Discover a bridal look that’s all your own. With hundreds of exquisite gowns from some of the world’s most renowned bridal designers, along with our selection of accessories, jewellery, shoes, lingerie and more, all your wedding style dreams will come true. Book your gown consultation online or by phone today for an incredible experience you’ll cherish forever.

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Sponsor Content

Custom-designed kippahs a specialty at The Israeli Source

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magine being able to custom-design kippahs for your wedding guests – having something that is your very own creation, different from any made for any wedding ever before. Previously a dream only available to those willing to shell out untold amounts of cash, Thornhill’s Judaica superstore, The Israeli Source, now offers exactly that option to any couple looking to make their special day that much more special. The simchah experts at The Israeli Source are able to help clients choose from a breathtaking array of an absolutely staggering 400-million-plus kippah customization options, before even taking into account completely custom-designed hand-crocheted kippah patterns, so that each couple can have something that truly reflects their own sense of style. “The idea is,” explains Chuck Elnekave, who has for the last 14 years been helping customers by guiding them through the ordering process, “to give each wedding, each bar or bat mitzvah, the ability to be unique in its style, down to something as formerly run of the mill as the kippahs. There’s no reason that kippahs can’t be as much of a custom creation as the catering

menu or the floral arrangements. “Styles and fads change every season, and we strive to stay on top of those trends, giving our clients the ability to get what’s hot. Last year’s favoured choices of suede kippahs for weddings and satin kippahs for bar mitzvahs give way to this year’s popularity of linen kippahs for weddings and sports mesh kippahs for bar mitzvahs. Next year’s contemporary choice will be different still – and so we ensure to position ourselves to be ready for whatever comes.” But does that mean that they’re ready to rest? In Elnekave’s words – no. “In the last year, we’ve managed to increase the range of options to our customers twofold. And we’re constantly in search of new possibilities that will maximize our clients’ ability to have it their way. New developments are always underway, and it’s always a great feeling for us to see the customers’ reactions when they see how much fun they can have putting together their own unique creation.” But kippahs aren’t all – Elnekave says that The Israeli Source is always adding new artists to its repertoire of gallery-quality ketubahs. Popular artists such as Danny Azoulay, Mickie Caspi, and Emanuel

Bensolomon are counted amongst the many who The Israeli Source work with to ensure that every couple can have a beautiful ketubah to enhance their wedding, a cherished souvenir to constantly remind them of that special day. Offering a variety of artists, explains Elnekave, ensures that clients will have many options not only in design but also in personalization options and price. “Some artists,” he says, “create limited-edition prints of their work. It’s all pre-done, so while you’re getting something that is guaranteed to be a limited quantity run

and not something mass produced, you also might sacrifice the ability to personalize to the degree you might like. Other artists print separately for each order and employ digital calligraphy methods, so in those cases a couple can customize their ketubah a bit more. Each options has its pros and its cons – we try to work with our clients to find something that suits them.” If that wasn’t enough, The Israeli Source also offers an impressive selection of benschers. After finding a benscher that suits their tastes, explains Elnekave, the couple can even add finishing touches such as a custom monogram embossed on the front cover. “We try to make it a one-stop simchah shopping experience,” says Elnekave. And what an experience it is. The Israeli Source is at 60 Doncaster Ave., Thornhill. Call 905-482-2025. n

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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Sponsor Content

Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay, where your bridal journey begins

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n unforgettable salon experience. That’s what you can expect at your initial gown consultation.

ARRIVING AT THE SALON First, you’ll visit the Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay reception desk on the seventh floor. Your consultant will greet you and take a few minutes to get to know you and the three family members and friends you brought along. DISCUSSING YOUR DREAM DRESS You’ll have a quick chat about what you’re looking for and you’re welcome to explore the gowns out on the floor. If you’ve been saving dresses to your Hudson’s Bay Wish List online or collecting clippings of your favourite gowns, this is the perfect time to show them to your consultant.

