the wedding party as the “pet of honor,” Salm says.
9. Dress them for the occasion
If a pet is present, be sure they are dressed for the occasion, Salm says.
“Dress pets in wedding-themed out ts, such as bow ties, tuxedos, dresses and oral collars to match the wedding color and theme,” Salm says. “Ensure the attire is comfortable and safe for the pet.”
10. Reception participation
During the reception, pets can be involved in key moments like the cake cutting or the couple’s rst dance, Salm says. She suggests considering a pet-friendly dance oor or play area if the couple plans to have their best furry friend present the whole night. sj
Mariana Edelman Photography & Design
Lauren Gabrielle Photography
Macaroni joins Jesse Schreibman and Rachel Rzepka on their wedding day.
Jessica Greenberg Kulick, owner
Mara Geller & Joseph Hendlin
Wedding Day
Dec. 31, 2023
Ceremony at Crimson & Clover Events
Dinner at Zhug
Cleveland Heights
Today
Ages: Both 31
Hometown: Orange
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
Photos / Lindsey Beckwith Photography
& JOSEPH
How did you meet?
We met 10 years ago on the Onward summer internship program in Tel Aviv. It was in 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, the last time Israel Defense Forces troops were in Gaza. However, we recently discovered we actually met 15 years before that – we were in the same (Mandel) JCC Playland camp group at 6 years old. You can see us standing right next to each other in the 1999 camp photo.
On our rst date, we ended up talking a lot about our families. It turns out, both of our families originally came from Prague, Czechoslovakia, and both ended up in Cleveland after escaping the Holocaust. We recently found out my (Mara’s) greatgrandmother and Joe’s grandfather were at Charles University Law School (in Prague) at the same time, just before World War II started.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
After Onward, we kept dating during senior year in college. Then, we made aliyah together. Joe joined the IDF Paratroopers as a sniper, and I pursued my interests in high-tech and medical technology. We both became Israeli citizens, enjoying Tel Aviv and taking trips across Europe.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Joe: After our rst summer together on the Onward program, Mara doubted long distance would work and asked me if I thought we would stay together. I thought to myself, what an absurd question, how could I even consider living without this girl? At that moment, everything crystallized – I’d drive, y or go any distance to be together. I knew from thereon I wanted to marry her.
Mara: There were many moments – one that sticks with me is when I saw Joe trying out for combat IDF units even though he wasn’t uent in the language. I admired how much he tried to
The best moment of the wedding was standing under the chuppah, nally getting married despite the evil that occurred. The intimate setting made it all the more special. Knowing that most of our guests had originally intended to be in Israel added an extra layer of meaning, and their presence and understanding made the day even more special.
- Mara and Joseph
improve himself in all aspects of his life, is constantly evolving and never gives up.
Another moment that stuck with me was during our Onward internship program. Joe was always the one helping the elderly bus driver, loading and unloading 40 suitcases every time we hit the road. I knew even then he would be an amazing and caring partner.
Tell us about planning the wedding.
Our wedding was set for Oct. 15, 2023, in Ja a, Israel with 130 guests expected, including 80 ying in from the United States. We were on our way to Israel on Oct. 7, when the Hamas attack started. All our friends, venue sta and family were called up to the army, and Joe’s Israeli host family’s nephews were kidnapped (and later released).
Joe wavered on the hard decision about whether he was going to stay and get married, or go join his unit. I said I supported him either way and encouraged him to go. Joe felt it wasn’t right (or the Jewish thing to do) to postpone something as important as our wedding. We decided we wanted to still get married despite the war and not let terror win.
We did things a little backward and went on our planned honeymoon rst in Europe. During that time, Joe’s unit was in need of supplies, so we started raising funds. Instead of wedding gifts, we encouraged our guests to donate. Joe and his veteran IDF friends raised nearly $100,000.
Then, we scrambled to put a quick wedding together in Cleveland that still honored our friends and family in Israel. Set on New Year’s Eve, the event was intimate with only about 35 guests. The ceremony was at Crimson & Clover Events, dinner at Zhug restaurant – the place that reminds us most of our Tel Aviv home here in Cleveland.
