Suggested Arrival Date

Optional Tours For The Week

Dead Sea Tour

Jerusalem Tour

Tel Aviv Food and Market Tour

Welcome Event

Beach Day

Haifa, Winery, and Caesarea Tour

Wedding Day

Lunch

Chuppah (Ceremony)

Reception

Shuttles Back to Hotels

We’re so excited to celebrate our wedding with you in Israel on Friday, October 16, 2026.The ceremony and reception will take place at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/__alhayam__/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Al HaYam in Caesarea</a>, a breathtaking seaside venue set between ancient stone and the Mediterranean.Having you with us as we begin this next chapter means more than we can put into words, and we can’t wait to celebrate together by the sea.

Our Wedding

August 25, 2025

In August, after 18 months of building a life together, Matias proposed to Yuval.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Dress Code: Elegant Seaside

Dress Code: Elegant SeasideThe venue is on a clifftop above the Mediterranean, not on the beach.Men: Suit or blazer with dress pants. Tie is welcome but not required. Light fabrics and colors work well.Women: Floor-length, maxi, midi, short (honestly, all dress lengths work). Solid colors or muted tones. Clean, simple, elegant. Jumpsuits work too. Skip the bold florals. All heels are welcome, but take into account that part of the grounds are grass, so we'll have stiletto covers available if you need them.Not sure what to wear? Picture an elegant dinner with a sea view.For the party ahead: It's a long celebration and we intend to make the most of every hour on the dance floor. Men, feel free to bring a fresh white undershirt for when the jacket comes off. Women, consider bringing a pair of comfortable shoes to change into for dancing.

Dress Code

Traveling Far is Overwhelming, What Should i do First?

We are so excited to have you join us! We know Israel feels like a long way away, so here is your Step 1: Book your flights now! Right now is the 'sweet spot': flight schedules for October are fully open, and there is a high volume of options and seat availability. As we get closer to the summer, these direct routes tend to fill up fast and prices climb. To help us prepare and to ensure you get the most comfortable itinerary, please lock in your travel as soon as possible. Recommended Airlines for Direct Flights from the US:EL AL: The most consistent direct service from major hubs like JFK, Newark, Boston, and LAX.United Airlines: Excellent daily direct options from Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Washington DC (IAD), and San Francisco (SFO).Delta Air Lines: Offers great direct service from New York (JFK) and is expanding routes from Boston and Atlanta.American Airlines: Recently resumed daily service from New York (JFK). The 'European Connection': If you want to break up the trip or even explore a new city for a few days, connecting through Europe is a fantastic option. You can often find great deals by flying into a major hub and taking a short, direct flight right into Tel Aviv. Athens &amp; The Greek Islands: Our top recommendation for a mini-vacation! Athens is under a 2-hour flight to Tel Aviv with tons of daily options on Aegean, El Al, and Sky Express. You can even find direct flights in October straight from islands like Santorini, Rhodes, and Crete!Rome (FCO): A fantastic stopover city with multiple daily flights to Tel Aviv via ITA Airways and El Al.London (LHR/LGW): A huge variety of daily flights via British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Wizz, and El Al.Paris (CDG/ORY): Excellent connections on Air France, El Al, and Transavia.Amsterdam (AMS): Easy, reliable connections through KLM and El Al. Note: We will have updated info regarding hotel blocks, our registry, and local tours posted here in May, but don’t wait for those to grab your seats!

What Airport should i fly into?

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is Israel’s main international airport and is located about 20–30 minutes from Tel Aviv.

Is Israel safe to visit?

Despite what you see on the news, yes! Daily life in Israel continues normally, and it remains very safe for visitors. Israel has one of the world’s most advanced civil defense systems, and precautions are built into everyday life: Most hotels and modern buildings include mamads (reinforced safe rooms), and public shelters are clearly marked and widely available. Local residents and businesses are very accustomed to safety protocols and will calmly guide visitors if needed. We recommend downloading the Home Front Command (פיקוד העורף) app for real-time updates, though most visitors never need to use it. Millions of tourists visit Israel each year, including during periods of tension. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/il/app/israel-home-front-command/id1542010719" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for link to app.</a>

Will transportation be provided to and from the wedding?

Yes. Shuttles will be provided on the wedding day, including transportation from Tel Aviv to Caesarea and back, as well as for guests staying in Caesarea. Exact pickup locations and times will be shared closer to the wedding date. Although we recommend guests to stay in Caesarea to get the full Israeli wedding experience.

What should I wear?

