Erica and David had their Fall garden wedding and reception at
Glen Errol Estate on September 13th. I love that Jewish weddings are so rich in tradition, so I thought this would be the perfect post to talk about some of those traditions. Erica and David were fortunate to have Erica's Aunt cater their wedding- she really went all out for them. As guests arrived, they were greeted with champagne and hors d'oeuvres and were able to mingle with friends and family for a bit. Just before the ceremony began, Erica and David signed the
ketubah, which is the Hebrew marriage "contract" that the couple will hang in their home as a reminder of their comittment to one another. The ceremony then took place outside under a beautiful birchwood
chuppah- a marriage canopy that symbolizes the home the bride and groom will build together. The chuppah is typically open on all sides as a symbol of hospitality to their family and friends. As the ceremony progressed, the Rabbi said a blessing over a glass of wine. This ritual of sanctification- with blessings recited over a cup of wine- is known as
kiddush. Erica and David then both drank from the kiddush cup. As the ceremony came to a close, David broke the wedding glass as everyone proclaimed "
mazel tov," which literally means "good fortune" in Hebrew, but is often used to mean "Congratulations." Guests then enjoyed cocktails and more hors d'oeuvres until both Erica and David's Uncles
blessed the challah bread before dinner. Erica's Mother made the Challah and the family was so excited because they all say she makes the best challah! Everyone then enjoyed 2 elaborate buffets of a variety of food and a huge dessert display prepared by Erica's Grandmother. Family and friends then danced the night away including dancing the
hora when the bride and groom are raised up in chairs as their guests join hands and dance in a circle around the couple. Guests enjoyed a candy bar on their way out and as I was cleaning up for the night, I noticed that one of the guests is a dentist and had left several of his cards on the candy bar- hilarious. What a lovely day full of special traditions and family touches. Thank you so much to
Shannon Belletti for these beautiful images and for always being a pleaure to work with!
Just a reminder as we wrap up the month to continue to think pink! with breast cancer awareness and screenings all year long- not just in October. These fabulous hot pink Christian Louboutins {featured on the cover of Brides Magazine this Summer} have been on our mind as they are the inspiration for Jennifer and Greg's wedding in the Spring. They are using a simple and sophisticated black and white color palette with bright splashes of pink. I can't wait to see this design board we created come to life!
The fabulous 
Since the weather has been cooler this week I have had my mind on Winter weddings and ways to stay warm. What came to mind, you may ask...? Hot chocolate, of course! I was thinking that it would be so fun to replace the oh-so-typical coffee station with a hot chocolate bar with white, milk and dark hot chocolate and lots of flavors of homemade marshmallows such as those found on 
Sunny and Tony were married at 
As I head to an undoubtedly wonderful and luxurious event at 