SEARCHING OUR ASSORTMENT While you put on your luxurious robe in one of our fitting rooms, your consultant will search the salon for all the gowns that match your description of the perfect dress – and maybe even ones that don’t. Allow your consultant to make recommendations. You could end up falling in love with a dress you would have never considered. TRYING ON GOWNS If you don’t already have the shoes and lingerie you’ll be wearing on your big day, we can provide those to you during your appointment. With the help of your consultant, you’ll try on all the gowns that you believe will be strong contenders. And we can’t forget about the Twirling Area. That’s where you’ll get the chance to see each

gown in the spotlight and show it off to your family and friends. FINDING THE ONE With our extensive, specially curated selection of designer bridal gowns, don’t be surprised if you find “the dress” on your first visit to Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay. It’s always an emotional and celebratory moment when you say “I do” to the dress of your dreams. But the excitement doesn’t stop there. COMPLETING YOUR LOOK You’ll also have the opportunity to browse through our beautiful assortment of shoes and accessories. You can even try on your favourites with your gown to get the full picture of your overall wedding day look.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? We will contact you when your dress has arrived at the salon to schedule your first fitting. Remember, it can take up to three fittings to ensure your gown is the absolute perfect fit. We also have a stunning selection of bridesmaid dresses and we would love to help you and your bridesmaids find theirs during another shopping experience you’ll never forget. n

For your own incredible experience, book your initial gown consultation today. Online: kleinfeldbridal.ca Phone: 416-861-6600 Email: [email protected] Discover more at kleinfeldbridal.ca

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Childhood friendship blooms into romance VICKY TOBIANAH SPECIAL TO THE CJN

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t’s not often that a couple can say that they grew up with their spouse, but Debra Vatenmakher and Jacob Posluns can. They both attended Netivot HaTorah Day School throughout elementary school. In Grade 7, they became close friends and by Grade 9 they were dating and have been together ever since. This past summer they got engaged and are planning a June 2015 wedding. Vatenmakher and Posluns, now both 20, can say they truly know their spouse better than anyone. “We were in school together but weren’t so close until Grade 7,” said Vatenmakher. “He claims he had a crush on me in Grade 4, though.” After becoming best friends, they quickly realized they had feelings for one another and started dating. “I think something that’s really special about our relationship is we’ve grown up together. We know each other better than anyone else in the world,” said Vatenmakher. They had been dating for six years when

Jacob Posluns and Debra Vatenmakher met at Netivot HaTorah Day School.

Posluns proposed. “We have been talking about getting married since we were 14, but no one would have taken us seriously at that age. Only over the past two years did we discuss publicly about wanting to get married,” said Posluns. “Once I got the okay from her parents, I began planning the proposal. With my cousin’s help, we set up roses and candles along a dock by the lake. “When approaching the dock and getting ready to propose, a few things went wrong. It happened to be pretty windy along the water so by the time we got there, almost all of the roses had fallen into the water



and all of the candles had blown out. Luckily, Debra says she does not remember any of it and she could not have been happier with how everything went,” he said. Although they’re not in school together anymore – Vatenmakher is at York University studying kinesiology while Posluns is studying business technology management at Ryerson University – they’re still best friends who put each other first. “I’m really excited for just the mundane things like being able to sit on the couch while he’s sitting at the table doing his homework and finally being together every day,” she said. “I hang out with him all the time and I always have to go home at the end of the night. I find it’s so hard. I’m definitely looking forward to going home with him, and I’m looking forward to eventually building a family together,” she said. The couple is planning a traditional Orthodox wedding in June and has advice for any other couples dealing with the stress of planning a wedding. “I think it’s really important not to let the wedding get to you and to always stay focused on the reason for the whole adventure of planning a wedding – which is to

Jacob planned a romantic proposal for Debra.

marry the person you love and start a life together, and I think that that’s the best advice,” said Vatenmakher. “Always keep your eye on the prize, know why you’re doing it and the rest doesn’t matter.” ■

THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19,, 2015

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Sponsor Content

Consultant helps make your special day perfect

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ow exciting! You are getting married. After the kvelling and misty eyes, the planning starts, and this is where things can quickly go from dream to nightmare. The first thing that has to be decided is the budget. This can be tricky because unless budget is no issue, money can be difficult to talk about. The groom will have already spent a good chunk of change on the ring, which is, in his mind, justifiable, since the bride will have it forever.  A wedding is over in a day and the dress is worn but once…all true. However the wedding is the start of everything that an engagement ring represents and it will, in fact, also be with the couple forever. The very word “wedding” means the act of blending or joining contrasting elements. A wedding is the celebration of the uniting of two families, through the bride and groom. While the wedding day is focused on the bride and groom, it is, by definition, a family event. So how does one make everyone in both families happy? How many times have you seen a brideto-be and her mother, father or future in-

laws all having meltdowns over something or other related to the pending nuptials? It always happens if you are doing things yourself. Invariably, someone feels that they are doing too much while someone else feels that they are not doing enough. That’s where a wedding planner steps in.  A wedding planner is an expert in his/ her field. You wouldn’t draft your own legal agreement or fill your own tooth, so why would you plan one of the most important days in your life on your own? A great wedding planner is on everyone’s

team but nobody’s side. Your bridal consultant takes the stress of every detail and logistic away from the bride and her family and seamlessly stitches everything together so that the perfect day unfolds as everyone dreamed it would.  Your bridal consultant has at her fingertips vendors, caterers, florists, make-up artists, musicians, ice sculptors, aerial performers, klezmer bands, cake artists, paper specialists, horse and carriage drivers and even white-gloved footmen – anyone and everything to make your day perfect. A great bridal consultant is able to make even a modest budget look generous. Although you might consider the consulting fee something that you could have allocated elsewhere, your consultant will be able to secure much better deals than you would have on your own. This means you will probably save more with a planner on your team, than going solo, despite the consulting fee. The most critical part of hiring a wedding planner, is hiring someone that you like and with whom you have an instant connection. You are going to be working very closely with your consultant so hire someone that your gut tells you is the right fit. 

Once the last of the champagne has been sipped and you finally take a breath and look back on your wedding day you should sigh because it was perfect, not because you are relieved it’s over.  Chique Functions has been planning very exclusive private events, including weddings, bat and bar mitzvahs, baby and bridal showers and milestone birthday parties for years. Recently, we have decided to open our services to the Greater Toronto Area. To mark this event, we are running a special bridal contest. Entrants submit a short paragraph to [email protected], detailing why they think that they should win the following incredible prizes: • bridal consulting  for your wedding provided by Chique Functions, valued at $5,000 • hair and make-up for the bride provided by Hair BLVD, valued at $750  • flowers for the bride and her bridal party provided by Blossom Boutique valued at $1,000 • décor for your wedding  provided by Ultimate Wedding Project valued at $750 • bridal accessories provided by Mona Richie, valued at $300 n

Patricia Wald | Principle Phone: 416 917 4000 www.chiquefunctions.com

Dream Wedding Contest

To enter our Dream Wedding Contest simply send an email to [email protected] and tell us about your dream wedding and why you deserve to win all these incredible prizes: The winning bride will receive:

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• Complete bridal consulting and planning services for your wedding and wedding rehearsal, provided by Chique Functions, valued at $5000 • Hair and make-up for the bride, including consultation for the bride, valued at $750 and a 10% discount for hair and make-up for the bridal party, provided by Hair BLVD • Bridal bouquet and bridal party flowers from Blossom Boutique valued at $1000 • Bride and Groom thrones provided by Ultimate Wedding Project, valued at $750 • Bridal Accessories from Mona Richie, valued at $300

RULES: • Please provide your name, email address and telephone number in your entry • Your wedding must be at least 6 months away from the contest closing date of March 19, 2015. • You must actually be engaged to be married. • Your wedding must take place within the Greater Toronto area. • You must be a resident of the Greater Toronto Area • You must be willing to allow photographs of your wedding and preparations for your wedding to be displayed on the prize donors websites

