The Modern Jewish Wedding 2014

taking the leap

THE JOURNEY TO A DESTINATION

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INSPIRING

REAL WEDDINGS

THE KETUBAH A LASTING RITUAL

QUIZ: WHAT’S YOUR MJW WEDDING STYLE?

NICE JEWISH GUYS ... GET INTRODUCED!

plus

SWEET CHALLAH TRADITIONS & TASTES

2014 THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING.com

AN ENGAGED AUDIENCE

FEATURED VENDORS

Photo by Wedding Nature Photography

The Modern Jewish Wedding website features Vendor Directory listings, shining a spotlight on your product or service for our targeted brides. Upgraded listings include larger images and blog posts, allowing you to further enhance your reach.

MJW.com MJW VENDOR DIRECTORY The new MJW Vendor Directory enhances readers’ ability to locate the very best wedding vendors nationally—you! Searchable by specialty and region, it’s a powerful tool for our dedicated readers.

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You’re holding in your hand (or reading on your screen) the best-ever edition of The Modern Jewish Wedding. The cast and crew here at the magazine have had a blast this year—baking challah, getting acquainted (at least virtually) with Nice Jewish Guys, collecting more luscious photos than ever, and sharing a record number of real weddings, trends and traditions with YOU. We’re thrilled to produce the world’s only magazine specifically for The Modern Jewish (and “Jew-ish”) Bride—and this year with a brand new look. Don’t forget to also visit our daily blog!

THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING .COM MJW PUBLISHER & FOUNDER Michele Schwartz, @atxmichele The Modern Jewish Life Blogs MANAGING EDITOR Julie Wickert, @JulieWickert True Story Communication

CONCEPT & DESIGN Andrea Exter, @AExter_Monarch Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc.

PUBLISHING PARTNER Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc. EDITORIAL PARTNERS Two Bright Lights Two Paper Dolls MJW EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kimberly Carillo

Karen Aroian Adam Cohen

Beautiful Day Photography Blaine Siesser Photography Casey Fatchett Photography Dziekonski Photography Elizabeth Medina Photography Erin Johnson Photography Ginny B Photography IQ Photo Studio

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Goodgame Rachel Meador Susan Moynihan

Rachel Southmayd Christy Wylie

PHOTOGRAPHERS iStock Photography Julie Anne Wedding Photography Kamila Harris Photography Kellie Saunders Photography Laurie Bailey Photography McBoat Photography Melanie Grizzel Photography Mercedes Morgan Photography

Open Aperture Photography Pepper Nix Photography Rebecca Davidson Photography Ross Goodman Photography Sherry Sutton Photography Stephanie Court Photography Tesar Photography Wedding Nature Photography

MJW ADVERTISING SALES Mindy Eisen Shelley Riley Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within these pages.

The MJW cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracy or for errors in submission by organizations or individuals. Views of the authors are not necessarily the views of the editor or publisher. Copyright is reserved. Print or digital reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited except by express approval from the MJW. Reproduction in part or whole without permission is strictly prohibited.

© 2014 THE MODERN JEWISH WEDDING, All Rights Reserved.

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CONTENTS

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58 REAL WEDDING STYLE SIX STORIES TO INSPIRE Our featured real weddings are rich with personalized tradition, and they have sparkle to spare. Take a look at these unique celebrations; you just might get ideas!

& 34 Caitlin & Levi

42 Erin & Logan

50 Jessica & Matt

58 Sivan & Daniel

66 Rachel & Ryan

Will yours be a

Cinderella

wedding?

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26 Abby Ean WITH MUCH FANFARE

ON THE COVER TAKING THE LEAP Inspired by the Cayman Islands destination wedding on our cover, The Honeymoonist (luxury destination scout and honeymoon planner) shares her top tips for matching your destination wedding locale with your Modern Jewish Wedding vision.

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STORYBOOK CELEBRATION

WATERFRONT JUBILATION

ARTFUL EXPRESSION

SUMMER CAMP ELEGANCE

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HISTORICAL ROMANCE

INDIVIDUAL STYLE TAKE THE MJW QUIZ Where are you on the elegant-tooutdoorsy scale? Are you a chic chick, or are you all about adventure? Zero in on your style here.

23 QUIZ : What’s your Modern Jewish Wedding Style?

10 DEFINING QUESTIONS

Custom Hand-Paint ed silk tallitot & CHuP Pot & unique Custom ket ubot CONNECTING TRADITION AND CULTURE THRU ART

www.theleviaproject.com

photo by Laurie Bailey Photography

DREAMS DO COME TRUE Real Weddings. Real Stories.

www .THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING. com

CONTENTS

PLANNING GUIDE MJW CHECKLIST Too many wedding to-do’s?

Let MJW help! We’re with you every step of the way.

12 Setting the Scene INSPIRING IDEAS 19 Steps to the Chuppah PLANNING CHECKLIST

19 GETTING PERSONAL

NICE JEWISH GUYS

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FAMILY TRADITIONS Traditions. They come from your birth families, from your culture, from your faith. What traditions will you and your spouse carry forward— or create—to make memories with your new family?

&

8 Comforts Customs CHALLAH BREAD

2015 Calendar

16 Tradition Unveiled THE KETUBAH

DEPARTMENTS 7 Editor’s Note A MESSAGE FROM MICHELE 14 Bling

MJW ENGAGEMENT STORY

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75 Looking Good NICE JEWISH GUYS

84 Mitzvah Magic

THE FIRST BIG DAY

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Y ou

PUT THE “MODERN” IN YOUR MODERN JEWISH WEDDING

photo by Ginny B Photography

I

am often asked, “What is a ‘modern Jewish wedding?’”

Is it Reform? Interfaith? Same sex? Held in a unique venue? Yes, yes, yes and yes. But a Modern Jewish Wedding is also held in a synagogue, has a traditional hakafah and can be Conservative or Orthodox. And a Modern Jewish Wedding is everything in between!

Quite simply, you put the “modern” in your Modern Jewish Wedding when you and your intended take the time to put the “YOU” into your wedding details. You get to pick what your Modern Jewish Wedding looks and feels like.

With careful planning and attention to detail, everyone will know it is YOUR wedding from the moment the savethe-date arrives until the last guest leaves. Every MJW we feature highlights the personal details that set it apart from all others.

All of this year’s wedding features live up to the standards set by our cover contest winning couple. Real Modern Jewish Weddings with venues as diverse as a college football stadium, summer camp and beachside; with chuppot (plural of chuppah) ranging from sleek LED-lit chiffon to a traditional tallit covering. Each one enhances Jewish wedding traditions with modern interpretations and personal spin to create picture-perfect memories.

We get the MJW magazine into your hands at the completion of the Jewish fall holidays—Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah—for a reason.

This time of year coincides nicely with the beginning of the engagement season. More importantly for me, it is the time of year of recognition and renewal. Recognition of the past year’s accomplishments and a renewal of goals that fell short.

This year I am congratulating my team on reaching two exciting goals.

We made it easier for you to get your own copy of this magazine through a distribution deal with Sisterhoods and Jewish women’s groups.

We’ve done away with the more traditional look of our “Jew-Blue” and embraced our “Modern” moniker with a whole new look. We hope you love the new logo and branding as much as we do.

None of this would have been possible without you, our readers. Our entire team wishes you a Happy New Year and sends you a hearty “Mazel Tov!” on your Modern Jewish Celebration.

Michele Schwartz, Publisher & Founder

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COMFORTS & CUSTOMS

True to tradition, the recipe is shared and cherished. Taught, not written.

CHALLAH A Warm Family Tradition Made Fresh

article by Michele Schwartz photos by Melanie Grizzel Photography

I

t is the handing down from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice. It is Tradition. Every time I even say the word, in my head I hear Tevye singing the song from “Fiddler on the Roof.”

He’s right you know. Jews do have traditions for everything, even if we choose not to include all of them in our lives.

Every Modern Jewish, interfaith and commitment wedding honors some traditions of faith and those created by our own family. At each ceremony and reception a new tradition is created, one you get to call your own and pass along to others.

