The Modern Jewish Wedding 2013

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Embrace every magical moment of your special day with stylish décor, fabulous views, flawless service and exceptional cuisine. Sofitel Miami sets the stage for weddings of distinction making your affair truly unforgettable.

To inquire about our venue contact: Yvonne Tamayo – Director of Catering | P: 305.503.8317 | E: Yvonne.tamayo@sofitel.com

www.sofitelmiamiweddings.com

Modern Launching our 2013 e-magazine was as exciting, fun and inspiring as the first!

Thank you to our fantastic team; their hard work and dedication brings you the second edition of The Modern Jewish Wedding e-magazine.

EDITOR & FOUNDER Michele Schwartz The Modern Jewish Wedding CONCEPT & DESIGN Andrea Exter Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc. ADVERTISING SALES Chellie Thompson Monarch Media & Consulting, Inc. PUBLIC RELATIONS & MARKETING Anne Lasseigne Tiedt & Laura Bond Williams Momentum PR ASSISTANT EDITOR Neena Husid MODERN JEWISH WEDDING TEAM Sara Abrams Kimberly Carillo Patricia Torres EDITORIAL PARTNERS A special thanks to Two Bright Lights, Saundra Goldman, the photographers of the chosen weddings, Julie Almendral and Ginny B Photography as well as the couples who are profiled.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within these pages. The MJW cannot accept responsibility for inaccuracy or for errors in submission by organizations or individuals.

Views of the authors are not necessarily the views of the editor or publisher. Copyright is reserved. Print or digital reproduction of any part of this publication is prohibited except by express approval from the MJW. Reproduction in part or whole without permission is strictly prohibited.

© 2013 The Modern Jewish Wedding, All Rights Reserved.

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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The Chuppah A tradition that embraces your style & creativity

12

Glamour Bride Our stunning 2013 MJW Cover Contest winner

59

Contents

photo by Desi Baytan

photo by David Walters Photography

Wise Words

Advice from the experts: admired wedding cake designer Sylvia Weinstock and other wise mavens share their wisdom

14

{ Columns } 8 Setting the Scene

A future-inspired theme

17 MJW Bling

Engagement bliss

24 Steps to the Chuppah

A planning checklist

{ Departments } 7 Editor’s Note 12 Tradition Unveiled 14 Expert Advice 59 Aisle Trends (cover story) 64 Mitzvah Magic

photo by Carla Ten Eyck

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The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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table of contents Destination

REAL

Weddings

40 Traditional

4

Anthropologie

28

34

Elegant

Vintage

46

52

The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

modern fine art wedding photography

desibaytan.com

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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Custom Designed, Handcrafted Chuppahs and Original Judaica

n ahanni f abric a rts specializes in custom designed, handcrafted chuppahs (wedding canopies) and original Judaica. Created with batik, silk-screen, quilting, and family heirloom fabrics, Nahanni's chuppahs draw on images from nature, poetry, traditional Jewish

wedding themes, and each couple's background and story. Nahanni's chuppahs help to create a unique and beautiful ritual space within the setting a couple chooses for their wedding celebration, and can be displayed in the couple's home for years to come .

ALSO AVAILABLE challah covers chanukah banners mizrach wall hangings sukkot decorations prayer flags

Nahanni FabricArts www.etsy.com/shop/nahannifabricarts | nahanni.rous@gmail.com

| (202) 577–4384

editor’s note

photo by Marie Labbancz Photography

B

Original ensemble

’Shalom! Welcome to the second edition of The Modern Jewish Wedding.

Having just finished the Jewish New Year (and Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Simchat Torah), it always feels like the right time to “Go Big or Go Home!” And, we have!

This year we are featuring original weddings that have not appeared on the blog, expert advice and inspiration from the biggest Jewish names in the event business and a video showing you how to “Set the Scene.”

And again, we included you, our fans through not one, but two “choose-your-favorite” contests. First, readers selected our winning engagement couple (page 17) and second, our stunning cover bride (page 59).

The Modern Jewish Wedding remains the only blog dedicated to helping inspire Jewish and Jew-ish weddings edited for you by a professional event planner. This year I strut my own event planning talent by sharing with you the Under the Sea Bat Mitzvah (page 64), selected as one of the three best social events of the year for a small budget by the International Special Events Society. My team and I also pulled off an incredible look at a stylish

FIVE NEW REAL WEDDINGS

event themed for the future. See how it all came together on page 8.

Speaking of my team: just as I am always saying it takes a team to create a successful event, so too for this fabulous magazine. It would not have happened without the amazing and incredible talents of Monarch Media and Momentum Public Relations. They are not only formidable teams that I am grateful to have in my corner, but also the dearest of friends.

As if that weren’t enough. Everyone stepped up their game to enable us to do a limited print run. You heard right. Do you want a print copy that you can physically hold in your hands, tear apart to show your florist or add to your collection of bridal magazines under your bed? Let us know. We’ll save you one!

Every day I am lucky enough to pore over wedding pictures, admire details, read about trends for invitations, Pantone colors, catering and dresses and pin, pin, pin beautiful Ketubot and Chuppot in order to create daily eye candy. Here for you now is some of the best as we continue to be “Your Guide as You Head to the Chuppah!” MJW

Michele Schwartz, CEO (Chief Event Organizer)

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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setting the scene b

glamorous

Future c

article by Michele Schwartz photography by Ginny B Photography

T

he job of an event producer, designer, coordinator, planner or friend is to make sure your vision comes to life. The Modern Jewish Mitzvah event this March started with a nebulous idea.

d

“The future together!” That was what we started with. Does that mean décor like The Jetson’s (a kitschy look at the future) or with lots of technology and science (like lab equipment) or was it a color scheme like the roller coaster Space Mountain? And, that was just the future— what about togetherness?

We finally took aspects from all three of those futuristic ideas to create one seamless room design.

The silver, blue and clear color scheme was reflective of the entrance and exit of the Space Mountain roller coaster at Disney World. The octagons on our invitation, table numbers and menu cards featured science and technology icons. And, we had some very Jetson-like (way out there) floral vases. Guests even got to go “Back to the Future” during the cocktail hour and have pictures taken with spandex-costumed actors.

