Before sharing the full story, I want to start with sharing some of the professional photos taken the day of our wedding in Jerusalem, Israel. These images capture the heart of the day — the joy, the beauty, and the setting that made it all so unforgettable.

When Adin (my husband) and I boarded a plane with our parents, siblings, and kids — just 11 of us total — we knew it would be special. But what awaited us in Jerusalem, Israel, was more than a wedding; it was the most meaningful experience of our lives.

Adin comes from a Jewish family, and I was raised in a Christian one — two different traditions, but both rooted in the land of Israel. For his family, most of whom had visited decades ago, this trip was a long-awaited return. For mine, who grew up reading the Bible and longing to walk the land of those stories, it was a dream finally realized.

From the very beginning, we knew we wanted something intimate, intentional, and unforgettable. More than anything, we wanted to blend our families together — and what better way than to take them on a once-in-a-lifetime trip?

Pulling off a wedding across the world could have easily felt overwhelming, but we were determined to make it happen. What we really wanted was more than just a wedding day — we wanted a full experience that our families would never forget. And that’s where Natalie came in.

✨ Our wedding photography captured by Jonathan Safran with Haim Afriat.

Planning a Wedding in Jerusalem Israel

Planning a wedding in Jerusalem Israel could have been overwhelming, but finding Natalie Abraham changed everything. Though she had recently moved to Thailand, she was still running her business in Israel and was more than willing to plan our wedding from abroad. After just one call with her, I knew she was the right person to bring our vision to life.

She didn’t just plan a wedding — she curated an entire weeklong experience, connecting us with incredible vendors, arranging accommodations and tours, and making sure every detail felt personal and seamless. On the day of our wedding, her amazing assistant Sheera was there in Jerusalem, bringing every part of Natalie’s vision (and ours) to life with warmth and excellence.

Thanks to their team, our wedding in Israel became exactly what we had hoped for: joyful, meaningful, and full of memories we’ll hold forever.

This is the story of our wedding in Israel, the week that surrounded it, and the way the land came alive for us.

✨ Our wedding videography captured and created by Avichai Wechsler.

Our Wedding Day in Jerusalem Israel 💕

We had arrived in Jerusalem on Sunday, settling into our incredible Airbnb — a massive space big enough for all of us, complete with a rooftop jacuzzi overlooking the city.

From the beginning, we knew we wanted to hold the wedding at the start of our trip, on Monday, so we could spend the rest of our days touring, eating, and adventuring without the pressure of preparing for a big event. It also worked perfectly with the rhythm of Jerusalem, since much of the city shuts down on Shabbat — planning it this way gave us the best of both worlds.

The morning of our wedding began with fresh Jerusalem bagels and toppings for breakfast, laughter echoing through the kitchen as we all got ready together. Later, our photographer and videographer arrived to capture those magical pre-ceremony moments.

Unlike a traditional ‘first look,’ Adin and I chose to do our reveal surrounded by our family. That moment — standing together in Jerusalem with our kids and loved ones encircling us — felt so symbolic of the new family we were becoming. Of course, our youngest added his own touch with a funny face while we kissed.

Our Wedding Ceremony in Jerusalem Israel ✨

Emile Botta – The Venue

For our wedding in Jerusalem Israel, we chose a beautiful kosher restaurant in the heart of Jerusalem as our venue. Its courtyard had sweeping views of the Old City, including the Tower of David — a citadel whose foundations date back to King Herod, later expanded by Crusaders, Ayyubids, and Ottomans. For centuries it has stood as a symbol of Jerusalem’s resilience. To exchange vows with that backdrop — in a city sacred to both Jews and Christians — was the perfect blend of our stories, our faiths, and our families.

Pre-Ceremony Moments

Before the ceremony, we joined our family in the courtyard for hors d’oeuvres and drinks, surrounded by gardens and the beauty of Jerusalem’s old stone walls. The huppah stood ready at the center, and an acoustic guitarist played softly in the background, filling the courtyard with music and making the atmosphere feel even more relaxed, welcoming, and full of anticipation as we prepared to begin.

Meanwhile, jumbo Jenga and Connect Four kept our youngest (and even our oldest, haha) happily entertained — a playful touch that brought smiles before the ceremony began.