The wedding will take place outdoors by the Mediterranean. We recommend elegant, coastal attire in light, breathable fabrics. Think polished, classy, yet comfortable, Israeli weddings are festive, stylish, and full of dancing. The venue includes outdoor and stone surfaces. Many guests (especially women) choose to wear dressier shoes for the ceremony and photos, and then change into more comfortable shoes to dance the night away. We’ll be sharing example photos closer to the wedding to give a sense of the overall vibe and what feels appropriate, but as always, feel free to dress up and make it your own.

What’s the tipping etiquette in Israel?

In restaurants, a 12% tip is standard. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, though rounding up is appreciated.

Will I need to speak Hebrew?

Not at all. Most Israelis, especially in Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Jerusalem, and other tourist areas, speak excellent English. Menus, signs, and transportation information are widely available in Hebrew, English, and Arabic.

Should I bring cash?

Credit cards and Apple Pay are accepted almost everywhere. Having a small amount of Israeli Shekels (₪) on hand can be helpful for markets or small purchases, but it’s not essential.

What kind of electrical plugs are used?

Israel uses Type H plugs (230V). Outlets also accept European plugs (Type C). We recommend bringing a universal adapter.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink throughout Israel. Bottled water is also widely available for those who enjoy the taste.

Is there anything we should know about local customs?

In Israel, the weekend is Friday and Saturday, and Shabbat begins at Friday sundown. During this time, public transportation is limited, though taxis and private transportation operate as usual. Since our wedding will take place on Friday afternoon and into the evening, all wedding transportation will be provided, and guests won’t need to worry about getting around during Shabbat. Israelis are generally informal and warm. Don’t be surprised if service feels more direct or casual than what you’re used to, it’s part of the culture and not meant to be rude. If you plan to visit religious sites during your trip, please dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).

Q + A

VERY IMPORTANT!

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your travel date. All travelers will need to obtain an ETA-IL (Electronic Travel Authorization for Israel) <a href="https://israel-entry.piba.gov.il/apply-for-an-eta-il-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(click here for link)</a> before arrival. The cost is approximately $6 and it is valid for multiple entries. We recommend doing this immediately after booking your flight. The local currency is the New Israeli Shekel (₪). Although credit cards are widely accepted, it is always good to carry around a bit of cash if you would like to buy items at the markets.

Getting There

Fly into Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV). From the airport, we recommend taking a taxi directly to your hotel or Airbnb. Trains are available, but taxis are usually the easiest option after a long flight. We can preschedule you a taxi and give you the information to make it easier for you since the taxi line can be quite long depending on arrival conditions.

Getting Around

Israel is easy to get around using taxis and ride-hailing apps. For the wedding, transportation will be provided, so no one needs to worry about driving or navigating.Shuttles will be provided from Tel Aviv to Caesarea and back, and additional shuttles will be available for guests staying in Caesarea, including our hotel block. Full shuttle details will be shared closer to the date. Helpful apps to download: Gett – Israel’s ride-hailing app<a href="https://apps.apple.com/il/app/gett-%D7%94%D7%96%D7%9E%D7%A0%D7%AA-%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%AA-%D7%95%D7%9E%D7%A9%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%97-%D7%91%D7%A7%D7%9C%D7%95%D7%AA/id412802326" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(Click here for link)</a> Moovit – Public transportation and mobile transit payment (no physical travel card needed)<a href="https://apps.apple.com/il/app/moovit-public-transport-live/id498477945" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">(Click here for link)</a>

Weather

October in Israel is warm, sunny, and very much beach weather. Daytime temperatures typically range from 26–30°C (78–86°F), with sunshine and coastal breezes. Evenings by the sea are comfortable, though a light layer may be useful later at night.

