Celebrations, Spring 2022

Periodical Supplement to Cleveland Jewish News, March 18, 2022

A special edition of Jstyle Weddings and Bar• Bat Mitzvah | SPRING 2022

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CONTENTS

52

Periodical Supplement to Cleveland Jewish News, March 18, 2022

A special edition of Jstyle Weddings and Bar• Bat Mitzvah | SPRING 2022

32 On the cover: Elyse Frank and Jonathan Peterlin share a moment at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland on their wedding day, July 31, 2021. Story on page 18.

Cover photo by Imagine It Photography

OPENERS 10

Spring Showers What to know for planning bridal showers this season

FEATURES 18

Spotlight Wedding: Elyse Frank & Jonathan Peterlin

22

A New Phase COVID-19 uncertainty continues – but with a more positive outlook

26

Spotlight B’nai mitzvah: Thatcher Gross & Oliver Gross

International collaboration

32

Spotlight Wedding: Morgan Steinberg & Kevin Moss

36

Vibrant Venues Local spots offer beauty, unique accommodations

Celebrations SPRING 2022

A Starry Night Incorporate the night sky into the wedding ceremony

52

Spotlight Bat mitzvah: Cydney Feinberg

54

Playful Parties Local spots offer activities for all ages

58

Spotlight Wedding: Tali Merdler & Will Collins

DENTAL SPECIAL SECTION 40

Smile for the Camera Tips for smiling with confidence at b’nai mitzvah celebrations

42

Bright Wedding Beam Advice on improving teeth ahead of the big day

DETAILS 44

Blue Metallic Bash Soft blues and metallics give a soft yet glamorous wedding vibe

8

48

Cleveland Institute of Art serves as hub for Israeli ketubah designer

Take professionals’ party advice Editor Amanda Koehn tells of her excitement – and nervousness – for an upcoming wedding in her family

12

28

62

Fresh Take This spring, party food trends have few rules

66

Giving Thanks Tips for writing heartfelt, unique thank-you notes

68

Hora Wedding: Serena Stevens & Dmitriy Yarovitsky

Welcome to Cleveland, Welcome to jHUB! We are the place for interfaith couples and families to explore, discover, and personalize their Jewish culture and values.

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Discover “Our Stories: Intersectionality in Cleveland’s Jewish Community” Thursday, March 31 from 7-9pm Mandel Jewish Community Center 26001 South Woodland Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 The Our Stories Exhibit is open to the community - all are welcome!

Meet Carmela Guerrero & Ben Adams Committed to staying together while maintaining different religious beliefs, Ben and Carmela’s story shares how being an interfaith, multicultural couple has shaped their experiences, including in Jewish spaces and in raising a family.

SPRING 2022 Celebrations

9

Take PROFESSIONALS’ PARTY ADVICE As this issue of Celebrations was coming together, I began my own slow dive into party planning.

My sister, Lisa, is planning her wedding for this September. Lisa, my mom and I are in the beginning stages of planning the bridal shower in Cleveland this summer, while the wedding will be in Cincinnati – where her fiance, Nik, is from.

This will also be my first time in a wedding party, and certainly as maid of honor. Let’s just say I’m excited, but also extremely nervous about what to expect.

As a result, I’ve looked at my work on this spring issue with a more personal perspective.

I’m excited to share it with everyone else in Northeast Ohio who has some role in an upcoming wedding or b’nai mitzvah.

In this issue, we check in with experts about planning a wedding shower that’s perfect for the upcoming seasons and inclusive to all guests. We also talk with planners and a doctor about what we might be able to expect this year for factoring the COVID-19 pandemic into our celebrations.

It seems as though the only constant during the pandemic has been adapting to changes, but I was encouraged to hear the optimism that came out of those interviews. I hope we’ve reached a phase where planning safe in-person parties is possible and practical, as long as we adhere to health protocols – most importantly, vaccination for all who are eligible – relayed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health officials.

Another special feature in this issue covers a little known fact that our own Cleveland Institute of Art plays a major role in ensuring ketubot designed by an Israeli company are printed to perfection for American couples.

Printing locally at CIA prevents the Jewish marriage contracts from being damaged during shipping from across the world, and I’m glad we are able to tell that story here.

And like all issues of this magazine, we turn the spotlight on a handful of local newlyweds and b’nai mitzvah celebrants whose love- and family-filled ceremonies and parties made us want to take a closer look. In every edition I look

Publisher & CEO Kevin S. Adelstein Vice President of Sales Adam Mandell Editor Amanda Koehn akoehn@cjn.org Design Manager Stephen Valentine Managing Editor Bob Jacob Controller Tracy DiDomenico Digital Marketing Manager Cheryl Sadler Events Manager Gina Lloyd Columbus Bureau Chief Stephen Langel Editorial / Contributors Courtney Byrnes Jane Kaufman Becky Raspe Meghan Walsh

forward to reading the sweet stories behind the simchas, but this year they take on extra meaning as my own family begins our venture into a similar process.

We also check out what’s trending for 2022 in terms of wedding fashion and decor, activities for b’nai mitzvahs, and selecting a venue and catering for either kind of party. These stories highlight fantastic local vendors and spaces that always balance new trends with a timeless feel.

Lastly, we share professional tips on how to write thoughtful and unique thank-you notes for each guest, paying attention to traditional etiquette as well as how to make the job less daunting.

I hope the stories in this issue of Celebrations spark excitement and help ease any stress about upcoming weddings or b’nai mitzvahs among family or friends. I know I will carefully note our experts’ advice as my family’s own season of party planning begins.

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

Amanda Koehn Editor VOL. 146 NO. 12

10 Celebrations SPRING 2022

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SPRING SHOWERS

What to know for planning bridal showers this season

By Amanda Koehn

T

he bridal shower is an opportunity for the bride and her friends and family to celebrate with gifts, delicious food and drinks, sunny yet elegant decor and good vibes for the big day.

While some aspects of the parties stay constant across time – like florals as decor highlights – activities, food choices and other trends fade in and out. For those planning a bridal shower this spring or summer, Alison Quinn Cox, event consultant at Joe Mineo Creative in Youngstown, and Marsha Newman, sales and catering manager at the Bertram Inn in Aurora, share best practices for making the day charming and memorable.

12 Celebrations SPRING 2022

PLANNING A wedding shower typically takes place anywhere from two weeks before the wedding to six months out, Cox says. It serves as a traditional way to celebrate the bride, and other than an engagement party is often the first event where the bridal party and other women close to the bride come together in honor of her.

“By doing these interactive experiences and having everyone get together, it’s going to be, I’d say, the most important event that they are throwing besides the wedding,” she explains.

While historically bridal showers have included primarily women, that’s been much more flexible in recent years,

Newman says. Reasons for the shift include more non-heterosexual couples getting married, as well as wanting to involve grooms, significant others and children in the shower. Simply put, it’s not as rigid and gender-specific as it used to be.

The first steps toward planning the shower often include setting a budget, preparing invitations and choosing a venue. Then, you’ll want to envision the scene, decor and planned experiences that make it unique.

The shower can often serve as a way to show of some of the bride’s taste and interests that may not stand out at the wedding.

“Give it more of a personal spin,” Cox says. “Maybe this decor or your theme is

Joe Mineo Creative / Every Angle Photography something that doesn’t quite fit in a wedding, but fits in a bridal shower theme and tells the guests more about your personality.”

When deciding on a location, planners will also want to consider the bride’s taste.

For example, is she more outdoorsy and would she want the party outside? Or is she more traditional, preferring a setting like a country club or banquet hall?

“I believe that the location should also show the bride’s personality, and that’s going to be your best bet,” Cox says.

TRENDS AND ACTIVITIES Today, showers are focusing more on interactive experiences than the games of the past, Cox says. Some examples are

Bertram Inn perfume or bouquet creation bars.

“We have done make-your-own perfume, where we’ve had experts come in, bring in supplies for all of the ladies to make their own perfume, and even some of the ladies have then said they wore the perfume for the wedding,” she says.

Another activity is called letters of love, where a calligrapher writes letters from guests, perhaps to the groom, bride or mother of the bride. Joe Mineo Creative – which primarily serves Northeast Ohio and Pittsburgh, and travels for events – will mail the letters “and then a few days later you get this beautifully handwritten note that you can keep forever as a keepsake for that bridal shower,” Cox says.

Newman says she also is seeing fewer

games involved at showers, and it’s related to guest lists now becoming larger. Instead, she suggests finding ways to involve men and kids, who are becoming more frequent attendees as families become busier and the need to accommodate increases. She notes the Bertram’s Paws Restaurant has a private room that seats 40 called the Cub-House.

“Everybody can show up at noon on a Sunday, have a buffet and then the girls can go in the well-lit room – the Cub-House – and that will be all pretty and decorated.

That’s where they can open gifts and have their time,” Newman says. “The guys can remain in Paws where there is a TV, they can watch sports and the bar is there. And we have a game room, too, so if they have kids

SPRING 2022 Celebrations

13

they need to bring along, the game room is located right off the lobby.”

As the parties get bigger, they become more expensive. As a result, Newman says sometimes a few women close to the bride will share hosting responsibilities to also share the cost.

For smaller showers where a group activity can be better accommodated, Newman shares options like painting or potting succulents, where guests essentially make their own party favors.

As far as themes, garden party, cocktail party and brunch are consistently popular.

Cox highlights a garden party as the most versatile “because you are able to transition and shift and utilize what decor you have in the different venues.”

FOOD AND DRINK For dining, entree salads remain popular, Newman says, adding that the Bertram does its own catering. Often served with bread and a choice of protein, salads keep costs down and accommodate dietary restrictions relatively easily. Another option is a pasta bar, or really any scenario where guests can build their own dish.

Popular lunch or brunch foods like avocado toast, family style dishes, an omelet bar, a mimosa bar or make-your-own

pancakes are also a good bet, Cox says.

DECOR AND GIFTS For the upcoming seasons, lush florals are popular, where flowers go down the middle of the tables to brighten a room or outside space. Decor details can also include small personalized items such as putting a rose bloom or leaf on individual place settings.

Floral arrangements may also mark the spot where the bride will open gifts, Cox explains. It may be on a pedestal or in front of a fireplace with the mantle dressed in a floral garland, lending the scene to photo opportunities.