In my family, the tradition that has memories so strong I can taste them is baking bread. Specifically, challah. My grandfather, Milton Eichelbaum, along with his brothers owned a bakery in the Jewish neighborhood of Detroit.

As the story has been handed down to me, “Each Friday the store would be filled with the aroma of fresh

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baked challah that would still be warm when it arrived at the Shabbos table. It was everyone’s favorite part of the Friday night meal. After the H’motzi blessing the family would tear (not cut; my husband’s family tradition is to slice the challah. For our family we have chosen to create the tradition of switching off tearing vs. cutting every other Shabbat) into the braided bread.”

In true “Tradition” fashion, my grandfather’s recipe was never written down. He taught the art of challah orally to my uncle and my mother. My uncle, in turn, taught the recipe to his two sons—who have both taught it to their children. They were each lucky enough to serve a fresh baked challah from Grandpa Eichelbaum at their weddings.

Regular MJW readers know I wasn’t exactly the youngest bride when I married, and none of my grandparents were alive to see the day I walked down the aisle to another song from Fiddler on the Roof, “Sunrise,

Sunset.” But I made sure there was a challah at my reception (store-bought though it was). All the kids gathered with my husband and me to say the blessing, which was a wonderful way to modernize an ancient Jewish/family tradition to create another memory I have surrounding this yummy bread.

I am what you could kindly call “kitchen challenged.” It wasn’t until I began thinking about the magazine you’re holding in your hands that I begged my mother to teach me the recipe.

And so it was that my mother, daughter and I, along with a few special friends gathered in my kitchen one day to learn how to bake and braid the traditional family challah.

It literally brings me tears of joy to finally have Grandpa’s recipe written down and to be able to share it with all of you.

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COMFORTS & CUSTOMS

INSTAGRAM YOUR FOOD TRADITIONS #MAZELTOV Are you planning to serve any food at your Modern Jewish Wedding that is one of your family traditions? How will you make it your own and how will you serve it? Have fun and create a new tradition for your family to cherish for years to come!

Instagram it using #mazeltov and your recipe might just end up in the next edition of The Modern Jewish Wedding.

MJW founder and publisher, Michele Schwartz, baking challah at home with family and friends, sharing her longstanding family recipes and traditions and creating new ones.

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Think of serving challah in an unexpected way—creating a new tradition! photo above by Pepper Nix Photography

DADDY’S CHALLAH My grandfather never, ever wrote this recipe down. My mom had to go to his home, watch him bake the challah, and write down the recipe as he did the baking. It’s called Daddy’s Challah.

6 cups Gold Medal or Pillsbury flour

Stir with wooden spoon ½ of flour, plus remaining dry ingredients.

Add water, oil, 4 eggs, and 1 egg white; add remaining flour gradually.

Knead dough on counter. Use non-stick cooking spray or flour to keep dough from sticking to counter. (Knock hell out of dough.) Mold into ball. Cover with towel until dough rises (1-½ to 2 hours).

1 teaspoon salt

Test by pushing fingers into dough. Dent from fingers should remain in dough. Divide dough into two or three balls. Roll balls into long strips. Cover with towel about 10 minutes.

½ cup raisins (soak in hot water)

Press raisins into dough and reshape long strips.

Fleishman’s Rapid Rise yeast—3 packages 1 cup hot water

Gather three strips of dough. Press ends together, and braid strips.

Press remaining ends together. Brush with egg. Wait 20-30 minutes.

½ cup oil

Preheat oven to 300-325 degrees F.

5 eggs

Bake 30 minutes or until loaf is golden brown.

1 cup sugar

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First close your computer; then close your eyes. What is your wedding vision? Your top five must-haves? Okay; now it’s time to get pinning and bring your dream to life.

photos by McBoat Photography

from Pinterest to

REALITY

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER ...

IN YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE

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SOURCES Rentals: Event Rents, Styling: Isabelle Kline Designs, THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING.com Venue: The Inverness, Planning: The Modern Jewish Wedding

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SETTING THE SCENE

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Get the Look 1. Where you place your chuppah will determine your entire ceremony look: the processional aisle, what your guests see and the lighting in the room.

2. Candelabras offer more than just lighting. They provide drama, height and elegance.

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3. A beautiful charger against textured linen creates a WOW when guests sit down at their tables.

4. Bling is trendy: linens, lighting, floral vases and even the flowers.

5. You can never go wrong with candles.

6. Think about table size and scale when planning your centerpieces. A small center arrangement works on a large table with the addition of smaller petals and votives.

7. Think no one will notice the seating?

Think again窶馬othing takes the air out of an initial look faster than hotel chairs.

This is a wedding, not a meeting.

8. Going for a vintage look? Books, a birdcage and a smart use of floral are more elegant than lace on a farm table.

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9. See #4.

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BLING

A MODERN JEWISH ENGAGEMENT STORY

LOVE blooms M

article by Rachel Southmayd, 2014 MJW Engagement Contest Winner photos by Tesar Photography

y then-boyfriend, David, and I were both tour guides in the Admissions Office while we were students at Elon University in North Carolina. In April 2013, just a few weeks before graduation, I conducted the absolute best tour of my career on one of the best days of my life.

It started out as a normal tour, with just one very nice young girl and a friend of hers, an Elon student, who came along to keep her company. I took them around about half of the campus, and the girl said she wanted to see Whitley Auditorium, a beautiful space mostly used for music performances. As soon as we walked in the door, my heart stopped.

There, standing on the Whitley stage, was David, my boyfriend of more than five years. Handsome in his suit,

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he was holding a bouquet of 61 roses, one for every month we’d been together. David took my hand and pulled me up on the stage, where he said some very kind and sweet words.

I can’t remember a single word he said, because I was still in complete shock. Then, he kissed me on the cheek, took a step back, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Without a moment’s hesitation, I said, “Yes!” Just seconds later, the doors to Whitley burst open.

Our friends and family, who had been hiding in a neighboring building, came rushing in, ready to celebrate.

It was a truly magical moment. And what was I wearing?

My tour guide polo shirt and nametag! That day’s tour was a setup! David had been planning the surprise since December when he first asked my parents. A lot of people were in on the secret—I don’t know how they kept it for so long.

It was the most surprising and romantic proposal I can imagine, beyond my wildest dreams. In the end, though, it’s not the surprise or the roses or the ring that I remember. It’s David’s sweetness and thoughtful heart that made me say yes.

THEIR MODERN JEWISH WEDDING Rachel and David wed on October 25, 2014 among the blooms at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, North Carolina. Their guest list included about 135 friends and family members, and their bridal party was a large one—20 people all told. Rachel commented, “Once our invitations and my dress arrived, it started to feel real.

Another fun detail is that we had an ice cream sundae bar instead of a dessert course.”

She added, “My father built our chuppah. This is of particular significance to us because my parents aren’t Jewish, but I am, as are David and his family. My family really embraced the whole experience.” Rachel reflected, “There’s really nothing like those jitters you get when you know that your best friend is about to become your partner for life. It’s a truly beautiful feeling.”

MJW readers voted Rachel and David’s engagement story number one in the 2014 Engagement Contest by spreading the joy on social media. As contest winners, the couple chose a navy paper-cut ketubah. Rachel said, “Our wedding colors are navy and white, so it looked like it was made for us!” The Modern Jewish Wedding thanks our sponsors, Ketubah.com and Mazel Tov Glass, for their generous support!

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TRADITION UNVEILED

sign here

article by Michele Schwartz photos by Ross Goodman Photography

Historically a progressive document, the ketubah provided women with legal status and rights in marriage. Today, it also recognizes and symbolizes love, friendship and communication.

the tradition of the

KETUBAH

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YOUR PRIVATE JEWISH WEDDING CEREMONY

S

tanding under the chuppah, circling the groom, breaking the wine glass. All are beautiful, meaningful traditions; yet they’re not required to make a Jewish wedding legit. Signing the ketubah (marriage contract)? It’s one of the two absolute necessities (the other is exchanging something of value.) This is a good thing. The ketubah is essentially the first-ever pre-nup!