We planned everything in just three weeks, and we couldn’t believe how supportive and accommodating all the vendors were – especially considering that most of them don’t usually work on New Year’s Eve. Their exibility and willingness to make it happen for us was truly incredible.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
Best advice from a friend: Think of the things you always thought would just happen on your wedding day, and then make sure to communicate that to your vendors – like to queue the music after you break the glass.
MARA & JOSEPH
Planning
• Engagement: March 28, 2022
• O ciant: Rabbi Yossi Freedman of Downtown Chabad
• Wedding colors: Magenta, orange
• Dress: BHLDN
• Wedding rings: Alson Jewelers, Ti any & Co.
• Jewelry: Family pearl bracelet and earrings
• Veil: Handmade in Israel
• Hair/makeup: Kellie Thomson
• Groom’s formalwear: Cu s Clothing
• Bouquet/ owers/chuppah: Willows and Sage Flowers, Anna Bolman
• Ketubah: Ketubata (in Israel)
• Photographer: Lindsey Beckwith Photography
• Cocktail hour/ceremony: Crimson & Clover Events
• Dinner/reception: Zhug
• Cake/sweets: Mitchell’s Ice Cream and homemade cookies
• Invitations/stationery: Zola and Amnon Carmi Design
• Music/entertainment: Marc Paige (saxophone)
• Registry: Zola
• Honeymoon: Saint-Paul de Vence, France and Amsterdam, Netherlands
Artistic Ambience
By Amanda Koehn
Let your personal creativity and uniqueness show at your wedding through fashion, decor, jewelry and more. To build an artistic or even DIY theme, use many contrasting, bright colors for oral arrangements. Incorporate homemade, personalized decorations, and go with an especially eccentric cake design and avor. For the wedding dress, choose an interesting line with a modern, classy look. Select rare shaped and sized jewelry, and wedding rings with a personalized design to aunt your artsy taste for years to come.
Elizabeth Glorioso Photography
Above: Style LE1332 by Martina Liana Luxe from Brides by the Falls in Chagrin Falls. Right: Style 7940 by Stella York in soft blush from Radiant Bride in Rocky River.
ARTSY DIY FASHION
Clockwise from above: David Yurman men’s wedding bands from Alson Jewelers in Woodmere. Style LE1364 by Martina Liana Luxe from Brides by the Falls. Saylor gown from Essense of Australia’s All Who Wander collection from Radiant Bride. Precision set stacked diamond bands in 18K white and yellow gold from Alson Jewelers.
Elizabeth Glorioso Photography
Exceeding Expectations with Every Stitch
In an age where personal style speaks volumes, J&A Custom Clothing has been at the forefront of the custom clothing, suits, and tailoring industry since 1995. With an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality, unmatched craftsmanship, and personalized service, J&A Custom Clothing has established itself as the ultimate destination for business individuals seeking to make a statement through their attire.
Since their inception, their mission has been clear—to empower individuals with clothing that not only fits perfectly but also resonates with their unique style. As they say, J&A Custom Clothing are not just creating garments; they’re sculpting confidence and self-assuredness.
Floral All Over
By Amanda Koehn
Let the owers ow beyond the bouquet and chuppah by creating a romantic, oral-themed celebration. First, make sure your orist is ready to incorporate fresh owers and greenery even in unexpected places, like the cake decor, seating cards and party favors. Let your caterer know so they can use edible owers in the food and cocktails. Keep the trend going by selecting a wedding dress with a soft yet compelling oral design. And for jewelry, choose classic designs that enhance and help bring the look together.
Clockwise from top left: Lea-Ann Belter Blythe gown from Brides by the Falls in Chagrin Falls. ULIANA gown by Enzoani from Radiant Bride in Rocky River. Rahaminov diamond three-stone ring featuring a radiant-cut diamond set in platinum from Alson Jewelers in Woodmere.
Flowers and greenery decorate a chuppah. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Glorioso Photography
Photos by MARIANA EDELMAN PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Above: Florence by Enaura from Brides by the Falls. Below: Gold and diamond bracelet and rings fromIMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst. Jstyle Photo / Sophie Farrar
UDELIA gown by Enzoani from Radiant Bride.