For an extended look at this event décor and more inspiration, watch this video. MJW

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The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

e

f

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

a

Get the Look a You don’t always have to start with the floral selection. We started by choosing different vessels. Then we chose flowers that would display well in our vases. b Look for ways to create texture in the room. We had multiple centerpieces, which created variety and dimension. c You always want at least one WOW element of décor. An ice sculpture is one way to surprise your guests! d Start with your invitation to design all the elements of your stationary suite. Each table number replicated the octagon shape from the invitation. e It’s all about details. Have you ever had your drink served in a chemistry beaker? f Mix and match. We used three colors of crush linen and three different chairs to create the overall look of the room. www.themodernjewishwedding.com

VENDOR CREDITS Event Planner: The Modern Jewish Mitzvah, Reception Venue: Hyatt Regency Downtown, Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design, Floral Design: The Flower Studio, Entertainment: Penguin Entertainment, Rentals: Premiere Party Central, Hair/ Make-up Stylist: Bellesball, Stylist for Michele Schwartz: Shelly Riley, Entertainment: FlipSide Graffiti Wall 2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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Beautiful flowers. amazing settings & CenterpieCes. unforgettaBle moments.

Bella by Sara wedding and event planning and floral design focuses on making any event a dream come true.

Sara Mulder • 512-636-6383 • s.mulder@bellabysara.com

www.bellabysara.com

tradition unveiled

the chuppah

AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE

article by Michele Schwartz

W

hile other girls dreamt of the elegant wedding gowns they would someday wear, when I was young, I dreamt about my chuppah. To me, the chuppah represents the doorway into the heart of the couple married beneath.

The chuppah is the most recognizable symbol of a Jewish wedding. Meaning “covering” in Hebrew and open on all four sides as Abraham’s tent was to welcome strangers from all directions, the chuppah represents the future home of the bride and groom. Unlike many other Jewish ritual objects like the tallit or mezuzah there are no legal requirements for the chuppah. Symbolic or fun, adorned or simple, it represents who you are, or aspire to be, as a couple.

Small and intimate holding you, your groom and your officiant, or roomy enough for the entire wedding party to 12

The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

join you underneath the canopy, you have the freedom to decide. Freestanding or honored family and friends holding it over you, the chuppah symbolizes you and those you hold most dear.

It is a Mitzvah to beautify all Jewish ritual objects (“hidur mitzvah”) and the chuppah is no exception. For example, a bride who was an artist by trade sent square fabric pieces to all of her wedding guests asking each to write or draw a blessing for her and her soon-to-be husband. The pieces were stitched together forming their wedding canopy, and it now hangs as a piece of memorable art in the couple’s home alongside their ketubah.

Of course there are practical considerations before you get too far down the path of personalization!

How tall is your venue? Are there any height restrictions?

Do you want a freestanding chuppah or a hand-held one? Or do you want it suspended from above?

If it is going to be hand-held, do you have four honorees with the stamina to hold the chuppah over your www.themodernjewishwedding.com

(from left) Blowing in the breeze on the beach in Mexico, this chuppah creates the perfect setting for a seaside wedding, complete with white calla lilies. Chuppah designed

by Patricia Armenta/Event Design

by Marianne Idirin. Photo by IQphoto Studio.

A grotto inspired chuppah with a moss floor and whimsical chandelier above a traditional tallit makes for a memorable wedding.

Chuppah designed by Shawna Yamamoto. Photo by Desi Baytan.

Rustic and earthly, this chuppah gives the interior space a warm and inviting glow with hanging candlelit lanterns. Chuppah designed by KEHOE Designs.

Photo by Husar Photography.

heads for 35 minutes or more? Are the poles made of a material easy for your honorees to hold? Are the poles of a sufficient height to go over your heads (or the tallest person standing under it)?

With the practical questions answered, let’s move to the fun questions! These will help you create a chuppah that represents your union.

The chuppah represents the home the couple will build together.

Do you want to have a tallit as the canopy of your chuppah? If so, do you own one with sentimental value or do you want to borrow a family heirloom? For my wedding we used my future stepson’s bar mitzvah tallit, which helped make him feel included in our new home and an important member of the new family we were creating. www.themodernjewishwedding.com

I am fortunate in my work to see many beautiful and unique chuppot (plural of chuppah) every day! They are as varied as the couples we publish. I’ve seen chuppot completely covered in sunflowers and one made of simple branches but standing under a stunning indoor tree (the former for celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss’ son).

From exotic fabrics to tallitot (plural of tallit) to an array of flowers and even one adorned with colorful kites, the sky is the limit on what you might use. Add LED lights, hang a chandelier in the center, string with tea-lights or stand underneath a skylight for natural lighting. It’s all up to you!

Looking for more tips and ideas to develop your chuppah style? Be sure to consult and follow our Pinterest board. Also talk to your florist for ideas on meaningful ways to create the perfect chuppah for your special day.

Dream about your fairytale dress, but take time to dream about your chuppah as well. Imagine the magical moment when you stand underneath it with your beloved, then let those feelings drive your creativity! MJW 2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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expert advice

Inspired Words

ONE-ON-ONE ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS

Three celebrity planners impart their wedding wisdom article by Michele Schwartz

Each year I attend the best of the best event industry conferences in order to bring the best of the best back to you. When it comes to these conferences one stands far and above all the others—the Engage! Series. Every six months the most creative, most organized and most famous event planners in the world gather for two days full of seminars and over-the-top parties. Thanks to the organizers (who hail from Disney) I have cultivated relationships with the wisest wedding minds, who also happen to be Modern Jewish Women too!

AMY ATLAS (my girl crush) Author of Sweet Designs, Amy Atlas exudes sweetness, not only through her work creating the standard of dessert tables, but also through her support of others. When I met her in Austin at her book signing I asked her about staying on top of the trends. Amy replied, “When it comes to design and colors, I don’t usually look at trends unless a client really wants a particular design that is trendy. Most clients will come to me because they want something innovative and it’s up to me and my team to come up with a color palette or design that will be different. Picking color palettes will involve me taking out Pantone swatches, tablecloth swatches, ribbon, and picking out unexpected hues that work well together. For design, I often take my cue from the client, but we look at fashion, textiles and art for inspiration. For dessert trends, we definitely listen to the client to find out what they are interested in, but we’re also always trying to come up with new ideas for desserts or decorating desserts. We’re always trying to think out of the box because it pushes us as designers.”

In my book, Amy inscribed: “You are amazing and so supportive!

You rock!” My sentiments about her too!

For more creative sweets and ideas, visit Amy’s website and blog.

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The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

SYLVIA WEINSTOCK (I want to be her when I grow up.)

Described as the “Leonardo Da Vinci of Cakes,” Sylvia Weinstock creates masterpieces for her clients and influences cake designers across the globe. Sylvia inspires all of us with her quick wit and her non-stop work ethic. In her eighties she still oversees every single cake that leaves her bakery.

I asked her: “Any advice for a bride looking to have a cake made?

