A Personalized Second Wedding: Noa and Laurence's Intimate Celebration at Psagot Winery

Noa, an ER nurse and regional director at Terem clinics, and Laurence, VP of technical operations for a fintech company, embraced a personalized approach to their wedding. This second marriage allowed them the freedom to set aside traditional elements that didn’t resonate with them. In Noa’s words, “We felt very free to set aside all the traditions with which we didn’t connect. We kept our guest list small and intimate, and made sure the people that mattered most to us were involved.”

They opted for a Friday morning wedding, which presented unique challenges around the logistics of Shabbat. Understanding their guests' needs, they prepared thoughtful favors—a bouquet of Shabbat flowers for each guest, complementing the bridal bouquet, alongside fresh challah for their home. Such details showcase the couple's thoughtfulness and consideration for their attendees.

For photography, Noa turned to Herschel Gutman, a highly recommended vendor whose availability matched their tight timeline. She described him as “the only vendor that I was dead set on,” applauding his calm presence and adept ability to capture every important moment without intrusion. Noa's praises affirm the value of choosing vendors who align with your vision.

Read more about Noa and Laurence’s wedding day journey in her own words.

How We Met

Noa, the bride: Laurence and I met nearly three years ago at a friend's pool party. I was drawn to him immediately; he was the only one in a button-down shirt! More than his attire, though, I appreciated his incredible listening skills, which sparked my interest.

Our initial friendship quickly deepened; about six weeks into dating, I received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. We faced daunting challenges together from the beginning, from movie dates to emergency room visits—one of our first dates involved an MRI at midnight! Laurence's humor and support made it easier to navigate this tough journey.

Choosing the Right Venue

Finding the perfect wedding venue was essential for us. We sought a rustic yet elegant atmosphere, with an outdoor component, despite the late November chill. Our hearts were set on a Friday morning wedding, steering away from the large Israeli wedding crowd.

As wine enthusiasts, we found the ideal spot at Psagot Winery. The venue worked diligently to fulfill our request for a Friday morning ceremony, ensuring that the day embodied our vision.

Fast-Track Planning

With only six weeks to plan, engaging an experienced wedding planner was non-negotiable. We were fortunate to have Shani Falik Roth from Events by Shani, who had previously planned my first wedding and had also worked on several of Laurence's family weddings. Her expertise allowed us to orchestrate our dream wedding efficiently.

Royal blue emerged as a significant color theme, chosen consciously. My engagement ring, a sapphire, inspired the decision, and I incorporated bright blue shoes reminiscent of Carrie Bradshaw’s iconic footwear in *Sex and the City*. Our floral arrangements also featured seasonal colors, enhanced by vibrant blue accents.

Ultimately, we created a ceremony that felt entirely ours. Just Laurence and I walked down the aisle, allowing us to strike off any elements of the ceremony that felt inauthentic.

Getting Ready: Hair and Makeup

I was particularly anxious about hair and makeup, recalling a traumatic experience from my previous wedding where the stylist arrived late. To ensure this wouldn’t happen again, I started the process at 4 am. I chose Raz Yaffa, who did a remarkable job and made me feel beautiful in my mid-40s, enhancing my features while keeping my natural essence intact.

Finding the Dress

My dress, from Studio Myra, needed to feel bridal yet suitable for an over-40 bride. Initially, I envisioned a tea-length dress, but I grappled with body changes due to my cancer journey, making shopping challenging. With my daughter and bonus daughter by my side, I tried various dresses at different boutiques. Myra was the second studio we visited, and as soon as I tried on the fifth or sixth dress, I teared up—confirming it was the one. The sheath silhouette was modern and elegant, perfectly capturing my vision.

Shoe Selection

My obsession with the color blue extended to my footwear! I originally sought the Manolos worn by Carrie Bradshaw, yet opted for a more budget-conscious but striking blue pair from Nine West. After the ceremony, I changed into bespoke sage green Converse All Stars from Etsy, which were embroidered with flowers and our wedding date. I cherished both pairs and have worn them since.

