by Fran and Bevan had been together seven years when they tied the knot with a spiritual and energetic New York wedding. The couple, who are of mixed descent, were thoughtful and creative in honoring their backgrounds throughout the Jewish interfaith ceremony. The wedding was not just memorable, but so personal and special. Nancy Swiezy of Nancy Swiezy Events helped plan and execute the event and Alexandra Tremaine photographed it all!
Groom Bevan was born in South Africa. While the couple toyed with the idea of doing a South African safari destination wedding, they decided to bring their friends and families to the animals instead…to New York’s famed Bronx Zoo!
So what could be more fitting, creative and fun than a crossword puzzle Save the Date?!
The day before the big day (!), Fran and Bevan had a civil ceremony at city hall where instead of white, Fran opted to wear a flamenco red dress to pay homage to her Spanish heritage. That evening, the rehearsal dinner was held at a Latin restaurant with a Mariachi band, a nod to her mother’s Mexican roots.
The ceremony took place at St. Paul’s, a non-denominational Chapel at Columbia University where Fran worked as an undergrad.
Fran and Bevan’s ceremony included many traditions honoring their different cultures and religions. While the chuppah is symbolic of a Jewish wedding, it was adorned with calla lilies, a Mexican flower. The chuppah was brought in and held during the ceremony by some of Bevan’s oldest and dearest friends.
Another Jewish element of the service was the signing of the Ketubah, though yet again given a twist, as the design was modeled after Spanish designer Gaudi.
The couple took part in the spiritual circling ritual of the Jewish faith. Read more about circling and other Jewish wedding ceremony customs.
A tradition to honor Fran’s upbringing was the passing of coins, representing the couple sharing their fortune.
Candles were lit and displayed with photos to honor those who were not at the wedding, as well as the union of families. A guitarist performed on a Spanish guitar and readings to honor the couple and their families were done as well.
The design of the wedding logo included a South African tree to resemble the Tree of Life, and two lions representing the bride and groom. The sun behind the tree symbolized a new beginning – a new life of partnership. The wedding program explained the significance of each part of the ceremony so guests would understand and appreciate what each tradition meant.
The celebration continued at the Bronx Zoo. Guests were able to enjoy the animals during cocktail hour, and animal-inspired decor during the reception!
Guests were guided to their tables by a board featuring various animals, all of whom mate for life!
The color palette was deep purple, magenta pink and ice blue. Lighting enhanced the romantic setting for the reception. Nancy Swiezy Events created three different types of centerpieces – one with manzanita branches to honor Bevan’s South African roots – plus lanterns and different white flowers on all of the tables.
The wedding featured pops of bright pink hues, as seen in Fran’s bouquet, ribbon details on her flower girls, and…
…the wedding cake!
Mazel tov to the stunning couple!! We are honored to have gotten a sneak peek into Fran and Bevan’s unique wedding that featured so many personal, meaningful touches. Nancy Swiezy did an amazing job, as usual, and comes highly recommended from Fran herself!
Reprinted From
http://www.mazelmoments.com/blog/19157/jewish-intercultural-wedding-at-the-bronx-zoo-ny/nancyswiezyevents.com
Groom Bevan was born in South Africa. While the couple toyed with the idea of doing a South African safari destination wedding, they decided to bring their friends and families to the animals instead…to New York’s famed Bronx Zoo!
Inspired by Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles were always an activity Fran and Bevan liked to do together, so Bevan used this mutual hobby as his way to propose! He wrote two clues that were Spanish phrases which translated to “will you marry me?” and “look under the pillow” – because that’s where he had hidden the ring!
So what could be more fitting, creative and fun than a crossword puzzle Save the Date?!The day before the big day (!), Fran and Bevan had a civil ceremony at city hall where instead of white, Fran opted to wear a flamenco red dress to pay homage to her Spanish heritage. That evening, the rehearsal dinner was held at a Latin restaurant with a Mariachi band, a nod to her mother’s Mexican roots.The ceremony took place at St. Paul’s, a non-denominational Chapel at Columbia University where Fran worked as an undergrad.
Chuppah
Fran and Bevan’s ceremony included many traditions honoring their different cultures and religions. While the chuppah is symbolic of a Jewish wedding, it was adorned with calla lilies, a Mexican flower. The chuppah was brought in and held during the ceremony by some of Bevan’s oldest and dearest friends.
Ketubah
Another Jewish element of the service was the signing of the Ketubah, though yet again given a twist, as the design was modeled after Spanish designer Gaudi.
Inter-Cultural Jewish Wedding Ceremony
The couple took part in the spiritual circling ritual of the Jewish faith. Read more about circling and other Jewish wedding ceremony customs.A tradition to honor Fran’s upbringing was the passing of coins, representing the couple sharing their fortune.Candles were lit and displayed with photos to honor those who were not at the wedding, as well as the union of families. A guitarist performed on a Spanish guitar and readings to honor the couple and their families were done as well.
Couple’s Logo
The design of the wedding logo included a South African tree to resemble the Tree of Life, and two lions representing the bride and groom. The sun behind the tree symbolized a new beginning – a new life of partnership. The wedding program explained the significance of each part of the ceremony so guests would understand and appreciate what each tradition meant.
Bronx Zoo Wedding
The celebration continued at the Bronx Zoo. Guests were able to enjoy the animals during cocktail hour, and animal-inspired decor during the reception!Guests were guided to their tables by a board featuring various animals, all of whom mate for life!The color palette was deep purple, magenta pink and ice blue. Lighting enhanced the romantic setting for the reception. Nancy Swiezy Events created three different types of centerpieces – one with manzanita branches to honor Bevan’s South African roots – plus lanterns and different white flowers on all of the tables.The wedding featured pops of bright pink hues, as seen in Fran’s bouquet, ribbon details on her flower girls, and……the wedding cake!Mazel tov to the stunning couple!! We are honored to have gotten a sneak peek into Fran and Bevan’s unique wedding that featured so many personal, meaningful touches. Nancy Swiezy did an amazing job, as usual, and comes highly recommended from Fran herself!
Colors: Purple, Magenta Pink, Ice Blue
Vendors:
Florist and Event Planner: Nancy Swiezy Events
Photography: Alexandra Tremaine, Tremaine Photography
Graphic Design: Andy Kaynor andy@kaynorco.com
Music: DJ Small Change aka James Dier
Lighting and AV: Morris Grey, Shades Of Grey Productions Inc.
Videographer: Robert Knowles
Travel: Tzell Travel
Printers: Publicide
Dress: Pronovias
Venue: The Bronx Zoo
Cake; wwwAsimplecake.com
Florist and Event Planner: Nancy Swiezy Events
Photography: Alexandra Tremaine, Tremaine Photography
Graphic Design: Andy Kaynor andy@kaynorco.com
Music: DJ Small Change aka James Dier
Lighting and AV: Morris Grey, Shades Of Grey Productions Inc.
Videographer: Robert Knowles
Travel: Tzell Travel
Printers: Publicide
Dress: Pronovias
Venue: The Bronx Zoo
Cake; wwwAsimplecake.com
http://www.mazelmoments.com/blog/19157/jewish-intercultural-wedding-at-the-bronx-zoo-ny/nancyswiezyevents.com
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