Dr. Colby and Emily S
Colby and Emily called me several months before their scheduled interfaith wedding in Lexington, Kentucky. This wedding was a first for me - the couple wanted their Jewish and Catholic heritages to be equally and richly represented in the ceremony. They had a priest from Emily’s childhood who couldn’t officiate, but who I could call whenever I needed to. My response - Looks like I’ve got a lot of learning to do!
I spoke to Father Norman, who explained to me that he had THREE other weddings planned for that day, or else he would have come to stand at my side. Whew! I wonder if I’ll ever be able to match that (no way - the most i can even imagine officiating in one WEEKEND is two. :))
He pointed me in the right direction for some books and websites to help me understand the Catholic wedding ceremony. I learned SO MUCH. With the help of these sources, I was able to put together a liturgical outline for a ceremony that really flowed well with the traditional rhythms of both a Jewish and Catholic wedding. It required a little creativity and shuffling, but after all… that is my expertise.
Colby and Emily wanted to use my chuppah, since the birch poles would look perfect at their venue. They were SO right. But they wanted something special for the canopy. Eventually, they realized that they’d chosen a special tablecloth for their reception sweetheart table…which was the perfect size to make a chuppah cover. I did some creative thinking to figure out how to clip it on and off quickly enough to get it back to the reception in time.
Colby and Emily had the sweetest band playing as their guests gathered, all the way through their walk down the aisle and their first dance.
Colby and Emily chose readings from Scripture - one from the Torah and one from 1st Corinthians - that captured their sense of the meaning of marriage, and their hopes for their own future.
I was so thrilled that Colby and Emily trusted me to tell their love story to all their guests. They fell in love while exploring nature. Marveling at creation is one of the most important values to both of them. It was only fitting that the weather for their wedding was absolutely perfect.
A local deacon, Rev. Tony, attended to deliver the Nuptial Blessing from the Catholic wedding ceremony…which is so close to the translation for the Jewish Seven Wedding Blessings, it blew my mind! The spirit of both prayers was each enhanced by the other, and everyone was very touched.
When Colby smashed the glass, each and every guest was thrilled to shout “Mazal Tov” as their bluegrass band played them back down the aisle - together. Of course, I had the best view!
Colby and Emily, I’m so thrilled that you trusted me to be your rabbi and to help you plan a ceremony that was equal parts each of you, and one hundred percent YOURS.
