Loren & Daniel : Brenaissance

I feel so privilaged to have been part of Loren & Daniel's special day at the beginning of January 2015. Brenaissance is a stunning venue situated in the most magnificent surrounds.

Loren is the daughter of one of my good friends so, that in itself, always doubles my enthusiasm. It was the first Jewish wedding I have styled and done flowers & decor for. Loren was such an easy bride-to-be. We decided on using glass vases and boxes painted a pale pink and embellished with a little bling! We used hydrangeas, lisianthus, roses, veronica, stocks, limonium, giant white crystanthumums, carnations and orchids in the arrangements. Tables were finished with glass candlesticks with taper candes and masses of small glass t-lite votives.

On the day I was a little nervous but the incredible Merle Rubin, who did the catering for the wedding and is somewhat of a legend, was able to guide me through the few aspects I was not sure of. Merle prepared the most amazing spread of food. Wow!

From start to finish the whole day was filled with the most incredible joy and sense of family and friends. I just loved all the traditions and, quite truthfully, have never come across such vibrancy and happiness pulsing through a wedding. I was very excited to see the Horah. No Jewish wedding is complete without the Horah, or chair dance. In this tradition, a few strong and brave guests hoist the bride and groom high above the crowd on chairs to the infectious sounds of "Hava Nagila". Friends and family dance around in an ecstatic circle as the elevated couple tries not to look (or fall) down. Entertaining the bride and groom on their wedding day is not only a mitzvah (good deed) but also an obligation. The family had supplied loads of "props" - masks, whistles, streamers, wigs and so much more that I had piled into baskets alongside the dancefloor, and which I later discovered formed part of the excitement during the dancing.

As Loren & Daniel entered the reception it was as if a current had rushed through the room. Every single guest from child to grandfather hurried on to the dance floor. The Horah began! I never expected to feel emotional so was somewhat surprised to find myself feeling quite overwhelmed. I was overcome by the joy that surrounded the couple, the sense of community and well wishes. The best wedding atmosphere I have ever experienced and, I think that will remain with me, until the next Jewish wedding I will be blessed to be involved with.

So, to wrap it up - a wedding of abundance. Abundant love, joy, happiness, food, friends, family and dancing.

The decor was a small part of the amazing day. Thank you so much Daniel & Loren for using Bright and Beautiful. My very best wishes to you both for a life filled with blessings.