What should they consider?” Sylvia responded, “Quality, design, reputation of baker and professionalism. It must be something delicious, beautiful, meaningful and appropriate. As for the first-time bride, I suggest she use a professional baker, inspect the shop, taste the cakes, see the designs and be sure of delivery.”

For a “taste” of Sylvia’s designs, view her website.

I was honored to attend the Engage!13 ‘Dine Around Sylvia’ event with Sylvia Weinstock (center in her signature spectacles) and her husband who graciously hosted a small group of attendees for an elegant meal at The Biltmore Inn (on the grounds of The Biltmore Estate).

Sylvia-inspired cake at Engage!13 photo by Carla Ten Eyck

MARCY BLUM (the hippest lady in the biz) Marcy Blum, Eventista, is so talented that when celebrity event designer Preston Bailey needed a planner for his own wedding he looked to her. I’ve heard Marcy speak at two Engage! Conferences, read her book “Event Planning for Dummies” and follow her every tweet. (Recently when asked over Twitter to name my most admired event planner, I replied @MarcyBlum. She tweeted back, “Why thank you, that’s a big compliment and I truly appreciate it!“ I was blown away by her genuine nature!)

I even got to have a glass of wine with her at a Downton Abby themed party. I asked for her best advice and Marcy said, “The area where guests exit has to be as pristine and pretty as where they entered. If, for example, a wedding ceremony has taken place, it’s important to sweep up the rose petals and remove the chuppah if the guests must eventually leave through that area so it doesn’t go from looking amazingly celebratory to just sad. The last memory of an experience is apparently the most indelible.”

To see more of Marcy’s great wedding planning advice, check out her video for The Knot.

Marcy Blum at Engage!13 photo by Jeremie Barlow

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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MJW

bling

by Michele Schwartz

E

ngagement stories—we never tire of hearing them! This year The Modern Jewish Wedding Blog held a special contest for our couples to share their engagement stories and show off their bling! Six couples entered, each recounting their special “yes” moments. Our 2012 Modern Jewish Wedding cover contest finalist, Vanessa, graciously served as our judge.

Of the winning couple, Alyssa and Jonathan, Vanessa says, “I chose this story because [the groom] chose to share this special moment with all of his family and inlaws. Family is extremely important to me and I am forever grateful that all of my closest friends and family got to partake in my proposal experience and I am sure Alyssa will be too. There is something romantic about the holidays and the last night of Chanukkah really sets the tone for me. I love the fact that everyone in the room was aware it was coming but Alyssa. The look on her face must have been priceless and now, not only her fiancé, but all of her family will forever have that memory!”

Grab a tissue and enjoy all six stories, plus the beautiful engagement photo shoot of our winning couple on page 24.

Mazel Tov! MJW

photo by Chic Shot Studio

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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MJW

bling

“ Yes! ”

Stories

Six couples recount their ‘Yes’ moments for our MJW Engagement Contest

Adam and I had been dating for more than five years. We had dinner reservations and enjoyed an incredible meal laughing and talking.

Every night at dinner Adam and I ask each other “what are three things you love about me” and we both say three things. Adam asked me that during dinner and we both responded. Adam got up and left for the restroom. A few minutes after returning, the manager of the restaurant came over and pulled out the table from the booth and Adam was standing right in front of me.

He said, “when I said before the three things I love about you, I saved the best for last.” He proceeded with a beautiful speech and said, “I love that you are my best friend and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” He got down on one knee and proposed. My sister was hiding and took pictures of the whole thing. We were all crying; the restaurant was clapping and cheering; champagne was going around—it was so special. We had tickets to a Chicago Blackhawks game that night so we went to celebrate, but couldn’t watch because we were so excited, calling everyone we knew. We went to another favorite restaurant for dessert. As we were going up the escalator, both of our families were waiting at the top to surprise me with balloons, candy and a shirt that read “Mrs. Anderson.” Adam had planned this amazing night and I was completely surprised. I would not have changed a single thing. He has truly made me the happiest girl alive and I love him with all my heart. — Lisa

Lisa & Adam

Before Labor Day weekend, Mike told me he was planning a full week’s worth of activities for us to do together. The catch was that he wasn’t going to tell me where we were going or what we were doing until we arrived. Everyday was a new event filled with anticipation and lots of guessing. One night was a movie. Another was dinner at an outdoor café.

We had an evening at home where I was pampered and served dinner in bed and a day at a local fair where he won me the cutest stuffed animal. Finally, we had a night to ourselves to sit around and play video games together. After the week of surprises, I was told to dress comfortably for Saturday night. This was odd, so I continued to ask (and guess) at what we were doing. Eventually, I was told to just pack a bag and be ready by 6 p.m., because we were just going to drive around with the bag as a back up plan. Again, very odd. Packing for an unknown possible-but-not-definite trip is difficult. Two hours later, we ended up in Niagara Falls. Our room was spectacular with a breathtaking view of the falls.

After a lovely dinner we returned to our room where he poured us champagne and we watched out our window at the falls all lit up in alternating colors. He took me aside and got down on one knee. I was already crying before he spoke or presented me with the ring. He did manage to get a word or two in and they were the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard. Of course, I said yes!

— Michelle

Michelle & Mike

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www.themodernjewishwedding.com

While I knew that a proposal would likely be coming soon, I was completely surprised on November 20th, 2012! David had told me about a banquet for University of Kansas athletics that he had been invited to. This was not uncommon, so I of course believed him. He told me that it was cocktail attire and what time we were to leave. As we approached Lawrence, several details should have stood out to me. He was acting a little odd, and when I asked if we would know anyone at the banquet, he said he was nervous—very unlike him!

David said the banquet was in Strong Hall (a weird building for a banquet!) so we parked behind the building, which just so happens to be next to the Campanile (bell tower) at KU. There is a legend about the Campanile that if you kiss underneath it, you will be together forever. David and I had kissed underneath it in May of 2011, but this night, he suggested that we go into the Campanile since we hadn’t been in there at night. I naively agreed and only as we got very close did I suspect something. He quickly started telling me all sorts of mushy nice things (none of which I remember!), presented me with a beautiful ring, and we were engaged!

David also had a friend of ours taking photos which was a wonderful surprise.

We are so excited for our wedding and life together! — Carolyn

Christina & Brandon

David

I knew that my fiancé was having a ring designed. The designer called me to get my opinion on different aspects on the ring, since she had been burned before by men creating a ring and then the woman hating it. To throw me off the trail a day before the ring was suppose to be ready, he told me that the ring maker’s appendix burst and it wouldn’t be ready for months. Devastated, I called my mom and sister to talk about how I was not getting engaged any time soon. Both of them had heard from Brandon earlier and even had pictures of the ring. Brandon was planning on proposing on New Year’s Eve, but my mom told him I wouldn’t look at wedding dresses with her before I was engaged (I didn’t think it was right). The only time I was going to see my mom for six months was at the end of December. Therefore, Brandon decided he was going to propose before I left to go home to Texas.

