This NJ Wedding Was a Joyful Celebration of Tradition, Culture and Love

Their Story

The couple says that at just about the worst moment in Adi’s life, his mother, Missy, sent along the perfect message from above that everything was going to be okay: Zoe Avery Grossman. One mutual Hinge swipe later, they connected instantly—extolling the glory of fresh pasta, bemoaning the idea of including nuts in brownies and more.

They made the best of meeting during the pandemic with Zoom drinks, a simultaneous viewing of “American Pickle” while eating pickles, and even a virtual tour of Versailles.

But things were truly locked in when Adi’s, well, rude chihuahua, Mocha, met Zoe on their first in-person date by the Hudson. Mocha instantly snuggled up to Zoe, and from that point on, they all knew where this was going.

Details of the Day

Adi and Zoe tied the knot on October 22, 2023 at Hudson House in Jersey City. They wanted to make sure their wedding felt personal while still being a large event; they hosted 220 guests.

They were inspired by a small wedding they’d attended together and the beauty that comes with so many of their Jewish traditions.

Favorite Moments

“Our wedding took place shortly after the war in Israel/Gaza started and we both have a lot of family and friends in the area,” the couple says. “Having a joyful wedding in the middle of a really scary time was extra moving.”

Adi’s dad is a rabbi and he was their officiant, making it extra intimate. The hora (Jewish wedding dance) was 45 minutes long and “epic,” as the couple describes it.

Zoe’s parents and brother/sister-in-law gave a toast that even involved a huge flag with their dog, Mocha, on it.

Details They Couldn’t Live Without

Their florals were romantic and beautiful, from the bouquets to the tables.

Zoe never had the chance to meet Adi’s mom, as the couple met after she passed away. Adi’s siblings gave Zoe a bow from their mom’s wedding dress, and she used it around her bouquet. Having a piece of her wedding dress be part of their day was very special.

Their chuppah (wedding canopy) was made up of the prayer shawls of all of their passed grandfathers, and “having their presence was a huge gift,” the couple says.

Advice for Other Couples

“If your parents are going to be involved, sit with them and find out what the things are that are most important to them in the wedding planning, what they want to be involved in, and how they might be able to participate.

“Also, ask them what they loved about their own wedding (if applicable).”

The couple also says to find vendors you can trust.

“Don’t choose a vendor just because they are cheap — you can’t put a price on not needing to micromanage anyone on your wedding day.”