Charlotte and Jonah's Elegant Jewish Wedding at Cochav Hayam: A Celebration of Love and Tradition

Weddings in Israel have a unique charm, and for London couple Charlotte and Jonah, their big day was a dream come true. They selected the breathtaking Cochav Hayam as their venue, which Charlotte described as “a sunset beach backdrop, gorgeous grounds, and unbelievable food,” making it an obvious choice for their celebration.

To ensure a smooth planning process from afar, they enlisted the help of Yana Andreev from Craspedia Events. The couple praised Yana for making the planning experience enjoyable and exciting, which is often a challenge for couples organizing weddings from another country.

A focal point of their wedding was the exquisite all-white floral chuppah that contributed to the romantic atmosphere against the ocean backdrop, beautifully captured by People Photography.

How They Met

Charlotte, the bride: “We met at Cambridge University during the first Shabbat of term. I was a fresher and he was a third-year student, but our romance blossomed a few months later!”

Choosing the Venue

Charlotte had long admired Cochav Hayam even before meeting Jonah. With its stunning views, exceptional cuisine, and exquisite decor, booking this venue felt like destiny once they got engaged. Charlotte confidently stated, “It was the best decision we made (after marrying each other, of course)!”

Wedding Theme

The couple aimed for a timeless and elegant wedding that radiated joy. Their neutral color palette allowed the natural beauty of the sunset behind the chuppah to shine through, complemented by candelabras, metallic accents, and white florals. To cater to their guests, most of whom flew in from London, the couple wanted a festive and loving atmosphere, all of which was achieved beautifully on their big day.

Yana Andreev from Craspedia Events was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. Charlotte highlighted how Yana made the planning process fun and efficient, being an essential part of their wedding day.

Beauty Preparations

For her hair and makeup, Charlotte chose Ayelet Garson from London. She booked Ayelet as soon as they got engaged, knowing her exceptional talent would perfectly capture Charlotte’s vision. On the day, Ayelet was described as calm, professional, and creative, ensuring Charlotte felt flawless throughout the event.

Charlotte’s Dress

Charlotte's stunning gown was a creation of Pronovias. A dramatic princess ballgown featuring a sweetheart neckline, it had a detachable high-neck lace jacket, perfectly matching the wedding's aesthetic. Charlotte first spotted a similar dress online, but fell in love at her first fitting, particularly moving her mother to tears upon seeing her in it.

The Ceremony and Chuppah

The chuppah ceremony reflected their love's beauty, with an elegantly arched structure framing the sunset. A mirrored aisle, candles, and white floral arrangements enhanced the romantic ambiance. As the sun set, emotional guests wiped away tears during the heartfelt ceremony, which included a soulful performance by chuppah singer Uriel Shay from Teta Making Music that left attendees praising the ambiance.

A memorable moment was when Charlotte and Jonah paused to pray together under the chuppah, creating a profoundly spiritual connection.

Ketubah Insights

With only two weeks left until their wedding, Charlotte and Jonah had yet to design their ketubah. They turned to Rachelle from The Delicate Brush, who quickly created a beautiful design that was ready in record time, now beautifully framed in their home.

Musical Choices

The couple’s playlist featured a mix of crowd-pleasers, including classic Jewish tunes, energetic Mizrahi music, and popular pop hits. The entertainment was expertly managed by Teta Making Music, with Uriel Shay performing at the chuppah and Daniel Ben Haim taking over for the dance set, while their DJ kept the energy high throughout the night.

Floral Arrangements

For flowers, they opted for a selection of in-season blooms in subtle shades of white to enhance the wedding’s elegant theme. Ido Frid from Ido Frid brought their floral vision to life, executing it flawlessly.

Photography

Charlotte and Jonah chose People Photography for their wedding day. Their documentary and editorial style was a perfect fit for the couple, capturing the event's emotions and fun seamlessly. Charlotte and Jonah are thrilled with their photos, affectionately admitting they can’t decide which ones to frame.

Advice for Couples

Charlotte’s advice for couples currently planning their weddings is to enjoy the process and embrace each moment. She emphasizes the importance of remembering that the day is about love and the connection they share. On the wedding day, she suggests letting go, being present, and savoring every moment—since it truly passes quickly, but is undoubtedly a day to cherish.

Charlotte & Jonah’s White Book

Photography – People Photography
Planner – Craspedia Events (offering a discount to all members of Smashing The Glass's Brides Club)
Ketubah – The Delicate Brush
Venue – Cochav Hayam
Bride’s dress – Pronovias
Hair + Makeup – Ayelet Garson
Flowers – Ido Frid
DJ – Teta Making Music