And because it’s such an important ceremonial object and is required for the Mitzvah of marriage, the concept of Hiddur Mitzvah—“making it a thing of beauty”—applies.

Ketubot (the plural of ketubah) are now as varied as Modern Jewish Wedding couples. They come in multiple art forms: 3-D graphic, papercut, modern and even inlaid with gold. But even more important than the art is the text.

The text of this ancient Aramaic document has been updated for Modern Jewish Weddings. Instead of the husband promising his bride to provide her with food, clothing and sexual satisfaction, the new, more egalitarian verbiage includes promises from each spouse to the other.

No longer just about the economics of marriage, the ketubah now contains the guidelines for establishing a successful partnership.

My own ketubah reads, “I promise to stand by your always to be joy to your heart and food to your soul; to bring out the best in your always, and for you, to be the most that I can be; to laugh with you in the good times and struggle with you through life’s

challenges.” It hangs on the wall in our living room. When in the midst of a heated discussion, my husband and I will often glance at the document and remember the sacred promises we made to one another.

While both the bride and groom must sign the ketubah to be legally married, no requirements surround the way the ketubah signing happens. You can sign separately or together, in private with just your clergy and witnesses or in public with all of the invited guests. If you desire, you can take photos and video of the signing. Some couples are even choosing to sign the ketubah under the chuppah in front of all of their guests instead of simply reading from the document as a part of the chuppah ceremony.

Regardless of the setting for signing your ketubah, you’ve got to have two witnesses sign as well. Their signatures certify you accept the terms of the document. Both must be Jewish, and they can’t be related to the bride or groom. In Orthodox and Modern Orthodox ceremonies, both witnesses must be male. However, most clergy in the U.S. allow for women to sign as a witness to the marriage document.

When you choose the people who will receive the honor and privilege of being your ketubah witnesses, remember this document will become a centerpiece of your marriage and your home. You want people with good ju-ju—people whose names will stir happy thoughts over the long years of your marriage.

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AN INSPIRED AUDIENCE

PINTEREST WORTHY

Photo by Laurie Bailey Photography

The Modern Jewish Wedding Prime Vendor listing includes a dedicated Pinterest board curated by MJW—eye-catching exposure that builds momentum and increases social media buying power among passionate readers and planners.

MJW.com MJW SOCIAL MEDIA The Modern Jewish Wedding is reaching more readers than ever with our inspired Pinterest boards, fun Facebook posts and hopping Twitter feed. Prime, VIP and Premier MJW Vendor listings receive added social media benefits. Visit themodernjewishwedding.com to become an MJW vendor.

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STEPS TO THE CHUPPAH

one-step at-a-time

PLANNING Your MJW Steps to the Chuppah Photo by Sherry Sutton Photography

You’re engaged? Mazel Tov! Now, get busy; you’ve got a lot to do. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got your back!

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STEPS TO THE CHUPPAH

essential planning

CHECKLIST The MJW One-Year Guide to the Chuppah

12 MONTHS +

wildflowers in a Mason jar and vintage lace, or are you more calla lilies in cut crystal with white linen?

{{ Snag your just-right Nice Jewish

Guy! (See page 75.) {{ Show off your Modern Jewish

Bling. (And don’t forget diamond insurance for that dazzling rock.)

{{ What Modern Jewish trends and

traditions do you two want to include? {{ Pick out those Cinderella shoes.

(And maybe a second pair for dancing. Okay; and a dress!) {{ It’s time to get serious about

planning this thing now—you’re going to need some help. Find a good wedding planner, and hire ‘em! {{ Who’s officiating at the ceremony?

Get on their calendar, pronto! {{ Announce your exciting news

from the rooftops! (Or at least on Facebook.) {{ Figure out where the wedding

money’s coming from and how much you have to play with.

9 MONTHS

{{ Nail down your ceremony and

reception venues. {{ Choose which of your BFFs get to

stand beside you for the main event. {{ Grab special hotel rates for out-of-

town guests.

{{ Zero in on your wedding date. {{ Start your list of everyone who’s just

{{ Go back over that guest list. (Does

Aunt Millie’s neighbor’s daughter really need to be there? Of course she does!)

got to be there for your special day. {{ Begin the search for your dream

venue. {{ Do you and your sweetie want to

exchange your wedding vows in the fresh light of morning? In the elegance of a spring afternoon?

Under a blanket of stars?

{{ Send out save-the-dates.

6 MONTHS

{{ Sign up for pre-marital classes—

{{ Think about the theme—the look

and feel—that best expresses your personality as a couple. Are you

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hey, any excuse to spend time with your guy! Plus, as exciting as the wedding is, it’s all about building a love-forever relationship, right?

{{ Omigosh! What is everyone going

to wear to this shindig?? Have you bought your dress yet? If not, it’s time! Time to dress your wedding party as well. And your guy!

And what about rings? Better go shopping, stat! {{ Gather your peeps—your caterer,

florist, photographer, videographer, band/DJ and everyone with the help of your planner. {{ Put any last-minute touches

on your guest list and order invitations. {{ Care to chronicle your pre-

nuptial adventures? Want a virtual gathering place for your wedding guests? What better place than a wedding website? {{ Is a honeymoon in the cards?

Lucky you! Start planning now— destination, transportation, lodging, activities. (As if you need activities on your honeymoon!)

Photos by Sherry Sutton Photography

{{ Okay, here’s something fun: set up

tasting appointments and pick the yummy food you’re going to serve at your reception! {{ Confirm all your vendors are lined

up to make your special day special.

Need valet service? Security? {{ Plan for the rehearsal dinner. Who-

4 MONTHS

all’s coming? What-all/where are you serving?

{{ Pay any outstanding vendor

balances. Happy vendors—happier wedding day! {{ Go put on your beautiful dress one

last time for your final fitting. Wow; you look incredible!

1 WEEK

{{ Test-drive your hair and makeup.

{{ Get legal; get your wedding license.

Don’t leave that up-do and new lipstick color to chance!

{{ Grab your honey and put your wish

{{ Give final guest count to wedding

list together; it’s gift registry time!

planner and vendors; confirm delivery times.

{{ Stake your claim to any rental items

you need—tables, chairs, linens, etc.

{{ Finalize the floor plan and seating

arrangements with your venue(s).

{{ Put together your playlist. Hava

Nagila, anyone?!

{{ Get your best girls together, and

stuff the out-of-towners’ welcome bags/baskets.

{{ Book your honeymoon travel. And

have you thought about where you’re spending your wedding night? Might be a good idea to book a lovely room in town.

THE DAY {{ Relax and enjoy your big day! Be

in the moment, be gracious, and be grateful you found the love of your life and you’re embarking on a great adventure together!

{{ Shop for your pretty

unmentionables—and pick up thank you gifts for your wedding party. While you’re shopping, do you want to surprise out-of-town guests with welcome bags?

2 MONTHS

{{ Time to get those invitations in

the mail. Don’t forget Aunt Millie’s neighbor’s daughter. {{ Buy your wedding guest book—and

that goofy pointy pen in a stand. {{ Make arrangements with a hair and

makeup genius.

1 MONTH

{{ Okay; this is getting real, people.

Have you thought of who’s sitting where? Free-for-all, or seating chart?

You and your guy get to decide. {{ Create the program for your

ceremony. Is there someone special you want to honor? You could include them in the program. {{ Place an announcement in your

local Jewish newspaper.

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photo by Blaine Siesser Photography

DISTINCTIVE

TRADITIONS Real Weddings. Real Stories.

www .THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING. com

STYLE QUIZ

What’s your

MODERN

JEWISH wedding style

•

2014 feature photos by: Dziekonski Photography, Kamila Harris Photography, Open Aperture Photography, Blaine Siesser Photography, Stephanie Court Photography, and Kellie Saunders Photography

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STYLE QUIZ

Do you know your Modern Jewish

WEDDING STYLE

•

Take the MJW Style Quiz to find out!

4. L’CHAIM! WHAT’S IN YOUR GLASS WHEN YOU RAISE IT FOR A TOAST? A. Wine B. A bit of the bubbly C. Mojito D. Classic martini E. Margarita

9. MY FAVORITE KETUBAH IS: A.

B.