Additionally, Newman says balloon arches – which were last popular in the 1980s – are coming back, but in a redesigned, colorful and elaborate way.

Flower walls are also being seen as a backdrop for opening gifts.

And as far as color schemes, rose gold is generally trending, she says. In some cases, Newman has also seen more rustic or bohemian themes depicted in decor.

Some brides may also specify not to wrap gifts. The planner may accept gifts at the front door and label each gift with the giver’s name. Then, they’ll take the gifts to a separate room where a calligrapher

can address the card from the giver to the recipient, Cox says. Later in the day, typically after any activity, the party goers and bride will enter that room and see the gifts all displayed.

This is a good tip for those who don’t want to spend the precious party time opening gifts, opting to spend the time bonding with the guests instead, Cox says.

Factoring in how long it takes to open gifts can make for a tight time frame, Newman also notes.

“That has always been a problem,” says Newman, who previously owned a Northeast Ohio wedding business for 20 years called the Perfect Choice. “People are busier than they used to be, and showers are bigger than they used to be.”

Viewing the shower – or at least the gift-opening segment – as more of an open house where guests can come and go might be a good bet for ensuring more guests attend, since they won’t feel uncomfortable leaving early or arriving late if need be.

“It’s really nice because you kind of plan it to be an afternoon of an open house with people coming and going. Of course the bride and groom are opening gifts, but it doesn’t have to feel like you have to sit there until the last gift is opened,” Newman says.

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“It’s kind of speaking to the new issue that everybody has a million things to do on their day off.”

WHAT TO AVOID As with planning any party, there are certain missteps to avoid. One such complication to avoid is “having too many cooks in the kitchen,” Cox says. That means that if you are the bride, finding one person you

trust to articulate your vision – like the maid of honor or your mother – to be in charge.

“Delegate one person to make the decisions,” she says. “You are welcome to bring in as many people as you would like during the process and give their opinions.

But you want to make sure you have that one person, who is usually the host, making the final decision. Or else you are going to start seeing at the event too many elements

that may not match up if you have too many opinions that you are taking.”

Newman adds that with attention spans becoming shorter, it may be a good strategy to incorporate fun activities with a low-pressure environment. And if it highlights the bride’s interests and style all while bringing people together, the party is bound to be a hit.

Joe Mineo Creative / Mae B Photo

A make-your-own fragrance station at a bridal shower put on by Joe Mineo Creative.

16 Celebrations SPRING 2022

SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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SPOTLIGHT

ELYSE FRANK & JONATHAN PETERLIN WEDDING DAY JULY 31, 2021 THE RITZ-CARLTON | DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND TODAY AGES: 29 & 32 HOMETOWN: CLEVELAND 18 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Imagine It Photography

HOW DID YOU MEET? We like to say we met in the blueberry aisle at Heinens – I (Elyse) dropped the carton of blueberries and as I bent down to pick them up, Jonathan was there to help. We locked eyes and the rest is history. ... But we actually met on the dating app, Coffee Meets Bagel.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER? On our third date, Jonathan and I took an Uber together to a Thai restaurant in Tremont. On the drive over, the Uber driver got lost and started circling around downtown Cleveland and went the complete wrong way. We were so enthralled with conversation with one another that it wasn’t until 15 minutes later we looked up to realize the Uber driver was lost.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED? Three-and-a-half years. We dated for a year and a half before getting engaged, and then we were engaged for two years (bonus year due to COVID).

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?

Elyse: After a few months of dating, I was waiting for Jonathan to be the first one to tell me he loved me so I could say it back, but he was waiting for me to say it first, too. I told Jonathan how much I really, really, really, really liked him. He asked “Do you love me?” I said “Yes,” and then so did he. So I guess I technically told him first, but he prompted me.

And from that point on I knew we’d be together forever.

Jonathan: I thought that was my answer. Didn’t I give you that answer?

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING? Definitely cake testing. We got cakes from two different bakeries with my (Elyse’s) parents and did a “cake-off.” We sampled frostings, cake flavors and fillings for each of the two bakeries and everyone scored their favorites. At the end of the evening, we tallied up the votes to pick the winning bakery and flavors. We were so stuffed that by the end of the tasting, we couldn’t move. But a year later when COVID happened,

we lost the piece of paper with the winning flavors, so we had to do it all over again.

We also loved taking dance lessons for our first dance. We highly recommend couples take dance lessons – it was a super fun experience that put us out of our comfort zone and gave us something to look forward to during the wedding reception. We also turned each dance lesson into a fun date night. We really wanted to add a lift and surprised all of our guests with the big finish.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR WEDDING PLAN AND WEDDING DAY? We had originally planned our wedding for July 18, 2020, which was going to be three days before my (Elyse’s) birthday and so the first day of the honeymoon would be on my birthday. In April of 2020, we decided to move the wedding back a year so that our family and loved ones could safely celebrate with us, especially my grandmother (who now just turned 92). We were able to keep all of our original vendors and get married on July 31, 2021.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP? The first piece of advice people told us before we got married was don’t go to bed angry. The second piece of advice was to take in every moment the day of the wedding and to look around and soak it all in.

Both are spot on, though we never really get upset with each other anyways. The third piece of advice for the wedding was to make sure we find time to eat on the wedding night. Luckily, we didn’t have this problem.

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING/PARTNERSHIP? Jonathan has enjoyed getting to learn about the Jewish wedding traditions that were important to me and was most excited for the breaking of the glass. We had been to other Jewish weddings prior to ours, where the groom “whiffed” at the breaking of the glass, and Jonathan was determined to break it on the first attempt. When it was time to break the glass, our eyes were all locked on Jonathan’s feet – and he crushed it, literally.

SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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PLANNING

Engagement: June 5, 2019 Officiant: Adam “The Bull” Gerstenhaber Wedding colors: Gold, blush pink and white Dress/Veil: Brides by the Falls in Chagrin Falls Wedding rings: Bookman & Son Fine Jewelry Jewelry: Tennis bracelet from Elyse’s mom and earrings from Nordstrom Shoes: Dillard’s Hair: Elaina Kovach from Style House Beauty Bar and Kim Pasquale Makeup: Rachel Lorraine Artistry and Kaelyn Zielinski for bridesmaids Bridesmaids dresses: Bill Levkoff from Bella Bridesmaids Groom’s formalwear: Suit from Indochino, tie from Jonathan’s dad Groomsmen: Suits from The Black Tux Bouquet/Flowers/Chuppah: Ashley’s Floral Ketubah: Nehama Samson from Etsy Photographer: Imagine It Photography Videographer: Work Shed Weddings Planner: Kim Singerman from Noteworthy Events Ceremony/Reception/Catering: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland Cake: Wild Flour Bakery Rehearsal dinner: Mallorca Invitations/Stationery: Amy Finkenthal from Noteriety Music/Entertainment: Band: The Avenue from Cleveland Music Group; string quartet: Stellare Strings; ceremony soloist: Bob Frank Rentals: Chiavari chairs from weddingchairs.net; photo booth from Cleveland Music Group; limo from A-1 Mr. Limo Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland Registries: Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond and Amazon Honeymoon: Antigua Extras: Custom cookie favors from Cookies by Courtney; wedding signage by Laveda Peterlin; first dance lessons from Viva Dance Studio

“ ur wedding ceremony was so special to us. ur officiant, dam “The ull,” is a colleague of onathan’s on the radio at . The Fan) and he made the wedding ceremony so unique. From his big booming voice and “live from downtown Cleveland I now pronounce you husband and wife” finale, he made the ceremony feel truly show stopping. t was also so special to have Elyse’s year old grandmother wal down the aisle and dance the hora.”

Elyse and onathan

20 Celebrations SPRING 2022

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

a new phase COVID-19 uncertainty continues for Northeast Ohio celebrations – but there’s a more positive outlook for the coming season

By Jane Kaufman

Shi Shi Events / Lauren Gabrielle Photography / The Club at Hillbrook 22 Celebrations SPRING 2022

To hug or not to hug?

Should the guest list be large or small?

Should the simcha be outdoors or indoors?

Should guests be quizzed about their vaccination status or show proof of it?

Should they be asked to perform rapid tests with a quick swab?

C

business development and sales at Lasting Impressions Event Rentals in Bedford Heights, says he became a certified pandemic compliance adviser. To become certified, he took a 10-hour course that covered aspects of planning, from contact tracing to strategies for safely transporting travelers from the airport to an event.

During the intense delta and omicron variant phases of the pandemic, Harmon says some of his clients hired pandemic advisers to help coordinate details that would ordinarily fall to guests and to compile what he calls a “master book” in case of an outbreak and the need for contact tracing.

“You’re basically just the point of contact and you have the plan in place. You weren’t there necessarily to police people to wear a mask,” Harmon says. “You’re on site to help navigate protocols and assist with data capture from each attendee in the event of an outbreak.”

Senders says it’s unlikely that these protocols will be necessary in this period of waning COVID-19 spread.

PRECAUTIONS CONTINUE In addition to the china, linens, glassware, flatware, tables and chairs that Harmon’s company typically rents out, his business recently purchased and now rents out hydroxyl generators.

“They’re NASA certified, and they basically purify the air, odors, against airborne illnesses. Obviously, COVID falls into

that category,” Harmon says.

At a more personal level, he says he’s attended weddings where color-coded wristbands were offered to guests indicating their comfort with distance and touch. In fact, he’s seen that same sort of indicator be used as a keepsake from the simcha.

Based on the red, yellow and green used in traffic lights, the wristbands offer guests a bit of shorthand in how to comfortably connect with one other. A green wristband would indicate the highest comfort level with physical touch, yellow would indicate more caution, and red the most distance.

Harmon recommends offering wipes and hand sanitizer to guests as well as thinking about what requirements to make of the vendors, specifically regarding masking.

“That is something that will make your guests feel more comfortable, something to consider as well,” he says. “Small things like that I think have a huge impact on people’s mindset, and I think people’s level of comfort.”

Senders says these kinds of precautions may no longer be necessary for COVID-19, but are intriguing options to prevent the spread of general viral illnesses in large events.

As outdoor venue spaces are limited, Harmon says the number of home-based, backyard events has “probably tripled” during the pandemic, including for weddings and b’nai mitzvahs.

