Bar and Regev: a weekend wedding at the Shulhan, against the clock

Bar and Regev knew they wanted a weekend wedding in the busiest season of the year. They had little time to organise it and, as if that were not enough, Bar's sister was due to give birth right around the date. The bottom line? When there is love, everything works out for the best.

How it all began

Bar and Regev had always been "distant acquaintances" through friends, the kind who know the face but not the story. Then one day Regev made the first move. A few messages, a few smileys, a few months of chatting, and something began to happen. One date led to another, and suddenly it simply clicked.

Then came a proposal straight out of a daydream: the day of love, a weekend away for two. No audience and no surprises - just the two of them, the quiet and the ring. Bar may have suspected that something was afoot (no "may" about it), but she went along with it, and it was well worth it. The second they reached the room, it happened. Just right, moving, and theirs alone.

Sharing out the tasks

The two were on the same wavelength from the very first moment and knew exactly how to divide the roles. Regev looked after all the "buzz", from the bar to the lighting and the entertainment. Bar concentrated on the design: elegant, precise and never overdone.

Learning to let go

Along the way they learned something important: how to let go. Not everything is worth a fight. Sometimes you need to stop, listen and choose your battles, because in the end this is not only about the day itself but a lesson for a life together. Make no mistake, though: Bar says there were still plenty of intense moments, "unwelcome surprises" included. Here is a glimpse of Bar and Regev's list of last-minute hitches, mainly so that when your own moment of truth arrives you will know you are not alone:

• Regev's friends left Bar's bouquet in the fridge at the hotel.
• Regev went out to buy a new bow tie, because nobody had put one in with his suit.
• The flip-flops set aside for the dance floor were forgotten in the boot of the car.
• The guest book was badly placed, so not enough people wrote in it.

Stressful? With the wisdom of a bride who now has the ring on her finger, Bar can vouch for this:

No one notices the problems except you.

So allow yourselves to be present, let go of the need for perfection and, while we are on the subject of tips, do not forget to eat before the whole whirlwind begins.

A personal touch

Every extra that Bar and Regev chose added to the special, finely judged feel of the event. The food was of a high standard, and the design was meticulous and impressive without ever feeling heavy. The flowers, the dancers at the entrance, the saxophonist, the photo booth on the dance floor and the distinctive chuppah all brought a touch that felt right and pleasing.

The venue: Shulhan

Bar and Regev chose to marry at the Shulhan, one of Gavriel's three venues. It offers a reception that is impressive yet intimate, without trying too hard: the space is carefully designed to begin with, and anything added only enhances it.

Pampered all the way

Bar says the venue's team was wonderful: they helped with whatever was needed and looked after the couple not only on the day itself but from the very first decisions. All the way through, Bar and Regev felt that they were listened to and supported, and that someone was making sure they were happy. They certainly were.

Stay on the dance floor

Bar's best piece of advice is "enjoy yourselves and dance as if no one is watching". And beyond that? Stay on the dance floor, let yourselves go and take the hitches in your stride.