A Romantic Spring Wedding in Israel: Alice and Jonathan's Unique Celebration at Bayaar

Jewish weddings carry a profound significance in Israel, illustrated beautifully by the enchanting spring wedding of Tel Aviv couple Alice and Jonathan. Alice, originally from London, and Jonathan, an Israeli native, expertly blended their diverse backgrounds while planning their special day, symbolizing the love and unity of lives intertwined in this vibrant country.

Being nature enthusiasts, Alice and Jonathan found their ideal venue, Bayaar, nestled in the serene Hadera Forest. This tranquil setting appealed to their desire for a romantic indoor-outdoor atmosphere, which influenced their choice of a springtime wildflower color palette and loosely arranged florals. Notable among their decorations was a breathtaking floral chuppah, which perfectly captured the essence of their day, beautifully documented by Tzahi Shemesh in stunning photographs.

Guided by planner Yana from recommended vendor Craspedia Events, Alice and Jonathan received invaluable support throughout their planning journey. They encountered challenges, especially with international guests unable to attend due to travel restrictions and an unpredictable security climate, making Yana's support essential. “Planning a wedding in Israel isn’t always straightforward,” Alice recalls. “There were times when we genuinely didn’t know if our wedding would proceed as planned.”

On their wedding day, they faced an alarming situation when missile alerts rang out just after their simcha dancing. Guests were instructed to move to the center of the hall. In that moment of fear, the couple experienced an overwhelming burst of love and spirit from their attendees. Alice describes, “Spontaneously, our guests erupted in singing and dancing... People formed a circle around us, waving Israeli flags and singing songs, drowning out the sound of the siren.” The saxophonist continued to play, creating an unforgettable moment of resilience and joy amidst the chaos. “It was such a show of incredible strength, resilience, and joy that we have as a people,” she reflected.

Let’s explore the details of this remarkable wedding day through Alice’s words, capturing the essence and memorable moments that characterized their celebration.

How We Met

Alice, the bride: Our journey began at our shul in Tel Aviv, where I had recently made aliyah from London. Jonathan had also moved to Tel Aviv from Kfar Saba. Our friendship blossomed as I sought to connect with the local community, while Jonathan, an avid admirer of all things British, was more than eager to get to know me.

After seven months of camaraderie—during which Jonathan secretly nurtured his feelings—he finally took the plunge and asked me out for a drink at a Lag BaOmer BBQ overlooking the sea at Charles Clore Park. From there, everything fell into place.

The difficult times around us during the war in Israel drew us even closer, and just six months into our relationship, we were engaged, followed by our wedding six months later.

Venue Selection

We chose to celebrate our wedding at Bayaar, located in the peaceful Hadera Forest. The allure of an outdoor venue surrounded by nature resonated with us, offering a calming oasis away from the hectic pace of urban life. Bayaar perfectly reflected the relaxed and romantic atmosphere we envisioned for our wedding.

Being immersed in nature created a visually stunning backdrop for our ceremony and festivities. The woodlands enveloped the space, offering a unique connection to the spring theme that we aimed to integrate throughout our celebration.

Theme and Atmosphere

Our central goal was to create a wedding ambiance that felt harmonious with the forest surroundings. Inspired by the vibrancy of spring, we chose a color palette reminiscent of wildflowers, incorporating greens, yellows, and soft pastels. Avoiding rigid structures, we wanted the floral arrangements to carry an organic charm, radiating an effortless and relaxed vibe.

With the help of our designer, Rachel Rosenbach, and planner Yana from Craspedia Events, who provided unwavering support, we brought our vision to life. Together, they ensured every detail reflected the spirit of spring and the natural beauty of our chosen venue.

Invitations and Stationery

We cherished our custom benchers from BenchersByTikvah, as they symbolize a beautiful keepsake our loved ones could take home and use on Shabbat tables. Each piece was thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the overall design of our celebration.

Getting Ready: Hair & Makeup

Raquel of Raquelita Bridal Hair Design and Michal Jacobowitz formed the ultimate glam team. They seamlessly collaborated to craft a look that was soft, natural, and timeless. I felt completely at ease with them, and they extended their talents to my sisters and mum, all of whom looked beautiful.

The Wedding Dress

My dress, an elegant piece by Trish Peng, was discovered at Halo & Wren in London. Its minimalist style perfectly encapsulated my personality. Transporting the dress to Israel was more challenging than anticipated due to the ongoing conflict; it only arrived a month before the wedding thanks to my parents bringing it along on their aliyah flight. The moment it finally arrived made it even more special. My talented seamstress, Michaela Malá Schönbaum, tailored it flawlessly, adding a French bustle to accommodate dancing without worry.

Ceremony Details: Chuppah and Personal Touches

Incorporating elements from both our backgrounds was vital to our ceremony. We ensured that everything was presented in both Hebrew and English, welcoming all our guests to participate fully. Our day began with a lively Tisch filled with joyous singing, dancing, and plenty of l’chaims to set the celebratory tone.

We were married by Rabbi Joe Wolfson, who knows us well and played a pivotal role in our community. His presence made the ceremony feel incredibly personal. Our siblings served as bridal party members, while my adorable nephews took on the role of flower boys, scattering petals down the aisle.

During the ceremony, our family recited important blessings, and we included a specially sung prayer for the IDF, emphasizing the significance of the moment. The chuppah was adorned with beautiful floral arrangements, capturing the essence of our forest wedding, and the emotional moment of Jonathan smashing the glass ignited contagious joy among our guests as the dancing began right away.

Ketubah: A Family Legacy

Jonathan’s grandfather, an artist, hand-painted our stunning ketubah at the age of 90. His unique piece is not only a family heirloom but also serves as a beautiful reminder of where we stood during our ceremony, drawing us back to that special moment each time we see it.