Keepsakes for Our Loved Ones

During this time, we gave each of our family members a meaningful gift — gold necklaces with their names in Hebrew for the girls, and off-white linen kippot (yarmulkes) with names in both Hebrew and English for the guys. Personal and connected to the land, these gifts were our way of honoring each person for who they are to us and thanking them for carving out time to travel all the way to Israel to share in this day.

Our Wedding Ceremony

After sharing those keepsakes with our family and taking photos together in the courtyard, it was time for the ceremony — a moment that was deeply personal and full of meaning. With the help of Rabbi Amnon, whom Natalie connected us with, we carefully chose which Jewish traditions to include. Neither of us had ever attended a Jewish wedding before, so experiencing those traditions for the first time within our own marriage was incredibly powerful.

Beneath the Huppah

We were married beneath a huppah (chuppah), the traditional Jewish wedding canopy. Open on all four sides, it symbolizes the new home a couple is building together — simple, open, and welcoming to family, friends, and God’s presence. Standing beneath it, with our loved ones surrounding us, felt like a promise that our marriage would always be rooted in faith, community, and openness.

Beneath the huppah, our ceremony unfolded through a series of beautiful Jewish traditions — each one layered with meaning and chosen with care to make the day deeply personal.

Jewish Traditions We Embraced ✡️

Walking down the aisle together

We chose to walk side by side, a Jewish tradition that symbolizes unity and entering marriage as equals. It was the perfect way to begin our ceremony — together from the very first step.

Reciting the Seven Blessings

One of the most meaningful parts of the ceremony was reciting the Seven Blessings (Sheva Brachot), ancient words that celebrate love, joy, and creation. Hearing them spoken over us felt like both a tradition carried through centuries and a blessing made new in our marriage.

Sharing a glass of wine

Under the huppah, we shared a glass of wine with the rabbi and our family. It represents both the sweetness and the challenges of life — and our promise to walk through both together.

Signing our Ketubah

Reading and signing our Ketubah, the beautifully written marriage contract that outlines a couple’s promises to one another. Traditionally, it’s a binding document in Jewish weddings, but we wrote our own vows into it — making it both deeply personal and symbolic of our commitment.

Exchanging rings

We followed the Jewish custom of placing the rings on each other’s index finger, the finger that symbolizes action and strength. It felt like a meaningful reminder that love is not just a feeling but a choice we live out every day.

Breaking the glass

At the end of the ceremony, the rabbi wrapped that same glass and placed it on the ground. Adin then smashed it with his foot — a reminder that life is fragile, that even in times of joy we remember sorrow, and that love endures through it all.

Hava Nagila

Afterward, the courtyard erupted in song and dance to Hava Nagila. And yes — they lifted me up in a chair. Terrifying, but absolutely unforgettable!

Dinner & Celebration 🍷✨

After the ceremony, we moved inside to the long table that had been beautifully prepared for us. The room glowed with candlelight and thoughtful details, each place setting personalized with a name card and letter of thanks. Before we even sat down, it already felt like the start of something special.

The Wedding Feast

The meal itself was unforgettable. The kosher dishes were rich, colorful, and full of flavor, served family-style around the long table — and the food just kept coming out! There was something about sitting shoulder-to-shoulder, passing plates, and laughing together as we ate that made it feel more like home than a formal dinner — the perfect blend of elegant and intimate. After so many incredible courses, it was time for dessert — and it couldn’t have been sweeter.

the wedding cake

Dessert began with our wedding cake — perfectly simple, adorned with edible flowers, and absolutely delicious. The baker made it kosher to honor the restaurant venue, and it turned out so moist and flavorful. It was exactly what we had envisioned: timeless, elegant, and unforgettable.

our first dance

After cutting the cake and giving each other the classic first bites, we moved straight into our first dance. It was simple and sweet, surrounded by the glow of the long dinner table and the laughter of our family — an intimate moment that felt like the perfect continuation of the celebration.