5. IT’S TIME FOR DESSERT.

1. WHAT’S YOUR CHUPPAH STYLE? A. Hand-held Tallit B. Draping and floral C. Lit with LEDs D. Forest branches and unbleached muslin E. Looking over the water

2. YOUR ULTIMATE DATE NIGHT? A. Dinner for eight B. Candlelight dinner for two at the tastiest restaurant in town C. You scored tickets to tonight’s sold-out concert!

D. Cooking at home and curling up on the couch to watch a movie E. Getting out of town for the night at a nearby B & B

3. YOUR GIRL CRUSH? A. Your mom B. Princess Kate C. Carrie Bradshaw D. Audrey Hepburn E. Minnie Mouse

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A. Chocolate, of course.

B. Did I see soufflé?

C. Fondue? I’m in!

D. NY cheesecake…. Yum! E. Cupcakes, please.

6. YOU HAVE THE TRAVEL BUG. WHERE DO YOU GO? A. New York City B. San Francisco C. Austin D. Yellowstone National Park E. Grand Cayman

C.

D.

E.

7. FAVORITE ROMANTIC MOVIE A. “Funny Girl” B. “Titanic” C. “Sex and the City” D. “Dirty Dancing” E. “Mama Mia”

8. WHEN WITH MY GAL PALS, I PREFER TO A. Shop till we drop B. Go for a night on the town C. Mani/pedi time!

D. Play putt-putt golf E. Is it football, basketball or baseball season? Let’s go!

THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING.com

10. MY ALTER-EGO DISNEY PRINCESS IS A. Cinderella B. Belle C. Anna D. Aurora E. Jasmine

photos by Erin Johnson, Blaine Siesser, Stephanie Court, IQ Photo Studio, Casey Fatchett, Laurie Bailey, Wedding Nature Photography, Mercedes Morgan, and Elizabeth Medina

IF YOU PICKED MOSTLY A’s, your Modern Jewish

MOSTLY D’s, and your Modern Jewish Wedding is the

Wedding Style is classic:

outdoorsy type:

Like Charlotte & Harry, a la “Sex and the City,” you want to do it all and do it right! You can’t wait to borrow the veil your sister wore at her bedekken. There is a role for everyone closest to your heart. They will be with you at the chuppah, blessing the challah or holding you for the Hora. Need ideas for your classic Modern Jewish Wedding? Look no further than “Storybook Celebration” on page 34.

A rain plan sounds like your worst nightmare. You’re going to be married outside under the sun or the moon and the stars. You plan to make sure your guests are comfortable with their own fan or pashmina (whichever is appropriate for the weather) and send them off after fireworks at midnight. See “Summer Camp Elegance” on page 58 for Pinterest-worthy inspiration.

MOSTLY E’s? Your Modern Jewish Wedding is DID YOU CHOOSE MOSTLY B’s? Yours is the definition of the elegant Modern Jewish Wedding:

probably headed down the destination route:

You’ve been dreaming of this day since you were 13. Only a formal seated dinner will do. The perfect escort display?

Mini-bottles of bubbly, of course. You can’t wait to see the look on your very own Prince Charming’s face when he sees you as you do your first look photos. Your elegant inspiration can be found in “Historical Romance” on page 66.

You want to whisk yourself (and family and friends) to a sentimental venue where you can celebrate all weekend long. Sand in your toes, or a sunset at Cinderella’s castle?

Your chuppah, dress and menu will all reflect your chosen destination. Don’t forget your favorite nail color when you pack your bags. “Waterfront Jubilation” on page 42 will have your imagination wandering from sea to shining sea.

MOSTLY C’s? Your Modern Jewish Wedding vibe is chic:

SEE YOURSELF IN EACH OF THESE? See a little bit

You know your Pantone Color of the year and it’s in your wedding color palette. The perfect up-lighting for your chuppah and reception is a must, along with a color coordinated signature cocktail. Is that an in-theme candy bar I see? Don’t forget to create a hashtag for everyone’s Instagram pictures. Want to see chic in action? Check out “Artful Expression” on page 50.

of yourself in each of these?

You might choose a venue practically in your own back yard, yet so original as to be a destination all on its own. You might have an outdoor chuppah ceremony followed by an elegant indoor dinner reception. Classic, elegant, chic, outdoorsy and destination—in “With Much Fanfare” on page 26, you’ll see how you CAN have it all at your Modern Jewish Wedding.

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Abby Ean REAL WEDDING STYLE article by Rachel Meador photos by Dziekonski Photography

JUNE 7, 2014 Clarkston, Michigan

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A fated (and “dorky”) meeting led to a wedding on the 50 yard line of the bride’s alma mater. Her family’s love of the home team (Go, Michigan Wolverines!) bred the spirited theme of this fun-loving celebration full of time-honored traditions tailored to fit.

with much

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bby and Ean’s unlikely introduction turned into a blissful courtship. On June 7, 2014, the couple exchanged vows on the 50-yard line of the University of Michigan’s football field with a personalized ceremony that balanced tradition, thoughtfulness and fun.

It started when Abby’s friends dragged her to a young adult Federation Shabbat Dinner shortly after she moved to Denver. The dinner sounded miserable to Abby, like something her parents would be involved in. The antithesis of cool. After much resistance, Abby attended the dinner— and took a seat next to her future husband.

“Who knew,” laughs Abby. “It was like every Jewish parent’s dream, but what a dorky story.”

Neither Abby nor Ean is seriously religious, but they wanted to blend the Jewish traditions their parents and other family members before them had observed with their own style. Instead of a synagogue, the couple chose the University of Michigan’s football stadium, complete with a chuppah on the 50-yard line. Abby grew up minutes from the campus and attended the university for undergrad, so not only was the venue distinctly sentimental for the bride,

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it also easily accommodated the guest list of 427.

“The rehearsal was funny because we had it on the field,” said Abby. “Ean had eight groomsmen, and they brought a football. We ran through the ceremony fast, and the rest of the time they were running through the stadium playing football and punting field goals. We could not get the boys to leave; even the girls were running around the stadium.”

Abby and Ean opted to observe the ceremonial elements that meant the most to them. In the late afternoon, right before the wedding, they held a tisch (groom’s reception), and a bedekan (veiling of the bride).

At 6:30 that evening, the guests found their seats.

Ean’s close friend, Ezra, officiated at the ceremony, which he wrote with the help of the couple. Abby’s eight pound Havanese dog served as a surprisingly well-behaved ring

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bearer. The couple exchanged rings, had the ketubah read in English only and did the seven blessings; then Ean stomped on the glass.

Instead of just one tallit, Abby and Ean used two for their tallit wrap, one from each of their grandfathers who have passed away. Looking back on the wedding, Abby says the integration of both shawls was one of the most special, meaningful details of the day. They provided blue and yellow kippah for their guests (U of M colors), and included an explanation of each of the traditions they chose in the program for their non-Jewish friends.

After the ceremony, guests and newlyweds made their way upstairs to the club room for the reception. Huge press box windows offered a sweeping view of the stadium on one side and the sun setting over the Ann Arbor skyline on the other.

“I thought I would have post-partum wedding depression after,” said Abby. “It was so much fun to plan, and then it was over. But it was so amazing and I am so happy it happened. It exceeded our expectations. I can’t be upset it’s over because it was the best night of our lives.”

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The very essence of a Modern Jewish Wedding is showcasing your personality as a couple. Your choice of a venue is a creative way to showcase a favorite locale, sentimental spot or alma mater whose team captures your spirit.

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MAKING MAGICAL MOMENTS “Having it on the field was just insane,” remembered Abby. “When I went to the stadium growing up, it always packed over 100 thousand people. To have it all to myself and Ean in my princess gown, with all my friends and family and amazing food—it was just beyond my wildest dreams.”

