It takes a lot of work to put together a flawless simcha. The leadership of Congregation Keter Torah in Teaneck had an idea about how they could simplify the process and increase the number of weddings at the shul. They turned to Jewish music stars Jonathan Rimberg and Jeff Braverman of Nafshenu Orchestra, and asked them to organize a package of top-notch vendors to cover all parts of the simcha. The couple and their families would save time, effort and money by making one choice instead of many.
After several months of research and planning, The Simcha Package was formed, composed of vendors including Nafshenu Orchestra, Premier Caterers, White Ribbon Florist, Photography by Zush, Videography by AAction Studios and Lighting by Michael Wimpfheimer. Rimberg and Braverman chose them for their talent, professional expertise and quality work. “Being in business as long as we have, we watch them operate and see them behind the scenes,” said Rimberg when I interviewed him and Braverman at their office. “We are excited by the job they do and how they perform, even when people aren’t watching.”
Although vendors in The Simcha Package are preselected, there is flexibility regarding the specifics for each event. Clients choose one of three package tiers that increasingly include more options. From there, clients can mix, match, add or delete according to their preferences. A couple might prefer different flowers than specified in their tier, or want additional musicians, or add a sushi bar. The Simcha Package’s structure makes it easier for the two families to split expenses, and for one to take responsibility if they want something extra.
While Braverman and Rimberg are musicians, they are business people as well. Braverman is also well known as the director of Camp Nesher. They put together an efficient system that allows them to track decisions and costs for each client. They are also on-site event directors, arriving hours before the simcha to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
After a busy summer season, The Simcha Package is getting excellent feedback. David Miller looked at several places for his son’s wedding and chose Keter Torah. It checked all the boxes: a beautiful space, the ability to have an outdoor chuppah, which was important to his new daughter in law, a convenient location—and The Simcha Package. “It’s a one-stop shop and we thought that would be a great idea,” said Miller. “We met with Jeff and Jonathan and were very impressed with what they had to offer. Not only did we love having all the vendors already chosen, but Jeff and Jonathan’s prices were also extremely competitive, plus they were so easy to work with.
“With The Simcha Package, we made our ‘package tier’ choice, but we weren’t limited. If either family wanted something extra, we could get it. My son really wanted a violinist, and we were able to get one. We knew what the price was for the whole wedding in advance and that was helpful.” Miller said he has other children and when the time comes to make their weddings, his first call will be to The Simcha Package.
Ilissa Green had a similar experience when her son recently got married. She loved the idea of The Simcha Package. She said the presentation was clear, easy to understand and had visual representations of what was included in each tier. “Instead of just saying, ‘We offer certain flowers in each tier,’ they showed us the different types of flowers as well as potential menus we could choose from. It was a great presentation, and being able to ask questions on the spot was amazing. Once we signed on, we were given all the information we needed, and together started the planning process. It saved us countless hours of legwork and detective work researching vendors.”
Green seconded Miller’s statement that Braverman and Rimberg were a pleasure to work with, and helpful with all their requests. Green’s son wanted to sing to his kallah as she walked down the aisle but was concerned about the uncertainty of doing it live. Rimberg prerecorded the chatan singing at his recording studio and played the recording as the bride walked down the aisle. Both mothers had gluten-free diets and the caterer made sure to have options for them. “I didn’t have to worry about anything,” Green said. “We knew that Jeff and Jonathan were working together with all the vendors. This allowed us to enjoy our simcha knowing that everything was taken care of. People keep asking me, ‘How was the wedding?’ And I just look at them and I say, ‘It was just absolutely perfect. It was really amazing.’”
For more information, contact The Simcha Package at [email protected].