The night before I left, he took me to the botanical gardens to look at all the holiday lights. There was a middle school orchestra playing a horrendous rendition of Pachelbel’s Cannon and in the middle of the Wedding Garden he asked how I would feel if he proposed to me there. Oblivious, I told him I would hate it, since I wanted the proposal to be intimate. He quickly drove me to the beach and proposed, just him and me. It was perfect!

— Christina

For Memorial Day weekend 2012, Elliot and I both had our parents coming into DC for a long weekend together. With early release from work on Friday, we decided to walk around the monuments until our parents arrived—one of our favorite dates. Elliot told me he had a plan in mind for which monuments to visit, so I happily followed. After walking through the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, World War II Memorial, and the Washington Monument, Elliot continued walking towards the Capitol—something we had tried to do on our first date, but ended up getting tired and finding a bench to sit and chat. On this walk, we got as far as the Smithsonian Castle when Elliot invited me to sit down on one of the benches. Exhausted from the heat and poorlyplanned footwear, I graciously accepted. It wasn’t until he was halfway through his beautiful speech and down on one knee that I realized what was happening! He had recreated that first date to make for an even more special and memorable proposal. A “yes” came out in my excitement, and the group of tourists at the bench next to us happily took our photo. Our parents, who knew Elliot’s plan from the beginning, had already arrived in DC and we spent the rest of the weekend celebrating together! — Ashley

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

Carolyn &

Ashley & Ell iot 2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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MJW

bling

A Chanukah ENGAGEMENT

photos by It was the last night of Chanukah and my thenboyfriend, now-fiancé, Jonathan and I were going to his parent’s house for menorah lighting and dinner. Earlier in the week Jonathan suggested that I invite my parents and sister to attend too. I thought nothing of this as we had been discussing getting our families together for a while now. I happily obliged and invited my mom, dad and sister to attend dinner. A couple of days before the dinner, Jonathan’s sister, Lauren, told me that one of her speech pathology students had given her a gift certificate to a nail salon near her parent’s house. She insisted that she would never use the entire amount of the gift certificate and that I should come get my nails done before dinner. “Great!” I thought, “Latkes AND a free manicure. Best Chanukah ever.” When I got to the nail salon Lauren showed me how her cute student had written her name all over the gift certificate envelope. Later I would find out that Jonathan’s mom had picked up the gift certificate earlier that day and wrote my name with her left hand to make it look like a child’s writing.

That night, everyone arrived at Jonathan’s parent’s house, had some wine and appetizers and lit the menorah. I looked around and thought, what a nice moment it was to have both of our 20

The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

tPoz

Photography

families there saying the Brachot together. After the menorah was lit, we quickly went on to present opening. Both of our moms and sisters were taking pictures of everything, which I thought was sweet since it was our first Chanukah together; in actuality they were documenting the events that were about to unfold.

My parents opened gifts; his parents opened gifts; our sisters opened gifts, and then finally it was our turn. “This one is for both of you,” Jonathan’s mom said, handing us a present. So, we sat on the sofa together and he took the lead on opening the present. He unwrapped a box, opened that, and then there was a smaller box to unwrap. Finally, as soon as the last piece of wrapping paper fell to the floor, Jonathan got down on one knee and revealed the present: a diamond ring. “Will you marry me?” he asked. “What?! Oh my! Are you serious? What is happening?

Is this real?!” I screamed, all at the highest pitch my voice has ever reached. At some point I said, “Yes, of course!” The rest of the night is a bit of a blur as I left earth and traveled up to Cloud Nine after that, but there was plenty of smiling, laughing, crying, hugging and love. Oh, and of course everyone but me was in on the engagement surprise. I guess I’ll forgive them for keeping a secret from me!

— Alyssa www.themodernjewishwedding.com

I am my beloved...

Alyssa & Jonathan

Our MJW Engagement Contest winning couple remember “Yes!” and plan for “I do”

PLANNING for the big day...

L’Shana Tovah! The wedding is fast approaching on November 30th. We just received our Ketubah and absolutely love it! (For the Modern Jewish Wedding Engagement Contest winning entry, Alyssa and Jonathan won a personalized ketubah from Ketubah.com as well as a chuppah topper made just for them from Olam Wedding Canopies. Thank you to our sponsors for their generous support.)

So far the planning process has been great. It is crazy to think that we are under the three-month mark; I feel like we just got engaged last week! We have some wonderful vendors doing our photography, music, food, decor and day-of coordination, and I am just so excited for the big day! My bridesmaids have their dresses and they are all going to be STUNNING! I have been spending lots of time on Etsy and Pinterest and doing plenty of DIY projects with my sister/maid of honor, Valerie. She has been an amazing help with everything, as have all of my bridesmaids, mom and future mother-in-law! And of course my fiancé, Jonathan, has also been great. I have my dress fitting in just over a month and two bridal showers to look forward to in October. As much as I am loving this special time of engagement and don’t want it to end, I am just SO excited for the big day! Just 81 days to go! ...but who’s counting? MJW — Alyssa www.themodernjewishwedding.com

2013 | The Modern Jewish Wedding

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A full-service, catered cupcake bar for any event! thecupcakebar.com

New World Ketubah wedding art for the modern traditionalist newworldketubah.com

steps to the chuppah

now what ?

MAZEL TOV! YOU’RE ENGAGED!

YEAR OR MORE

9

MONTHS OUT

6

MONTHS OUT

4

MONTHS OUT

} } } }

1

✓✓ Select a date for

the event. ✓✓ Create a preliminary

guest list. ✓✓ Establish a budget. ✓✓ Determine the number of

events you want to have. ✓✓ Discuss whether you

will have a themed social event, which may affect the type of venue you will need.

✓✓ Begin to negotiate

contracts, sign and place deposits. ✓✓ Contract for reduced

rates at a hotel for your out-of-town guests. ✓✓ Send save-the-date

cards to your out-of-town guests and include hotel reservation information.

✓✓ Meet with your caterer

✓✓ Mail save-the-date cards

and decide on type of food service and menu. ✓✓ Decide on your décor

to in-town guests. ✓✓ Reserve needed rental

items.

(pin to your Pinterest board) and meet with necessary vendors. ✓✓ Begin to purchase

specialty items you might want for your décor. ✓✓ Review your guest list

again. ✓✓ Order invitations and

✓✓ Hire an event planner

thank you cards.

for all or parts of the celebration.