“I think people are ready to gather and people are willing to spend that extra bit

Lauren Gabrielle Photography

ouples planning weddings and families planning b’nai mitzvahs have been grappling with these very questions – and many more related to planning a social gathering during a pandemic – for the past two years.

Some have decided to postpone their simcha in hopes it could be held more safely in the future.

But when?

“I think we’re at a point now where even the CDC recognizes that we’re in a mask-optional type of world indoors,” Dr. Shelly Senders, founder and CEO of Senders Pediatrics in South Euclid, told Celebrations in late February. “The incidence of COVID infections is way down. The number of hospitalizations are also way down. And the number of beds devoted to COVID-19 is minuscule. This suggests that Purim, Passover and Shavuot will be relatively normal days of celebration and that we will be able to go back to normal b’nai mitzvah and weddings in the near future.”

In addition, noting that ventilation and air flow offer protection against the spread of COVID-19 and other viral illnesses, Senders says, “I think outdoor events are always going to be preferable, but indoor events with high ceilings are helpful.”

And with the constant health and safety changes during the pandemic, those in the events industry explain that in many ways, it’s a new world to which we are still adjusting.

In fact, Ryan Harmon, director of

Harmon

Jokilehto-Schigel

Rosen

Senders SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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of money so they can be in control,” he says. “And again, get that peace of mind that you are outdoors and you are able to socially distance.”

Harmon also notes something that other event planners are seeing as a new offering, what he calls “vignette areas – where people can escape from being in the thick of it,” even in outdoor settings.

‘WEEK-BY-WEEK SITUATION’ Rachel Rosen is director of catering sales for Bon Appetit Management Company, the exclusive caterer at the

Cleveland Museum of Art. The museum’s venue space is the multi-story atrium near the main entrance of the building. It also has an outdoor space for ceremonial use.

“It’s kind of a week-by-week situation,” Rosen says. “There’s a lot of different things at play because obviously not only do we want to make sure that all of the guests are kept safe and healthy, but we have our staffing team as well that we want to make sure they’re comfortable. So, it’s just kind of having some flexibility that I think is important to us and the museum.”

Shi Shi Events / Steve Steinhardt

24 Celebrations SPRING 2022

The museum asks that the catering staff be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or tested weekly, she says. In addition, all of her staff masks at all times.

Rosen says some events were postponed at the museum in January. And some brides have postponed celebrations during the pandemic, in some cases twice.

At this point, Rosen says most people planning events are “kind of confident with moving forward, but possibly just with lower guest counts.”

The atrium’s capacity is 700. With the pandemic, the room can comfortably hold

500, Rosen says, but because of staffing issues, events are running at 300 to 400. That allows for plenty of space between seats and tables.

Rather than having buffet or family-style meals, Bon Appetit is serving more plated dinners to minimize risk through touch, Rosen says, adding there is the advantage of “that special quality to a beautiful plated meal as well.”

IMPACT ON GUESTS, PARTIES Perhaps one of the most sensitive areas has been about what to require of guests.

Gina Jokilehto-Schigel, owner and creative director of Shi Shi Events in Cleveland, a boutique firm that plans weddings, says different couples and families have different aims. Some have hoped to have guests that are vaccinated. Others have kept their lists deliberately small with COVID-19 in mind.

Jokilehto-Schigel says the tricky part has been “knowing your guest list well enough to know who on that guest list is vaccinated and who is not.”

She says, “The people who do have that information are in a privileged position because they can make informed decisions.”

Couples who aren’t already privy to guests’ vaccination statuses have often enclosed a separate card in their invitation envelopes with a statement such as, “Out of concern and safety for all attendees, we are requesting only vaccinated family and friends attend,” she says. That same card might also have read, “If you are unvaccinated, we hope to celebrate with you in the near future.”

While the advent of vaccines lessened some concerns and allowed events to resume, it adds a layer of new etiquette.

“Literally every facet has been ridiculously tricky,” Jokilehto-Schigel says.

Dancing, she says, has often been a deal breaker for couples.

“There were weddings that

we didn’t know up until like a week before if they were going to allow dancing,” she says.

“There were weddings that were moving ahead as planned when delta hit.”

When the omicron variant was first detected, “We were in a relative calm point in our season,” she adds.

Still there is uncertainty.

“Everyone wants the answers,” Jokilehto-Schigel says.

“And they want surety. And that is all gone out the window. I haven’t produced a standard wedding since March of 2020.

So we just keep rolling with it, and we just keep adapting. And we try our best to do the things that are safe and responsible.”

Planning for flux is about the best she hopes for at this point.

“Anyone having a wedding at this moment has to understand that there is an inherent risk, that things might go left, and that we might have to adapt plans that are in place,” Jokilehto-Schigel says. “And if you have that attitude – that if we need to adapt, it’s OK – you’re golden.”

“... I haven’t produced a standard wedding since March of 2020. So we just keep rolling with it, and we just keep adapting.

And we try our best to do the things that are safe and responsible.”

- Gina Jokilehto-Schigel Shi Shi Events / Gayle Brooker

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SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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SPOTLIGHT

Mariana Edelman Photography & Design

Thatcher Gross at his bar mitzvah service Nov. 14, 2020. His party was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and combined with his brother’s a year later.

Oliver Gross at his bar mitzvah service Nov. 20, 2021.

THATCHER GROSS & OLIVER GROSS B’NAI MITZVAH: NOV. 14, 2020 AND NOV. 20, 2021 SYNAGOGUE: TEMPLE EMANU EL CELEBRATION: PINSTRIPES OFFICIANTS: RABBI STEVEN DENKER AND CANTOR DAVID MALECKI AGES: THATCHER, 15; OLIVER, 13 HOMETOWN: SOLON SCHOOLS: SOLON HIGH SCHOOL AND SOLON MIDDLE SCHOOL

26 Celebrations SPRING 2022

LOOKING BACK, WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR WHOLE B’NAI MITZVAH EXPERIENCE?

Thatcher: During the pandemic, I didn’t get to spend much time in person with my friends. Since I had to wait a year after my service to celebrate, my favorite part was being able to spend time with my friends in person.

Oliver: My favorite part was being able to celebrate with my closest friends and spend time with friends I don’t spend a lot of time with. Also, being done with all the studying!

Tera Gross, mother: Being able to finally celebrate both my sons with all of our friends and family.

HOW DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECT THE B’NAI MITZVAH?

Tera Gross: Thatcher’s original bar mitzvah was May 2020, which we had to reschedule for November 2020. We were only able to have 10 people at the service and we had to cancel his party. Since Oliver’s date for November 2021 was already scheduled, we proposed doing a joint party to celebrate both of them together. Thatcher, who is now a freshman in high school, enjoyed finally celebrating his hard work from last year. And Oliver had an absolute blast.

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

Thatcher: Don’t let unexpected events or things outside your control bring you down or lessen your motivation.

Oliver: Study, study, study! Also, during the hora, trust that the people holding you up won’t drop you.

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CIA Digital Output Center

International collaboration

Cleveland Institute of Art serves as printing, shipping hub for Israeli ketubah designer

By Becky Raspe

A

rmed with a degree in architecture and an avid interest in art and design, Israeli artist Dalia Ben-Moshe has been designing ketubot, or Jewish marriage contracts, for over a decade now.

First as wedding presents for friends and family that later developed into a hobby, Ben-Moshe designs about 80 ketubot a month under her business, Ketubata. Her designs are shipped throughout Europe and the United States.

But a few years after she opened her business, she hit an inevitable snag: a couple an ocean away from her in Cleveland received a damaged ketubah with little to no time to spare before their wedding in 2017.

“At that time, the business had been open for a few years and I would get a bit flustered about it,” Ben-Moshe says. “I used to send them through FedEx all over the world, and had them in batch orders coming from my house, which would be picked up by FedEx. In this situation, I had that customer in Cleveland who needed one printed within 48 hours. I emailed a few printers throughout the area, seeing if we could work together for my United States orders,” adding all of her European and Israeli orders are printed in Jerusalem.

The printer Ben-Moshe ended up selecting was the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Digital Output Center, headed up by manager Josh Werling. The Digital Output Center, located on the CIA campus in Cleveland’s University Circle, was created in 2008 and mainly provides wide-format printing services using water-based pigment inks. It uses an archival printing process perfect for a family heirloom like a ketubah.

“The professionalism was amazing, and (Werling) responded

28 Celebrations SPRING 2022

CIA Digital Output Center Josh Werling, manager of the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Digital Output Center, handles a ketubah designed by Israeli artist Dalia Ben-Moshe. Her designs are printed at the Digital Output Center and shipped all across the United States from Cleveland.

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so quickly,” Ben-Moshe recalls. “He seemed to have his eye on the ball and had very good customer service that I could see straight away.

And I’ve never been wrong about that. There has never been a timing or printing issue while working with Josh.”

When Werling first heard from Ben-Moshe, he said he had no idea what a ketubah was since he’s not Jewish. But when he started collaborating with Ben-Moshe regularly, he soon understood exactly what he’d be working with.

“My parents were raised Episcopal and Lutheran, and we’d attend church occasionally on holidays,” Werling says. “When my brother got married, he had a nondenominational service. They had a ketubah. I was the best man, so his sister-in-law and I signed as witnesses. I thought it was this really cool thing that I’d never seen before in a wedding service.

“That first one we printed was a big rush, and I didn’t fully digest the information. But once we did it regularly, it occurred to me it was what I signed at my brother’s wedding. It was so cool.”

Ben-Moshe says working with Werling has been exactly what her United States orders needed – especially since the printer isn’t closed for Jewish holidays.

“The way I see Judaism is, it is not us against the world – everything is in the world to be used appropriately,” Ben-Moshe says. “It’s been amazing to work with him. In fact, it’s been great because my printers are usually closed the whole Passover (holiday). But, (Josh) is working. (The Digital Output Center) has really open people, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable even though faith is a very intimate thing.”

As a non-Jew handling an important part of the Jewish wedding ceremony, Werling says the process has been “a blessing.”

“It adds this sense that we’re involved in providing a piece so significant to people’s lives,” he says. “We like to believe these are things that could be passed on to their children and their children’s children. It is also this legally binding contract, adding an extra layer past a marriage license. It is a really beautiful sentiment. It helps reinforce the weight and significance of marriage. The whole thing has been a very cool learning experience, both culturally and historically.”

