Nofar Amikam, 35, and Shai Appel, 36, from Herzliya had been dreaming of a big wedding. They wanted to celebrate their day with their families and friends. But the coronavirus epidemic threw a wrench into their wedding plans, as it did for so many couples whose weddings were scheduled.
Amikam and Appel saw couples getting married in micro-ceremonies, some of which included only the bride, groom, and an officiant. The couple decided that this was not the route for them. Instead, the couple went ahead and got married in front of 150 guests – via the Zoom video conferencing app.
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The ceremony included the chuppah (bridal canopy), the ceremony, and the traditional smashing of a glass, as well as a reception.
Bride Nofar said of her wedding: "Originally, we had planned a family wedding, but when the coronavirus broke out, we realized that we wouldn't be able to have an in-person wedding any time soon. We decided to organize a wedding quickly – before a total lockdown would be declared – and luckily our wedding planner from the 'Havaya' center, our families, and friends went along with the idea. We had a special, moving wedding."
Inbal Oren, deputy CEO of the Israel Hofshit-Be Free Israel movement, who manages the movement's Havaya center, said, "Even in the time of corona, under strict directives, couples are opting not to stop the surge that has taken place in Israeli celebrations in recent years. They are choosing to marry in creative ways, as their hearts see fit."