What followed wasn’t planned but ended up being one of the best parts of the night — impromptu dancing, a game of limbo, and laughter that seemed to go on forever. Between the joy of our kids, the sacredness of the Old City just beyond the courtyard, and the warmth of our families blending together — it was joyful, relaxed, and completely ours.

the chocolate chip cookies

Then came the sweetest surprise: a plate of chocolate chip cookies made by the restaurant. And let me just say, as a true chocolate chip cookie connoisseur, these were the best I’ve ever had. Warm, chewy, and packed with chocolate, they were such an unexpected highlight of the night.

The End to a Perfect Day ✨

As the night came to a close, we shared one last kiss and held up our rings — simple circles that now carried the weight of a day we’ll never forget. Sitting there, we couldn’t stop talking about how thankful we were — for our family who traveled all the way to Israel with us, for our loved ones at home who have shaped us and walked alongside us, and for every person who made our wedding day so flawless and full of joy. It was the perfect ending to a celebration that was joyful, sacred, and so deeply us — and the beginning of a new chapter for us and our family.

And with our wedding day complete, we were ready to soak in the beauty of Israel together — five days of touring, eating, laughing, and making memories we’ll never forget.

Touring Israel After Our Wedding 🌍

Our guide

The morning after our wedding in Jerusalem Israel, we began a five-day tour with Sagi Levy, a guide we can’t recommend highly enough. From the start, we knew finding the right guide would shape the entire trip. When Sagi introduced himself with a video about his family, we immediately felt at ease — and we were right to trust him.

Sagi has a rare gift: he’s unbelievably knowledgeable (you can ask him anything about history, scripture, or culture), but he’s also warm, funny, and down-to-earth. He made Israel come alive for us in ways we never could have imagined. He had the kids laughing and engaged the entire time, he honored the faith and curiosity of both sides of our family, and he balanced jam-packed days with exactly the right amount of space to breathe and soak it all in.

By the end of the trip, he didn’t feel like a guide — he felt like family. If you’re ever planning a trip to Israel, hiring Sagi will be one of the best decisions you’ll make.

OUR DRIVER

We were also blessed with a wonderful driver for the week, who kept everything running smoothly — from navigating Jerusalem’s narrow streets to the long drives up north. He drove us in a spacious, air-conditioned tour van that comfortably fit all 11 of us, complete with a microphone so Sagi could share stories and insights as we traveled. Always on time, patient, and kind, he made our busy days feel effortless.

Day 1 – Jerusalem: Old City & Sacred Sites 🕊️

mount of olives

We began on the Mount of Olives, overlooking Jerusalem. This hillside is not only one of the most famous viewpoints in the world — it’s also a place of deep prophecy and history. For Jews, it has been a burial site for over 3,000 years, with the belief that when Messiah comes, resurrection will begin there. For Christians, it’s the place where Jesus often prayed and where He ascended into heaven.

Standing there as a blended Jewish-Christian family, we shared wine while looking across at the Old City — a moment that carried significance for each of us in different ways. It was a sacred, emotional start to our journey.

JERUSALEM’S OLD CITY – THE FOUR QUARTERS

From there, we entered the Old City, weaving through the Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian quarters. Within less than a square mile, you can feel the weight of thousands of years of history — temples, churches, and mosques layered side by side, each with its own story. It was incredible to see such a mosaic of cultures and faiths living together in a space so sacred to so many.

The Western Wall

The last visible remnant of the Second Temple, destroyed by Rome in 70 CE. For Jews worldwide, this wall is the holiest place of prayer, facing it no matter where they are in the world. Standing before its ancient stones — smoothed by centuries of hands and prayers — was humbling and powerful for us all.

tunnels beneath the Wall

Beneath the Old City, we walked through tunnels where massive stones from Herod’s expansion of the Temple still remain in place. Some weigh hundreds of tons, carved and moved with precision thousands of years ago. Being so close to the foundation of what once stood there made history feel tangible.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

For Christians, this church is one of the most sacred sites in the world — believed to mark both the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Inside its walls, you can see centuries of devotion layered by pilgrims, priests, and empires that have cared for the site since the 4th century.

Ancient Roman streets and markets

More than 2,000 years old, these streets once bustled with traders and travelers under Roman rule. Walking across their worn stones, surrounded by colonnades and remnants of ancient shops, felt like stepping into the daily life of Jerusalem long ago.