• "Consulting" prize is for bridal consulting services only and does not include fees or deposits to any vendors selected by the bride. • The winner will be selected by Chique Functions, whose decision is final. • The winner will be required to be a part of an editorial that will run on the Chique Functions and prize donors websites as well as potential print and or television media • The prize donors and Chique Functions are not responsible for any cost incurred by the winner, outside the stipulated prizes in this contest. • By entering this contest, contestants agree to all rules and regulations

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Celebrate your upcoming wedding in style

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ooking for the Best Bachleorette/ Bachelor places in Toronto? The CJN has compiled a partial list:

Body Blitz If you can’t afford a bachelorette party in Miami or Tel Aviv, head to this women’s only spa to escape Toronto’s harsh winters. Besides offering a full menu of massages, scrubs, facials and mud, its main attraction is a water circuit.  Jump in and out of pools to get your blood flowing. They have a hot one with Epsom salt,  a warm one with Dead Sea salt and a  cold plunge, that may actually be refreshing. You and your girlfriends can lounge around all day and detox all the toxins you accumulated from a rager the night before. They accept group bookings. 416-364-0400 Drake Hotel This decade-old mainstay in Toronto’s west end can provide services for your entire bachelorette or bachelor antics, from dinner, to dancing, to crashing in a room upstairs to a gossipy brunch the morning after. Choose between bottle service or ordering off their extensive cocktail list.  They offer a prix-fixe menu for large groups. 416-531-5042

BRIDAL REGISTRY AVAILABLE AT BOTH OUR LOCATIONS BAYVIEW VILLAGE (BAYVIEW & SHEPPARD) 416-590-7311 • TOLL FREE 1-877-591-1115 8099 WESTON RD UNIT 25 WOODBRIDGE • 905-264-7778

www.davidsfinelinens.com

Flirty Girl Fitness Why hire a stripper for your bachelorette when you can learn the skills yourself? This King West studio has various sexy dance options, from belly dancing to lap dancing to a chair striptease. They provide all the props like feather boas, cowboy hats, mocktinis and a  Coyote-Ugly style bar for you to show off your moves. They also have options for girly add-ons like manicures and pedicures. 416-920-1400 Rock’n’ Horse Saloon A mechanical bull – need we say more? See how long the bride or groom can last without getting thrown off. When that inevitably happens, and it will – probably in one minute or less, you will have the chance to show off the line-dancing skills you learned during your bar mitzvah years and get down to Cotton ‘Eye Joe.  For pre-party eats, they have a pubstyle menu. Don’t forget your plaids. 647-344-1234

Crew and Tangos Watch some of Toronto’s finest drag-queen talent at this bar in the Church-Wellesley Village. Sure to be a good time for guys and gals, an added bonus is the groom probably won’t have to worry about another guy coming on to his girl. Full of energy and dance moves, these performers are sure to make it a night to remember. 647-349-7469 High Tea at the Windsor Arms Hotel Rise above the drunken fray and have a bachelorette party your mother-in-law won’t blush at attending. Sip from their collection of loose-leaf teas and munch on scones and crustless cucumber sandwiches. A gluten-free menu is available.  Afternoon tea is served at this Yorkville hotel four times a day and starts at $38 a person. Kate Middleton who? 416-971-9666 Pravda This Russian-themed vodka bar on Wellington caters to an older, more refined crowd.  Over 70 vodkas are available and you can do shots from glasses made from ice. They’re prepared for large bookings and can provide private space, vodka tastings to educate your guests and live instrumentalists. They also offer dinner, bottle service and caviar tastings.  Spend a night being treated like a czar. 416-366-0303

