I had the greatest privilege to witness and coordinate
ANNA LUTZKY and ETAI WEININGER’s wedding celebration that took place at the
Chardonnay Golf Club in American Canyon.
It
was rich in ceremonial customs stemming from Jewish rituals and Moroccan
traditions handed down from generation to generation. Etai comes from a family of rabbis among
those his mother, Rabbi Tsepora Gabai, who imbues the Jewish traditions both
Sephardic and Ashkenazic through prayer, songs and stories from their heritage.
Their
Jewish wedding ceremony officiated by Rabbi Menachem Creditor of Congregation Netivot Shalom, held outdoors in the Moonlight Grove proceeded
according to Jewish religious law and culminated in the groom breaking the
glass in memory of the destruction of the Temple while the crowd resounds with
the joyful ululations (high-pitched tongue trill noise) wailed by the female
guests.
Along
with a myriad of festive traditions in food, décor and celebration was the
enhancement of vibrant music performed by a band, Kugelplex, renowned as
California’s rockin’-est purveyor of Klezmer and Old-World party music that is
as soulful as the dance that filled the dancefloor with revelers all night.
Later
that evening, in homage to their culture, they held a Henna Reception where
Anna’s hands were painted with henna dye designs and symbols on the palm of her
hand that symbolize fertility and protection from evil. And the tradition states that the color stays
on her hands for up to two week. According
to Morrocan folklore, the bride is exempt of her domestic duties until the
henna disappears. Here, along with the
Bride and Groom, some of their guests had changed into traditional Moroccan
Kaftans and Jellaba (the long white robe predominantly worn by men) as Anna and
Etai joined their families for dancing, and of course, traditional Moroccan
Desserts displayed in trays flanked with candles, that were brought and pranced
around the bride & groom.
It
was a magical evening distinct with rich cultural flavor and exquisite dancing
and merriment, amid an atmosphere of festivity and joy.
Mazel
Tov, Anna and Etai!
Many thanks to my incredible team of Wedding Vendors "Extraordinnaire" for their hard work and tireless efforts in providing Anna and Etai a fabulous Wedding!
Wedding Planning and Event Design | Duncan Reyes and Alex Barranco
Photography | Steve Hughes
Wedding Cake and Cupcakes | Pat Powell
Catering, Rehearsal Dinner and Wedding Venues | Noy Mendoza
Entertainment (Ceremony and Reception) | Jason Ditzian
Entertainment (DJ) | Raffi Silberblatt
Floral Design | Katharina Stuart
Hotel Accommodations | Megan Blankenheim
Hotel Accommodations | Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Spa, Napa Valley
Lighting Design and Event Rentals | Ana Stone
Linen Rentals | La Tavola Linens
Hair and Make-Up | Jenna and Sarah Dean
Officiant | Rabbi Menachem Creditor
Videography | Evan Harrar
Special Events Video Productions
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