✓✓ Confirm any needed

transportation.

✓✓ Visit venues and

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The Modern Jewish Wedding | 2013

ring photo by iStock

interview other potential needed vendors such as a caterer, DJ/band, photographer, lighting specialist and florist.

www.themodernjewishwedding.com

photos by Pepper Nix Photography

MONTHS OUT

1

MONTH OUT

1

WEEK OUT

THE

Big

EVENT

} } } }

2

✓✓ Mail invitations to arrive

six weeks in advance/ eight weeks in advance for out-of-town guests.

Include RSVP information. ✓✓ Ask for RSVP information

at least three weeks in advance of the party.

✓✓ Prepare your seating list/

arrangement if you will have one. ✓✓ Review and confirm all

your vendors, pay any outstanding balances. ✓✓ Finalize your program.

✓✓ Purchase DJ handouts/

party favors and other gifts. Purchase other needed ritual items, such as personalized kippot.

Beware of delivery times! ✓✓ Make a list of people

being honored and what role they will have.

✓✓ Confirm everything with

everyone. Give final counts to the caterer; give a timeline to DJ/ band. Give delivery times to rental vendors, the florist and lighting companies. Confirm floor plan with your venue. ✓✓ Prepare hotel welcome

baskets for out-of-town guests.

✓✓ Rehearsal ✓✓ Other planned

ceremonies such as: Mikvah or Blessing at Services. ✓✓ Relax and Enjoy! Be

confident knowing you have hired a team of vendors who are going to do their jobs—stay out of their way!

✓✓ Begin baking (or having

friends help with) hospitality suite goodies and/or Oneg Shabbat.

✓✓ Hire valet and security if

needed.

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Mazel Tov Stone creates a new tradition...

take your first step as a married couple on a personalized piece of the Holy Land Brides, your groom may not want to admit it, but down deep there’s a good chance that he’s just a teeny bit worried that at the big moment, with all eyes on him, the glass won’t break. When the glass is wrapped in a slippery satin bag or placed on a soft surface like grass or sand, it can take more than one attempt to reach the “Mazel Tov!” moment.

The origin of the custom of breaking a glass is unknown but is often sourced to the Talmud. A popular satiric explanation is that stepping on the glass is the last time the groom gets to put his foot down; a more metaphysical interpretation is that the tradition represents the fragility of joy and the importance of nurturing a marriage. Yet another version states that the marriage will last as long as glass is broken - forever. The pressure to make sure it breaks is understandable, right?

A Mazel Tov Stone alleviates that embarrassing situation by providing a personalized and meaningful surface on which to break the glass the first time, guaranteed.

The stones are made of limestone from the same quarries used to build the ancient temples in Jerusalem. They are custom engraved and available in five different shapes. Custom designs, fonts, and flourishes are available, making it a one-of-a-kind reflection of you as a couple and a great commemorative piece of your wedding. Best of all, it is a way to take that first step as a married couple on a piece of The Holy Land, that you can keep and display in your home forever.

With a Mazel Tov Stone, you can literally get married in any location, and know that your wedding still has a place in Israel. Talk about an ever-lasting foundation and a permanent symbol of your commitment to one another!

Create your own new tradition with a Mazel Tov Stone!

For more information, visit MazelTovStone.com or call 888-MAZLTOV (629-5868)

CENTRAL TEXAS LUXURY TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

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Traditional Beauty article by Michele Schwartz photography by Avi Loren Fox

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Traditional Style

n June 28, 2013, after three and a half years of dating and a 10-month engagement, Raquel and Yoni exchanged their vows in a traditional orthodox wedding at the Merion Tribute House in Merion Station, Pennsylvania.

Raquel deeply believed including Jewish traditions passed from generation to generation made her wedding more meaningful. Through her planning she gained knowledge of these varied traditions, attending many of her friends’ weddings and explaining the differences to them.

One Orthodox tradition is for the bride and groom not to see each other for one week prior to the wedding. One week can seem like an eternity leading up to your ceremony, but for Yoni and Raquel, this week turned into six and a half weeks with Yoni residing in St. Louis and Raquel living in Philadelphia.

Raquel says she will never forget the first time she saw Yoni after this long absence. It was at the bedekken right before the wedding ceremony when he placed the veil over her face. Bedekken meaning “to cover or examine,” originates from the biblical story of

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Jacob who expected to marry one woman but was tricked into marrying a different one because he couldn’t see her face.

After six and a half weeks of waiting, Raquel’s first thought at seeing Yoni was “Wow, this is amazing! I am marrying my best friend.” She remembers how incredibly excited she was to see him and how real everything finally felt.

Raquel fondly remembers Yoni breaking the glass.

One of the traditional explanations for breaking the glass is even in the most joyous moments of our lives, we remember the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. The breaking of the glass by the groom can also imply the hope that a new generation will be created through this bride and groom. Raquel was so very excited at finally being married to Yoni that she impulsively hugged her husband for the very first time ever.

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People are always surprised by how much fun traditional Jewish weddings are! We don’t just drink L’Chaim (the toast meaning “To Life!”) we act it out too. Entertainment takes on the form of rousing dance, games and in this case, even building a pyramid on the dance floor.

Later during the reception, Raquel spontaneously got up and went to dance with Yoni. She says, “It was the first time that we ever danced together, and it was awesome to be able to dance with my husband.”

Yoni and Raquel immensely value their family and friends who helped them become the people they are today. Their wedding was a perfect way to say “thank you.” Each loved one played an important role in this precious moment of the couple’s new life together.

RAQUEL’S ADVICE TO FUTURE BRIDES Have your best friends around you to help you breathe!

Remember that with big families, there are bound to be snafus, things might run a little late or something might be forgotten. Don’t worry about it. Remember what is most important is you and your husband.

THE MODERN JEWISH WEDDING DETAILS Honoring Yoni’s father who passed away four years earlier, the couple proudly used his tallit to cover the chuppah. It symbolized his presence and blessing on their wedding day. MJW

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VENDOR CREDITS Wedding Venue: Merion Tribute House, Photographer: Avi Loren Fox Photography, Caterer: Elite Caterers, Floral Design: Long Stems, Entertainment: Nafshenu Orchestra, Hair Stylist: Salon 153, Harpist: Robin Arioto-Fickle

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Urban Bliss article by Kimberly Carillo photography by Husar Photography

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MJW

Anthropologie Style

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hoebe and Dustin started off as nothing but family friends and never single at the same time. Fate, as it does, eventually brought them together by rekindling their friendship at Dustin’s brother’s wedding. Both single and living in Chicago, they started to hang out and as Phoebe says, “hit it off and the rest is history.”