And for Ben-Moshe, the collaboration has been “just like magic.”

“It’s an amazing thing,” she says. “My busy season is from March to August and it can be very overwhelming. It was being sent by courier from me and I was packing orders, waiting for the FedEx driver to pick it up.

But with Josh, the partnership has been so successful. It takes the weight off my shoulders, and I never have to worry about the quality. A lot of my customers say it’s like magic.”

30 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Ketubata A customer of Israeli artist Dalia Ben-Moshe with her ketubah, which Ben-Moshe designs in Israel and transmits to the Cleveland Institute of Art’s Digital Output Center to ship U.S. orders.

Ketubata

Framed version of Israeli artist Dalia Ben-Moshe’s ketubot, which she designs through her business, Ketubata.

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MORGAN STEINBERG & KEVIN MOSS WEDDING DAY MAY 15, 2021 TUDOR ARMS HOTEL | CLEVELAND TODAY AGES: 31 & 30 HOMETOWN: MENTOR

32 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Emily Cunningham / Emily Millay Photography

HOW DID YOU MEET? We matched on Bumble (twice). We originally matched and messaged in December 2015, however, we were both on week-long family vacations and the conversation fizzled post-vacation. Life went on and we re-matched again in September 2016. For those that don’t know, Bumble is a dating app in which the girl has to message the guy first to start the conversation. Upon our match, I (Kevin) immediately texted Morgan as I knew the chances of her messaging me were slim following the previous ghosting experience. As the saying goes, the rest is history.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER? Unbeknownst to both of us, our parents were (and still are) breakfast buddies and have known each other for years. Since Morgan is from Lake County, I assumed we had no mutual connections. The morning following the date, I told my parents about my date with Morgan and how they wouldn’t know the person/family of who I went out with. Jewish geography struck again, as the breakfast buddies pieced together the clues. At that moment, I knew I couldn’t botch this or my parents would have to find a new breakfast restaurant.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED? Five years.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR WEDDING PLAN AND WEDDING DAY? We had to reschedule the wedding three times. Thankfully, all the vendors were understanding and supportive as we were all in the same position. We lucked out as the removal of mask mandate announcement was released a few days before the wedding. It was the great coming out of hibernation event of the year.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP? The wife is always right.

WERE THERE ANY CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU OR YOUR FAMILIES IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? DID EITHER OF YOU HAVE TO MAKE ANY SACRIFICES? No conflicts, our families get along great, which made the planning much easier (and also refer to above question, the wife is always right).

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING? “Hava Nagila”

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PLANNING

Engagement: Oct. 26, 2018 Officiant: Kristin Steiger Wedding colors: Fuchsia, pink, champagne, gold, silver Dress: Custom Stephen Yearick gown from Dimitra’s Bridal Couture in Chicago Wedding rings: Gottlieb & Sons Jewelry: Twigs & Honey, Loren Hope Veil: Dimitra’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Hair: Katelynn Levan-Nicholson & Courtney McKrill Rudd (Oscar Giovanni Salon) Makeup: Lindsay London Bridesmaids dresses: Christina Wu Groom’s formalwear: Ticknors Men’s Clothier Groomsmen: They wore their own black tuxes and weren’t required to match Bouquet/Flowers: J.D. Ballantine’s Flowers Photographer: Emily Millay Photography Videographer: Chapter One Planner/Consultant: Maggie Mitchell – A Charming Fete Reception Site/Catering/Accommodations: Tudor Arms Hotel Cake/Sweets: Canela Bakeshop Rehearsal dinner: Collision Bend Brewing Company Invitations/Stationery: Rose Gold Studio Music/Entertainment: We Are The Radio Lighting/Sound: Kirk Maharg at Eccentric Sound Productions Rentals: L’Nique, All Occasions, Borrow Curated, Marbella Registries: Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Amazon Honeymoon: Antigua

“The best part of the wedding was finally being able to see friends and family after the excruciatingly difficult year we all endured.

Everything about the event was perfect; from the venue, band, weather, photographer, food and overall everyone felt a sense of joy and normalcy. We wouldn’t have changed a thing about the event and it was 100% worth the wait.”

- Morgan and Kevin

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Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens

VIBRANT VENUES Local spots offer beauty, unique accommodations for ceremonies and parties

By Courtney Byrnes After the COVID-19 pandemic put many celebrations on hold in 2020, weddings and b’nai mitzvah began to return to venues in 2021 with fervency. This year looks to be no different, as venues expect rescheduled and newly planned celebrations alike to bring their spaces to life.

Radhika Reddy, founder and majority owner of Ariel International Center in Cleveland; David Rabinsky, director of social catering at The Ritz-Carlton in Cleveland; and Kathleen Dangelo, president and owner of Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens in Chagrin Falls, are among those ready to welcome upcoming celebrations at their venues.

ARIEL INTERNATIONAL CENTER Located in a historic Cleveland warehouse with views of the lake, skyline and landmarks of the city, Ariel International Center offers a scenic venue to host a wedding ceremony, reception or b’nai mitzvah.

“Ariel International Center accommodates about 350 people without a dance floor,” Reddy says, adding it accommodates up to 300 people with the dance floor. “And the beauty about it is it’s an old warehouse, red-brick building converted to an event space. The fourth floor, called the Skyline Lake Room, has the beautiful views of the Cleveland skyline on the west side, and on the north it looks out to the lake.”

The Skyline Lake Room is the main venue available for rent, but celebrants can also add on the rooftop, often used for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours. The third floor also has a lake view, serving as a backup for inclement weather, she says.

Reddy also owns Ariel Pearl Center, Ariel Broadway Hotel and Ariel Ventures – a 100% women-owned and minority firm – as well as a community development financial institution, Ariel Economic Development Fund, which has invested in EventWorks4D, a hologram event technology company of which Reddy is CEO. With a hologram lounge on the first floor of Ariel International Center, Reddy’s partner and president of EventWorks4D, Joel Solloway, helped create a special bat mitzvah when he made a hologram of the celebrant to wow the guests.

“He did the script with the mom and the kid and they created a hologram on the stage.” Reddy says. “And so as people came, they stopped in the hologram hall and saw her on the stage and they thought it was real – ‘cause the holograms look like real life.”

36 Celebrations SPRING 2022

The hologram lounge on the first floor of Ariel International Center. | Photo / Ariel International Center She notes how shocked people were when the girl walked out on stage to reveal the illusion. While adding a hologram version of yourself or as a couple can be expensive, it can definitely make any party unforgettable.

EventWorks4D was also a part of creating the technology for recreating hologram Holocaust survivors with voice recognition at the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, one of the first in the world, Reddy says (The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Beachwood also uses hologram-style technology to share the story of the late local Holocaust survivor, Stanley Bernath).

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As far as other services offered at Ariel International Center, a crew will set up and break down tables and chairs before and after the event. Outside catering is allowed with a fee, and the venue has an alcohol license to provide alcohol and bartenders.

“We have an event supervisor and set-up crew and break-down crew, so really we rent out the room, set up the tables and the chairs,” Reddy says. “We do rent out linens, but beyond that we do have preferred caterers who bring in the food.”

RITZ-CARLTON CLEVELAND The Ritz-Carlton offers an array of venue options to fit the needs of any celebration and with guest rooms available, it’s like the party doesn’t have to end.

From the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, the Radiant Room, Highball Cleveland and the Silver Grille, the Ritz-Carlton staff will work with each interested party to find the right fit for a celebration of any size.

“Prior to COVID, we really renovated all of our spaces,” Rabinsky says. “Within the hotel proper, we have our ballroom, the Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, which can accommodate up to about 240 guests with a dance floor for a wedding reception. We also have the Radiant Room which is a smaller, more petite space that accommodates up to 90 with a beautiful view of the Cuyahoga River. It’s also a great spot for wedding ceremonies up to a couple hundred people.”

The ballroom makes for a great place for a b’nai mitvah, as the foyer can be utilized for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres for the adults while the teenagers enjoy the dance floor, soft drinks and separate hors d’oeuvres in the ballroom, Rabinsky says.

The Silver Grille, located in the Higbee Building and connected through Tower City, is a historic location on the 10th floor that has been renovated and can accommodate 350 guests with a large dance floor.

Highball Cleveland is one of the new spaces and features an octagonal marble bar, with the latest in technology, lighting and built-in furniture, Rabinsky says.

“It can accommodate up to about 90 to 95 people for a cocktail reception. It’s also a great spot for after parties, after weddings for those that want to remain whether it’s a ballroom wedding or coming from the Silver Grille or even the Radiant Room,” Rabinsky says. “It’s proven to be quite popular in that way.”

While the newly renovated spaces and guest rooms make for an eye-catching celebration, another stand-out at the Ritz-Carlton is the kosher kitchen.

“Our chef has been with us for quite a number of years and has trained in a number of different Ritz-Carltons throughout the world – from over the pond in London, in Ireland, also in different areas in the United States – and loves to find out exactly what guests are looking for to make sure that it is unique and that their menu satisfies their vision and taste to make it different from any other wedding,” he says.

SAPPHIRE CREEK WINERY & GARDENS Looking to swap out the skyline and city views for the beauty of nature? Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens offers a seamless interaction with the outdoors and makes a busy wedding day as relaxing as can be.

“When you book a wedding at Sapphire Creek Winery, since there is so much interaction with the outdoors, the decor is so easy because you really don’t want to compete with the outdoors,” Dangelo says. “It’s not like you are walking into a big-box venue where you have to decorate every single thing. ... We provide cutlery, glassware, dishes, everything you need. Our couples just need to provide linens and ceremony chairs.”

The entire venue, which accommodates up to about 250 guests and features extensive outdoor gardens perfect for pictures, is available to rent for outdoor ceremonies. Receptions are hosted in the Oak Room.

38 Celebrations SPRING 2022

The Ritz-Carlton Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens

“Most of our couples have an outdoor ceremony on either our Great Lawn or our Woodlands Pavilion, and then they have cocktail hour outside on our white terrace and then they move in for dinner,” Dangelo says. “For dinner it’s really nice because our bigger room, the Oak Room, is shut off with these very, very large brown doors and right before dinner we open up. It’s very dramatic, it’s a really nice entrance for the guests into the dining area.”