Elizabeth Glorioso Photography
ALLURING ACCENTS
Jewelers highlight popular pieces for 2024 weddings
By Sophie Farrar
When the time comes to walk down the aisle on your wedding day, every detail matters. Arguably, one of the most essential elements of a bride’s wedding look is the jewelry. You want the perfect pieces to complement your dress without taking the attention away from it, all while honoring your personal style.
Local jewelers say classic styles will always persist for wedding jewelry. However, new trends are also arising and twists on the classic choices are growing in popularity, they tell Jstyle Weddings.
RETURN TO CLASSIC STYLES ✦✦
Platinum and white has always been a popular and classic choice for engagement rings, says David Schreibman, owner of Alson Jewelers in Woodmere.
Over the past decade, more ornate diamond pave halos and detailed diamond bands were popular designs. And now, jewelers are seeing a move toward more classic and understated looks, Schreibman says.
“Simple and classic solitaire and three-stone rings are starting to take the place of the halo and ornate settings,” Schreibman says. “The oval cut, also a popular choice, is slowing down a bit with elongated radiant and cushion cut diamonds becoming more popular.”
Bruce Botnick, owner of Robert & Gabriel Jewelers in Lyndhurst, also has seen the trends shift.
“In recent years, we’ve seen wedding fashion trends evolve from diamond halo engagement rings to more classic solitaire, threestone or vintage style rings,” Botnick says.
Jessie Greenberg Kulick, owner of IMG Jewelers in Lyndhurst, is seeing the classics continue in di erent ways when it comes to wedding jewelry. Traditional pieces like tennis necklaces are being altered to t modern styles, and tennis bracelets are being stacked with trendier diamond bangles. Additionally, gemstones like sapphire are being seen in necklaces and rings as a bride’s “something blue” and “something new,” she says.
“It’s almost like a new take on the traditional,” Kulick says.
YELLOW GOLD ✦✦ ✦
Chunky yellow gold engagement rings are another emerging trend jewelers are noticing.
“There’s been a lot more asks for yellow gold than I think I’ve ever seen,” Kulick says. “The last 10 years people have been saying, ‘yellow gold is coming back,’ but I feel like this past year I’ve actually been truly seeing the yellow gold demand.”
Kulick explains that like fashion trends, jewelry trends are cyclical and tend to trend again, referencing her mother’s chunky yellow
Above: Rahaminov diamonds,18K yellow gold engagement rings in a variety of diamond cuts from Alson Jewelers. Photo / Alson Jewelers
Below: Diamond tennis necklace from IMG Jewelers. Jstyle Photo / Sophie Farrar
FASHION
JEWELRY
gold ring designs, which IMG has displayed in its storefront.
“(My mother) has these really chunky, cool yellow designs – they’re thick, so they’re more of an ‘80s/’90s feel,” Kulick says. “I think that engagement rings were going towards that dainty look. It’s kind of going back into the more substantial chunky look. I’ve had friends reset their rings from that dainty setting. Some of them look so similar to some of my mother’s designs.”
Botnick and Schreibman are also seeing a surge in yellow gold settings, they both say.
“Ladies are seeking more individual styles, not just what all their girlfriends have,” Botnick says. “More customers are choosing yellow gold, and even some rose gold, over white gold for their rings.”
STACKING ✦✦
Brides are moving away from the traditional matching previously seen with their engagement ring and wedding band, and moving toward stacking multiple bands, allowing for mismatching styles, metals and jewels.
“Many women opt for multiple bands that can be mixed and matched to wear with an heirloom band or incorporating a band with colored gemstones such as sapphires, rubies or emeralds,” Schreibman says.
Other wedding jewelry can be stacked
as well. Kulick is seeing bracelets stacked for a statement e ect.
“Stacking on the wrist has been huge as a fashion piece during the reception,” Kulick says.
And, showing o jewelry trends doesn’t only apply to brides.
“The bridal party and families are accessorizing with statement pieces such as stunning necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings,” Botnick notes. “Men are also embracing accessories like a handsome watch, bracelet,
neck chain, cu links or ring.”
Jewelry remains an important item in wedding ceremonies. According to the jewelers, classic wedding jewelry choices will always be consistent and stable, but modern refreshes allow them to take on a new life. Ultimately, brides and grooms should choose the pieces that best represent them.