Walking through Jerusalem’s Old City was like stepping into the pages of both the Tanakh and the New Testament at the same time — history, faith, and daily life all interwoven in a single place.

Day 2 – Masada, Dead Sea & Genesis Land 🏜️

Masada

In the desert, we took the gondola up to Masada, the fortress-palace built by King Herod the Great. Centuries later, it became the site of one of the most dramatic episodes in Jewish history — when Jewish rebels held out against Rome after the fall of Jerusalem, choosing freedom in death over slavery. Riding up and then standing among the ruins while hearing that story gave us chills, especially knowing how central Masada has become to Jewish identity and resilience.

dead sea

From there, we descended to the Dead Sea — the lowest place on earth. Its waters are so salty and mineral-rich that nothing can survive in them, yet they’ve been prized for their healing properties for thousands of years. We laughed as we floated effortlessly on the surface and slathered ourselves in mud, which left our skin feeling silky and renewed.

genesis land

That evening, we stepped back into biblical times at Genesis Land. Dressed in linen tunics, we rode camels across the desert, baked pita over open fires, and shared a meal in a tent like Abraham and Sarah might have. It was both playful and deeply moving — a way of experiencing the Bible in a tangible, unforgettable way.

Day 3 – From Jerusalem to Tel Aviv 🏛️🌊

BREAKFAST + MARKETS IN JERUSALEM

We started our morning with one last stroll through the markets of Jerusalem, where the colors, smells, and sounds were unforgettable. For breakfast, we tried Malawach — a flaky Yemenite flatbread served with hard-boiled eggs, fresh tomato, and pickles — alongside strong Israeli coffee. It was completely new to all of us, and the perfect “taste of Jerusalem” to start the day.

israel museum

Our final morning in Jerusalem took us to the Israel Museum, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls — the oldest known biblical manuscripts, discovered in the Qumran caves. Standing just feet away from those fragile texts was awe-inspiring, a reminder of how scripture and history have endured across generations. We also saw the impressive outdoor Model of Jerusalem at the end of the Second Temple period, a massive reconstruction that helped us picture the city as it would have looked 2,000 years ago.

tel aviv ARRIVAL

From there, we drove west to Tel Aviv, where the energy shifted dramatically. Modern, vibrant, and youthful, Tel Aviv was the perfect contrast to Jerusalem’s sacred stillness. We settled into another massive Airbnb — this one just a short walk from the beach and surrounded by incredible restaurants and markets. It became our home base for the rest of the trip, the perfect spot to return to each night after full days of touring.

GYROS + THE MARKET

Our first stop was the Jaffa Market, a bustling outdoor maze of shops selling everything from antiques and vintage finds to trendy boutiques, handmade jewelry, and cafés spilling onto the streets. The smells of sizzling food and spices filled the air, and we grabbed gyros that were so good they set the bar high for every meal that followed. Afterward, we browsed the shops and soaked in the energy of the market — the perfect way to fuel up and shop a little before exploring more of Jaffa.

JAFFA: LAYERS OF HISTORY

Jaffa (Yafo) is one of the oldest port cities in the world, with more than 4,000 years of history. Egyptians, Israelites, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders, Ottomans, and the British all ruled here at different times, each leaving their mark. Instead of clearing the city to rebuild, conquerors often added a new layer on top of the old — turning Jaffa into a literal “tell” of history.

Sagi explained this in the most memorable way — by stacking hat after hat on Noah’s head, showing how each conqueror built over the last. It was hilarious, unforgettable, and the perfect example of how he brought history to life for us. From there, we wandered through Jaffa’s narrow stone alleys, stepping into shops filled with jewelry, local art, and handmade goods. We even found a little gelato shop — the perfect sweet treat on a warm afternoon.

exploring jaffa

From a hillside nearby, we looked out over Tel Aviv — ancient Jaffa stone in the foreground, modern skyscrapers rising in the distance. The view perfectly captured Israel’s layers of past and present. We also walked directly along the port, where the Mediterranean sparkled against centuries-old walls. Jaffa is also remembered in the Bible as the place where Jonah set sail and where Peter had his vision in Acts 10, adding even more meaning to stand there in person.

live music + tacos

That night, we capped the day with live music, tacos, and cocktails — two restaurants teaming up, one serving food and the other drinks, both waiting on us with a smile. Between the energy of Tel Aviv, the music in the air, and the laughter of our family, it became one of those perfect travel moments we’ll never forget.