While there is much for guests to enjoy throughout the evening, the bridal party has access to the venue for the whole day.

“Most of our couples rent out the entire venue for their wedding which gives you access to the winery from 10 a.m. to midnight,” Dangelo says. “It’s really a beautiful day.”

The bride and bridesmaids will get ready in the loft and then enjoy lunch with mimosas, while the groom and groomsmen get ready in the cellar and enjoy some beer and sandwiches, Dangelo says.

“It’s really a relaxing, really lovely day – and people don’t have to run around,” she adds.

A final aspect that makes a wedding at Sapphire Creek Winery so special is the Bourbon Garden tradition.

“It’s a fun thing unique to Sapphire Creek where couples come 30 days before their wedding and bury a bottle of bourbon upside down in our bourbon garden,” Dangelo says, adding it’s a southern tradition meant to bring luck for good weather on the wedding day.

“And then after the wedding, they come unbury the bourbon and share with their bridal party and guests. They all enjoy it.”

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SMILE FOR THE CAMERA Orthodontists provide tips for smiling with confidence at b’nai mitzvah celebrations

By Amy Sonia Richards

A

child’s b’nai mitzvah is an important milestone. So much hard work and preparation goes into the ceremony and the celebration, including hours and hours of study, tutoring and personal reflection.

For the family, it also involves making a guest list, finding a venue that meets everyone’s needs, and planning a menu and entertainment. It can all be a bit overwhelming.

When the big day arrives, however, and all the planning and hard work are over, it is time to relax, celebrate and enjoy. Smiles will abound, but the most important smile is that of the b’nai mitzvah child. Making sure they can smile with confidence throughout the day will make it even more special and ensure those happy looks are preserved for the future through the photos taken.

For that reason, a few local orthodontists weigh in on how to help celebrants display their most confident and beautiful smile.

“The b’nai mitzvah child can smile with confidence on their big day by just being who they are, regardless of whether they have already completed orthodontic treatment, currently are in orthodontic treatment, or have yet to begin orthodontic treatment,” explains Dr. Philip Bomeli of Solon Orthodontics. “They have so many things to be proud of and so do their parents, regardless of what stage of teeth-straightening they are in.”

Basic dental hygiene can also go a long way.

“The best way to smile with confidence is to smile knowing you have a healthy mouth,” says Dr. Shira Z. Tor of Weiss & Tor Orthodontics in Orange and Middleburg Heights. “Brushing and flossing regularly will help boost your smile confidence no matter what age you are. Clean teeth and healthy gums will always be in style and will always help you look good.”

Another important thing to consider is that anything the child may view as an imperfection likely will not be noticed by others, or not seen as a flaw.

“B’nai mitzvah children should be smiling their biggest and most confident smile on their big day regardless of their orthodontic status,” says Dr. Jordan Roth of Fried & Roth Orthodontics in Lyndhurst. “If they haven’t had braces yet and there is a problem with their teeth, it usually isn’t immediately obvious to other people.

If braces are on, it’s a perfectly normal time to be going through treatment, and it just means that it’s a smile under construction.

And, of course, if the braces are off already, hopefully the child is thrilled with the result and is happy to show off their smile.”

If the celebrant already has braces and is looking for a way to spruce them up to add to the celebration and enhance their smile, there are many fun and creative ways to do so with just a little extra planning.

“Your smile is your best accessory. And, if you can decorate it, why not? I love coordinating braces colors with holidays, events and outfits,” Tor says.

And coordinating braces with a theme could add a zip of fun to their smile.

“Besides picking exciting colors and fresh ties for the day, sometimes friends like to coordinate colors with each other,” Roth says.

Bomeli adds, “If a patient has clear ceramic braces on their upper

40 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Bomeli

Roth

Tor

teeth, they might like for us to put new clear ties on their braces because the clear ties can discolor over time, depending on a person’s diet.”

Clear tray aligners, such as Invisalign, can also be a great option.

“Teeth don’t know the difference between braces and clear aligners,” Tor says. “All they know is that there is a force asking them to move. You can get the same fantastic result regardless of which modality you choose. It’s a personal decision, and both braces and clear aligners have their pros and cons. Only you can decide which one is better for you and your smile journey.”

Whether braces or clear tray aligners are the better option depend on the child and their natural smile, among other factors.

“Clear tray aligners do have some limitations since they are not always the best orthodontic tool to use depending on the severity of a patient’s bite and malalignment of their teeth,” Bomeli explains.

“However, sometimes they are a great option to effectively move teeth.”

And overall, it’s important to note that whether the b’nai mitzvah celebrant has braces, has finished orthodontic treatment or has some crooked teeth is not important in the grand scheme. What is important is that their teeth and gums are clean, and their smile – as well as the smiles of family and friends – demonstrate how proud you all are of what the child has accomplished.

Cut151 Supper Club is the location for your upcoming celebration including Rehearsal dinner, Friday night/Shabbat dinner, and Sunday brunch. Private events up to 200 guests.

Contact Sasha at 216.831.1004, sasha@cut151.com to discuss how we can be a part of your next event.

Cut151.com • 216.831.1004 3355 Richmond Road • Beachwood • Corner of Chagrin and Richmond Instagram & Facebook • @cut151supperclub

Jennyby Haas Photography Photo Genevieve Nisly Photography

CCLL E VV E L A N NDD

C CINCINNATI INCINNATI

2 1216.570.6661 6.570.6661

5 1513.335.0056 3.335.0056

M Y N OT E W O R T H Y E V E N T. CO M SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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BRIGHT WEDDING BEAM

Dentists, orthodontists share advice on whitening, straightening, improving teeth ahead of the big day

By Ed Carroll

T

he wedding is not only one of the most important days in a couple’s lives, but it’s also one of the most well-documented.

Photos and often videos are taken, capturing nearly every minute of the event with all eyes on the couple – and their smiles.

Before they tie the knot, the couple may consider their teeth and consult with their dentists and orthodontists to help prepare their smiles for the cameras. Dr. Paul Mikhli from Beachwood Dental, Dr. Zachary Lawrence from Lawrence Family Orthodontics in Lyndhurst, and Dr. Stephan Parker and Dr. Mindy Streem from Parker & Streem Orthodontics in Mayfield Village shared their thoughts on smile-enhancing treatments and procedures couples should say “I do” to ahead of their big day.

Lawrence said it’s not uncommon for engaged couples to do some self-reflection ahead of their wedding and think of ways to invest in and present themselves the way they want others to see.

“It’s really an exciting opportunity when we can have that impact on patients’ lives,” Lawrence says. “Typically, we’re seeing a lot of patients coming in requesting aligners to straighten their teeth as well as bleaching to whiten their teeth. So, it’s very exciting for us to have that kind of impact on people and to be able to provide what they’re looking for.”

He says ideally, patients would come in 12 to 18 months ahead of the wedding to provide enough time for treatments such as the ClearCorrect invisible aligner, which lets Lawrence Family Orthodontics create custom alignments without needing to go through an outside company.

Parker and Streem say if patients give them enough time, they can do incredible work straightening teeth and smiles. They offer Invisalign aligners and their practice is in the top 1% of providers for the procedure in the country, they said. “(Those getting married) want a beautiful smile for their special day,” Parker says. “We get ... their teeth straightened in a fairly short period of time. Oftentimes someone comes in with six months – or as little as two months, but that’s pushing it – and we make their teeth look either fully straight or so improved, it’s night and day.”

Mikhli says while there is a lot of cosmetic work he can do to improve teeth and smiles, orthodontics ultimately takes time, usually at least six months to a year. He said step one if you’re getting married should be to

42 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Lawrence

Mikhli

schedule a regular dental visit, but there are other treatments he offers that can enhance someone’s smile.

He says teeth whitening is commonly sought by those who are getting married.

“Other things that we can do are bonding and manicuring teeth, which is basically using filling material that matches the teeth and really fixing any minor things – like a chipped tooth here, we can manicure, flatten that out, and really enhance the smile for a relatively inexpensive cost, and get things to look a lot more harmonious,” Mikhli says. “I think that’s the big thing when I look at aesthetics is harmony, to make sure that the teeth look symmetrical and that they’re in harmony with the other teeth and also the smile.”

Mikhli says another option his office can provide is veneers, which are thin coverings that look natural and go over the teeth. Ideally, he says patients could get veneers at least two months ahead of the wedding.

Parker and Streem explain they work closely with a patient’s dentist if it’s determined they need bonding or veneers, particularly for patients who may have a life event such as a wedding coming up. They both say if time is winding down ahead of the wedding, purchasing over-the-counter whitening strips can help, particularly with discolored teeth, but ultimately orthodontics should be performed by professionals.

“As far as moving the teeth, there’s nothing I could recommend to improve alignment that doesn’t involve professionals,” Parker says.

“Moving teeth is a much more complex thing than doing-it-yourself orthodontics. We see the problems that arise when people try to do that.

It’s just not a good thing.”

Lawrence reminds couples that orthodontics are an investment in themselves, especially ahead of large life events like weddings.

“It’s a self-investment, you’re trying to better

Parker

Streem

yourself,” he says. “Research has shown people who have straight teeth are viewed by their peers as more intelligent and more likely to succeed. So, when the spotlight’s on you, you want to make sure you’re putting the best foot forward and it’s important to make that investment in yourself.”

Mikhli says it’s not a bad idea to inform your family dentist of the wedding and to let the wedding party know to contact that dentist in the event of an emergency, particularly for outof-town wedding party members. But ultimately, the couple shouldn’t change up their normal dental hygiene habits ahead of their wedding.

“My biggest piece of advice is, don’t do anything different before the wedding,” he says.

“If it’s been working for you up until that point, keep on that same thing. Don’t say, ‘Oh I’m going to start flossing vigorously,’ a week before the wedding or something like that. Who knows what damage you could do?”

Your Moment. Your Story. Your Venue.

At 700 Beta Banquet & Conference Center, we have the ideal space to host your wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, bridal luncheon or any other wedding-related event. We have recently revised our wedding packages to offer even more options for you and your guests.

Our dedicated event staff tends to all the details of your day, so all you need to do is enjoy! We have carefully cultivated partnerships with top wedding experts in the area who are familiar with our space and on whom you can trust for a worry-free wedding day.