“When it comes to selecting wedding day jewelry, the jewelry should re ect the bride’s personal style,” Schreibman says. sj
Left and center: Classic diamond engagement and wedding rings. Photos / Robert & Gabriel Jewelers
Right: Diamond and gold stacked bracelets from IMG Jewelers. Jstyle Photo / Sophie Farrar
JB Star sapphire and diamond bands set in platinum. Photo / Alson Jewelers
Lauren Borstein & Garret Ohringer
Wedding Day
June 9, 2024
Cleveland Museum of Art
Today
Ages: 34 & 33
Residence: New York City
Synagogue: Park Synagogue
How did you meet?
We met in October of 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic on a dating app called Co ee Meets Bagel.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
When getting to know each other (aka playing Jewish geography), it didn’t seem like we had too many friends or acquaintances in common, but it became apparent we had so much overlap in our lives. For example, I (Lauren) went on USY on Wheels the summer of 2005, and Garret went the following summer. Another funny instance was Garret always had his birthday celebration (which is three days after mine) at a bar called Drexler’s. One year when trying to rent out space for his birthday, they said it wasn’t available. Guess who had rented the space for their birthday already? Yes, me. Our lives somehow were always circling around one another but it took an app to actually get us together.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
Three-and-a-half years
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Lauren: I don’t have an exact moment in time, but I just knew as we progressed in our relationship that this was the person I wanted to be with. We share similar values, we both want to have a Jewish household and we are always laughing together. I knew he was going to be a great longterm partner and eventually father.
Garret: While there were many little moments that made me know she was the one, I knew I loved her only a few months into
dating. Speci cally, one night after we had dinner, I was cleaning the dishes in the kitchen, and managed to badly cut myself while cleaning my knife and needed to go to the ER ASAP. It was already late at night and just before this, Lauren was getting ready to go home, but insisted she take me to the ER to stay and help me –and even o ered to hold my hand during stitches. I remember thinking how even though we had only known each other for such a short time, her willingness to be there with me, show support and even sacri ce a good night’s sleep revealed so much of her character and who she was. From then, I knew she would be someone I could always rely on and be there in times of need. That’s exactly what I wanted in my partner in life.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
We loved exploring all the di erent venues Cleveland has to o er. While we ultimately decided on the Cleveland Museum of Art, which was incredible, it was amazing to see just how many special venues there were around the city. Also, we’d be remiss not mentioning the tasting – who doesn’t love that?
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
We wanted everything to go perfectly. However, we were told there was always going to be something – it was never going to be 100% perfect, and to just relish in the moment. We both adhered to that advice and had the best night of our lives.
Were there any con icts between the two of you or your families in the planning process? Did either of you have to make any sacri ces?
No con icts, and we appreciated all of Garret’s family making the trip from New Jersey and New York to Cleveland for the big day.
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
We kept our ceremony traditionally conservative, which was important to us. However, we incorporated a lot of family heirlooms, like my great-grandmother’s handkerchief, which has been carried down the aisle by 90 brides previously (Lauren was the 91st) as well as Garret’s grandfathers tallis. It made our ceremony that much more special.
What else was unique about your wedding?
The Cleveland Museum of Art was absolutely fantastic and is such a big, breathtaking space. While we had a sizable (200-plus people) wedding, it was important for us to make the night feel intimate and communal. We chose to have long tables only for the reception, which was a rst for the museum and allowed for people who may not know one another to meet and make new connections. We received a ton of feedback from our friends that they made new friends throughout the weekend, which was incredible since we always love bringing people together.
LAUREN & GARRET
Planning
• Engagement: June 16, 2023
• O ciant: Rabbi Sharon Young Marcus of Park Synagogue
• Wedding colors: Black, bone, gray, white
• Dress/veil: KYHA Studios
• Wedding rings: Mark Matuso , Stanley & Son
• Jewelry: Patty Chaito
• Shoes: Badgley Mischka
• Hair: Shannon Hammond and Katie Denigris, HoneyRose Beauty Co.