Music Choices

Music held immense importance for us throughout the wedding. We strived to intertwine our cultural backgrounds through our music selection. Our chuppah singer, Elior Itzkovitz Cohen, brought both tradition and emotion to the ceremony with his moving performances, featuring songs that resonated deeply with us.

Elior’s lovely renditions included “Bo’i Kallah” as I walked down the aisle, and “Mi’Ma’amakim” as Jonathan approached the chuppah. This emotional backdrop was beautifully complemented by the musicians from the Extaza band, especially under the delicate woodland atmosphere.

As the festivities continued, Shai Barak and Xtaza took to the stage, expertly transitioning between Israeli favorites, Jewish classics, and contemporary English hits. Their engaging energy immediately drew our guests to the dance floor, igniting the celebration. They understood our vision perfectly and kept the mood lively and engaging for guests of all ages.

Our DJ, Nadav Zigelman, followed suit and continued to elevate the night, playing songs that resonated with all demographics present. Additionally, Guy Wittenberg played saxophone throughout the evening, ensuring that the celebration maintained its festive, high-energy atmosphere.

Floral Arrangements

Working alongside designer Racheli Rosenbach, we achieved our vision of an organic and natural floral décor that intertwined beautifully with the surrounding forest. She designed arrangements bursting with seasonal blooms that mirrored wildflowers, imbuing the event with colors that harmonized with the woodlands.

Our floral highlight was undoubtedly the chuppah, expertly crafted to encapsulate the romantic outdoors ambiance we hoped to crystallize in our celebration.

Photography and Videography

Our talented photographer, Tzahi Shemesh, captured our day with such finesse, skillfully documenting the candid moments, emotions, and connection among family and friends. He also used a film camera, lending a nostalgic touch to our wedding memories.

We eagerly awaited the work of our videographer, Ronen Abayev, who seamlessly blended into our celebration and ensured that we felt comfortable and unguarded while he captured the essence of our day.

To add a fun element, Arkadi Abramov provided photo booth services and wedding magnets, another beloved Israeli tradition that allows us to cherish the joyous moments by displaying these keepsakes on our fridges.

Registry and Gift Ideas

For our wedding registry, we decided to include significant Judaica pieces and other items that would help us build our future home together. Using La’Bayit Gifts made it easy to curate our wish list, with international payment options to accommodate all our guests.

Extra Details and Personal Touches

A standout feature of our wedding was an artist who created live drawings of our guests while capturing us under the chuppah, offering unique keepsakes that delighted everyone.

Our wedding day took an unexpected turn when we received missile alerts shortly after the simcha dancing commenced. The instructions called for everyone to move to the center of the hall, an unanticipated situation. Shock and anxiety swept through the venue, but what unfolded next was remarkably uplifting.

As alerts sounded, our guests instinctively rallied, creating a vibrant atmosphere amidst the fear. They formed a circle, waved Israeli flags, and sang out loud, disregarding the sirens, showcasing unwavering support and love in that moment. It was a powerful testament to community strength and resilience, reminding us why we chose to build our lives together in Israel.

Once the alerts subsided nearly an hour later, the band launched into “Don’t Stop Me Now,” resonating perfectly with our determination to celebrate love and joy despite the challenges. The energy surged, guests danced more passionately than before, exhibiting the vibrant spirit of our celebration.

We are deeply grateful to our vendors and the staff at Bayaar for their efforts in maintaining a positive atmosphere throughout the night, ensuring that the love and joy of our wedding persevered.

In light of what transpired, I read a poignant speech under the chuppah, a reflection of our journey and shared values.

“Jonathan, love of my life, El amore di me Vida, yonossh sheli, two years ago, I felt a deep calling to be here, to find my home. Standing under this chuppah today, I am home. Just over a year ago, sitting by the ocean at Charles Clore Park during Lag BaOmer, you finally asked me out. Amidst moments of uncertainty, I've realized you are the person I want to journey through life with, through good, bad, and the crazy times. Your kindness and support have enriched my life every day, and I’m grateful to marry my best friend…”

Honeymoon Plans

We started our honeymoon at The Dan Accadia in Herzliya, although our first night was spent in the hotel's shelter. Nonetheless, the stay was rejuvenating, filled with relaxation and peace. Subsequently, we planned a month-long adventure in India, immersing ourselves in new cultures and exploring Rajasthan and the Himalayas, excited for this new chapter as a couple.

Advice for Future Couples

Our wedding experience taught us to prioritize the true significance of the day. Despite the focus on details, it’s crucial to remember that the ultimate purpose of the celebration is the love and commitment shared between the couple. While flowers, décor, and food add beauty, they are secondary to the love story being celebrated.

Planning can sometimes lead to losing sight of that bigger picture. Especially for those planning weddings in Israel, be prepared for potential cancellations from friends and family due to various circumstances. It is disappointing, yet focusing on the loved ones who can be present transforms those moments into blessings.

We maintain a core list of essential guests, those for whom we would consider rescheduling if they couldn't attend. Each additional guest becomes a treasured bonus, enriching our celebration even further.

Alice & Jonathan's 'Little White Book'

Photography: Tzahi Shemesh
Videography: Ronen Abayev
Magnets & photo booth: Arkadi Abramov
Venue: Bayaar
Planner: Craspedia Events
Bride’s dress: Trish Peng, found at Halo & Wren
Seamstress: Michaela Malá Schönbaum
Hair: Raquelita Bridal Hair Design
Makeup: Michal Jacobowitz
Flowers & décor: Rachel Rosenbach
DJ: Shai Barak, Xtaza, Nadav Zigelman and Guy Wittenberg
Chuppah singer: Elior Itzkovitz Cohen
Stationery/Invitations: BenchersByTikvah
Wedding Registry: La’Bayit Gifts

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