Having out of town guests or just don’t want to have to travel after a long day and a lively party? Contact us for info on group accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn Mayfield Village, located right next door.

Of all the details and planning involved with your wedding, hosting an event at 700 Beta Banquet & Conference Center should be the easiest decision you’ll have to make. We’re committed to helping you realize all your wedding dreams.

Photos by Imagen Photography

We hope to hear from you soon!

440-646-1777 • www.700Beta.com Adjacent to the Hilton Garden Inn Cleveland East/Mayfield Village 700 Beta Drive • Mayfield Village OH 44143

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• Orthodontic specialists with 34 years experience • Platinum Plus Invisalign Provider • Treating children & adults • Flexible pricing plans Ira H Weiss D.D.S., M.S.D., Shira Z Tor D.M.D., M.P.H.

weissandtorortho.com

| Orange Village 216.292.6340 | Middleburg Heights 440.885.1980

SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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Blue Metallic Bash

By Jessica Simon Soft blues and metallics give off a soft yet glamorous vibe – especially when combined. Using this palette in dinnerware, cake and decor will bring an elegant, timeless feel. When it comes to the bride’s look, start with a flowing, A-line dress and then use accessories to incorporate the colors.

Necklaces, hairpieces or shoes can elevate her look and help bring everything together. Think more outside the box for the groom’s suit or tuxedo and bring some color into the style.

Event planning by A Charming Fete. | Photo / Joey Kennedy Photography

Above: Hera gown by Barbara Kavchok from Ivory & Ash, a traveling bridal boutique based in Hudson. Right: Airy A-line gown covered in symmetrical lace appliqués by Allure Bridals from Galleria Gowns in Highland Heights.

44 Celebrations SPRING 2022

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ì ì Our haimish Rabbi ì A newly built atrium suitable for gatherings ì ideal for weddings or b’nai mitzvah ì -free K-10 Religious School for members’ children and grandchildren + a pre-school program ì ì Family-friendly Shabbat services, Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

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SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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BLUE METALLIC BASH

Above: Olive/honey brown faceted dome pearshaped diamond (4.63 carat) with surrounding white diamonds set in 18-carat yellow gold from DeWitt’s Jewelry in downtown Cleveland.

Below: Art deco vintage platinum, diamond and sapphire bracelet from DeWitt’s Jewelry.

Above: Tulle A-line gown by Allure Romance from Galleria Gowns in Highland Heights. Below: Blue suit from Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood.

Above: Anya dress with detachable Alice train by Karen Willis Holmes, LUXE Collection from Ivory & Ash. 46 Celebrations SPRING 2022

…

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The Temple-Tifereth Israel’s Beachwood campus is the perfect venue for any event. The Temple provides spaces for small, intimate groups and meetings, and can accommodate hundreds of guests for parties, lectures, and concerts.

Our bright and airy event spaces offer the latest in A/V technology, free wi-fi, and an on-site kitchen, as well as outside event spaces.

We look forward to hosting your next event!

For information, contact Jennifer Mendelson at 216.831.3233 or info@ttti.org.

Jack and Lilyan Mandel Building 26000 Shaker Boulevard Beachwood, Ohio 216.831.3233 • ttti.org SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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A Starry Night

By Jessica Simon As more weddings move to weeknights to incorporate the sheer volume of nuptials in 2022, it can mean ceremonies take place in the evenings as a result. In that case, why not incorporate the starry night sky into the ceremony? Brides will find a fitted dress in any fabric will fit perfectly with this romantic atmosphere. Stay classic with the jewelry and veil to accessorize, and you’ll look back on the pictures with no regrets. Grooms can choose something classic yet modern to stay on trend and on theme.

Genevieve Nisly Photography

Genevieve Nisly Photography Top right: Gown from LUXE collection by Karen Willis Holmes from Ivory & Ash, a traveling bridal boutique based in Hudson.

Left: Lorraine gown by Madison James from Galleria Gowns in Highland Heights.

Below: Black tuxedo from Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood.

48 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Balsam and Blush Photography / Sirpilla Soirees / Ashley McComb Productions / DoubleTree by Hilton Canton / American Beauty Artistry LLC / Nina Nicole Hair Design / Anne-Marie’s Fine Jewelry

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www.parksynagogue.org 216-371-2244 SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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A Starry NIGHT

Marina Claire Photography / Biographie Studio / Willows and Sage Flowers + Events / PR Rentals

Clockwise from above: Sloane gown by Catherine Kowalski from Ivory & Ash; Vintage gold, platinum and diamond trinity wedding band by Cartier from DeWitt’s Jewelry in downtown Cleveland; Vintage platinum and diamond bracelet by Tiffany and Co. from DeWitt’s Jewelry; Liberty gown by Madison James from Galleria Gowns; 10-carat diamond bracelet by Bloomingdale’s from DeWitt’s Jewelry.

50 Celebrations SPRING 2022

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Guests can enjoy: 225 luxuriously appointed Guest Rooms and The Leopard, a fine-dining Hospitality Suites. restaurant rated Four Diamonds Multiple Ballrooms to accommodate 30-500

by AAA Experienced Event Coordinators to assist with Guests Gamecan room enjoy: themeluxuriously in choosingappointed individualGuest room design, 225 Roomscolor and Sushi bar schemes and menus The Leopard, a fine-dining Hospitality Suites. restaurant Four Diamonds Paws casualrated restaurant Special Rates for Overnight Guests MultipleGroup Ballrooms to accommodate 30-500 AAA Free Parking Kosher Catering available Experienced Event Coordinators to assist with by Guests enjoy: Gamecan room 225 Roomscolor and themeluxuriously in choosingappointed individualGuest room design, Guests The a fine-dining can SushiLeopard, bar enjoy: schemes and menus Hospitality Suites.

225 luxuriously appointed Guest Rooms and Four Diamonds restaurant The a fine-dining PawsLeopard, casualrated restaurant Multiple Ballrooms to accommodate Special Group Rates for Overnight 30-500 Guests Hospitality Suites.

AAAParking restaurant rated Four Diamonds Experienced Event Coordinators to assist with by Free Kosher Ballrooms Catering available Multiple to accommodate 30-500 Game AAAroom theme in choosing individual room design, colorwith by Experienced Event Coordinators to assist Sushi schemes menus Gamebar room theme in and choosing for a personal touchindividual room design, color Paws Special Rates for Overnight Guests Sushi casual bar restaurant schemesGroup and menus Free Parking Kosher Catering available Paws casual restaurant Special Group Rates for Overnight Guests Free Parking Kosher Catering available Inn & Conference Center 600 N. Aurora Rd. • Aurora, Ohio 44202 330-995-0200 • www.thebertraminn.com 600 N.Aurora Road z Aurora,Ohio 44202

Toll Free (877) 995-0200 z www.thebertraminn.com Inn & Conference Center

Your Special Day Our Signature Touch

Signature of Solon Country Club’s professional staff will ensure that your Mitzvah is memorable with creative menus, versatile spaces and an unparalleled attention to detail.

Set against a stunning backdrop of lush fairways, Signature of Solon exudes elegance and grandeur while offering the finest in service and exquisite cuisine for any budget.

600 N.Aurora Road z Aurora,Ohio 44202 Toll Free (877) 995-0200 z www.thebertraminn.com Inn & Conference Center Inn & Conference Center

600 N.Aurora Road z Aurora,Ohio 44202 600 (877) N.Aurora Roadzzwww.thebertraminn.com Aurora,Ohio 44202 Toll Free 995-0200 Toll Free (877) 995-0200 z www.thebertraminn.com

Conveniently located on Aurora Road (Rte 43), just off Som Center (Rte 91) ~ Only 20 minutes from Downtown Cleveland

Contact our Sales Department at 407sales@signatureofsoloncc.com.

440.498.8888 | www.signatureofsoloncc.com SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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SPOTLIGHT

Elizabeth Glorioso Photography LOOKING BACK, WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR WHOLE BAT MITZVAH EXPERIENCE?

Cydney: The best part was helping my parents with the planning. Once we decided on a theme, it was fun to put all of the pieces together. There is so much that goes into having a bat mitzvah from the Shabbat dinner to the service to the celebration. Getting to see family and friends was really special. My parents really made sure it was a special experience for everyone.

Michelle Feinberg, mother: Seeing Cydney up on the bimah was so special. She had worked so hard for a year. Also, due to COVID we hadn’t seen family in so long. We were so happy that so many came in.

HOW DID THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AFFECT THE BAT MITZVAH?

Michelle Feinberg, mother: Cydney only did her lessons by Zoom. She never had one in-person lesson with her amazing tutor. Vaccines and masks were required at the service.

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

CYDNEY FEINBERG

BAT MITZVAH: OCT. 23, 2021 SYNAGOGUE: B’NAI JESHURUN CONGREGATION CELEBRATION: EMBASSY SUITES BEACHWOOD OFFICIANTS: RABBI STEPHEN WEISS AND CANTOR AARON SHIFMAN AGE: 13 HOMETOWN: PEPPER PIKE SCHOOL: BRADY MIDDLE SCHOOL IN MORELAND HILLS

52 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Cydney: I started preparing for my bat mitzvah a year before – it seemed like there was so much to do to be ready for the service. I was nervous. I had a great tutor who I met with each week over Zoom and together we worked on making sure I was ready. I would say to others, don’t get overwhelmed, make sure you study in between your sessions and have some fun, too.

Getting to write my own d’var Torah was cool. I was able to personalize it and teach others about the Torah portion.

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PLAYFUL PARTIES

Local venues offer activities for all ages

By John Canale Adrenaline Monkey

Parties, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. Fortunately for residents of Northeast Ohio, there are plenty of facilities such as Adrenaline Monkey, Pinstripes and Play: CLE that can meet all kinds of party planning scenarios.

If your group is looking to swing from ropes, climb rock walls or challenge obstacle courses, then both Play: CLE in Avon and Adrenaline Monkey in Warrensville Heights can accommodate your party. If it’s something more laid back and traditional such as a bowling party, then Pinstripes in Orange has just what your event needs.