• Invitations/stationery: Jodi Kennedy, Plume & Paper
• Music/entertainment: Opulence Band
• Rentals: Event Source and All Occasions Party Rental
• Accommodations: Westin, Ritz-Carlton and Hilton hotels
• Registries: Bloomingdale’s, Amazon and La Bella Vita
• Honeymoon: New Zealand and Australia
• Extras: Oil painter Grace Schlea captured the rst dance in real-time
With many friends coming in from out of town, we wanted to highlight the unique charm of Cleveland, and what better way to do that than by having your wedding at the Cleveland Museum of Art. From Lauren’s grand entrance down the museum stairs to the striking room con guration featuring long tables – a rst for the museum’s event team – to the food and the band, it was a night to remember with all the out-of-town guests left loving The Land.
- Lauren & Garret
Turn to Page 54 to read about the wedding of Lauren’s sister, Ilana.
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FOCUS ON FLOWERS
Classic, romantic florals are back in style
By Ava Fuduric
Trending toward the traditional, classic oral themes are back in 2024.
Sharon Thompson, manager at Lowe’s Greenhouse in Bainbridge Township, nds natural, romantic and classic wedding styles are taking the stage, where oral arrangements and colors are becoming more elegant than whimsical.
“The ones I don’t see anymore are the glamorous or something over the top,” Thompson tells Jstyle Weddings. “They were very big about a decade ago, but not now.”
FLOWER CHOICES
Romantic staples including roses and round bouquets have found their way back into wedding themes. Cascade bouquets are also coming back in style, Thompson says.
“The shapes of the bouquets are more round than they are outgoing,” Thompson says of current themes. “Then you also do have the ones that are a little bit more wild.”
Although only available between May and July, peonies are among the favorites.
“Peonies are really popular,” Thompson says. “They’re unpredictable on the quality, but everybody loves them.”
Hydrangeas also remain popular along with ranunculus owers, since they look like “little peonies,” she says. And, themes that include hanging owers and vines are more popular than extravagant arrangements and sparkles currently. Vines owing or wisteria hanging over the dance oor are also popular for the reception, she adds.
COLOR SCHEMES
Thompson says oral color patterns tend to change based on the time of year. During autumn, color themes will include rust, terracotta and other warm shades.
“You’ll see the royal colors such as the burgundy, the maroon and the deep orange,” she says.
In the colder months, colors tend to re ect a more traditional type of wedding.
“You’ll see more of the whites and the greens come out,” Thompson says. “Like a black and white wedding, with girls wearing black dresses and the owers being mostly white with the greens.”
Aside from seasonal-speci c schemes, pastel colors have become more popular in weddings using owers in shades of blue, peach, pink and lavender.
FLORAL STRUCTURES & DECORATIONS
Chuppahs and overhanging structures adorned with owers have also undergone recent trend shifts, Thompson notes.
“You can have side pillars of owers that go up on each side and that don’t meet at the top,” she says.
Additionally, popular wedding decor includes candles and vases lled with owers, also following current styles.
“The ones that I see trending mostly are candles and bud vases,” Thompson says. “With one or two owers going down the center of the long table, with candles of di erent heights in between them.” sj
Photos courtesy of Lowe’s Greenhouse / Kailey Marie Photography
AUTUMN EXPERIENCES
te into ream s aces or all e in s it seasonal oo s to t
By Noell Wolfgram Evans
Fall used to be the season dedicated to football and hiking sprees, but a local wedding caterer says autumn has taken on a new identity.
“August through November has become the new summer for weddings,” says Kimberly Gibson, the executive chef and owner of the Hungry Bee catering company.
And really, why wouldn’t it be? Fall in Northeast Ohio can create a wedding with a backdrop of spectacular colors and temperatures that generally won’t make your guests roast. It can also give access to tantalizing fall avors.
Of course it is Northeast Ohio, where on more than one occasion in years past, residents were stunned by a June snowfall so weather is always a concern. But with the right venue, you can get the most out of fall, regardless of what the sky brings. Two of the venues that can do that are Tall Oaks Resort in Kirtland and The Tanglewood Golf Club in Bainbridge Township.
TALL OAKS RESORT
In the heart of the Kirtland valley, couples will nd the expansive Tall Oaks Resort. Jaime Cordova, vice president of sales and
operations at Tall Oaks, tells Jstyle Weddings the resort is especially suited to host a fall wedding.