Elmwood Spa This 30-year-old spa at Yonge and Dundas has enough room to host a big bachelorette party and a has second boutique location in the Church-Wellesley Village for more intimate events. Spend all day lounging around in comfy robes and gossiping with your girlfriends. Sweat out any nerves about the big day in the steam room or sauna and  pamper yourself with their extensive menu of spa services. Order lunch from their menu or from the attached Bangkok Garden restaurant. 416-977-6751 n

THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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The pre-wedding jitters STEPHEN SWEET Special to the CJN

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was moments away from one of the biggest events of my life. And yet, I wasn’t nervous. I wasn’t excited. I wasn’t really feeling much of anything. It had been that way for practically the entire 24 hours before my wedding. I had planned to play in my baseball game the night before my wife, Cassie, and I were to get married, which I figured would be a natural distraction to keep me from getting anxious about my wedding day. But the game got rained out, which seemed like it would give me way too much time to over-think and worry about things, which is what I usually do in those situations. I didn’t do either, though. I went through my normal routine as though the next day wasn’t going to be the biggest day of my life, and that was how I felt. That’s all right, I figured. I would feel it in the morning for sure. I woke up at 7:45 a.m. on my wedding day and my heart started racing briefly. Surely now I would be excited for the moment just hours away. But I calmed down, slept for another hour or so, and when I woke up the next time, I was unruffled once again. I did what I had planned to do that day, figuring that something would trigger it. Would it be when I prayed? When I got dressed? When we reached the hall? Something had to be wrong. I grabbed everything I needed to bring in from the car and went into the banquet hall, still a good 90 minutes before the tish and kabalat panim were set to start. Some of Cassie’s and my friends were keeping an eye on us to make sure that our paths didn’t cross, as [we followed

tradition] and we weren’t seeing each other for a week before our wedding. I went in and did pictures with my half of the family, occasionally popping out into the main foyer, which had a mechitzah (divider) down the middle to keep our sides separate. At that point, Cassie’s friend let me know that I was being too loud (which is something I’ve only heard about 20 times or so since getting married) and it was making Cassie miss me. I got a small flare of adrenaline. Finally, a bit of something. But it wouldn’t last, and even when the tish and kabalat panim began, and family and friends began to stream in, it still didn’t hit me that I would be married in about an hour. I still wasn’t feeling it. Finally, the rabbi called me over and asked if I was ready. I began to have some nerves and feel that rush. The music began and I was led over to the other side of the divider to see my kallah. The magnitude of the moment hit me, and I just couldn’t wait to see her. I’d missed her for a week and I was seconds away from getting to be around Cassie. She was sitting there with a smile on her face. In that moment, she was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. The rabbi spoke and explained the significance of a few things that were happening, but he had told me beforehand that while he was doing that, I was just to take the moment and gaze upon my kallah, and I was more than happy to oblige. I hadn’t felt the nerves for the upcoming wedding, or excitement, or anything really, before those moments. It was because without the woman that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, none of it seemed real. Once I saw her, I knew it was real. It was right. n

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STARTING AT $59 Mitzuyan understands how difficult and frustrating it can be to plan a simcha for your family, friends or corporate gathering. Mitzuyan Kosher Caterers combines their talents to find you the perfect venue and design a menu package that will exceed all of your expectations for your upcoming event. Our mobile kosher kitchen allows us to prepare the freshest and finest cuisine on site on the day of your function. We are the exclusive kosher caterer for Beth Radom Congregation, The Avenue Banquet Hall, The Boulevard. We are the preferred kosher caterer at Angus Glen Country Club, Paramount and Bellagio, The Manor, Spirale, Hazelton Manor.