So in love and ready to start planning their wedding, Phoebe knew she wanted the emphasis of the wedding to be the party. She wanted it to feel like them, and since she is an avid Anthropologie shopper, they went for the earthy feel. She said, “I always said I would get married in an Anthropologie without the clothes if I could.” It represents them so well because Dustin and Phoebe are a very relaxed and laid back couple. They wanted their guests to feel that the space was inviting and comfortable for everyone, just as they try to portray that feeling of comfort in their life towards others.

Their chuppah design was also inspired by their personality. Designed by their decorator, Tom Kehoe, the earthy look they were going for was well-captured. It fit so perfectly with the entire theme of the wedding that they were also able to use it for the celebration. It was placed

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over their bar and everyone was able to enjoy it all evening!

With their wedding design reflecting them so well, they also wanted the food design to represent them. The groom, Dustin, was very involved with this part of the wedding plans. There were three different food stations at the wedding, along with some passed plates, three different dessert stations and late night pizza and beer.

Dustin was the mastermind behind the creation of the different stations they chose, which were a hit! He was also involved with the minor construction at the venue in order to accommodate the number of guests they had. These days, grooms are starting to get more and more involved with the planning of their weddings, which can either be a lifesaver or a hindrance for the bride. In this case, Phoebe welcomed the help of her soon-to-be husband with open arms.

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We can’t get enough of the specially designed chuppah made of branches, greens and lanterns.

Even the easel is crafted of tree branches. It matches perfectly the exposed brick in the loft and the wooden chairs for the guests! Flawless!

THE MODERN JEWISH WEDDING DETAILS When asked what her favorite memory was about the wedding, Phoebe responded, “I have two!” After the ceremony, they performed the tradition of Yihud. They were taken to a private room where they had food and champagne to calm them after the rush of the ceremony.

Phoebe remembered that “it was a really special moment.”

Then at some point during the night, they were pulled aside to take some photos under the night sky—a very intimate moment. That time was followed by walking back into the venue, and much like a guest, Phoebe “experienced it again for the first time.”

Being with Dustin after all the commotion, excitement and joyousness of the evening was probably the best feeling for Phoebe because they were able to take it all in together and just smile at the events. The fact that they just became husband and wife and were able to share that glorious feeling with their family and friends was unmatchable! MJW

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VENDOR CREDITS Event Planner: Randy Schuster and Associates, Wedding and Reception Venue: Gallery 1028, Photographer: Husar Photography, Lighting, Floral Design and Chuppah: KEHOE Designs, Caterer: Calihan Catering, Entertainment: The Gold Coast All Stars, Invitations: Magnificent Milestones, Bridal Attire: Nicole Miller, Bride’s Shoes: Alexander Wang, Hair Stylist: George The Salon, Ketubah: Hamakor Gallery, Officiant: Jordan Cahan

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Seaside SoirĂŠe

article by Sara Abrams photography by IQphoto Studio

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MJW

Destination Style

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reative souls, Mila and Sasha, couldn’t deny their immediate mutual attraction to each other when they first met at the Burning Man Festival in Nevada. Sasha, a San Francisco wedding photographer, refers to Mila as his muse and spent days photographing her after they first met.

As a wedding photographer, Sasha knew just what type of wedding he wanted for himself.

Luckily Mila shared the same vision: an outdoor ceremony, an intimate gathering of close family and friends and a wedding unconfined by “standard wedding elements.”

With a wedding backdrop of the Cabo San Lucas seaside, the couple welcomed the idea of escaping on a mini-vacation with their family and closest friends.

The beauty of the sandy beach, clear water and open sky was the perfect canvas for the couple’s intimate ceremony.

The couple incorporated a simple chuppah draped with white linen and adorned with white calla lilies. White flower petals strewn across the beach in a path led up to the chuppah overlooking the ocean.

“The Jewish tradition surrounding the circle was a focal point of the chuppah ceremony. The groom said, www.themodernjewishwedding.com

“The ring is a perfect circle. The bride circles the groom (in a custom known as Hakafah), the chuppah encircles the couple and the community forms a circle around the chuppah.”

Traditional elements aside, the unique personalities and modern choices of this bride and groom prevailed.

Mila looked breathtaking in a fitted, tiered gown that perfectly displayed her distinctive tattoos and she added pops of color with her bouquet and pink nails. Sasha incorporated his personality into the ceremony by performing his vows as a rap song he wrote for Mila.

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Don’t want to serve your guests just one choice of wedding cake? Use your wedding location to help inspire you! Sasha and Mila had a dessert station (always a favorite Modern Jewish Wedding detail) with Tres Leches Cake, Chile Spiced Chocolate Cake and a Tangy Lemon Lime Tart with Tequila Whipped Cream.

another special rap song sang by Sasha along with his brothers and dad. High family involvement in the wedding was something extremely important to both Mila and Sasha. Sasha’s father served as the unofficial emcee for the evening and Sasha’s brother performed a clarinet number that had the crowd on their feet dancing.

THE MODERN JEWISH WEDDING DETAILS Incorporating your family into your special day is an easy way to make your wedding distinctive and personal. Mila and Sasha also personalized their wedding by adding special touches unique to their experiences together.

The table numbers during the reception were tickets from The Burning Man Festival where Mila and Sasha first met and attended together over the years. In a fun and modern take on the Jewish Wedding tradition of pulling apart the Challah to determine who will be the head of the household, Mila suggested they do handstands against the wall instead. The groom confesses that he lost due to the number of tequila shots (their signature cocktail) he had already taken. This wedding was a true expression of who Mila and Sasha are and what they mean to each other. MJW www.themodernjewishwedding.com

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VENDOR CREDITS Event Planner and Chuppah: Patricia Armenta/Event Design by Marianne Idirin, Wedding and Reception Venue: Villa Cielito, Photographer: IQphoto Studio, Videographer: IQvideography, Floral Design: Cabo Flowers, Brides Cake/Grooms Cake/Catering/Rentals: Lazy Gourmet Catering, Entertainment: Daniel Berkman, Wedding Dress: Cymbeline Frisson, Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu, Make-up Artist: Suzanne Morel, Ketubah: 1800Ketubah, Officiant: Rabbi Ian

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Woodland Romance article by Michele Schwartz photography by Marie Labbancz

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MJW

Elegant Style

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n a brilliant Sunday in June Sophia and Mark were married overlooking the lake of Noxkamixon. Every detail of this wedding had an eye towards tradition and elegance.