“It’s right there in our name,” he says. “We are surrounded by these beautiful trees, and in the fall when the foliage changes it is quite stunning.”
Perhaps the centerpiece of the location is the rustic-chic contemporary event barn. Cordova says this two-story event space, “is great year-round, but it has a motif that is particularly ideal for a fall setting.”
“Couples usually have an idea for the dream vision of what they want their wedding to be,” he adds. “We can o er the locations and fall decorations – bales of hay, pumpkins, corn stalks – to make that vision a reality.”
Seasonality is important to the menu as well. While Tall Oaks certainly o ers a catering menu, Cordova says they will work with the wedding party if they have a taste for something special. This is often a family favorite or something using seasonal ingredients like butternut squash or pumpkin. Soups and cups of hot cocoa also add a warm fall touch to the wedding celebration, especially later in the season when the temperatures are dropping. As a delicious
Cordova
Photo courtesy of Tall Oaks Resort
VENUES
added plus, Cordova says, “We are a completely scratch kitchen. Everything, from our breads on up, is made from scratch.”
Another feature that makes Tall Oaks stand out is the Carriage House Inn on the premises. The luxury suites provide a perfect place for the bridal party and their guests to end their night.
“It’s nice to get to the end of the wedding day, walk 20 feet and go to bed,” Cordova says.
With gazebos, gardens, a covered portico, covered bridge and many other features, the Carriage House is also a great place to continue the celebration in the crisp fall air, he adds.
THE TANGLEWOOD GOLF CLUB
When discussing the beauty to be found across The Tanglewood Golf Club, Gibson shares her excitement with Jstyle Weddings. Her Hungry Bee company is the catering partner of Tanglewood for on-site gourmet services for all its events.
“We are nestled in a beautiful community among trees and orals,” she says. “There are so many gorgeous spaces everywhere you turn.”
It’s a location that seemingly comes to life anew when fall sweeps across Chagrin Valley. The club, which was completed in 1967, recently came under new ownership which has “revitalized and renovated” the space, Gibson says. It was acquired by a group led by Scott Pollock of Chagrin Falls, who takes over from Mark Tiefel and Warren “Renny” Wolfson, the Cleveland Jewish
News reported. One of the changes made was to partner with the Hungry Bee for catering.
“What sets The Hungry Bee apart is that we have a gourmet store right down the road where you can see the quality and love that goes into everything we make,” Gibson says. She adds that the chefs love to bring the avors of fall into the weddings they cater. One popular dish that does this are its 48-hour braised tender short ribs with potatoes and spinach.
“We’re nding that with a lot of fall weddings, people are getting away from plated dinners and bu et-style settings,” Gibson says. “Most of our brides and grooms are interested in family-style dining. It’s really huge right now, I think because it creates a better form of connection.”
There are a couple o erings that set Tanglewood apart from other potential venues for a fall wedding. A unique one is that it takes advantage of being a golf club by hosting a number of indoor golf simulators. They give the bridal party and guests an opportunity to unwind in a fun way. The other is a range of indoor and outdoor spaces for celebrations.
“The weather in the fall is usually pretty mild,” Gibson says, adding an all-to-familiar caveat, “but of course this is Northeast Ohio.” As such, with outdoor and indoor spaces of varying sizes, there is room to accommodate the ceremony and celebration – no matter what the fall skies bring.
And regardless of where exactly you decide to celebrate your wedding, Northeast Ohio is full of exciting, accommodating spaces to host a richly textured autumn wedding. sj
Gibson
Photo courtesy of The Tanglewood Golf Club
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Wedding Day
Nov. 5, 2023
Mapleside Farms, Brunswick
Today
Ages: Both 32
Residence: Brooklyn, New York
How did you meet?
We met on the dating app Hinge.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
It wasn’t until after the wedding that Etamar and I (Ilana) nally had the opportunity to travel to Etamar’s hometown together. This was the rst time we were in Israel together, meeting many of his longtime best friends and visiting all of his childhood spots. Our trip was an extremely special and important experience for us, and I was so excited to see the people and places that made him who he is.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
Two years.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Ilana: We started planning our future together early in the relationship. From the day we met, it was natural, fun and felt right.