Contact us at 416-419-5260 or email [email protected] to find out about our all inclusive promotions starting at $59 Cassie and Stephen on their wedding day

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Travel bug leads to nuptials Gillian Hess Special to The CJN

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get restless when I sense complacency. I was 21 years old and it took a seven-week European trip to help me genuinely understand how much more there was to experience outside of the world I knew. I thought then, I had cured this itchy feeling to leave but found myself constantly searching for reasons to travel. Without this itch prior to graduating university, I wouldn’t have met the man I married four months ago. After a 15-hour flight I was dreading another four-hour bus ride from Incheon airport to Gwangju, a city 250 miles south of Seoul where I was heading back to teach. Just like last year I imagined the tedious bus ride to be full of Korean nationals and me, being the solo foreigner, which meant a bus ride of more playlists on repeat. As I was dragging my luggage to the bus, I felt a light tap on my shoulder that prompted me to remove my headphones and see who required my attention. At the other end of the friendly tap was a tall, masculine, slim, young Brit, who kindly offered to place my suitcases in the bot-

tom storage compartment of the bus. As we were the only two non-Koreans about to board, we decided to sit together and chat about what brought us to the South. Four hours of conversation felt like four minutes of getting to know each other and we had only just touched on our university years in both England and Canada before the bus pulled up to the terminal. We soon came to realize how much we actually had in common. We were both raised in non-traditional Jewish households, had bar/bat mitzvahs, admitted our love for forbidden, un-kosher foods and were passionate about travelling. We both seemed be in the same stage of our lives – single, holding university degrees with no real, tangible plan. I had dated Jewish guys in the past but thought the last place on Earth I’d find a Jewish boyfriend would be South Korea. So did my parents who were probably a bit more worried about it than I was. It was March 2, 2011 when I met my future husband, and together we enjoyed a year of travelling Korea, visiting Taiwan for New Year’s and experiencing a new set of norms and culture as a couple. After our year was up we decided to move

Eva Goldfinger Rabbi & Psychotherapist Meaningful Personal Ceremonies Jewish, Interfaith, Secular Humanistic and Same Sex Baby Namings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Weddings, Funerals/Memorials, Unveilings, Conversions

to England so Adam could complete his teaching qualification while I found a job at an international IT company. As a Canadian, I was granted a two- year working visa, and we made the best out of the time we had on this small, overpopulated island. In October 2013 we decided to travel to Iceland for one week. It was winter, I was missing the snow and Adam was craving an adventure. We rented a car in Reykjavik and drove up the east coast, passing massive waterfalls, frozen lagoons and spotting about five vehicles in five hours. The breathtaking landscape, snowcapped volcanos and bubbling geysers made for a visual explosion of beauty and remoteness. Selfishly, it felt like we had the world to ourselves. On our last day Adam planned a short sunset hike up a mountain just behind our hotel. We’re both not big trekkers but thought the view would be too wonderful to pass up. After about 90 minutes, we arrived at the top of the foothill as the sky turned lovely shades of pastels. Just as I gently collapsed on the peak trying to absorb this breathtaking view, the sight in front of me became even more unbelievable. Adam was kneeling down,

holding out a glistening diamond ring, shining as bright as the setting sun. Life, at that moment, was beautiful. When you decide to move away, turning life into a journey filled with uncertainty then it’s the unexpected which enables you to learn, adapt and grow. Lots of people have told me how brave I am – that they too would move abroad if they weren’t so scared. Of course I was scared, but I now know that courage makes up only about 15 per cent of life-changing decisions. The other 85 per cent is simply about wanting it with all your heart. In my case it was my fear of complacency, the sure knowledge in my head that there was more to this world than my small circle that drove me forward. I’m so glad I followed both my heart and my head. n

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

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Honeymoon adventure in South America Gillian Hess Special to The CJN

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r ow i n g u p i n Thornhill one might understand why moving to South Korea for two years might challenge almost everything I knew as familiar. But they say everything happens for a reason and if I hadn’t decided to pack my bags after I graduated university, I wouldn’t have met my husband, Adam. It’s still bizarre using the “H” word since our wedding was only four months ago, and it’s even stranger using my new last name at the office but all of these things will soon become mundane, I’m sure. My life on the other hand, has been anything but. Adam and I are avid travellers, which is one of the many commonalities we share. We met teaching English in South Korea, moved to England together (Adam’s birthplace) for two years, became engaged in Iceland and got married in Toronto. Our wedding was Sept. 21, 2014, and shortly after we left on an epic three-month