Day 4 – Capernaum & The Sea of Galilee 🌊⛵

This day was overflowing with meaning.

mount of beatitudes

We began at the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee. This quiet hillside has long been a place of reflection — remembered as the site of the Sermon on the Mount. Standing there, I opened the Bible and read aloud from Matthew 5, the Beatitudes — words said to have been first spoken on that very hillside. It was a humbling, surreal moment. For centuries, the Galilee region has also been home to Jewish communities, farmers, and fishermen, making it both spiritually meaningful and historically rich.

capernaum

Next, we visited Capernaum, once a thriving Jewish fishing village. Among its ruins are the remains of a synagogue and ancient homes. It’s also remembered as a place where Jesus taught and where many works are said to have taken place. Walking among the stones, you could almost feel layers of history overlapping.

sea of galilee

Lunch was freshly caught fish from the Sea of Galilee — the same waters where Jewish fishermen once worked their trade and where Jesus is said to have calmed storms and even walked on water.

Afterward, we boarded a boat and spent the afternoon out on the lake. Between the peaceful stretches of water and the excitement of tubing, it was one of the most joyful parts of our trip. The kids laughed nonstop, and when our parents decided to take a turn tubing, it was both hilarious and completely heartwarming — a memory we’ll never forget.

It felt like the perfect blend: a lake so central to history and faith, yet also the backdrop for our happiest, lighthearted family moments.

mediterranean sea

That evening in Tel Aviv, we closed the day with a late swim in the Mediterranean. The water was warm and calm, the sky glowing with sunset, and the sand soft beneath our feet. After rinsing off, we wandered into a small local pizza shop — a hidden gem serving perfectly cheesy, fresh-from-the-oven slices. Salty-haired, sun-kissed, and laughing over pizza, it was the best ending to an unforgettable day.

Day 5 – Coastal Wonders: Caesarea & Akko ⚓🏰

On our final tour day, we headed up Israel’s Mediterranean coast.

caesarea

Our time in Caesarea began with a sweeping view of the ancient ruins — once the site of Herod the Great’s seaside palace and the massive hippodrome where chariot races once roared along the coast. Nearby, we stepped into the Roman amphitheater, still remarkably intact after nearly 2,000 years. Standing there felt surreal, knowing it once hosted crowds for performances and political gatherings. Abby and I even walked onto the stage and sang, and the acoustics were so incredible that our voices carried effortlessly through the stone seating.

Sagi then showed us the ancient Roman toilets, lined up side by side with no dividers. He and I couldn’t resist sitting down for a photo, laughing at the thought of how communal daily life once was. From there, we wandered along the Mediterranean coastline that frames the ruins — the waves crashing against ancient stone, history and nature meeting in one breathtaking scene. Caesarea also holds Christian significance as the place where the apostle Paul was imprisoned before being sent to Rome, making it a site layered with both Jewish and Christian history.

akko

Further north, we explored Akko (Acre), a city shaped by centuries of conquerors. For Jews, it was one of the few towns they were permitted to live under Crusader rule and later became a center of trade and exile under the Ottomans. For Christians, Akko was a formidable Crusader stronghold — complete with massive underground halls and the legendary Knights Templar escape tunnels (yes, we walked through them!).

That evening, back in Tel Aviv, we gathered for one last dinner. Over bowls of pasta and laughter, we reflected on everything we had experienced — history and faith, joy and family moments woven together. It was the perfect close to a trip overflowing with meaning.

After five incredible days of touring — from Jerusalem’s Old City to the coastline of Akko — our trip was overflowing with history, beauty, and family memories. And woven into every day was the food. Fresh, vibrant, and deeply connected to the land, each meal felt like part of the experience.

Tastes of Israel 🍴

Beyond the meals I’ve already shared, there were so many others we couldn’t leave out. A few of our favorites included…

Food became such a big part of our trip — not just because it was delicious, but because it brought us together. We crowded around tables, passed plates, laughed, and tasted flavors both familiar and new. By the end of the week, though, our kids had eaten so much hummus they swore they didn’t want to see it again for a long time… which, let’s be honest, only lasted a few months. 😉

And just like the food, the people who made our wedding possible added so much joy to the experience.