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SOURCES Event Planner: TwoFoot Creative, Wedding Venue: University of Michigan Football Stadium, Reception Venue: Jack Roth Stadium Club, Photographer: Dziekonski Photography, Videographer: Shane Tincu Films, Floral Design: Bill Hamilton Designs, Bride’s cake: Jefferson Market and Cakery, Caterer: The Moveable Feast, Entertainment: The Sun Messengers, Invitations: Rock Paper Scissors

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STORYBOOK celebration

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Together at last after a long distance romance, this meant-for-each-other pair danced the night away under the stars after a sculpture-garden wedding and sumptuous dinner at the color-infused French country restaurant on the grounds.

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Caitlin Levi REAL WEDDING STYLE article by Julie Wickert photos by Kamila Harris Photography

OCTOBER 6, 2013 Hamilton, New Jersey

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aitlin’s and Levi’s storybook wedding was a fitting chapter in their fairy tale romance. From the parting of the rain clouds on that unseasonably sultry October late afternoon to the huge flock of birds that flew directly over the couple as the rabbi read the loving words each had written about the other, it was truly an enchanted evening.

The two first met in their senior year of college. Levi was preparing to move to Israel after graduation to fulfill the requirements of his dual citizenship by serving in the military there. He had no intention of launching a relationship when he and Caitlin were paired up on the dance floor at a fundraiser for the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Caitlin said, “Levi swept me off my feet the moment we met…literally.”

The couple’s love was tested by a two-year stint as long-distance sweethearts. As Caitlin described their wedding wishes, “We wanted a wedding that defined us and did not fall into the standard expectations. We had beaten so many odds being 6,000 miles apart and we wanted our wedding to be a different approach to Happily Ever After.”

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They could not have found a more magical setting than the Grounds for Sculpture in Hamilton, New Jersey.

Caitlin and Levi were wed in the sculpture garden’s rustic stone amphitheater, under a chuppah fashioned from Caitlin’s grandmother’s curtains and Levi’s grandmother’s tablecloth. The rabbi, having known Caitlin since her baby naming and having come to know Levi over the years of the couple’s courtship, conducted a heartfelt and meaningful ceremony.

The couple’s Jewish faith wove traditions throughout the celebration of their marriage. During the week before they were married, Caitlin and Levi didn’t see each other, preserving the excitement of reuniting on their wedding day. The signing of the ketubah was a family affair, with the rabbi, witnesses and many family members in the mix.

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YICHUD Retiring to the yichud room in the midst of the wedding madness, the newlyweds share a few private moments together, sometimes with a light meal.

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Attention to even the smallest details makes each moment shine. Create a table fit for photos under the chuppah. A gorgeous tablecloth, lighting and ceremonial objects will enhance your ceremony photographs. Intimate spaces will help to capture special newlywed photographs.

The newlyweds retired to the private yichud room after the ceremony to have a breather before joining their guests at the reception.

Caitlin and Levi’s happy place to celebrate with their guests after the wedding was Rat’s Restaurant, named after beloved Wind in the Willows character Ratty (known to be a magnificent host). Nestled onsite among the sculptures, this whimsical French Country eatery is modeled after artist Claude Monet’s home in Giverny. If you can picture Monet’s famed lily pond painting, you’re looking at the manicured grounds surrounding the restaurant—complete with the arched footbridge.

Inside, the fireplaces, vaulted wooden ceilings, multihued oriental rugs and brilliant tableware provided the cozy, relaxed atmosphere the couple wanted for their friends and family to enjoy. The rich interior formed a beautiful backdrop for Caitlin’s couture dress with a vintage vibe (and sewn inside, a tiny “something-blue” heart cut from her grandfather’s tie and her grandmother’s favorite dress). Vases of wedding flowers along the tables brought the subtle glow of golden cream-colored roses, rosemary and lavender (“something calming,” said Caitlin) to the room.

Cocktails on the terrace featuring Levi’s signature “Seal the Deal” and a four-course French dinner with Kosher options were followed by dancing in the pavilion or returning to the terrace to smoke monogrammed cigars or simply to chat. Where were Caitlin and Levi most often found during the festivities? Dancing the night away, as you might expect of a couple who met on the dance floor!

Caitlin reminisced, “It was truly a magical and unforgettable day for us, filled with love and support from everyone present.”

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JEWISH WEDDING VOWS Caitlin commented, “The Rabbi had asked each of us to write about why we loved the other person. For me it was so heartfelt to hear from the Rabbi the things Levi said about me, the things I said about him. You are outside, under this chuppah; it’s just a beautiful moment.”

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SOURCES Wedding Venue: Grounds for Sculpture, Reception Venue: Rats Restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture, Photographer: Kamila Harris Photography, Floral Design: Viburnum Designs, Caterer: Rat’s Restaurant, Invitations: Paper Unicorn, Chuppah: Bride’s Linen, Linens: Viburnum

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waterfront

JUBILATION

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A gorgeous beachside venue brings together a dreamlike landscape, a lifelong wish, and a perfect wedding locale for a couple who admired each other from afar at this same beach for years before they found love together.

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Erin Logan REAL WEDDING STYLE article by Lisa Goodgame photos by Open Aperture Photography

MAY 18, 2013 Emerald Isle, North Carolina

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rin and Logan first met on Emerald Isle through a mutual friend, years before they started dating. Besides Logan, Erin has two loves: the beach and horses— so the Watson House and its inspiring scenery, just a few hours from the couple’s Greenville home, brought all her favorites together. Just down the street from her family’s beloved beach house, the Watson House is known for its resident horses and lovely waterfront, making it the perfect backdrop for their extraordinary day.

“Since I was young I wanted to get married at the beach,” Erin explained. “When I saw it, I just knew it was where I wanted to be.”

With the outdoor venue, preparations always come with the fear of rain, and Erin worried just like any bride.

“I looked at the weather every day, even had the download of the Farmer’s Almanac app to see what it had to say about the day. It turned out to be a good day.”

Weaving together the strands of their past and present, Erin wanted to incorporate important parts of their lives and religious traditions into their big day.

The colors of her alma mater, East Carolina University, provided the dramatic purple and gold color scheme, carried magnificently through the flowers and décor. As

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the wedding party proceeded across a delicate wooden footbridge, the bridesmaids made a gorgeous impression with their flowing deep purple chiffon dresses coupled with yellow rose bouquets. Erin’s lush bouquet of violet orchids and yellow roses brightly shone against her gown.

“I had the cascading bouquet, but needed to ensure it did not overpower me as I am short,” said Erin. The cascading theme was carried through the fresh floral embellishments of the tiered cake.

Meaningful memories of the couple’s wedding day include a handmade unity candle. Erin said, “My husband is a big hunter, so we made the unity candle out of deer antlers.” It rested on a table draped with a beautiful appliqued lace table cloth that had belonged to Erin’s

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Make a new MJW tradition!

Smashing cake in the face of your new spouse? Sending off Chinese wedding lanterns? Honoring an interfaith tradition with a unity candle? Feeding the horses and enjoying outdoor games in the warm breeze? There’s no script. Create your own special custom.

now-departed grandmother. A favorite moment for Erin was lighting the candles with her parents. And she’ll never forget standing side-by-side with Logan, holding hands, with the beautiful scenery as their background.

The ceremony was held on the waterfront, with a rustic wooden chuppah entwined with vines and a beaded chandelier. “My husband is not Jewish,” Erin said, “and we wanted to blend some of the Jewish tradition and some of the Christian tradition into the wedding.”

Erin and Logan included the traditional Kiddush in Hebrew and the breaking of the glass at the end of the ceremony. Moving to the reception, held in an outdoor pavilion glowing with firelight, the revelers danced the hora and raised Erin and Logan on chairs. An unexpected tradition took Erin by surprise when Logan smashed a bit of cake into her face after the toast. “I chased after him and made sure I got cake onto him as well.”

Erin’s love of horses—she’s been riding since she was a little girl—came through in the details. Her dazzling bridal portrait featured her in a princess-style embroidered ball gown with her horse, the brilliant sunlight giving both a silvery blush. The table numbers were creatively designed using soldered horseshoes, befitting the pastoral sophistication of their venue.

After the last hora was danced under the twinkling lights of the outdoor pavilion, Erin and Logan launched festive, ethereal, glowing lanterns into the sky. Their friends and family looked on holding fiery sparklers alongside the couple, capping off their fun, elegant beachside wedding.