backpacking trip/extended honeymoon all around South America. Our first stop was the beach in Montanita, Ecuador. We decided to stay in a “pricier” hotel to relax and finally enjoy each other’s company after all the wedding dramas and entertaining of family and friends. Being escorted to our first bungalow by a friendly Ecuadorian man, I remember him describing our room’s amenities and explaining how lucky we are since we got the last big suite with a balcony. “It even comes with hot water,” he proclaimed. My initial North American mind set was a bit confused thinking, ‘Well obviously it comes with hot water – how else would we be able to shower?’ My expectations of this trip suddenly dropped. Not necessarily in a bad way but in a way that would help me better appreciate this beautiful continent and all it had to offer... even if that didn’t include hot water! After Ecuador we made our way through Peru visiting smaller Inca ruins and villages, observing the locals in their traditional dress and touring around the Sacred Valley which eventually lead us to that legendary green mountain better known

as, Machu Picchu. Adam and I aren’t big hikers so we casually boarded the air conditioned train which took us as close to the mountain as possible before joining the 5:30 a.m. bus destined to the base of the peak. When we arrived at Machu Picchu, it was early and the fog hadn’t yet evaporated. As the day went on and we climbed our way to the top, the clouds began to separate, revealing the most breathtaking, iconic image of vast, never ending green highlands, so grand and overwhelmingly captivating. It was magical. We travelled mostly by buses down South America and really embraced each country, its food and culture. Bolivia though quite challenging was ultimately a fascinating country. Surrounded by the tranquil Lake Titicaca, this unique country exudes magnificence. The Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni) were unlike anything I had ever seen – driving for days through flat desert salt grounds with an epic background of clear mirrored sky and endless white. Chile was also a highlight for both Adam and I, touring around Valle Elquie- Pisco county, floating in a highly salted lagoon similar to the Dead Sea and exploring the colourful, artistic streets of Valpariso.

We took tango lessons in Argentina, tried zip lining and horseback riding in Ecuador, trekked to a canyon in Peru spotting 6-feet tall condors, sailed by humpback whales near the Galapagos, hitchhiked with strangers and even spent our last few days on a secluded beach in Uruguay with no electricity. From the snowcapped peaks of the Andes to the rippling Amazon, South America seemed to have it all. We ate shark, cow’s heart and other foreign delicacies while also embracing our own background by joining a Shabbat dinner at the Chabad in La Paz. Naturally, three months of travelling came with some highs and lows (literally, in La Paz we were elevated to as high as 4,100 meters above sea level). This honeymoon was really an adventure of a lifetime but it also tested us to the limit. We saw unimaginable poverty, we learned that toilet seats are not a necessity and both agree we will never take hot water for granted again. So thank you South America for showing us a chaotic and harsh reality but simultaneously throwing us into the heart of an amazing range of unexpected experiences, heavenly landscapes and a wealth of treasured history. n

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

Wedding speeches and toasts documented for posterity ELAINE COHEN Supplements Co-ordinator

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edding photographs and bridal toasts date back centuries and the toasting tradition is practiced throughout the world. Today, however, no one has to dig through wedding scrapbooks or albums to track down toasters’ goodwill wishes. Words and gestures are not only recorded and stored on video and websites but every move can be retrieved on tablets, laptops, smart phones, and personal computers.  Caroline Tiger author of Wedding Speeches and Toasts and Other Words for Family and Friends, notes the history of the term “toasts” stems from the early decanting process, whereby scorched toast was placed at the bottom of the wine bottle to absorb sediment. Toasts usually begin after cocktails, once everybody has been seated for the meal. Wedding speeches and toasts may be interspersed so that a few are reserved for the end of the dinner. The best man often acts as master of ceremonies and the maid of honour may

Groom toasts bride.