Family Involvement

Instead of traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen, our children were the center of attention. My daughter and bonus daughter donned matching dark green dresses while our sons coordinated identically with the groom in tailored suits. This choice personalized our wedding, emphasizing family unity over conventional roles.

Ceremony & Chuppah Details

Every aspect of our ceremony reflected personal touches. We chose to walk down the aisle together—my best friend Jane sang us down. I entered to "Boi Kallah," set to Hallelujah. A cherished moment came when my oncologist recited a blessing under the chuppah. Laurence's son honored soldiers with a prayer, while a friend read the ketubah, encapsulating a blend of humor, sincerity, and acknowledgment of our family's journey.

We also included an eighth blessing, signifying resilience, particularly poignant given the current state of affairs in Israel. This thoughtful inclusion resonated deeply with our guests.

Music that Resonates

Music played a significant role, catering to our diverse guest mix. We hired Mishael Dickman, a DJ and multi-instrumentalist, to curate our musical experience, complete with live violin accompaniment. Our song, "Everytime We Touch" by Cascada, set the tone when we hit the dance floor, ensuring everyone had a fantastic time.

Floral Arrangements

Opting for no white flowers, I conveyed my vibrant color preferences to the in-house florist at Psagot. When unforeseen circumstances led to a last-minute change in florists, Shani coordinated with Roni Cohen-Rokach, who intuitively created my floral designs based on a few Pinterest images. My bouquet, bursting with autumn colors and bright blue flowers, was everything I dreamed of, emphasizing my personality.

Documenting the Day

Having admired Herschel Gutman’s work over the years, I knew I wanted him to capture our wedding. His calm demeanor and keen eye ensured we received incredible photographs. Initially, we planned without a videographer, but a last-minute change allowed us to include Avi Cooperberg, who blended seamlessly into our day, ensuring every moment was documented.

Culinary Experience

Since our ceremony commenced at 10:15 am, we wanted our guests to enjoy an upscale brunch experience. Working closely with Psagot allowed us to create a tailored menu reflective of our tastes. We selected wines for our vineyard, adding personal touches, and arranged for a coffee cart to ensure our guests had exceptional caffeinated options. The focus on high-quality offerings underscored our desire to create memorable experiences for our loved ones.

Meaningful Moments and Gifts

Our children played integral roles throughout the ceremony and celebration. My daughter gave a heartfelt toast that touched on my health struggles and how Laurence positively impacted my life. During the reception, we participated in the Newlywed Shoe Game, hosted by Hadara. Laurence and I both shared speeches touching on humility and gratitude, acknowledging those who've supported us in both joyous and poignant times.

To show appreciation for our guests in light of our unique wedding timing, each attendee received Shabbat flowers and challah. We presented personalized wine cork keychains as additional tokens of our gratitude, making the event feel engaging and mindful of our community.

A Memorable Honeymoon

We sought a honeymoon that reflected our love for travel, opting for three weeks in a motorhome traversing New Zealand. The breathtaking landscapes, exhilarating activities like white-water rafting, and quality time spent together defined our trip perfectly, blending adventure with relaxation.

Advice for Future Couples

Planning our wedding as a second-time couple allowed us to set aside conventional expectations. We kept our celebration intimate, focused on the people who truly mattered to us. Doing things our way, despite tradition, resulted in a beautiful day that was perfect for us. If there's a key takeaway, it's to prioritize what resonates with you and your partner.

Noa & Laurence’s Little White Book

Photography – {offers 10% discount to all members of Smashing The Glass’s Brides Club}
Venue & Catering – Psagot winery
Planner – Events by Shani
Bride’s dress – Studio Myra
Bride’s shoes – Nine West & Converse All Stars from Etsy
Hair + Makeup – Raz Yaffa
Flowers – Roni Cohen-Rokach
DJ – Mishael Dickman

If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club, led by wedding expert Karen Cinnamon. It’s a supportive community designed to alleviate planning stress and give you the confidence to navigate your wedding journey. Join Brides Club here.

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