Etamar: On our rst date.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
The best part of planning was getting to work together and imagine what our dream day would look like. We made decisions that were best for us as a couple and enjoyed the process.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
As my (Ilana’s) mom always says, “The wedding should be fun, but the marriage is most important.”
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
Combining all of our traditions and making our new family traditions together. Etamar grew up Modern Orthodox in Israel, and I grew up as a Conservative Jew in Cleveland. Every part of the celebration from the chuppah to the music had parts from both of our upbringings.
What else was unique about your wedding?
The music was an extremely important component of our wedding and something we thought a lot about before the big day. We wanted to make sure to feature just as much Israeli music as we did American music. Etamar walked down the aisle and danced with his mom to Hebrew songs. We brought in our DJ, Omri Anghel, from New York. He is from Israel but has been living in the United States for a number of years. We knew he’d do the best job of highlighting both places.
ILANA & ETAMAR
Planning
• Engagement: Oct. 29, 2022
• O ciant: Rabbi Mendy Alevsky of Chabad at Case Western Reserve University
• Wedding colors: Cappuccino, mauve, blush and green
• Dress/veil: Rebecca Schoneveld Bridal Atelier
• Wedding rings/jewelry: Patty Chaito . Earrings designed by bride’s parents.
• Rehearsal dinner: Collision Bend Brewing Company in Cleveland
• Invitations/stationery: Made By Victoria Laine
• Music/entertainment: Omri Anghel
• Rentals: PRrentals, All Occasions Party Rental, L’Nique, BBJ La Tavola, Event Source
• Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland and Hilton Cleveland Downtown
• Registries: Bloomingdale’s and La Bella Vita
• Honeymoon: Portugal and Italy
• Late-night snack: Five Guys, and homemade chocolate-chip cookies
• Photo booth: Clear Choice Photo Booth
• Live wedding painter: Grace Schlea Studios
• Ceremony music: Athena Strings
Our wedding was just a month following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, and our hearts and minds were also with our family and friends in Israel. Etamar read a prayer for the soldiers under the chuppah during our ceremony, which was so moving for everyone. A second moment took place at the very end of the night. Etamar and I did a ‘ nal dance’ to one of our favorite songs by an Israeli artist that has been very special to us since the beginning of our relationship. All of our friends and family circled around us and danced and sang along. It was the perfect ending to a magical night. - Ilana
Turn to Page 44 to read about the wedding of Ilana’s sister, Lauren.
CRAFTY CAKES
et e in esserts s ine it fla or, creati ity
By Amy Richards
Wedding guests look forward to dessert. It is one of the highlights of a reception. Whether you want a traditional cake, a unique cake or a non-cake dessert, why not have it re ect your personality and give guests something to rave about?
Teresa Csizma, co-owner of Sugar Me Desserterie in Chagrin Falls says, “Most of our clients prefer something simple and elegant for their wedding cake. By that, I mean classic avors such as vanilla or vanilla almond, and simple designs such as a ridged texture or a clean, smooth texture covered in simple rosettes. Our most popular is vanilla almond with raspberry lling and a vanilla buttercream.”
She stresses that “simple cakes can be big on avor, quality and freshness.”
Although Csizma’s clients tend to request customary avors, some will choose more intriguing or multiple avors to help the cake stand out. The bakery’s most popular unique options are lemon blueberry, banana blueberry, red velvet and carrot cake. No
matter the avor, “most choose white icing,” she says.
“We have had a few clients (who) want something less traditional,” she adds. “One client chose ombre shades of muted pale greens and blues with fresh owers that nicely accented those colors. A client who was into camping and hiking had us paint mountains and a sunset on the side of the cake.”
Sugar Me Desserterie cakes are typically on the more classic side, but they also venture out of the cake box entirely.
“Many of our clients aren’t into having a wedding cake at all … and if they do, it will be very small just for the cutting ceremony,” Csizma says. “Once we did pies for a bride and groom who didn’t care for cake but loved pie. Frequently, clients ask us to make cupcakes or mini pastries to serve to their guests. Our most popular are petit fours, French macarons, ciambelle, linzers, mini brownies, blondies, lemon bars, to ee bars, butter cookies, mini cream pu s and eclairs – everything made by scratch.”