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THE PERFECT VENUE “I’ve known since I was young I wanted to get married at the beach,” Erin said.

“When I saw Watson House, I just knew it was where I wanted to be.

They have horses; it’s on the water—a perfect combo of my love of the beach and my love of horses.”

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SOURCES Event Planner: Promised Hearts, Wedding and Reception Venue and Linens: The Watson House, Photographer: Open Aperature, Floral Design: Avalon Event Floral, Bride’s Cake: Mrs. Vingerbers Sweets, Caterer: Seaside Sensations Catering Service, Entertainment: Jeff Diamond DJ Service, Reception Rentals: Crystal Coast Tent and Event Rentals

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Jessica Matt REAL WEDDING STYLE

From the artful surroundings to his craft beer & her hand-made chocolates to the rocking band, these two soul mates expressed their distinctive personalities while sharing heartfelt Jewish traditions.

article by Christy Wylie photos by Blaine Siesser Photography

MAY 26, 2013 Dearborn, Michigan

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n an enchanted May afternoon in 2013, kindred spirits Matt and Jessica made their fateful connection official in a ‘tastefully decadent’ ceremony at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn, Michigan.

The two hit it off from the beginning when they met through work some five years earlier. They became best friends, and over time, so much more. “We knew we were soul mates,” said Jessica, who has a sixth sense for matchmaking. (She recently began her own dating service.)

Leading up to the wedding day, every detail was thoughtfully arranged with their guests in mind. The Henry, a boutique arts hotel, is at once classic and modern.

Housing one of the finest art collections in the world, it was perfectly suited as a wedding venue for Matt and Jessica who share a love of art. The reading and signing of the ketubah, as well as the Bedeken (the veiling of the bride by the groom), was held in one of the renowned gallery rooms, where the couple was happily surrounded by works of art.

The ceremony itself took place in one of the hotel’s stunning ballrooms which was bathed in light of myriad

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pinks, purples and blues. Spring bouquets of peonies, hydrangeas and oversized orchids filled the room, while the flickering of white candles set the mood of romance.

“There was so much love. It felt very magical,” recalled Jessica.

Their families and friends from all walks of life gathered to witness the union. Canopied by a Lucite chuppah draped in white blossoms, the couple exchanged the vows they had written for one another with a traditional rabbi presiding over the service. From the reciting of blessings over wine sipped from the customary silver cup, to the circling of the bride and groom, to the draping of the prayer shawl, to the breaking of the glass—this ceremony was traditionally Jewish, yet uniquely their own.

When it came to the reception, Matt and Jessica orchestrated a genuine expression of their personalities.

The reception took place in an adjoining ballroom, where

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great waves of fabric draped the ceiling. Centerpieces of cascading orchids sat atop geometric tables, which were neatly wrapped in linen tablecloths with white-on-white embossed flourishes, lending a contemporary edge to the dreamy setting.

The bride’s cake, a tiered passion-fruit masterpiece with an ombre coil of blue flowers spiraling upward from the base, towered next to tidy spreads of hand-crafted chocolates. The groom’s personal touch was a craft beer station offering on tap, not one, but two fine local brews.

And dinner? Kosher style, of course. Along with firstclass art and delicious fare, the event showcased one of Michigan’s favorite bands that kept the festivities rocking late into the night. “We expressed ourselves through the details of the day,” said Matt. “One of the best parts was hearing later what everyone enjoyed the most.”

Bride’s Tip: “Make sure you are marrying the man of your dreams. That makes it easy to stay cool, calm and collected.”

Groom’s Tip: “Take time to step back and observe what’s going on. It goes by fast. A whole weekend full of events felt like it passed in two hours.”

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Don’t be afraid of color. Your flowers, your table settings, wedding party attire, even your signature cocktail can express your color scheme. Tie it all together by lighting your chuppah, your aisle and your ballroom in the same family of hues.

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WEDDING WISDOM Bride’s Tip: “Make sure you are marrying the man of your dreams. That makes it easy to stay cool, calm and collected.”

Groom’s Tip: “Take time to step back and observe what’s going on. It goes by fast. A whole weekend full of events felt like it passed in two hours.”

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SOURCES Event Planner: Leslie Jacobs, Wedding and Reception Venue and Caterer: The Henry, Photographer: Blaine Siesser Photography, Videographer: Blue Racer Productions, Lighting: Visionary Sound and Lighting, Floral Design: Breath of Spring, Bride’s cake: Holiday Market, Entertainment: 50 Amp Fuse, Invitations and Place Cards: Lee’s Specialty, Linens and Reception Rentals: Special Events Rentals

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Sivan Daniel REAL WEDDING STYLE article by Karen Aroian photos by Stephanie Court Photography

Kind hearts and camp camaraderie united families and friends over the festive holiday weekend these two former camp counselors married under a simple, rose-garnished chuppah in a grove of pepper trees.

SEPTEMBER 1, 2013 Brandeis, California

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ver the kind-hearted couple, Sivan and Daniel wanted to host a wedding experience that underpinned their love of family and friends. Thus, the former camp counselors designed a fun-filled Labor Day wedding weekend for 220 guests who gathered from around the world to the Brandeis-Bardin Campus of American Jewish University, some 30 miles outside of Los Angeles, California.

The two met for keeps in 2007. Fellow camp counselors challenged Sivan to “go find this nice guy, Daniel” at his workplace in Santa Monica on one of her days off from camp. Daniel remembered Sivan from a wedding two years prior. He greeted her by name, and an immediate attraction blossomed. “He was incredibly thoughtful and kind—the first person I felt I could be quiet with,” said Sivan.

The couple became inseparable. After six years together, their lives included so many people, Sivan explained, that beloved family and friends became the driving force of their weekend. “We wanted everyone— Sivan’s family members from Israel and our friends here— to know each other. By Sunday night they all did!” Daniel said. Sivan’s father, Martin, captured the couple’s infectious joy in a signpost he painted, guiding guests to the chuppah:

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“Today two families become one so pick a seat not a side.”

After Shabbat morning services, “camp spirit” took hold. On Saturday, uncles and aunts played kickball.

Cousins from both sides became friends. Guests relished swimming, horseback riding, tennis, and eating from an L.A. kosher food truck. Then they surprised the couple on Saturday night with a campfire and amazing talent show.

A jestful toast-and-roast and “a lot of music and dancing” topped that unforgettable evening.

To shade their guests from the late summer heat, Sivan and Daniel chose a majestic grove of pepper trees nestled inside the 3,000-acre campus for their Sunday wedding.

“We wanted to see each other for the first time on Sunday at the chuppah,” Sivan said, “so Daniel walked down with his parents, and I walked with mine.” Married at 6:15 p.m.,

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Think about your wedding from the guests’ perspective. If your guests are going to be seated outside for the ceremony, consider the climate and time of year, so they won’t be too hot or too cold. Listen for ambient noise near your planned seating to be sure they’ll be able to hear the ceremony.

under a simple chuppah of white sheers tied back with yellow-orange rose bouquets, Sivan wore a pale gray, hand-embroidered lace couture dress created by one of her grandmother’s best friends, the renowned Lili Butler.

The couple wrote their own vows and exchanged traditional ones in Hebrew. They included the traditions of family tallitot, blessed wine, silver cups and a glass to break.

Milled jars of honey and mitzvah candles added richness to the wedding. Especially touching, Daniel’s sister Naomi made their ketubah by inlaying Hebrew text onto a 2’x3’ design of a tree trunk with branches ink-pressed from a wood etching she made.

Before the ceremony, guests could sign in by typing their wedding wishes on manual typewriters. Later, the crowd enjoyed cocktails at Brandeis-Bardin’s BCI Dance Pavilion and feasted on a luscious kosher dinner at Glaser Plaza. Sivan and Daniel abided by the campus’s strict kosher rules and food service hours. Equipped with whimsical cake pops and an epic playlist of carefully selected songs, guests danced until 5:30 Monday morning.