Travel

Accomodations before the wedding

For guests arriving earlier in the week (we recommend October 10), Tel Aviv is a wonderful place to begin your stay. Not only is it an ideal base to recover from jet lag and enjoy Israel’s beautiful beaches, food, culture, and nightlife, but it will also serve as the starting point for all of our pre-wedding group tours. We have also put a small list of Jerusalem hotels, in case you would like to stay in Jerusalem as well. TEL AVIVBudget-Friendly<a href="https://www.embassyhoteltelaviv.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Embassy Hotel</a> — Boutique beachside hotel, 2 min walk from the beach<a href="https://www.isrotel.com/isrotel-hotels/tel-aviv/isrotel-tower/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sea Tower by Isrotel</a> — 30-story tower with rooftop pool and panoramic Mediterranean views<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/olympia-a-p-z-investmentts-ltd.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brown Seaside</a> — Stylish boutique hotel, 50m from the beach and marina<a href="https://ultra-hotels.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ultra Tel Aviv Boutique</a> — Modern boutique, 1 min walk from the beachMid-Range<a href="https://brownhotels.com/bobo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brown Bobo</a> — Steps from Rothschild Boulevard, rooftop pool and cocktail bar<a href="https://www.prima-hotels-israel.com/prima-tel-aviv-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prima Tel Aviv</a> — Seafront hotel with sea-view dining and art gallery<a href="https://www.mendelistreethotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mendeli Street Hotel</a> — Chic boutique hotel, 2 min walk from the promenade<a href="https://orchidhotels.com/en/orchid-tel-aviv/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Orchid Tel Aviv</a> — Beachfront with pool and terrace overlooking the sea<a href="https://www.leonardo-hotels.com/tel-aviv/herods-tel-aviv-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Herods Tel Aviv</a> — Luxury on the marina with Executive Lounge and sea-view balconies<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/crowne-plaza-tel-aviv.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Crowne Plaza Tel Aviv</a> — Indoor pool, spa, steps from the beach<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/dan-panorama-tel-aviv.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dan Panorama Tel Aviv</a> — Iconic hotel on the promenade<a href="https://www.isrotel.com/isrotel-hotels/tel-aviv/royal-beach-tel-aviv/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Royal Beach by Isrotel</a> — 5-star exclusive beachfront with spa and fine dining<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/david-intercontinental.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">David InterContinental</a> — Landmark luxury hotel near Neve TzedekPremium<a href="https://www.kempinski.com/en/the-david-kempinski-tel-aviv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">David Kempinski</a> — 5-star beachfront with outdoor pool and Horizon Lounge<a href="https://thesetaihotels.com/en/setai-tel-aviv/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Setai Tel Aviv</a> — Historic Ottoman building in Old Jaffa, infinity rooftop pool and hamam spaJERUSALEMBudget-Friendly<a href="https://www.prima-hotels-israel.com/prima-royal-jerusalem-hotel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prima Royale</a> — Art-inspired hotel in quiet Talbieh neighborhood, walkable to Old City<a href="https://brownhotels.com/jlm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Brown JLM Mamilla</a> — Boutique hotel overlooking Independence Garden, steps from Mamilla Mall<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/prima-kings.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Prima Kings</a> — Rehavia neighborhood, walking distance to main attractions<a href="https://www.ymca3arches.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YMCA Three Arches</a> — Iconic 1933 landmark opposite the King David Hotel, 10 min walk to Old CityMid-Range<a href="https://www.booking.com/hotel/il/dan-panorama-jerusalem.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dan Panorama Jerusalem</a> — Sweeping views, seasonal pool, close to Old City walls<a href="https://www.isrotel.com/isrotel-hotels/jerusalem/orient/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Orient by Isrotel</a> — Stunning restored Templar-era buildings in the German Colony, two pools and spaPremium<a href="https://rambanhotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ramban Hotel</a> — Boutique property in the city center with garden terrace<a href="https://www.mamillahotel.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mamilla Hotel</a> — Jerusalem's leading luxury hotel, rooftop lounge overlooking Old City walls, Akasha spa

We have highlighted the central Tel Aviv in yellow below. If booking an Airbnb or on Booking.com the highlighted areas below in red show the best neighborhoods for guests: the beachfront and Hayarkon Street (red), and central Tel Aviv including Dizengoff, Shenkin, Neve Tzedek, Nahalat Binyamin, Shuk HaCarmel, and Yafo. As always, feel free to reach out to us if you want advice.

Accomodations During the Wedding Weekend

Hotel Name: Dan Caesarea Resort Address: Rotschild St 1, Caesarea, Israel Phone Number: +972-04-626-9111 Website: <a href="https://www.danhotels.com/CaesareaHotels/DanCaesareaHotel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dan Caesarea Hotel</a> Room Block Details: Octotber 15 - 17, 2026 Don't Book Just Yet!! We are waiting to finalize Hotel Block details to receive a promo code discount.

Accomodations

Tours

We’re still finalizing a few optional tours and experiences and will update this section closer to the wedding. If you’re interested in guided tours or day trips, check back soon.