Many couples use Sugar Me Desserterie’s decorated sugar cookies to “add a personal touch to their wedding day.” Although the bakery o ers “a nearly endless variety of designs, most stay pretty classic, choosing wedding dresses, cakes and rings. Others
Photos courtesy of By Cenza Cake Studio
get more personal with a favorite pet or hobby or a monogram,” Csizma explains. Oftentimes, these are given out as favors.
And some couples yearn for something a bit less traditional and want to wow their guests with unusual avors, colors, designs and structure. Haley Vincenza Sferra, owner and cake artist of By Cenza Cake Studio in Cleveland Heights, does just that.
“I think that the rst step in designing an eye-catching wedding cake is to totally erase any expectations you have to begin with,” Sferra says. “There is so much that is possible.”
Sferra loves to create unique cakes, she says.
“My favorite thing is to do something unexpected and utilize unique movement, contrasting concepts (like mixing modern with traditional) and not being scared to go a little bold or abstract,” she says. “I often use di erent tier shapes and sizes to evoke di erent meaning, and I especially like using oral placement that causes guests to take a second look.
“I don’t think that to be eye catching you have to be busy and loud, but should cause people to want to look closer. It’s fun to have a cake design that from far away seems like a simple traditional stack, but then the longer you look, the more you are rewarded with interesting details and textures, and you realize how it symbolizes the couple and their wedding.”
Sferra also uses avor to excite guests.
“My avors read a little outrageous on paper, but I love surprising clients with the subtlety of the avor pro les and how approachable and delicious they actually are,” she says. “One of my most popular avors is a co ee and citrus avor. It is a chocolatechip cake soaked in a co ee syrup with citrus buttercream and roasted hazelnuts. Another is berry peppercorn. I make a dark chocolate ganache with pink peppercorns steeped in the cream. It adds interesting depth to the avors of the cake, but I like that
at the end of the day, it is just a really good vanilla cake with chocolate and berries.
By Cenza’s most popular cake avor? Lavender, lemon and blueberry, she notes.
Couples seeking something traditional also walk into her studio, but they often leave with new ideas.
“I nd if people come to a consultation with a more subdued vision for their cake, it usually just means we have to have a conversation about what is truly possible,” Sferra says. “I never push outrageous designs on someone who is looking for something simpler, but I do nd most people leave really excited to see what I will come up with, knowing that I will always have their best interest in mind and may have a little more up my sleeve than they imagined when they rst walked through my door.”
Although By Cenza o ers cakes only, they can be nontraditional in terms of how they are presented “to add another fun element to the wedding.” This year, Sferra has done several cake duos –serving two slices of cake with complementary avor pro les –and even a trio. She’s also done mini cakes, a trend this year where a two-to-three bite layer cake is served. And, she’s done boxed cakes, “where the cake is boxed as favors with individual little forks so guests can take them home and dive right in to enjoy late night.”
One of her favorite “immersive experiences” was serving “individual moss ball cakes” to guests, she adds.
“It was so fun to watch people realize that was their cake course,” Sferra says.
Whether you choose to go traditional or unique, a lot of avor, beauty and fun can be wrapped up in that delicious bite your guests will go home savoring. sj
Photos courtesy of Sugar Me Desserterie
Did a child in your family celebrate a b’nai
mitzvah recently?
If your family is interested in being featured in an upcoming issue of Bar•Bat Mitzvah magazine, we are seeking spotlights from your family simcha!
Jewish families who live in Northeast Ohio and who celebrated a b’nai mitzvah in 2024 are invited to submit to be spotlighted in Bar•Bat Mitzvah – a fall sister magazine to Celebrations.
To have a b’nai mitzvah considered, fill out the short form at cjn.org/barbatmitzvah
You’ll also be asked to share a few photos from the big day.
DEADLINE: 5 p.m. Sept. 8, 2024. Those selected for a feature will be asked to provide additional photos from their celebration as well as additional details. Bar•Bat Mitzvah is scheduled to publish in October 2024.
Party Time!
• Spotlight on Page 44
Photo / David Swidrak / SWIDRAK & CO.
Lauren Borstein and Garret Ohringer are lifted up on the dance floor for the hora at their June 9, 2024, wedding at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Mazel tov!
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