How did you meet?
We met on the dating app Hinge.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
It wasn’t until after the wedding that Etamar and I (Ilana) finally had the opportunity to travel to Etamar’s hometown together. This was the first time we were in Israel together, meeting many of his longtime best friends and visiting all of his childhood spots. Our trip was an extremely special and important experience for us, and I was so excited to see the people and places that made him who he is.
How long did you know each other before you got married?
Two years.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Ilana: We started planning our future together early in the relationship. From the day we met, it was natural, fun and felt right.
Etamar: On our first date.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
The best part of planning was getting to work together and imagine what our dream day would look like. We made decisions that were best for us as a couple and enjoyed the process.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
As my (Ilana’s) mom always says, “The wedding should be fun, but the marriage is most important.”
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding or partnership?
Combining all of our traditions and making our new family traditions together. Etamar grew up Modern Orthodox in Israel, and I grew up as a Conservative Jew in Cleveland. Every part of the celebration from the chuppah to the music had parts from both of our upbringings.
What else was unique about your wedding?
The music was an extremely important component of our wedding and something we thought a lot about before the big day. We wanted to make sure to feature just as much Israeli music as we did American music. Etamar walked down the aisle and danced with his mom to Hebrew songs. We brought in our DJ, Omri Anghel, from New York. He is from Israel but has been living in the United States for a number of years. We knew he’d do the best job of highlighting both places.
“Our wedding was just a month following the Oct. 7 massacre in Israel, and our hearts and minds were also with our family and friends in Israel. Etamar read a prayer for the soldiers under the chuppah during our ceremony, which was so moving for everyone. A second moment took place at the very end of the night. Etamar and I did a ‘final dance’ to one of our favorite songs by an Israeli artist that has been very special to us since the beginning of our relationship. All of our friends and family circled around us and danced and sang along. It was the perfect ending to a magical night.”
– Ilana
Illana Borstein & Etamar Levy
Wedding Day
Nov. 5, 2023
Mapleside Farms, Brunswick
Today
Ages: Both 32
Residence: Brooklyn, New York
Planning
Engagement: Oct. 29, 2022
Officiant: Rabbi Mendy Alevsky of Chabad at Case Western Reserve University
Wedding colors: Cappuccino, mauve, blush and green
Dress/veil: Rebecca Schoneveld Bridal Atelier
Wedding rings/jewelry: Patty Chaitoff. Earrings designed by bride’s parents.
Shoes: Loeffler Randall
Hair: Shannon Hammond, HoneyRose Beauty Co.
Makeup: Chrissy Hart Makeup Artistry
Groom’s formalwear: Suitsupply
Bouquet/flowers/chuppah: Plantscaping & Blooms
Ketubah: Ruth Rudin
Photographer: Genevieve Nisly Photography
Videographer: Studio 213 Films
Planner/consultant: Allison Cross Weddings & Events
Reception: Mapleside Farms
Cake/sweets: By Cenza Cake Studio
Catering: A Taste of Excellence
Rehearsal dinner: Collision Bend Brewing Company in Cleveland
Invitations/stationery: Made By Victoria Laine
Music/entertainment: Omri Anghel
Rentals: PRrentals, All Occasions Party Rental, L’Nique, BBJ La Tavola, Event Source
Accommodations: The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland and Hilton Cleveland Downtown
Registries: Bloomingdale’s and La Bella Vita
Honeymoon: Portugal and Italy
Late-night snack: Five Guys, and homemade chocolate-chip cookies
Photo booth: Clear Choice Photo Booth
Live wedding painter: Grace Schlea Studios
Ceremony music: Athena Strings