Things to Do

For a list of recommended restaurants, please look at the "Where to Eat" page - this is a page explaining Israeli culinary culture. Israeli food reflects the country itself a place where people from dozens of backgrounds arrived and built something new together. Over time, flavors and techniques from the Middle East, North Africa, the Balkans, Eastern Europe, and the Mediterranean blended into a cuisine that is distinctly Israeli and deeply tied to everyday life. While many dishes have Middle Eastern roots, Israeli food is not simply Middle Eastern. It is an adaptation shaped by migration, availability of ingredients, local agriculture, and daily life in Israel. Many foods that originated elsewhere evolved here into something different and uniquely local. A major influence comes from Mizrachi and Sephardi communities, including Jews from Iraq, Morocco, Yemen, Tunisia, Persia, and beyond. Their food traditions heavily shaped what people eat in Israel today, especially street food, spices, sauces, and the culture of sharing. Street Food and Everyday Favorites Street food is central to Israeli food culture and is eaten by everyone, everywhere. Falafel is a daily staple served in pita with salads, tahini, and sauces. Sabich originated with Iraqi Jewish immigrants and combines fried eggplant, egg, salads, tahini, and amba in pita. Shawarma in Israel is defined by customization and abundance rather than a fixed recipe. Schnitzel is a breaded and fried chicken cutlet that became a true Israeli comfort food. Originally influenced by Central and Eastern European cuisine, schnitzel in Israel evolved into an everyday staple. It’s often served in a challah sandwich with fried eggplant, salads, and /or sauces, or simply alongside mashed potatoes. Simple, nostalgic, and universally loved. Shipudim are grilled skewers of spring chicken, beef, lamb, or chicken liver, often ordered to share and served with salads and bread. Chicken liver is especially popular and commonly served grilled or chopped (and Mati's new favorite). Mezze, Salads, and Shared Plates Meals in Israel often revolve around many small dishes placed in the center of the table and shared. Common mezze include hummus, tahini, eggplant, labneh, Israeli salad, cabbage salads, carrot salads, beet salad, roasted vegetables, pickles, olives, and fresh pita or laffa. This style of eating reflects the social nature of meals and the influence of Middle Eastern and Mizrachi traditions. Sauces, Spices, and Flavor Flavor in Israeli food comes from bold but balanced sauces and spices.Tahini is used generously as a sauce, dip, or base. Amba, a tangy mango sauce brought by Iraqi Jewish communities, is especially associated with sabich. Zhug is a spicy Yemenite chili sauce used widely across Israel. Silan, a date syrup common in Mizrachi cooking, is used both sweet and savory and is a signature ingredient in Israeli kitchens. Breakfast Culture Breakfast in Israel is fresh, savory, and spread-based rather than heavy or sweet. Shakshuka, influenced by North African cuisine, became a national favorite. The Israeli breakfast typically includes eggs, salads, cheeses, bread, olives, and spreads, meant to be shared. Mint tea is commonly served throughout the day and reflects regional traditions. Fish and Seafood Living on the Mediterranean strongly shapes how people eat in Israel, especially in Tel Aviv. Fresh fish and seafood are common, seasonal, and often prepared simply to let the ingredients speak for themselves. Grilled fish served whole or filleted is a staple, often accompanied by salads, tahini, and olive oil. You’ll also see plenty of raw and lightly cured fish, including crudo and ceviche style dishes, reflecting Mediterranean and modern influences. Seafood restaurants and fish-focused menus are part of everyday Tel Aviv dining, particularly near the coast. This emphasis on freshness and simplicity connects traditional Mediterranean cooking with the city’s contemporary food scene. Modern Tel Aviv Dining Tel Aviv’s food scene today reflects a city that is outward-looking, curious, and constantly evolving. Alongside traditional Israeli dishes, you’ll find a wide range of global cuisines that have been adapted to local tastes, ingredients, and rhythms of life. Asian food plays a prominent role, with excellent sushi, Thai, and pan-Asian restaurants throughout the city. These kitchens often blend techniques from Japan and Southeast Asia with Israeli produce, spices, and an emphasis on freshness. Raw fish is especially common, appearing as sushi, sashimi, crudo, and ceviche-style dishes that highlight citrus, herbs, olive oil, and heat rather than heavy sauces. Small plates are central to how people eat in Tel Aviv. Meals are often built around sharing several dishes instead of ordering individual mains, blurring the line between dinner and drinks. Wine bars and modern bistros follow the same approach, pairing seasonal food with wine or cocktails in a relaxed, social setting. This mix of Mediterranean ingredients, Mizrachi flavors, and international techniques defines modern Tel Aviv dining. It’s confident without being formal, creative without being precious, and rooted in local life even when the inspiration comes from far away. Wine, Arak, and Local Drinking Culture Wine in Israel isn’t a new trend. It’s an ancient tradition that quietly disappeared for centuries and has been intentionally revived over the last few decades. Today, Israeli wine blends old world roots with modern techniques, with vineyards spread across the Galilee, Golan Heights, and Judean Hills. The result is a wine culture that feels confident, relaxed, and very Mediterranean rather than formal or precious. In Tel Aviv, wine is rarely about tasting notes or ceremony. It’s about sitting outside, sharing small plates, opening a bottle, and letting the evening stretch longer than planned. Wine bars here feel social and casual, often blurring the line between dinner and drinks. Alongside wine, arak plays a big role. Arak is an anise flavored spirit common across the region, traditionally mixed with water and ice until it turns cloudy.In Israel, it’s also often mixed with limonana, a lemonade infused with fresh mint that’s served everywhere in the country. The result is refreshing, dangerously easy to drink, and very Israeli. It’s the kind of drink that starts as “just one” and somehow turns into a long night of conversation, dancing and people yelling L'Chaim (literately "to life" or "cheers!"). Vegan and Plant Based Food Israel has one of the strongest vegan cultures in the world, especially in Tel Aviv. Many traditional dishes are naturally plant based, which makes vegan food an easy and widely accepted choice. Vegan versions of shawarma, sabich, mezze, and even desserts are common and often excellent. Kosher and Non Kosher Dining Tel Aviv is largely non kosher, but most ingredients in Israel are sourced under kosher standards by default. Alongside kosher restaurants, you’ll also find non kosher options including pork at certain places. This reflects a food culture that blends religious tradition, flexibility, and modern life.