Sivan and Daniel gifted their guests with a unique experience. Their unselfish love shines like a beacon in Daniel’s vow to his bride: “You came into my life and immediately became the most important person in my life. Our instant connection has only grown stronger. Your passion for life inspires me. You inspire me, and you make me a better person. I’ve never loved anyone as deeply as I love you. I will always support you, care for you, love you.

Always and forever.”

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A SMART DECISION “A month before the wedding, we hired a ‘week of/day of’ coordinator whom a friend had recommended—she was the best find ever. Hiring a bridal coordinator made it possible for us to enjoy the day with friends and family,” Sivan said.

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SOURCES Event Planner: Bookend Events, Wedding and Reception Venue and Rentals: American Jewish University Brandeis-Bardin Campus, Photographer: Stephanie Court Photography, Videographer: Russell John Films, Lighting and Caterer: Elegant Affairs American Jewish University, Floral Design: Butterfly Floral Design, Bride and Groom’s Cake: Culinary Creations, Entertainment: iDJ Entertainment Services, Invitations and Place Cards: Presence Invitations & Gifts, Bridal Attire: Group Lili by Lili Butler

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Rachel Ryan REAL WEDDING STYLE article by Michele Schwartz photos by Kellie Saunders Photography

NOVEMBER 9, 2013 Dearborn, Michigan

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The wings of an original DC-3, a lavish promenade and a historic gilded theater tell the story of America’s passion for innovation. These aweinspiring artifacts were the backdrop for this truly theatrical wedding.

AISLE TRENDS

HISTORICAL romanace

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achel and Ryan met and married on the stage. Literally. The two actors met in Rhode Island doing theater and now live in New York City as creative entrepreneurs. They were married in Michigan at the historical Henry Ford Museum. The pair wanted a wedding that was “lavish and very grand, but also hip, cool and modern at the same time.”

The proposal Ryan planned was all kinds of cute—in the form of six mini-ballerinas, to be exact. Rachel, who is the proprietor of Dance with Miss Rachel in NYC, was astonished when her smallest students held up a banner saying “Will You Marry Me?” as Ryan smiled in the wings.

(There could have been some ballet moms behind the scenes on that surprise. Ya think?!)

The couple’s engagement was a short eight months.

Without the help of her professional planner (AKA Karen, Rachel’s stepmom), it would have been impossible to pull the wedding together. Karen still resides in Michigan, Rachel’s home state.

Anyone know the Essie nail polish color, Chinchilly?

It was Rachel’s inspiration for her colors. Described as “jet set cool, a sleek granite gray that positively radiates urban

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chic and subtle sophistication that goes with everything,” it was the perfect place to start the planning. Add in the pantone color of the year, radiant orchard, and you have the wedding’s elegant gray and purple palette. From here to the ombre bouquets, bridesmaids’ dresses and cupcakes, stylish refinement was easy to achieve.

Although Ryan isn’t Jewish, the couple chose a ketubah, Ryan stomped on the glass and bride and groom were lifted in chairs to a rousing hora.

To this artistic pair, the wedding felt a little like a dance performance. Their friends, most of them professional dancers, kept the party hopping all night long.

Rachel and Ryan added personal touches all along the way. It started with the save-the-date, which featured

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a photo of the couple with their dog, lying face down.

The invite was next; it included the same shot, but from a different perspective. The escort cards combined the two photos. Ryan, who is a digital whiz (even producing his own digital magazine), made sure that every guest at each table had a different version of the photo.

In the couples’ eyes, the elegant wedding reception played second fiddle to their wedding ceremony. Rachel said, “I really liked when we put our own vows together.

When I said the vows, I was aware that several hundred people were listening. But Ryan couldn’t get through the first line. I think about that, and it was really, really, really sweet.” (Remember, these two are both stage pros!) The ceremony also included a surprise reading from the book I Like You, written by a friend of the couple. (Rachel points out, “Nothing too sappy.”)

Rachel’s only regret is that the wedding was so big. She wanted to dance and enjoy everything she had planned, and she didn’t get a chance to actually talk to everyone.

“You cannot be consumed by it in a negative way. At the end of the day, all the planning you do, teeth smashing you do with all the people—all the details don’t matter, and you never think about them again.”

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Sparks of creativity often come from typical places and day-today living. Don’t just look to other weddings (Modern Jewish or others) for inspiration. You can get inspiration for your wedding details from anywhere — even a nail polish color.

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TAKE A MENTAL PICTURE “Really stop and enjoy the moment.

Right before we left the stage, we turned around and looked at all of our bridesmaids and groomsmen on the stage and took a mental picture.”

— Rachel

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SOURCES Event Planner: Party Assurance, Wedding and Reception Venue, Lighting, Caterer, and Linens: The Henry Ford Museum, Photographer: Kellie Saunders Photography, Videographer: Dark Lake Video, Floral Design: Breath of Spring, Entertainment: Nouveaute, Invitation Photos: Thomas V. Hartmann & Emily Wilson, Invitation Printing: Minted, Place Cards: Thomas V. Hartmann

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NICE JEWISH GUYS 2015 Calendar

M E H T E K A T N A YOU C TO MOM! HOME

h Guys Nice Jewis

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AVAILABLE AT: SHOPKITSON.COM, URBAN OUTFITTERS AND CALENDARS.COM NiceJewishGuys.net | @NiceJewishGuys

LOOKING GOOD

FINDING...

NICE JEWISH GUYS Chelsea Clinton, Drew Barrymore, Anne Hathaway and even Bachelorette Ashley Hebert all found one and had Modern Jewish Weddings under the chuppah. I found mine at the JCC. MJW is always looking out for our future Modern Jewish Brides (and who doesn’t like a little eye candy?). So, we’ve made it possible for you to bring home some Nice Jewish Guys without even joining JDate. Just turn the page.

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photos by Sherry Sutton Photography

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LOOKING GOOD

NiceJEWISH GUYS introduction by Michele Schwartz photo essay by Adam Cohen

Bachelors “You Can Take Home to Mom”

CALENDAR GUYS A few Nice Jewish Guys from 2014 2015 calendars: 1. JAKE, a California boy with a talent for balloon animals and a killer sense of humor; 2. BRIAN, fluent in French, actually teaches English and loves pecan pie; 3. JORDAN, a midwestern rocker with a penchant for “nerdy girls;” 4. MILO, a funloving basketball fan who idolizes his “tough” Mom; 5. ALEX, an actor/producer foodie inspired by Dad, Howie Mandel to “never give up;” 6. JOEL, a talented violinist, seeks a women who knows she’s smart, but doesn’t know she’s pretty; 7. KRISTOPHER, an “aww shucks” kind of guy seeking a “tall” girl!

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A nice Jewish guy is trustworthy, a good listener and definitely someone you can take home to mom. There’s something vulnerable about him even if he’s got that hard outer shell. You want to laugh with him (did I mention NJGs are funny?), cook with him, share secrets—share your life with him.”

— ADAM COHEN, Nice Jewish Guys Calendar

photo (above) by Sherry Sutton Photography; bachelor photos courtesy Nice Jewish Guys

2015 Nice Jewish Guys Calendar Out Now!

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Photography * Wedding Films * Album Designs

The wedding story teller of the cayman islands

www.rebeccadavidson.com 345.916.1654 * 345.943.3686

AISLE TRENDS

a heated

CONTEST MJW Voters Like, Share, Tweet & Pin!

RECORD-BREAKING MJW READER PARTICIPATION Thanks to our friends at Two Bright Lights and Engaging Assets, we received cover photo submissions from numerous world-renowned wedding photographers.

Whittling the entries down to the semi-finalists was brutal for our editorial team. We’re glad you, the readers, had to make the final selection.

The response from all of you to the final three is what we can only call,

“AWESOME!” Thank you. In the end, “The Giant Leap” won the cover contest. But based on all the love our top three finalists received, we decided we had to tell you all three stories.

The MJW team had so much fun working with the finalist photographers and getting to know the couples they shared with us. Our favorite Modern Jewish Wedding detail for all three was the choice of location

and how each couple chose to showcase the selected venue.

These three couples’ weddings span the spectrum of nuptial style.