Sophia chose a color palette of white to accompany the natural green and sunny surroundings of the Lake House Inn. Recently renovated, The inn offered a perfect country setting for city brides wanting to escape to tranquility.

Taking a page out of Duchess Catherine’s book, Sophia’s bridesmaids wore trendy, white full-length dresses. Even the groom donned a white kittel while he stood under the chuppah.

During the Groom’s Tisch, the mothers of both the bride and groom (also wearing white gowns) performed the tradition of smashing the plate signifying the seriousness of the commitment their children were making.

Just as a plate can never be fully repaired, so too a broken relationship can never be fully repaired.

Sophia and Mark were both escorted down the iron staircase by their respective parents to an aisle made of thousands of white rose petals, and joined their guests following yihud in the stunning reception www.themodernjewishwedding.com

hall with white draping, chandeliers and gleaming gold accents.

The tablescapes were definitely a favorite! Adorned with white linen and a sheer overlay with hints of gold specs, they were topped off with white dinner plates. The centerpieces continued the white floral theme from the chuppah, suggestive of the outdoors with hints of yellow and green. Chivari chairs with sheer covers and a floral gobo on the dance floor completed the look.

Even the escort cards continued the white color palette offering a hint of color as clear mason jars were filled with popcorn jelly bellies (white with a hint of yellow.)

Green leaf-shaped tags with calligraphy to give them an appropriate look, finished off the jars.

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Everyone (the MOB, bridesmaids and flower girl) wore the traditional Jewish wedding color of white! The color symbolizes purity and that’s why we wear it on Yom Kippur. Even the groom donned his white kittel for the chuppah ceremony which took place under a white chuppah topper at the top of a beautiful white rose petal aisle.

The bride, along with her two sisters, kicked off a rousing rendition of the hora where even the elder family members got involved. At times, both the bride and groom had looks of fear on their faces—as if a drop was imminent!

THE MODERN JEWISH WEDDING DETAILS My favorite Modern Jewish detail was definitely the “white wedding.” I have a soft spot for the pristine look that the all-white décor created against the backdrop of the perfect sunshine day. Even when the party moved inside, the little pops of yellow and green evoked the feeling of outside. MJW www.themodernjewishwedding.com

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VENDOR CREDITS Wedding and Reception Venue: The Lake House Inn, Photographer: Marie Labbancz Photography, Videographer: Cape May Video, Floral Design and Chuppah: Celebrations Design Group, Caterer and Linens/Reception Rentals: Prestige Caterers, Entertainment: EBE Events & Entertainment, Invitations: Bridal Invitations By Joanne, Bridal Attire: Watters Patagonia, Make-up Artist: Spice Salon, Ketubah: Jessy Judaica

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First-class Affair article by Patricia Torres photography by Chic Shot Studio

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MJW

Vintage Style

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avid and Mikel met in 2005 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and the week after graduation they started dating. On February 28, 2011 David popped the question (on a cruise to the Caribbean!) and 14 months later, they tied the knot on May 6, 2012!

Mikel knew she wanted her wedding and her wedding dress to look timeless. “I didn’t want to look at my wedding pictures 30 years from now and wonder, what was I thinking?”

Being pilots with a love for aviation history, a “golden age of aviation glamour” wedding with a vintage nod to air travel of the 1930’s became their theme. Setting their theme in motion, they chose the Tampa Bay History Center in Mikel’s hometown of Tampa Bay, Florida.

THE MODERN JEWISH WEDDING DETAILS The couple’s chuppah was assembled by their groomsmen who likened the process (ensuring it wouldn’t fall apart in the wind) to the certification of a new airplane. Small details, such as each groomsman leaving the couple messages on the ties supporting the chuppah, made this a true Modern Jewish Wedding standout. One other detail needing mention is the four signature lines on their Urban Collective Ketubah. In the most traditional sense a Ketubah www.themodernjewishwedding.com

has two Jewish male witnesses. Reform, conservative and interfaith weddings allow for women to witness the Ketubah as well. But, Mikel and David had two women and two men witness—two for the English portion of their Ketubah and two for the Hebrew portion. What an honor and a truly Modern Jewish Wedding detail!

With all the stress that wedding planning brings, Mikel remembers telling herself to get through the ceremony and everything else will be perfect.

And it was! Mikel recalled watching all their friends and family interacting together and being so deeply touched. “Most of our friends are pilots who live all over the country; it seems like the only time we see each other is at someone’s wedding.”

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The couple chose a very traditional hand-held chuppah created with a classic black and white tallit. They added their own Modern Jewish Wedding twist with funny aviation messages by the groomsmen on the ribbons used to tie the tallit in place. The couple chose to include the Jewish wedding tradition known as the Hakafah.

Adding the Modern Jewish style, it was egalitarian. They both circled one another three times and then they did a seventh circuit together!

Guests wrote personal words of congratulations on vintage Florida postcards, memorabilia that they will cherish for years to come. Florida oranges also adorned the bride’s cake and embellished the program and menu displaying Mikel’s hometown flavor.

caterer made the wrong salad? The tablecloths are the wrong color? No big deal. Only you, and maybe two or three other people, may have known the original plan.

Just go with the flow and remember why you are having a wedding in the first place.

Reflective of Mikel and David’s style was their fun and creative farewell to the evening. Their first choice was sparklers, but those weren’t allowed in the museum. A wonderful and very memorable solution was handmade (compliments to the bride’s mom) paper airplanes with the couple’s names and wedding date written on them. It was a perfect pilot send-off!

2) Don’t overextend yourself. I was planning a wedding in Florida while living in Pennsylvania and flying all over the country. There were things I would have loved to do, but I just didn’t have the time or resources. And the truth is, I can’t remember what any of those things are now. Know what the most important aspects of your ceremony and reception are and be realistic. If you don’t have time to do something, try and delegate. If it is something that you just can’t let anyone else do and you don’t have the time to do it, you can probably live without it.

TIPS FROM MIKEL FOR FUTURE BRIDES How to stay calm: 1) The whole point of your wedding is to marry your partner. As long as that happens, the rest is gravy. The www.themodernjewishwedding.com

3) Smile!

MJW

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VENDOR CREDITS Event Planner and Reception Venue: Tampa Bay History Center, Wedding Venue: Cotanchobee Park, Photographer: Chic Shot Studio, Floral Design: Whole Foods Market, Bride and Groom Cake: Housewife Bake Shop, Invitations: PaperSource, Bridal Attire: Alfred Angelo, Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom, Ketubah: UrbanCollective, Officiant: Rabbi Jason Rosenberg

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Loreal

Design Studio

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Lori Elle Thompson, IDS 818 597 2109 designlori@aol.com www.Lorealdesignstudio.com

By appointment.