Our Dream Team: Vendor Shout-Outs 💫

One of the best parts of our wedding in Jerusalem Israel was the people who made it possible. Every single vendor we worked with went above and beyond — not only incredible at what they do, but also kind, thoughtful, and a joy to spend time with. If you’re planning a wedding or family trip to Israel, I can’t recommend them enough:

👉 You can find each vendor’s website by clicking on their name below.

Wedding Planner: Natalie Abraham, Dream Catcher

Natalie was our anchor, guiding us through every choice and making the entire week seamless. Though she had recently moved to Thailand, she still planned our wedding in Israel with incredible care. On the day of, her assistant Sheera was in Jerusalem and executed every detail flawlessly, ensuring both our and Natalie’s vision came to life with warmth and excellence.

Tour Guide: Sagi Levy Tours

Sagi wasn’t just our guide; he became family. Knowledgeable, warm, and hilarious, he made Israel come alive for everyone in our group, from the youngest to the oldest. Truly the heart of our trip.

Venue & Catering: Emile BottA

A beautiful kosher restaurant in the heart of Jerusalem, with breathtaking views of the Old City and the Tower of David. The food was over-the-top delicious, and having the entire restaurant to ourselves made the evening feel intimate and special. The owner himself was there on our wedding day, personally making sure every detail was perfect. His hospitality went above and beyond, and we felt so cared for from start to finish.

Wedding Cake: jerusalem cake design

Perfectly simple, decorated with delicate edible flowers, and incredibly moist and delicious. The cake was kosher to honor our venue, and it was honestly one of the best we’ve ever tasted.

Photography: Jonathan safran with haim afriat

Our photographer was an absolute artist — capturing images so beautiful they looked like they belonged in a magazine. He had an incredible eye for angles that complemented us most, and he made the whole process easy and fun for our family.

Videography: avichai Wechsler

Our videographer captured the emotions of the day so beautifully. Every smile, every laugh, every tear was preserved in a way that feels just as moving to watch now as it did in the moment.

Florals & Decor: Avia Faingold

Our florist went above and beyond, creating the most beautiful setting for our day. She designed our huppah, the floral arrangements, and the décor on our dinner tables. We wanted something timeless, classy, and completely “us” — and she made it exactly that. Every detail felt intentional and elegant, adding warmth and beauty without ever feeling overdone. It was the perfect backdrop for our celebration.

Our Wedding In Jerusalem Israel Dream Team 💫

We truly had the best team possible, and we’ll forever be grateful to each of them for making our wedding in Jerusalem Israel not just an event, but an experience of a lifetime. I’ve been involved in a lot of events over the years, and I have never encountered such genuinely incredible people. There were no weird attitudes, no entitlement, and no high-stress personalities like you sometimes run into with American vendors. Every single person we worked with was gracious, kind, and a joy to be around — the kind of people you genuinely want to remain friends with afterward. That alone made the trip worth it. 💫

When Two Families Became One ✨💕

Looking back, I’m struck by how seamlessly our wedding and travels wove together. It wasn’t just a ceremony; it was the unfolding of stories — Jewish and Christian, ancient and modern, personal and eternal.

Even the practical details, like having a wonderful guide and driver, became part of the blessing, keeping our days running smoothly and full of meaning. But the sweetest part wasn’t only what we experienced in Israel — it was what happened when we returned home. Our families felt blended in the most natural way, and everyone couldn’t wait to see each other again. That, more than anything, was the greatest gift of our wedding in Jerusalem Israel.

Israel wasn’t just the backdrop to our wedding; it was the heart of a new chapter. A chapter where love, faith, and family came together in the most meaningful place we could have chosen.

P.S. If you’re new here, welcome! I share more travel, home, and lifestyle stories both here on the blog and over on Instagram @jess__gardens. If you’re planning a trip soon, you might also love my post on Summer Travel Essentials 2025 You’ll Actually Use. I’d love for you to take a look around and say hi. 💕