ADRENALINE MONKEY Thanks in part to the popularity of the TV show “American Ninja Warrior,” children – and their parents – want to give a physically challenging obstacle course a crack. This has led to the development of indoor adventure facilities that count the ninja-style obstacle courses as part of their offerings.

Adrenaline Monkey has a ninja warrior course as part of its 24,000-square-foot facility. And not everyone has to be an expert to participate. Adrenaline Monkey offers a number of courses so even the youngest party goers can give it a try.

“Our obstacle courses range from beginner friendly courses to more advanced and even elite courses,” says Jamie Haggerty, general manager of Adrenaline Monkey. “It’s nice to have that division where ... if they’re younger, smaller or it’s their first time, they get to try it, too.”

If racing through an obstacle course isn’t what you’re looking for, Adrenaline Monkey also has a basketball area and an arcade. For the adults, it has the Monkey Bar which sells food and beverages.

“We do customize all our packages to meet our clients goals,” Haggerty says. “The kids just want to have fun and socialize. We do structured activities for kids but also allow some unstructured free play time.”

54 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Adrenaline Monkey also has its own brand of dodgeball for the obstacle course, and has three-on-three basketball games and shoots on its courts.

When it comes to food, Adrenaline Monkey has a recommended list of outside vendors, and it has pizza and cupcake offerings. If party planners have other ideas, they can also bring items from their own outside vendors.

“We’ve done everything from birthday parties to bar and bat mitzvahs to bachelor/bachelorette parties, field trips and corporate team building events,” Haggerty says.

PLAY: CLE Party goers can also test their mettle on the ninja-like obstacles on the west side of town at Play: CLE, which bills itself as Cleveland’s largest indoor adventure park at 25,000 square feet. It also has a location in Worthington, a Columbus suburb.

“Our ninja course is extremely popular,” says Jenna Grife, sales manager at Play: CLE. “We also have a parkour course, rope course, rock climbing wall, a second-story obstacle course and zip line.”

The facility can fit up to 600 to 700 people, but its large activities, such as after proms or mother-son outings, have been between 200 to 250 people.

“We give our groups the opportunity to create their own adventure. We have a few packages that guests can pick from specifically for a birthday party or similar celebration,” Grife says. “These include food, drink, admission, a private room and a set number of hours in the facility.”

Play: CLE has its own full kitchen, restaurant and bar which offer a variety of items such as burgers, quesadillas and salads. The bar menu also offers a wide variety of craft beers for adults.

FROM OUR CLOTHING

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Reservations Only

Plan your next Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Whirlyball! The most fun and unique venue on earth!

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Party Areas Available · Beerand andWine WineAvailable Available• ·Catering CateringAvailable Available•·Outdoor Outdoor Patio Patio Party Areas Available • Beer WhirlyBallCleveland Cleveland- -(216) (216)591-0707 591-0707 - 5055 Richmond Miles- Bedford - BedfordHts, Hts, Ohio Ohio 44146 44146 WhirlyBall - 5055 Richmond RdRdatatMiles wbcleveland.com wbcleveland.com SPRING 2022 Celebrations

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PINSTRIPES Located in the Pinecrest mixed-use shopping, dining and fitness development, Pinstripes offers party goers the always popular and more traditional activity in Northeast Ohio – bowling.

The facility is home to 14 bowling lanes as part of its amenities that can accommodate as many as 1,000 people, says Don Hoffman, chief marketing officer at Pinstripes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Pinstripes tries to keep its parties to around 250 guests.

“Pinstripes does hundreds of events a year for various sized parties,” Hoffman says. “We can literally transform the current space to meet a client’s interests.

They can bring in decorations, lighting, sound – we can facilitate all of that. We’ve even had people bring in bands and DJs.“ Besides bowling, the 25,000-squarefoot Pinstripes also has nine indoor and outdoor bocce courts for those who enjoy a different type of bowling.

“Pinstripes also has bocce and patio space,” Hoffman says. “We have the bar and the bistro to go along with the event space.”

With 13 locations nationwide, Pinstripes also offers a wide variety of food from its on-site restaurant. Its offerings include wood stove pizzas, burgers and a range of craft beer and wines.

Play: CLE 56 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Pinstripes

INTERCONTINENTAL CLEVELAND KNOWS HOW TO CELEBRATE

Your bar/bat mitzvah will sparkle at InterContinental Cleveland. From our glamorous event space to our luxurious guest rooms and prestigious catering services, we will make sure that every detail of your event is perfect and flawlessly executed.

Live the InterContinental life.

Contact our Catering and Events team at 216.707.4168 or by visiting intercontinentalcleveland.com. @InterConCLE

Left photo © New Image Photography Right photo © Dennis Crider Photography

SPOTLIGHT

TALI MERDLER & WILL COLLINS WEDDING DAY JUNE 26, 2021 STONEWATER GOLF CLUB | HIGHLAND HEIGHTS TODAY AGES: 29 & 30 HOMETOWN: HIGHLAND HEIGHTS 58 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Anita Louise Photography

HOW DID YOU MEET? Despite growing up a mile apart, having shared family friends and going to college together, we met after graduating from Kent State University where we were both involved in Jewish organizations.

William was a brother of AEPi and (I) Tali was a student leader at Hillel.

We were introduced by mutual friends (and had a little extra chutzpah after matching on several dating apps).

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER? On our very first date, we got lost. Like 30 minutes late for our reservation, not sure if we’re in the right county, “didn’t we already pass that barn?” lost. At the risk of publicly humiliating ourselves, we’ll omit where we were going, but gallant efforts and nerves got the best of us.

Our confusion created a lot of inside jokes and a shared appreciation for patience and Siri.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED?

with me to every song, made every mundane moment of our lives special. There is no one catalyst that led me to our forever, but all the little moments that lit the way.

We officially met in September 2015, so we knew each other for about 5½ years before getting married.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?

Will: Fall 2016. During one of the practices while I was coaching youth football in Cleveland Heights, an athlete’s parent found and picked up a stray puppy. The parent brought it to the park in hopes someone could take him in for the evening. At the time, I was living with a group of friends and we did not have any pets, but I had grown up with dogs so I decided to take him home. My roommates and I called to ensure no one reported a missing dog and to report we had him if someone did. After confirming he was staying with me for the foreseeable future, I called Tali and asked her to come over. Tali had grown up with cats and expressed a little trepidation about being around a new dog. It took all of a minute before Tali and Tiger (named for the Heights Tigers) fell in love. Tali is someone who has always pushed me to work to think differently and try to see the world from a perspective other than my own. It is something I have always loved about her. So when she leapt into an uncertain situation with such an open heart, I knew I wanted to start the rest of my life with her by my side.

Tali: I don’t have a specific or isolated moment that concretized my love for William. From the day we met, his emotional generosity, willingness to celebrate even the smallest victories and reverence for laughter melted my heart. He has lifted me out of every funk, danced

The best part of wedding planning was thinking critically in an effort to be intentional. We examined which traditions and norms were meaningful to us, and having conversations about those seemingly little details elevated our relationship in this new phase.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR WEDDING PLAN AND WEDDING DAY? We chose to significantly reduce our guest list, although we made this decision before sending any invitations so we could pivot to Zoom fairly smoothly. While it stung to think about who wouldn’t be celebrating in person with us, a smaller wedding allowed for us to be more detailed and thoughtful in the planning and execution of our wedding day. We had 35 people join us at StoneWater, which felt intimate and homey.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY, EITHER IN TERMS OF THE WEDDING OR LASTING RELATIONSHIP? The best advice was given to us by Rabbi (Robert) Nosanchuk. Everyone always says your wedding day passes in the blink of an eye, which is entirely true. In our discussions leading up to the wedding, Rabbi Nosanchuk advised us to carve out a few minutes of respite after the ceremony, to be by ourselves in the first moments of married life. We have a great collection of photos and video from our wedding, but that quiet moment captured only between the two of us is absolutely sacred.

WERE THERE ANY CONFLICTS BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU OR YOUR FAMILIES IN THE PLANNING PROCESS? DID EITHER OF YOU HAVE TO MAKE ANY SACRIFICES? Being the first children in both our immediate families to get married, our parents did a marvelous job collaborating, especially with all pandemic uncertainties. We are both very Type B, so they played a big part in keeping us realistic and progressing.

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING/PARTNERSHIP? Havdalah during our reception was absolutely perfect. Tali grew up in NFTY-NEL and the former URJ Kutz Camp, and no sound is more comforting than the candle sizzle to welcome the new week in. The Havdalah ceremony, which separates the holiness of Shabbat from the rest of the week, was also our way to acknowledge the distinction between the grand festivities of our wedding and the small joys of every married life.

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PLANNING

Engagement: Dec. 30, 2019 Officiant: Rabbi Robert Nosanchuk of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple Wedding colors: Agave, light blue and gray Dress: Rebecca Ingram from Galleria Gowns in Highland Heights Wedding rings: Hers – family diamond set at Rosenfeld Jewelry in Lyndhurst; His - Jordan Jack Jewelry: Alchemy Abstract in Kent Veil: Symphony Bridal at Galleria Gowns Shoes: Vince Camuto Hair: Stephanie Guerra – HoneyRose Beauty Co. Makeup: Ariana Reynolds and Jeannine Fryer – CLE Glam Squad Bridesmaids dresses: Azazie Groom and groomsmen’s formalwear: The Black Tux Bouquet/Flowers: Kristin Brewster Goodell of Merkels Floral Studio Ketubah: HAPPYprojectSHOP (Etsy) Chuppah: Handmade by the mothers of the bride and groom Photographer: Anita Louise Photography Videographer: Ventura Films Planner/Consultant: Whitney Neidus of StoneWater Golf Club Ceremony/Reception: StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights Cake/Sweets: Some sweets by StoneWater, vegan sweets by Totally Sweet Baking Catering: Rustic Grill at StoneWater Rehearsal dinner: The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights Invitations/Stationery/Save the Dates/Programs: Handmade by the bride, formal invitations from Basic Invite Music/Entertainment: Flash Jam Entertainment Registries: Crate & Barrel, Target, Etsy Honeymoon: Charleston, S.C. Extras: Deb Rogers was the leader for Havdalah service

“Our wedding was wonderfully intimate, with a total of 35 guests present on a windy day in late June. Our friends and family were all present during our ketubah signing, an especially meaningful moment that grounded us in community. When we think back to all the joy that day brought us, being lifted by our closest people as we concretized our covenant was the highlight. We also honored the separation between Shabbat and the week by hosting a Havdalah ceremony during our reception.”

