A Joyous 80-Day Jewish Wedding at Grace Events in Rishon Lezion

Incredible as it may seem, Elsie and Yonatan orchestrated a stunning Jewish wedding in just 80 days. The couple, both olim celebrating their love and their new life in Israel, were supported by a team of engaged vendors who shared their vision. “This country is full of people who want to make a simcha happen, and I got so much help from every vendor who was excited to be a part of our day,” Elsie shared.

The Perfect Venue

They selected Grace Events, located in Rishon Lezion, for its beautiful natural surroundings and convenient location near Tel Aviv. The venue was just the right size for their smaller guest list and offered exceptional culinary options. “The food was really important to us, and we received so many compliments on it!” Elsie explained. The couple opted for shared plates and a variety of sides which added a warm communal feel to the dining experience.

Capturing Memories

For photography, they chose Herschel Gutman, a highly recommended photographer recognized in bridal communities. Elsie praised his ability to make every photo look naturally perfect with minimal retouching. He was accommodating about taking photos in Jerusalem, adding a special touch to the couple’s day.

How They Met

Elsie, the bride: “Yoni and I met while working at Mikes Place, a bar on the Tel Aviv beach. I had just made Aliyah and, after losing my wallet on my first day, Yoni went above and beyond to help me find it. He became my first real friend in Israel, and we’ve been inseparable ever since.”

Planning the Wedding

Aware of the challenges involved in negotiating with suppliers, they engaged Gilda from Epic Events as their planner. Gilda added thoughtful touches, such as an English-only menu with a sophisticated design, and helped create a beautiful lighting setup for the chuppah. Elsie preferred a natural aesthetic, and Gilda’s work resulted in a spring-like atmosphere despite their February wedding.

Bridal Beauty

For her hair and makeup, bride Elsie chose Neta for her hair, whose attentive and efficient work made Elsie feel fabulous all day. Makeup was done by Maya Raz.

A Timeless Dress

Elsie's search for a gown was focused on finding a timeless, vintage-style design. After browsing several shops without success, she found the perfect dress at Mika Bridal. “It was just what I envisioned: modest, timeless, and flattering,” she remarked.

Ceremony Details

They kept their ceremony traditional, with a meaningful nod to family involvement: Elsie's mom and sister stood with her under the chuppah. Although Elsie is a convert and was concerned about her non-Jewish family’s participation, Rabbi Ariel Konstantyn ensured they felt included, creating a warm, inviting ceremony for all.

Creating Their Ketubah

Long before their engagement, Elsie desired a ketubah—an artwork rich in significance. They found an artist, Chavi Feldman on Etsy, whose design incorporated the old city of Jerusalem, expressing their commitment to each other and to Am Yisrael.

Musical Selections

The couple aimed for live music to enhance the mood. They chose a piano-bass duo, Deborah Jazz Artist, for the ceremony, setting a romantic tone. The DJ, Adam Lev, was selected for his versatility in music styles. “We received so many compliments about the music!” Elsie noted.

Floral Arrangements

While flowers weren't a top priority for Elsie, they were incorporated in a way that complemented the natural theme, enhancing the overall aesthetic without overwhelming it.

The Photography Experience

Herschel Gutman’s experience with various wedding styles ensured they had the right fit for their vision. Elsie appreciated his focus on natural beauty, which aligned with their aesthetics. Additionally, they had a bridal shoot with Ariel, which produced edgy, high-end images.

Memorable Moments

Eager to capture the essence of their day, they utilized the POV Camera app to allow guests to take candid pictures. “Seeing our wedding through their lens brought us immense joy,” said Elsie.

A Blissful Honeymoon

Following their celebration, they enjoyed a mini-moon at Hotel Beresheet in the Negev, relishing the peaceful surroundings. They plan to embark on a summer road trip in the U.S., attending baseball games across multiple stadiums.

Advice for Couples Planning Their Wedding

In her advice to other couples, Elsie emphasized, “Even with just 80 days, it’s possible to create a dream wedding. Focus on the food, music, and fun—it’s what your guests will remember.”

Elsie and Yonatan's Little White Book

Photography – Herschel Gutman,
Bridal party photography – Ariel Peretz,
Ketubah – Chavi Feldman,
Venue & Catering – Grace Events,
Planner – Gilda @ Epic Events,
Bride’s dress – Mika Bridal,
Hair – Neta,
Makeup – Maya Raz,
DJ – Adam Lev & Deborah Jazz Artist,
Rabbi – Ariel Konstantyn,
Honeymoon hotel – Hotel Beresheet.