Israeli Food

You really can’t go wrong with food in Tel Aviv, but these are places we return to again and again. Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner. You can use the apps Ontopo and Tabit to reserve online. <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ontopo/id1532905101" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for Ontopo App Download</a> <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tabit-%D7%98%D7%90%D7%91%D7%99%D7%98/id1463575038?l=fr-FR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here for Tabit App Download</a> Tel Aviv: Breakfast, Brunch, and Coffee DelicatessenCafe ShneorChachos CoffeeCafe XohoCafe PuaaCafe fioriCommon peopleUnder the tree Lunch and Dinner HaAchimCafe NoirCicchettiAbieTaverna RomanaMatteoNorth abraxasMen Tenten Ramen barCafe EuropaNam Fine dining TaizuTYOShilaGaijin IzakayaTrigerCafé popularPop and popeKab Kem Street Food and Casual Bites Falafel Gabai - Challah Shnitzel (Mati's favorite)HaKosem - Israeli FalafelSabich Frishman - Sabich and FalafelVitrina - HamburgerGDB - HamburgerProzdor - HamburgerBrooklyn Pizza - Pizza Desserts Golda - Ice CreamOtello - Ice CreamHamalabia - MalabiYaffa Knafe - KnafeTamara - Smoothies and Juices Drinks, Wine Bars, and Small Plates AbriHolyHerzle 16AKA 44Bar 51RumiyahAbraxas BarHelenaTel a vinChâteau ShuálPor do SolThe princeTeder Also, if you walk down Dizengoff Street or Nahalat Binyamin Street there are plenty of bars and restaurants that you can pop into. Some may require reservations ahead of time. Jerusalem: Restaurants Mona – Chef restaurantChakra – Mediterranean restaurantJaco Street – Chef restaurantAzura – Middle Eastern restaurant (Machane Yehuda area)Satya – Modern Mediterranean restaurant Cafés and BakeriesKafeh Kadosh (Kadosh Café &amp; Patisserie) – Café &amp; pastry shopCafé Yehoshua (Azza Street) – Neighborhood caféDavid Laor Bakery – Bakery &amp; patisserie BarsGatsby Cocktail Room – Cocktail barYehoshua BarRabbit holeBeer bazar JerusalemMazkeka

Where to Eat

Registry

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift of all. Having you travel to celebrate with us means more than we can say. We're not registering for gifts. As we begin our life together, a contribution toward our future is something we'd genuinely appreciate, though it's entirely optional. If you'd like to give, you're welcome to:Zelle: matikopi@gmail.com or 713-502-3727Venmo: matikopiAt the event: A card box will be available at the reception However you choose to celebrate with us, we're just grateful you'll be there.

Yuval & Matias

Yuval & Matias

Where to Eat