-Tali and Will

60 Celebrations SPRING 2022

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Ice pops with edible flowers. | Photo / Pop Culture CLE

FRESH TAKE

This spring, party food trends have few rules (and comfort food is in)

By Becky Raspe With any celebratory event, one of the most important and often most remembered parts is the food.

And after we’ve spent two years enjoying home-cooked or delivery meals more than ever before, families are seeking to add a little panache to their parties – even if on a lower-key scale compared to past years.

In this spring 2022 party season, Nicole Dauria, founder of Pop Culture CLE in Solon; Joan Rosenthal, founder and president of Marigold Catering in Cleveland; and Izzy Schachner, co-owner of 56 Kitchen & Catering in Beachwood, say meals remain intimate. They intend to make guests feel as comfortable as possible celebrating life amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

62 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Buffet-style meals are still in but in smaller, more personal settings. With a combination of pandemic measures and families seeking more close-knit celebrations, spring catering trends also incorporate plated meals, Schachner says.

“It’s a little more intimate in that nature,” he says. “Some of the trends are leaning towards comfort.”

Rosenthal says, “These concepts lend themselves to individual plates, especially since it’s what we’re seeing through the pandemic.”

Individual plating and single-serve items are extending into dessert menus, Dauria says. Her business specializes in single-serve, gourmet ice pop desserts.

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A buffet setup, including fruit skewers, finger foods and sliders. | Photo / Marigold Catering

“Individual treats are continuing to be a big thing, and Pop Culture CLE lends itself to that,” she says. “Prepackaged treats are easier with transport and helps with the overall shelf life of everything, too.”

With these smaller, more personal catered events, home-style cooking and finger foods are highly requested, Rosenthal says, adding that many of her customers are looking to easy meals they know most attendees will recognize, so as not to bog down the festivities.

“People are definitely going back to comfort food,” she says.

“They’re asking for late night snacks, a call back to those oldfashioned American-style snacks like tacos, burgers, soft-pretzels, milkshakes and grilled cheese. We’re going back to that. Everyone also always orders our short ribs, which seems like a popular dish.

That also goes back to that old comfort food sort of meal.”

Schachner says comfort food is becoming a big trend not only because of the slowly warming weather, but because of how stressful life can be. Party planners and families alike are seeking to create a place of safety at their events – an environment to let loose and unwind.

“Everyone is so tired of the world right now that we want to be comforted during these family events,” he says.

And if catering menus can feature comfort food-inspired items but made vegan, that’s a big selling point for many clients, Dauria says.

“Vegan is a big thing I’ve been hearing on my end, and also dairyfree desserts,” she says. “For a lot of people, even for me, later in life we develop an issue with dairy. It doesn’t like my body. I hear it from customers too. If (dairy-free) can be an option, just stick with that.”

In general, health-conscious foods are sitting on the opposite end of the catering trend spectrum this season, Schachner says.

“There are a lot of salmons and salads on our menus,” he says.

“With health-conscious foods, that can also be comforting in itself. It reminds people of the idea of being and eating better. It’s comforting in a different way.”

Edible flowers within frozen desserts is another dessert trend Dauria has seen that lends to a cleaner, brighter treat when surrounded by the cold Cleveland climate.

“It’s like a lemonade or peach sangria type of dessert, so it’s a clear ice pop and you can see (the flowers) inside,” she says. “It’s pretty, and it’s a new way to use edible flowers. Before, it would be on the top of the dessert, but now we’re able to put them inside.”

With all sorts of catering trends at our fingertips, Rosenthal adds that a successful event is doing what you want and having fun with it. That might be a combination of both healthy and traditionallylabeled comfort foods – whatever makes you happy, she says.

“We’re doing a wedding coming up where a customer is skewering seafood and making it into a late-night snack or finger food,” she says. “A lot of it is in the presentation and equipment. It’s marrying that contemporary food that always comes back on trend with a comfort food twist. It’s there where a fresh take on something recognizable makes it contemporary and new.”

A charcuterie board buffet setup with salads. | Photo / 56 Kitchen & Catering 64 Celebrations SPRING 2022

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65

Giving thanks Tips for writing heartfelt, unique thank you notes

By Amanda Koehn

A

s the big day becomes a memory marked, in part, by those who celebrated with you, it’s time to articulate your thanks for their role in making it special.

While writing thank you notes may get a bad rap as a tedious task to complete in the post-party haze, it doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, it’s an opportunity to lean into your love for those close to you and show them appreciation for the meaningful gifts they selected.

While there are many ways to go about giving thanks, Amy Wain, owner and designer at The A.L. Wain Company in Beachwood, which creates stationery, invitations, thank you notes and other custom products, says there are simple ways to make it personal, stress free and a true Wain exercise in gratitude.

ALWAYS SEND THANK YOU NOTES. For anyone who received a celebratory gift, it’s appropriate to send personalized and mailed thank you notes to the givers.

They should not be emailed or sent via other electronic methods, Wain says.

And they should not be generic, but specific to each gift giver.

ALWAYS PERSONALIZE. When writing your notes, make sure to name all the gift givers, checking all the names listed on the card and their spellings carefully.

“If you are going to take the time to write a thank you note, definitely personalize it with the type of gift somebody sent you, or something about you personally, or that you enjoyed celebrating with them,” Wain says. “... So, instead of saying thank you for the generous gift, you should say, thank you so much for the Israel bond or the Crockpot or whatever the (gift) was. And make sure you are acknowledging them personally.”

She says while celebrants can create some formula for the structure of the letters so each blank page isn’t as daunting, there should be unique sentiments for each note regarding the gift giver and their presence at the celebration.

For those who could not attend but sent a gift, the letters should thank them specifically for what they gave and say they were missed the day of the celebration.

HANDWRITTEN IS BEST – IF LEGIBLE. While handwritten notes are considered the gold standard, Wain says there’s one exception: if someone’s handwriting is completely incomprehensible.

“What I sometimes suggest is to get a folded note card and type up the message and print it on the nice card, rather than just sending an email,” she says.

66 Celebrations SPRING 2022

Amy Wain

“The other option is to just do it electronically. But I think in general, I think it’s still appropriate and accepted that you will send some sort of thank you note in the mail.”

LEAN INTO TRADITION. While a couple decades ago, using designs like dots and stripes that may be deemed kitschy were more common, today, wedding invitations and thank you notes are once again trending toward a more traditional look.

“They are doing their names in script or a monogram or something that’s a little bit sort of retro,” Wain says. “Not big loud designs or anything like that. It’s more traditional and (a) more … simple design.”

Trends like monogrammed letters and a more formal look are becoming popular. She notes though that b’nai mitzvah stationery can still be “pretty wild.”

PAIR INVITATIONS AND THANK YOU NOTES. Clients who work with Wain often first consult with her for their invitations and then thank you note designs are created to match.

The colors and style often can be the same, but one thing that might change for weddings is the monograms or names if the newlyweds change their last names upon marriage.

And while doing engraved or raised lettering is a nice, formal touch for invitations, it can be costly. Some will elect to use the same design but made flat for their thank you notes to save money, Wain says.

“They are much less expensive, but you can still do it in the same design and colors as the invitation,” she says.

FOR COUPLES, SPLIT UP THE TASK. Couples should split the job in half, with both partners doing their fair share.

To get a head start, Wain recommends trying to begin before the celebration if the gifts are received before the ceremony.

“Which really makes it easy, since you don’t have the huge pile waiting for you after the event,” she says, adding that the addresses should already be compiled from the guest list. “Do them as you get the gifts.”

One small traditional caveat is that before couples are married,

etiquette says they should have two sets of stationery – one for each partner as a single person. After the wedding, they would use one set with both their names on it. So, if the bride is sending out thank you notes for her bachelorette party or shower gifts, she would want to use her personal stationery, as opposed to the wedding thank you notes, which would be from the couple as a unit with their married names.

FOR KIDS, MAKE IT A LESSON IN GRATITUDE. While Wain says expectations can be quite low for thank you letters from children, that also means it’s fairly easy to impress with a heartfelt, kind and personalized note.

“I will say if someone writes a really nice note – a personal note – the person receiving it will be really impressed and it’s a really nice thing to do,” she says.

To create those special notes, she recommends parents guide children in reflecting on those who celebrated with them and what they mean to them, as well as the child’s gratitude for all they have.

“If they take the time and make it sort of like a project where they have to think about what they think about that person, even if they don’t know them that well, it gives them a little more of a perspective on the whole experience of the (b’nai) mitzvah,” she says.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIMELINE. While some say thank you notes should all be sent as soon as a month after the event, others deem it acceptable to take as long as a year. Wain says her recommendation is to have all the notes sent out and completed within the first few months after the event.

The sense of urgency comes not only from the need to wrap up the big day and thank those who were present, but also to acknowledge that you actually received the gifts and they weren’t lost in the mail or in the shuffle of the party. It also helps solidify the memory of your celebration in the mind of the attendees, reminding them of the fun and meaningful time they had.

“I think it’s a lovely tradition and I’m sorry it’s sort of disappearing,” says Wain, who has been in the business for 37 years. “People love getting mail, and you get so little mail these days.”

If for whatever reason you missed that window for sending the note, Wain says it’s never too late. You could perhaps acknowledge the lapse with an apology in the note, but it’s not always necessary, she says.

Amy Wain SPRING 2022 Celebrations

67

HORA

Photo / Lindsey Beckwith Photography

Serena Stevens & Dmitriy Yarovitsky Serena Stevens and Dmitriy Yarovitsky celebrate their wedding on Oct. 16, 2021, at Sun Valley in Chagrin Falls. Rabbi Chase Foster officiated the ceremony. Today, Serena, 30, and Dmitriy, 31, live in Solon.

“It was so fun! I didn’t know what was happening half the time but the chaos was fun instead of scary. The chairs were a little bit terrifying, but I trusted my friends and I’m glad we did it.”

- Serena

“I felt elated to be able to dance the hora with our friends and family at our wedding. It gave us a chance to express culture and traditions.”

- Dmitriy

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