Bianca and Izhak are one of the many couples who incorporate traditions in their wedding. We like how grounded and focused they are on the commitment they are about to make to each other and to God. The day was absolutely amazing! Whether you’re planning a Jewish or an interfaith ceremony, today’s featured event is worth taking a peek. Let’s take it from the bride as she shares with us some special details of her big day!
Extra Special Details
The Venue
“We chose the Ritz Carlton in Fort Lauderdale, Florida because of the location and the resort itself. With so many people coming from abroad, we wanted to give them a hotel that offered everything, including restaurants, spa, beach, pool etc, but also was located in an area with a lot of activities. The service quality was also very important to us because we knew that dealing with this large a room block would be a challenge. The area also offered a variety of hotels that would work with different budgets. The Ritz helped us welcome each guest with welcome bags that we had printed and stuffed with snacks, water, and of course a schedule of the festivities.”
The Shabbat
“Friday we had a Shabbat dinner for close friends and family, which turned out to be 100 people. We were not allowing toasts, except the father of the bride, on the wedding night, so Friday was a chance for people to come up and give small speeches. My brother gave an amazing speech. Izhak’s extended family that could not come from Israel sent a really sweet and happy lip-synched video. My dad sang and played ‘somewhere over the rainbow’ on his guitar while a slideshow of pictures of Izhak and I played in the background. It was a very special and memorable night for everyone.”
The Chuppah
“The chuppah was one of the most important elements of the ceremony and the reception. I wanted a chuppah that matched the feeling and decoration of the reception, but that was also mobile so it could be placed in the ballroom after the ceremony. The chuppah was placed in the back of the ballroom in between the 2 dessert table, and the beautiful wedding cake was placed underneath.”
The Wedding Colors
The wedding colors were white, gold, and touches of lavender.
Literally Somewhere Over The Rainbow
“There was an actual rainbow arched across the whole ocean. We were able to take pictures outside on the balcony literally, under the rainbow… just like the song my dad had sang to me the night before in the shabbat dinner. We felt like the day had been truly blessed.”
The Jewish Wedding Ceremony
In a traditional wedding, the father of the bride escorts the bride to the Chuppah, where the groom meets them outside of the chuppah. The father lifts the veil to kiss the bride and essentially hands the bride over to the groom and shakes his hand. At this point, the groom must actually lift the veil to ‘check’ that this is the correct woman. In traditional weddings the veil is opaque.
Tips From The Photographer
♥ Allocate enough of your budget for all the important items for your wedding, including photography & video. These are all you will have left to remember the day (other than your memories). They are a record of your entire day, your guests, your decor – everything!
♥ Select the perfect venue for your event! This will say a lot about who you both are and the feel and ambiance you would like for your guests. Have a great time both in planning and enjoying your wedding!
Money Matters
$45,000 +
Vendors
Photographer: Jeff Kolodny Photography, Inc
Cake Designer: Sweeter Days Bake Shop
Dress Store: Bijou Bridal
Ring Designer: Blue Nile
Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Calvin Klein
Floral Designer: Dalsimer Atlas Floral & Event Decorators
Cinema and Video: Jeff Kolodny Photography Inc.
Photo Booth Equipment: Kiki Booth
Makeup Artist: Kiss This Makeup LLC
DJ: Serge Ramirez Entertainment
Reception Venue: The Ritz-Carlton
Bakery:Vanessa’s Fine Pastries
Event Planner: Your Special Day by Joni