Our Rabbi came down to marry us which was very special. We chose to use a Tallis (prayer shawl used by men) as the covering of our wedding canopy. In the Jewish religion it is tradition to get married under a chuppah (wedding canopy) which resembles the structure of the new life you are building together.
We also carried out some other traditions like the bedekin (unveiling) which is the part where the bride and groom see one another for the first time after being apart for several days. The groom checks it is his bride and covers her with her veil for the ceremony. Paul smashed a glass (wrapped in a cloth) at the end of the ceremony which is a traditional act to remind you that even when you are at your happiest you need to remember that there are those less fortunate than you in the world.
We also had a set of traditional Jewish dancing at the reception, which had so much energy and was incredibly fun!
Due to your wedding having traditional aspects was it hard or easy to find people to cater for your needs in Margaret River?
We had to cater for all the Jewish aspects that we needed on our own.
What was the theme for your wedding?
Romantic.
Where did you get inspiration for your wedding?
Your CTCW blog, wedding magazines and other online sites.
What was the hardest part to plan for your wedding?
Little details that didn't matter that much seemed to be the hardest to decide on.
What was the one thing you weren't going to comprise on for your wedding day?
Making sure our guests were entertained and well fed throughout the whole day and evening.
How many guests did you have at your wedding?
186.
What was the dress attire for your guests?
Casual cocktail.
Details about your dress and accessories:
It was the combination of two dresses I loved and Fara worked her magic to make me a dress that was perfect.
When did you start looking for your wedding dress?
I started a few months after I got engaged (about 12 months before the wedding).
Your bridesmaid dresses are gorgeous, a few details about these?
I searched the shops for dresses for the girls and when I saw that great dresses cost around the $400 - $800 mark I decided that was outrageous. So I spent months on the hunt online to find dresses that I loved and would risk trying. I got the girls measurements and I found these dresses from Dave and Johnny in New York online. They did need small alterations but turned out to be perfect and exactly the soft and romantic look I was after!
What did the flowers you carried say about you?
Earthy and traditional.
What was Paul’s reaction when he saw you walk down the aisle to him?
Paul had a grin from ear to ear as did I. He was just smiling with excitement. He was looking at me like I was his whole world.
Walk me through the details of your ceremony?
At the bedekin Unveiling), Paul, his parents and the groomsmen walked down the aisle and took their positions, then the flower girl and page boy followed. Then bridesmaids, then myself with my parents. Everyone walked down the aisle to "Ahavtia" (I loved her) by Shlomo Artzi, an Israeli singer. I walked down the aisle with my parents to "Oof Gozal" (Fly bird) which is a beautiful Israeli song about children growing up and leaving the nest. I then walked around Paul seven times under the canope (as is Jewish tradition) before the rabbi began the ceremony.
How did you decorate your wedding ceremony?
The boys built the chuppah on the morning of the wedding (it had been pre-organised and drilled). Paul and I decided where exactly the setup would be prior to the wedding on the grass.
On the morning of the wedding, Paul and his friends set up the chairs and put up the chuppah in the correct spot.
Our decorator came in the morning to put the flower and ribbon decorations on the chuppah and on the chairs.
What did your guests do after your ceremony while you and Paul went off and had wedding photos?
The guests mingled for a short while and some went off to freshen up or have a coffee in town (5mins away) and then the buses took them to the reception.
Where did you go for wedding photos and how much time did you leave between the ceremony to the reception?
We stayed at Geographe Cove for family and bridal party shots. Then Paul and I went off on our own with the photographers to Eagle Bay Beach and Wise Winery on the clearing for bride and groom shots. I highly recommend this quiet time together!
How do you feel now on receiving your wedding photos are you happy with the way Steve told the story of your day?
Our wedding photos are amazing! Steve truly captured the day brilliantly!!
What was it about Chandeliers on Abbey that made you both choose this place as your wedding venue?
It was completely enchanting and when we walked through it was like a mystical wonderland, especially at night!
What happened at your wedding reception?
Our MC, who was a great friend and groomsman, was totally amazing and entertained us right through the night. We surprised the guests with a practiced bridal salsa. It was totally fun and nobody knew we could dance like that which was very exciting (and a bit nerve-racking). We had a DJ who played fabulous songs throughout the night, especially after dinner during dancing where the party absolutely went off!
What food was served at the reception?
We had a seated dinner. Canapes were served for just over an hour while we finished our photos and until the sun began to go down. They were substantial and excellent! Then for the main meal we had a bread roll on each plate and an alternate drop of chicken or beef and vegetables. We had an amazing dessert buffet to top off an awesome night of eating.
Best moment of your wedding day?
Seeing Paul at the Bedekin (unveiling) for the first time after several days.
No wedding cake but a dessert bar what was selection?
The most sensational dessert bar - chocolate mousse, chocolate brownies, cups of sorbet, chocolate dipped strawberries and fruit salad cups.
Did you make anything for your wedding?
The Save the Date Cards, name tags for bombonieres, table number cards, the Chuppah (wedding canopy).
What were the bombonieres for your guests?
Engraved shot glasses filled with M&Ms. Kippot (scullcaps) for the boys.
Did you give thank you gifts to your bridal party?
Paul gave the boys formal shirts that they wore with their suits. I gave the girls embroidered dressing gowns.
Where did you spend your wedding night?
We went to Injidup Spa Retreat.
Were did you honeymoon?
Injidup Spa Retreat.
Advice for other planning brides:
Research all your options, find good deals as you can save money in lots of places. The most important thing to remember is that it is a very special day and night but it is just one day and keep it in perspective. And finally, relax and enjoy, relax and enjoy, relax and enjoy. You're getting married to your soul mate. Nothing else really matters that much.
When you look back what would you have done differently on your wedding day?
Nothing! Paul and I both loved every minute of the day!
What are you planning in the future together?
A happy, healthy and fun life (and a couple of babies!).
Toni & Paul's Margaret River Wedding 
