Natalie and Austin L
When Natalie and Austin called me to ask if I could officiate their Interfaith Jewish/Catholic wedding in Ann Arbor, Michigan…I cringed a little. Why? Well, I’m a Buckeye, of course!
Austin said I could officiate on one condition - if I agreed NOT to wear scarlet and gray. Done, my friend.
Natalie and Austin's story began in a University of Michigan bar. Their first date went so well that they didn’t want to go home, so Austin bought Natalie some truly terrible pizza. I think it’s a testament to their love that she stayed with him, anyway. where their connection flourished amidst the academic buzz and the enchanting autumn leaves. The couple chose to return to Ann Arbor to exchange vows, even though they’ve long since moved to Texas.
It was important to both Natalie and Austin to sign a ketubah, . Natalie was so excited to hang it in their home after the ceremony - and Austin’s dad was VERY excited that it got signed.
Natalie, coming from the perspective of not being raised in a Jewish home, was very attached to the idea of incorporating as many of the Jewish wedding customs as possible. Yes! Austin thought they might make her uncomfortable, but Natalie embraced them with an open heart toward learning everything she could about Jewish traditions. She circled Austin and they exchanged vows in Hebrew. She chose a beautiful kiddush cup to be their family’s cup for every celebration in the future. We incorporated a welcome Psalm, as well as inviting all four of their parents to the chuppah to give them the Priestly Blessing found in the Bible.
Friends of Austin’s family from childhood read the Seven Wedding Blessings along with a beautiful translation they found themselves (even though I sent, like, three choices LOL.) Austin’s dear family friend even read them in Hebrew - after traveling all the way from Israel!
The whole shebang was managed by Brittney at Great Lakes Event Planning, and she did an incredible job. What a maven!
Natalie and Austin truly are the best of friends. Their deep connection and shared laughter set the tone for a joyous celebration. As Austin playfully stomped on the glass, it was obvious that he was just as moved as his parents and all the guests. Everyone’s "mazal tov!" reverberated through the air. The couple exited to Taylor Swift’s “Paper Rings - “ And you know any wedding that incorporates Taylor Swift is automatically one of my faves.