Ketubahs

We’ve got it

by Michele Schwartz

covered

aisle trends

(clockwise) Cover photographer Joseph Kohn captured a playful moment in Mila and Sasha Yevelev’s destination wedding, placing second in our cover contest. Douglas Benedict photographed Hayley and Jeff Salomen’s classic wedding in all its splendor placing third. Desi Baytan won first place with a close-up photo of Shayna Rose Mordue, a modern Los Angeles Jewish bride.

T

his year we took our cover contest global and asked photographers from all over the world to submit their best Jewish or Jew-ish wedding image to grace the cover of our magazine.

We were thrilled with the response!

Renown photographers submitted the images, which we finally narrowed down to 12 and then to the final three. You, our readers, chose Shayna. Photographer Desi Baytan’s stunning image of Shayna as the consummate Modern Jewish Bride made us all smile!

Lucky for us, the two runner-ups had such great images we couldn’t resist sharing them too! You’ll find first runner-up cover couple, Sasha and Mila, featured as our MJW Destination Style wedding on page 40 and second runner-up cover couple, Hayley and Jeff, can be seen on The Modern Jewish Wedding blog. MJW

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aisle trends

Glamour bride

article by Michele Schwartz photography by Desi Baytan

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e are forever grateful for photographer Desi Baytan’s pictures of Shayna for our cover photo contest. Wow! Between the photogenic bride, the classic venue and Desi’s artistry, we are still in awe of all the covers!

On my favorite holiday weekend for weddings, July Fourth, with a backdrop of the classic Beverly Hills Hilton Hotel, Shayna and her handsome groom, Arthur, were united in a traditional ceremony with their fun-loving nature interspersed throughout the entire event.

Shayna chose the 2013 Pantone Color of the Year, a light shade of emerald, for her bridal attendants attire. She wove the natural look and mint color into her tablescape decor using white candelabras and succulents.

It also extended to the plant and moss laden chuppah.

Topped with a tallit, it stood on a patch of garden grass in the center of the room evoking the tradition of outdoor weddings attended by the entire community (see page 12).

Her playful nature made photographing her a breeze. She even jumped rope made out of napkins as a part of the dancing. Shayna and Arthur donned the requisite “Disney touch,” wearing his and her Mickey and Minnie Mouse ears. Despite her fun-loving poses and her very Modern Jewish Wedding look, the wedding was very traditional. The couple did a separate Kabbalat Panim and Groom’s Tisch and even had a hora with the men and women separated by a mehitza of furniture.

We extend our heartfelt best wishes for Shayna and Arthur: May they never lose their sense of fun and humor!

Mazel Tov! MJW

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We had a terrible time choosing just one shot for our 2013 Modern Jewish Wedding cover contest—each photo was as stunning as the next! In a sunny Beverly Hills photo shoot, Desi Baytan captured all the galmour of our cover bride Shayna Rose Mordue. Taken outdoors at the Beverly Hills Hilton, Shayna posed with an antique gold frame, an accent that really got our creative juices flowing!

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Expansive 180 degree views that go on for miles.

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Glass overhead doors open up completely to the wrap-around deck.

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mitzvah magic

Under the Sea

THE FIRST BIG DAY article by Michele Schwartz photography by Ginny B Photography

A sealife inspired Bat Mitzvah bubbles with fun!

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hat’s an event planner to do when it’s time to plan her own stepdaughter’s Bat Mitzvah party, especially in a quick eight-month time frame? Hire your friends!

Instead of going “over the top” we went “under the sea” for a 2013 International Special Events Society (ISES) Esprit Award-nominated party.

We introduced the theme right from the beginning using her logo (two seahorses with her name, Mirah, in bubbles) on the email for the save the date and then again on the party invitation.

Upon arriving for the kid-focused evening party atop the 17th floor of the Hyatt Regency Austin, Captain Jack greeted everyone.

Plenty of sugar with candy-created centerpieces on the kid tables made for fun-filled mingling. The DJ and the On the FlipSide Graffiti wall rounded out the evening entertainment. Even the adults enjoyed the blinky hats used as give-aways by the DJ of Penguin Entertainment.

Food stations included kid’s fare with mac and cheese, sliders, tater tots and even grilled cheese and tomato soup.

And for the grown-up kids, we chose a salad station.

My mentors have always taught me to surprise the guests every half hour. So, following Captain Jack, there was a basket of flip-flops for everyone to use as they hit the dance floor! Later we surprised guests with sweet creativity—both a cupcake and doughnut bar for dessert.

The lighting in the room was a constant WOW factor!

Our friends at Intelligent Lighting & Design created a room wash, a gobo of the sea-horse logo (Mirah literally had her name in lights) and lighting on the ceiling made to look like waves. All the linen was white to absorb the table pin spots.

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mitzvah magic VENDOR CREDITS Event Planner: The Modern Jewish Mitzvah, Ceremony Venue: Temple Beth Shalom, Reception Venue and Dinner Catering: Hyatt Regency Downtown, Photographer: Ginny B Photography, Lighting: Intelligent Lighting Design, Floral Design: The Flower Studio, Luncheon Catering and Cake: Word of Mouth Catering, Music: Penguin Entertainment, Invitations: Dragonfly Designs, Linens: Premiere Party Central, Place Cards: Works on Paper, Hair Stylist: Shanna Dover, Officiant: Rabbi Freedman, Luncheon Balloons: Balloon People, Entertainment: FlipSide Graffiti Wall, Kippot: Kippah.com

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Earlier at the Saturday morning Shabbat service, Mirah’s tallit was the same aqua color she had chosen for her invitations. But, the focus wasn’t on the theme—it was on the service. Once guests adjourned to the social hall for the luncheon, the night’s theme was revealed. We had a beautiful ombre cake as the centerpiece of the room and gorgeous crush linen of three different “sea-like” colors also in an ombre scheme. Balloon centerpieces resembling rising bubbles complemented the room décor. To make sure we used the event logo at the luncheon, we incorporated it in the ice sculpture that held the milk and cream for our upscale coffee and hot chocolate bar.

So, what’s an event planner to do when it’s time to plan her own stepdaughter’s Bat Mitzvah party? The same thing as everyone else; engage a great team and hire the best person to coach them for the night. I got to drink our signature blue cocktail, say “L’Chaim” and do the hora with everyone else!

It was a fantastically fun party! And as we all journeyed ashore, there was salt-water taffy to take home. MJW www.themodernjewishwedding.com

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Mazel Tov!

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