They each added personal details to create their own Modern Jewish Wedding.

The advice from each of our winning couples to others in the planning stages? “Make it your own!” Turn the page to see the details “Behind the Cover!”

(clockwise from left) 2014 MJW winning cover

by Rebecca Davidson of Rebecca Davidson Photography captured Aaron and Alaina as they leapt for joy in sunny Grand Cayman.

Placing second, Julie Anne Neill of Julie Anne Wedding Photography created a work of art in her stunning fall bridal portrait of Lauren and her horse. Capturing lifelong memories for brides Sabrina and Jessica, Laura Grier of Beautiful Day Photography placed third.

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taking the AISLE TRENDS

LEAP

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photos by Rebecca Davidson Photography article by Susan Moynihan

Destination Wedding Matchmaking Made Easy

s a former travel editor and founder of The Honeymoonist, I spend my time trying to make the right match—not just for honeymoons, but for couples and destination wedding locations, too. Finding the right wedding spot is tricky; it not only has to fit what you envision, but also work for guests. Here are three tips to keep in mind.

Pick a theme. You dream of a vineyard-themed wedding. That could mean heading to Italy, but it could also mean a vineyard in Napa or a Mediterranean-style resort in the Caribbean. Having a theme in mind makes it easier to narrow down options and express your vision to the planner.

Minimize travel stress. Don’t ask guests to spend days traveling to make your event. When planning, I’ll ask where most of guests are based and start the search there. One

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airport connection is fine for most guests; for more exotic spots with longer travel time, keep your invite list small.

Consider costs. Your uncle the hedge-fund manager has more to spend than your yoga-teaching college roommate.

So look for resorts with various room categories and rates, or with less expensive options nearby. For instance, The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman recommends Sunshine Suites Resort across the street for guests who can’t pay Ritz rates, making things easy on everyone who attends.

What Is a Travel Planner? A good travel planner will help you find the right destination and resort for your needs and budget. She’ll also go over contracts and booking options to secure the best rates, handle the guest block and any special requests, and plan your honeymoon.

Your resort coordinator will handle actual wedding-day details.

AISLE TRENDS

ABOUT OUR COVER COUPLE For Alaina and Aaron, the Cayman Islands are a second home. The couple planned four days of festivities to share this gorgeous destination with their guests. A favorite highlight? A catered boat tour of the islands. A tip from Alaina? Provide guests with customized sunglasses with your wedding hash tag on them. Not that guests needed a souvenir to remember this wedding!

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AISLE TRENDS

“A TOUCH OF SOUTHERN CHARM”

MJW COVER 5, LAUREN MJW: WHAT TRENDS INSPIRED YOUR WEDDING STYLE? LAUREN: My first priority was for my friends and family to have a blast.

But I also wanted to incorporate the things we love and have a touch of southern charm. We arrived by horse drawn carriage, we had a hunting dog ice sculpture and lots of wildflowers. We were also married in a historic antebellum home. We served barbecue and played corn hole during the reception.

MJW: WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING MOMENT? LAUREN: My most memorable moment was walking down the aisle, of course. And seeing the man of my dreams!

MJW: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER COUPLES ABOUT CHOOSING TRENDS THAT EXPRESS THEIR PERSONALITIES? LAUREN: I would tell other couples to stay true to themselves. Make it for you and not anyone else. It’s your day to show the world who you are as a couple.

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photos by Julie Anne Wedding Photography

“SIMPLE, MODERN & ELEGANT”

MJW COVER 3, JESSICA AND SABRINA MJW: WHAT TRENDS INSPIRED YOUR WEDDING STYLE? JESSICA AND SABRINA: Modern and elegant. Lots of Lucite, white orchids and simplicity. We wanted to appreciate the natural beauty of the room and the view instead of over-crowding it with “stuff.”

MJW: WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING MOMENT? JESSICA AND SABRINA: There were a few, but our videographer’s drone flying overhead during our ceremony does come up in conversation a lot!

MJW: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER COUPLES ABOUT CHOOSING TRENDS THAT EXPRESS THEIR PERSONALITIES?

photos by Laura Grier of Beautiful Day Photography

JESSICA AND SABRINA: Take the time to add personal touches and make it your own. Not only does it make the planning process more fun and memorable, it also heightens emotions for everyone involved. Our guests are still telling us our wedding was the best they’d ever been to—our Rabbi was amazing, our vows were personal, heartfelt and funny, and our love was evident and infectious.

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MITZVAH MAGIC

A Sweet Bat Mitzvah Celebration as Colorful as its Candy Theme

OH,

Sugar Sugar!

article by Michele Schwartz photos by Ginny B Photography

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hat does it take to be an International Special Events Society Award Winner?

In this case: Candy, Color, Creativity and Collaboration. Candy! Surely you’ve heard of Dylan’s Candy Bar. Replace “Dylan” with “Julia,” and you have a sweet

theme with enough candy to fill a store—Julia’s Candy Bar. Julia wanted a candy bar as big as she is with all her favorite candies, including personalized chocolate bars (which we acquired from WHCandy).

Color! Lots of it! A vibrant wall and dance floor changed colors at the touch of an iPad, and multi-hued balloons duplicated the colors in the Dylan’s Candy Bar sign. Even the candy bar itself (which we rented) was colorful. Lit from within with LEDs, the 22-foot candy bar was a “Wow!” showpiece.

Creativity! Dylan’s Candy Bar is an assault on our senses (in a good way). We wanted the same to be said of Julia’s party. Sense of taste? We had it covered with all of Julia’s favorite candies set out as centerpieces on the adult tables, with escort cards on lollipops and with the “It would make Amy Atlas proud” sweet candy buffet.

Sense of sight? The guests’ view was color-rich even before they entered the ballroom. At the bat mitzvah service earlier in the day, there were seven different colors of kippot. Upon entrance to the ballroom, a huge multi-colored balloon arch announced that guests were entering “Julia’s Candy Bar.” Collaboration! When it comes to planning your Modern Jewish Lifecycle event, it takes a village—in this case, a multitude of event planners working in harmony.

As you saw from “Setting the Scene,” a lot of moving parts must synchronize to bring a theme to life. When planning an event it is always a good rule of thumb to hire the very best event partners and then stay out of their way and let them work their magic!

With Julia’s Candy Bar Bat Mitzvah Bash—the magic was literally award winning.

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MITZVAH MAGIC

SOURCES Event Planner: The Modern Jewish Mitzvah, Reception Venue: The Westin Austin at the Domain, Photography: Ginny B Photography, Candy Bar Stylist/Baker: Sugar Fashionista, Centerpiece Design: Fleurish Austin, Balloon DĂŠcor: Balloon People, Rentals: Premiere Events, Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design, Entertainment: On The Flip Side, Kippot: Kippah.com

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Mazel Tov!

Unique Wedding Candy Planning a special walk to the Chuppah?

We know wedding preparations can be quite daunting, but there’s no need to break any glass before the big day!

CandyWarehouse.com, named the “sweetest site” for wedding candy by hundreds of wedding publications, can help make your preparations a little bit easier! Our vast inventory features thousands of sweet wedding favors and colorful treats. Use our exclusive Candy Buffet Builder to create a stylish candy display that matches your wedding colors!

WWW.CANDYWAREHOUSE.COM - Fresh Candy Shipped Fast!

THEKETUBAH.COM Custom hand lettered & painted Ketubot Limited edition archival prints made by Stephanie Caplan since 1994

Find your perfect Ketubah here

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photo by Blaine Siesser Photography

NO YENTAS HERE! Real Weddings. Real Stories.

www .THEMODERNJEWISHWEDDING. com

BLISS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS. THAT’S CAYMANKIND. Walk an aisle of sugar sand. Meet your groom beneath a chuppah crafted from tropical blooms. Say “I do” against a backdrop of crystal blue. Whether it’s for your special day or just a romantic stay, the Cayman Islands’ elegance and professional excellence are sure to make your time together even better.

For more information, visit www.caymanislands.ky.

A WORLD AWAY. JUST ONE HOUR FROM MIAMI.