We had our wedding in Bat Ayin at Gavna, a beautiful event space. We both loved the relaxed, garden party vibe of the venue, which was spread out enough to allow us to have 200 guests comfortably, even amid strict corona rules. What we mainly wanted in a venue was a happy, elegant, fun space that didn’t feel fussy and Gavna fit the bill.
At the chuppah (ceremony), my father gave a beautiful speech about holding the wedding in Bat Ayin, which is located in Gush Etzion. He mentioned that he and my mother left the Gush 26 years ago to move back to the US while my mother was pregnant with me – and that it was amazing to see everything come full circle, as I was the first member of my family to move back to Israel and get married – in the Gush.
My favorite flowers are sunflowers: for decor we had a very country vibe – yellow and white, and wicker elements on the tables, fairy lights, and green country plants.
My mother and I ended up planning the wedding ourselves. We used an amazing florist – Shira – who helped us design the venue and set up the chuppah, tables and dance floor decor correctly . Shira was so patient, understanding and calm. We absolutely love her!
My husband’s suit was from Scotland; my dress was from Studio Le-vana in North Tel Aviv. It was originally a tube-top dress that we built up, and added sleeves to make the dress more modern.
Patti Baum is an amazing makeup artist – she does a very natural, clean look that doesn’t cake, and my makeup stayed beautiful all night! As a makeup artists myself, I find the best look for brides is something classic and simple, so that ten years from now I’ll be able to say, “Wow – look how pretty and young we look in our wedding photos,” rather than “who on earth thought blue eye shadow was a good idea!!?” (Ahem, every bride in the 80’s).
We had a seven- piece band – and a bagpiper! My husband is from Scotland so we thought it would be cool to blend our two cultures: Scotland and Syria. To call the guests to the start of the ceremony, we had the bagpiper play a traditional Scottish song and then “Amazing Grace” before walking down the aisle. Right after the ceremony, the band, led by hazzan (cantor) and singer Eitan Rabani, played fast-paced and fun Israeli wedding music. The band had traditional Arab instruments, including an oud and an anan, as well as violins and a cello. They led the dancing, and after about two hours, they began to switch tunes and led a nobeh, a concert performance where traditional Syrian wedding piyutim (Jewish liturgical poems, also called pizmonim) are sung. Eitan and his band led the nobeh and many guests, knowing these songs, joined in and led the singing as well. It was so special and so powerful. My seven-year old nephew even sang a song that he had been preparing for months in honor of the wedding!
What made our wedding the most special was that both of our parents were able to make it into the country!
Venue: Gavna Dressmaker: Studio Levana Hair & Makeup: Makeup by Patti Graphics: Lenore Cohen
