Creating Ceremony Together

On a perfect June day Rosanna and Anier were wed under a chuppa, sharing honey, cowrie shells, a coconut and declarations of love. All weddings are special. Rosanna is the daughter of a dear friend, so for me this one was extra-special.

It was a delight creating this ceremony with Rosanna and Anier. It was my my first bi-lingual wedding. Anier is Cuban. He said his vows and declared his love for Rosanna in Spanish, translated by the maid of honor. The ceremony included elements of the Santeria religion, which the couple practices, and Judaism in honor of Rosanna's mother, who had passed away six months before. The chuppah was built of birch by a family friend, a Yankee who had never seen one before. For centuries, Rosanna and Anier would have been forbidden to marry as a bi-racial couple. To close the ceremony they jumped the broom, an African American tradition.

The bride, groom, and 150 guests were completely present for every moment of the ceremony.  It was both formal and relaxed, intimate and inclusive, full of laughter and tears. It was an honor to be the celebrant.