co-host. If the latter is the case, co-hosts should compare notes in advance to avoid repetition as well as to confirm the order of speakers. The father or mother of the bride usually welcomes guests and thanks them for coming. Other family members or close friends follow. The bride and groom conclude the toasts. Every toast should end with compliments to the couple as well as l’chaim and best wishes. Everyone appreciates a dash of humour,

provided jokes and anecdotes are in good taste and refrain from embarrassing or hurting celebrants’ feelings.  Avoid private jokes or stories that allude to something familiar to only a select few.   When writing a speech or toast, start with a rough draft. Spill out what comes to mind and don’t worry about grammar until the editing stage. Jog your memory with the following queries: How long have you known the bride and groom? How did you meet them? Do you have an inspirational or humorous story related to them? How are they similar? How do they differ? What are your wishes for their future? Tiger offers numerous tips for writing a toast. Divide it into three parts: introduction, tribute and toast. As soon as you mount the podium take a deep breath, look around you, make eye contact with the guests and address the bride and groom. Introduce yourself to the guests by announcing your full name, and connection to the couple. Speak slowly and distinctly. To conclude, raise a glass and propose a toast. If planning to read the speech, make sure the print is a decent point size and the

type is double spaced. If you’re not reading it, jot major points on an index card and memorize the first and last lines. Anyone hesitant to give speech writing a try, should heed the advice of Angela Lansbury, author of Wedding Speeches and Toasts (Family Matters). “Don’t worry too much about giving a [great] speech,” she said. “This is a happy occasion and people aren’t going to mind.” Tiger offers similar advice. “Don’t try to style yourself into a modern day Shakespeare, just be natural but respectful.” Speechwr iting shouldn’t be left to the last minute. Mark Twain once quipped, “It takes three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”n

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Leave the details to your wedding planner

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he following wedding planners tell you how they can help make your simchah elegant and stress-free.

Heidi Gruenspan A planner takes the worry away from the client. During the big day, a planner acts as the client’s eyes and ears. We doublecheck floor plans, and ensure deliveries occur and end up where they’re supposed to. In case of emergency, like illness or flood, we handle things. Gayle Kertzman We recommend suppliers tailored to your needs and budget, we ensure all the vendors are adhering to the timeline on the day of the event, and we deal with any issues that may arise from guests or suppliers. We allow you to be a guest at your own event. Karen Garscadden Where do I set up? When will the bar open? What should I do with gifts? How do I control the lights? Will my mother-in-law get her gluten-free dinner? What should I do, my kid lost his jacket button in the car!

Having an experienced event planner instills confidence and has an immediate calming effect. You seldom have to ask a question, as details have been well planned .   Judy Stein Consultants are saviours on the night of the event in case anything at all should go wrong. However, this is all in preparation that is done prior to the day.  When planned well, there should be very few, if any, hitches that happen on that day.  But if something should come up that is unexpected, consultants are there to handle the situation.

planner is that the client can sit back and enjoy a stress-free simchah.  Gloria Benaim Consultants help in a multitude of ways, most especially on the actual day. Hosts need someone to keep the photography schedule moving along so it doesn’t run late, someone to make sure the room looks exactly how the couple has imagined, and someone to liaise between the kitchen and the band so that food gets served hot.  These are just a couple of things a consultant does on the day of your wedding – so many little details that need attending and little fires to be put out.  

Patricia Wald A good bridal consultant performs a crucial role. One can plan a wedding without a consultant, but when this happens, someone from the bridal party is left with the huge responsibility of making certain that the hairdresser, the makeup artist, the musicians, the florist, the caterer, etc.  are all where they should be on the day of the wedding. In the event that something goes wrong, there is no one to call on. n  

Tamara Temes I help clients create a vision for their simchah. I look after every detail so that the client can enjoy their party.  I recommend reputable vendors, organize a detailed event itinerary, attend meetings at the request of the client, and help with the overall budget for the event. I also act as an intermediary between all of the vendors on the day of the event.   The most important benefit of hiring a

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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS FEBRUARY 19, 2015

CELEBRATING 9 GREAT YEARS OF SAVINGS!!

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