I promise you what you’re about to see is truly epic. This folks is how to do a super cool, super chic lavish destination wedding in Israel.
Montana and Justin, from South Africa, married at Ronit Farm (Havat Ronit), one of Israel’s most dazzling wedding venues. What’s more, the clever team at Danny Marx brought to life something I have never seen before: Montana had decided that she wanted to walk down the aisle to the chuppah while everyone was already seated at their tables, so all the guests were seated at one giant ‘S’ shaped table that also served as the ‘catwalk’ down to the chuppah (I mean REALLY!).
There are so many things I love about this wedding that I’d be here until midnight listing them all for you but I will say that I love a bride who chooses a black colour scheme (so different) and 17 bridesmaids dressed in black! I also love that the couple chose the same first dance song as Montana’s grandparents had. Her grandparents have been married for 60 years and joined them on the dance floor for the first dance. So special, right?
Montana and Justin certainly know how to throw a party. And throw a club-like Ibiza-style party they did, complete with pyrotechnics, dancers covered in lights, fire flames… THE LOT! Just wait until you see the photos by Eran Beeri and Eyal Gaziel and wedding film by Aleksey Malev .
Oh and I love the array of favours handed out… from selfie sticks to fans to sandals to hip flasks filled with different cocktails that guests could enjoy on their coach ride home. See? I told you this wedding is EVERYTHING!
Montana and Justin, take it away…
How they met
Montana, the bride: Justin and I met when we were 14 years old. We were in the same class in our first year of high school. We were best friends and over the years it developed into a love story. We dated on and off throughout high school and reconnected again after school when we were 22. The rest is history – we have never looked back!
Choosing to get married in Israel
We got married at Ronit Farm in Israel. We attended a wedding there a few years ago and I decided then and there that I would get married there. As a South African, it is hard to have a local wedding that is special and different so we thought a destination wedding would be best. And what better place to get married than in Israel!
Wedding planner
We used Danny Marx as our wedding planner and he helped me envision my dream wedding. I would never have been able to do it on my own.
Invitation design
We used Paperless Post as I have used it in the past and found it extremely convenient. The design was very simple as we didn’t want to give away anything about the wedding.
Hair + Make-up
My hair was down and simple as I usually wear it. My make up was also simple and elegant. I feel the most beautiful when I’m natural.
A Marianne Fassler dress
My dress was made by a South Africa designer Marianne Fassler . Since I was a little girl, I knew she was going to make my wedding dress. She is talented beyond measure and knew exactly what would suit me,so all credit goes to her.
A glittery veil
Marianne made me a glittery veil which sparkled as I walked down the aisle.
Jimmy Choo shoes
I wore Jimmy Choos that were so fabulous! They were covered in crystals with a feather acsent. They were the first thing I bought for my wedding.
The handsome groom
My husband wore a Gucci tux with a white bow tie – he looked so handsome.
17 bridesmaids
I had many bridesmaids…. 17 beautiful girls! I wanted each of them to feel their very best so I just gave them a brief – “long black dress” and they could do with that what they pleased. It turned out amazing they all looked breathtaking!
Tables as a catwalk down to the chuppah
So I decided that I wanted to walk down the aisle and to the Chuppah while everyone was already seated at their tables. Then Rafael came up with the idea of everyone sitting at one large ‘S’ shaped table that was also a catwalk down to the Chuppah. Danny Marx took this raw idea and together with his team produced a custom made one of a kind catwalk table. This allowed the wedding party to walk down the aisle at a somewhat elevated level, allowing all the seated guests to look up. This was something different and something that was extremely visually impactful, which I think will stick in the guests minds for a long time to come.
A floral chuppah
All I asked for was lots of flowers and Rafael gave me more then I could have dreamed of!
Our ceremony
We had an unbelievable Rabbi we also was a Chazan, he sang everything. The Ketubah and the Seven blessings were recited by a the groomsmen and family – this was very special!
Flowers
My favourite flower is the Black Calla Lily so my bouquet was just made up of just that! The bridesmaids each held a single Lily down the aisle. As for the rest I let Rafael do his thing and they were absolutely unbelievable!
First dance
Our first song was Fascination by Nat King Cole. It was my grandparents first song at their wedding. They have been married for 60 years and they joined us on dancing our first dance. What an honour!
Entertainment
We had a DJ, Uri Bronfman , who played all the music we love and kept the party going till all hours of the morning… Danny Marx incorporated a special effects company who provided us with a light show that was on the back of the amphitheatre throughout the whole night. There were also dancers who moved according to the music – with three different dance shows – each completely different and amazing! Justin and I visit Ibiza annually on our family vacation, so it was great that our wedding vibe almost mimicked that of a party at Ibiza. This was truly special and fun for us.
Favours
We had hand held fans for each guest, as we knew It was going to be a very hot evening in the Israeli heat – these were made by The Fantastic Company . We then had selfie sticks for each guest that allowed them to document the evening – using our wedding hashtag #JAMwedTLV (Justin and Montana wedding Tel Aviv) for all social media platforms.
We also gave out sandals which allowed the ladies to be more comfortable, taking off their high heels – allowing them to dance all night. Lastly, we had small hip flasks designed according to the theme, filled with different cocktails that our guests could enjoy on their bus ride home.
Advice to brides and grooms currently planning their wedding
As a bride, try your best to take in every little moment, be present and remember that it is your day. Trust in your bridesmaids and family to ensure that everything will be perfect so that you can focus on yourself on your big day!
Montana & Justin’s Little White book
Wedding Planner – Danny Marx
Wedding Still photographer – Eyal Gaziel Photography
Production Still photographer – Eran Beeri Photography
Wedding Video – Aleksey Malev from New Stream Film Production and Sky High
Venue – Ronit Farm
Catering – Mazal Tale’
Design and decor – House of Art by Raphael
Bride’s dress – Marianne Fassler
Bride’s shoes – Jimmy Choo
Groom suit – Gucci
DJ – Uri Bronfman
Sound – Eran Drummer
Bar – Energy Concept
Stationery – Paperless Post
Fan – The Fantastic Company
Opening number, dancers and pyrotechnics – Rosh Hutsot
Led field – Alon Birger
Light design – Cochavi & Klein
Lighting – Gil Teichman
Light fixtures – Beam Design
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