Dr. Dan and Sam B.
When I first connected with Sam and Dan, they were looking for an interfaith wedding rabbi who would be able to honor Dan’s Jewish faith and family, while equally representing Sam’s fun-loving warmth. They also needed a rabbi who could come to Pittsburgh for a Saturday Jewish interfaith wedding. Most importantly, they wanted it to include the bride’s son. (Of course, I was all too delighted to have his help in leading the ceremony!)
Photo courtesey of Jackson Signature Photography, Pittsburgh, PA, 2023
Sam and Dan share a unique bond - their love for exploring zoos. They love to travel, and they often plan their trips around what zoos they want to visit! When the National Aviary in Pittsburgh decided to host weddings, Dan proposed to Sam there. Then, they were one of the first couples to book their wedding there.
Their day was surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant birdlife. The Aviary's natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for a day filled with love. Sam and Dan's chuppah was decked out with ethical and locally sourced wildflowers, courtesey of Bramble and Blossom. It blended seamlessly with the venue's charm.
Tiffany Jackson, their talented photographer, made sure to capture every precious moment. Her guidance helped the large wedding party navigate the day, ensuring every photo was full of personality and the captured the excitement of every moment.
Tiffany planned the whole wedding too, but she was busy taking photos, so she handed the reins over to the fabulous Hanna, who ran a tight ship! It was a pleasure to work on a team with her.
One of the most touching moments was Sam's young son's involvement in the ceremony. The emotional connection was a true highlight and anchor as he stood under the chuppah and read seven short interpretations of each of the Seven Wedding Blessings, which Rabbi LeighAnn wrote specifically for him.
Photo courtesey of Jackson Signature Photography, Pittsburgh, 2023. (Edited to blur minor child’s face.)
When the time came for the glass-breaking tradition, he was a bit nervous. I knew he would be, so before the ceremony, I stepped in with a spare glass for him to practice on. He learned he should stomp much harder for the maximum drama. When he and his new step-dad smashed their glasses together, it was the sweetest thing!
Of course, no wedding is flawless, and there's always a hiccup or two. In this case, the bridesmaids forgot the ketubah back at the hotel. But in the grand scheme of things, it didn't matter. The gorgeous artwork by Nava Shoham got so much admiration that people barely noticed the ketubah was signed after the ceremony. No big deal!
The Aviary's resident birds added a charming touch of entertainment to the day. I didn’t get to pose with a penguin like I’d hoped, but I DID get to meet Pumpkin the owl!
The reception was just as remarkable. Sam and Dan's son had his own unique contribution with a Lego minifig guest book, and the wild photo props added even more fun. The food was exquisite, and Atrias Catering was on-point all night long.
To top it off, the band, Jason Kendall Productions, provided the perfect tunes for a night of celebration and dancing. The joy was contagious, and the happiness was palpable as the newlyweds and their guests reveled in the magic of the day.
Sam and Dan's wedding at the National Aviary showcased the power of love and the beauty of embracing one's passions. It was a day filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments, and I felt privileged to be part of their journey. Love knows no bounds, and when it takes flight, it soars to new heights.
Photo courtesey of Jackson Signature Photography, Pittsburgh, PA 2023
