Date

So we signed on a place, which means we've set a date. Aug 19 it is, 2 days before my 28th birthday :)
We're going to get married at a place called Ein Yael, here in J. It's a very natural site, with a bit of an archeological edge to it. They set it up really beautifully, with little tea light candles in the crevices between the rocks and lovely coloured tablecloths on round tables outside under the stars, with old olive and other trees all around. I think we made a good choice :)

Now let the countdown begin!
Just  under 3 months to pull everything together :)
Next on the list is to find someone to marry us...

Wedding planner for an outdoor wedding

Ok. so you do need hebrew for this one... it's the israeli version of a wedding planner. he's kinda like a contractor, only for weddings. and he seems great. His name is Elazar, and you can find info here. he can show you photos, and he has connections with caterers, florists, and anything else you could want at your wedding... so check him out. His company is called Pashut Bateva (Simply in Nature). he specializes in pulling off outdoor weddings in all sorts of places. he's really professional and seemed like he'd be great to work with. 

Brit Ahuvim and other ideas...

If you're looking for something that isn't the traditional kiddushin, but rather an alternative Jewish ceremony, Rachel Adler suggests a brilliant solution that she calls Brit Ahuvim (Lover's Covenant). You can take a look at chapter 5 in her book Engendering Judaism to learn more about it. Rachel Adler is very knowledgeable in Jewish tradition, and is very committed to it, but she brings to it an amazing creativity and openness. i'd say it's worth a read even if you aren't getting married...

Also, Danya Ruttenberg has put together a rather comprehensive overview of many different ceremony options (including Rachel Adler's Brit Ahuvim) on a website. You can find them here. 

The point is, there are options out there if the traditional kinyan, the acquisition of the woman in the traditional ceremony, makes you uneasy...

If you're planning to marry in israel, and are dealing with issues concerning the Rabbanut, there are some organizations that might be of interest to you. There's one organization called Mishpacha Chadasha (New Family) that is working for gender equality under Israeli law in relation to marriage, among some other things. They get as close as is currently possible to a civil marriage in Israel. 

The other one that might be worth checking out is Tzohar. Tzohar works with the Rabbanut, but they try to create a traditional ceremony that is also a spiritual and enriching experience for the couple and their families. Both websites have most of their info in Hebrew. but they're way worth checking out.

Chuppa

Again--we wanted a natural atmosphere. it's traditional to have a chuppa at a Jewish wedding. So we were thinking something along the lines of this for the chuppa poles. it gives a nice splash of colour, but still looks natural and down to earth. and i think even if you aren't Jewish and don't have a chuppa at your wedding, it's still a nice decoration idea... 

ceremony ideas

We wanted an intimate ceremony, something small and personal. i thought these photos had some great ideas. they looks so fresh and sweet. the ribbons hanging from above is a great idea--just adds a little colour to everything. and the simple arrangement definitely appeals to me. i really like these.