People always ask me.. “What is the most unique Interfaith wedding ceremony you have ever performed?” I’m assuming they want to know about exotic locations I’ve been to, but unique weddings mean something very different to me. This month, I added a new type of unique – a Jewish Hindu wedding ceremony which turned out to be magnificent!
When I think about my most unique Interfaith weddings, I immediately think about the unique relationships I have formed, not only with my couples, but with their friends and family as well, because to ME – that is what makes MY weddings most unique! For instance, when I’m asked that question, I am always taken back to Dan and Rita’s in Mexico, Felix & Evelina’s in Aruba, Jenni and Mike’s in Fort Lauderdale (diverted from Mexico compliments of Swine Flu), and now, Cheryl and Prav. Unique to me, are Interfaith couples and family who are now as close to me as my own family, and whose experiences made a lasting impression on me – for years to come.
And now, I can add Cheryl and Prav to that list. From the moment I spoke to Cheryl, we were in love! She and Prav live in Raleigh, NC, but her mom lives in Boca Raton and so we made plans to meet on her next trip to South Florida. Cheryl, Prav, her mom Joselyn, and Step-Dad Ted all met at Cheesecake Factory for dinner, and had the best time. It was important to Cheryl that I knew her and Prav – I mean – really knew her, and Cheryl LOVES to share, so getting to know them as individuals and as an Interfaith couple was very easy. Cheryl and Prav have hearts the size of Manhattan. They would do anything, give anything, be anything, to and for anyone they loved, because that is just who they are.
And boy oh boy – do they love each other. Yeah, I know – every couple on their wedding day really loves each other, but seriously, this Interfaith couple is different. The love they share for one another brings each of them to tears – at least 3 times a day. I seriously think Prav prays three times a day, and each time, his #1 prayer is one of gratitude for Cheryl – and vice versa. I’ve never seen a couple so incredibly grateful for each other, and that’s part of what make Cheryl and Prav so unique.
So, on December 21, at Coconut Cove in Islamorada, Florida with the most beautiful ocean behind me, and the most beautiful couple in front of me, I joined Cheryl and Prav in marriage, in a night I will likely never forget. The venue, I just have to say, was one of the best places I have ever performed an Interfaith wedding ceremony at. First and foremost, it is a beautiful piece of real estate, but Paul and Magda run the operation, and they run it like it was their own wedding.
The food is amazing, but it was also the layout I loved most. Guests could dance, but the dining area was separated from the dance floor, so we could enjoy each other’s company, if we chose not to dance. And the fact that it was a private location – without 10 other weddings going on at the same time made it feel so personal, and warm, that it was incredibly enjoyable! BUT – the most amazing part? How about taking your first dance on the packed-sand beach, with fireworks being set off behind you? Priceless, incredibly priceless.
The most priceless part, overall, however, is my Cheryl and Prav. I love how they love each other. They inspire me. They encourage me. They have become incredibly meaningful in my life, and I can’t imagine life without them. Now, that’s unique.
Love you, Cheryl & Prav!
PS: Want to create your own “dream come true wedding”? Contact Cantor Debbi today to see how you can co-create the event of your dreams.