My Personal Cantor

Wedding Officiant -Debbi Ballard

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Home » Lifecycle Events » Weddings

Ezra & Joe’s Eco-Friendly Queer Jewish Interfaith Wedding

July 21, 2022 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

Special Relationships are my JAM!

Ezra had been working for me for a few weeks, and we had already developed such an amazing relationship.  Ezra is wise, spunky, intelligent and driven, and they made an incredible employee when I needed one the most.  They are a team player, and supported me unconditionally in all of my business ideas and goals.

One day, Ezra let me know they they were seeking a Rabbi in the Eugene area.  They were confident they would find one to perform their wedding, but they were immediately dismayed when they realized that the local Rabbis would not support them because they were an Interfaith couple, and well, they simply couldn’t support the budget most Rabbis needed to charge.  (Which is fully justified, but – what does a couple do when they are totally doing a DIY wedding and simply cannot afford a $1000+ fee??)

Let’s solve this problem!

I told Ezra that if they just provided a ticket for me to get from Florida to Eugene, Oregon, I would be there with bells on for their wedding.  Consequently, we immediately got to work, planned an incredible wedding that was PERFECT for the two of them, and a $500 plane ticket later, and there I was, in Eugene, with this incredible couple.

While I may not always be able to make arrangements like this, but I do believe that $$ should never stand in the way of an amazing couple seeking the perfect wedding officiant.  Sometimes, it’s about love, support, and compassion, and sometimes it’s about making a living.  For Ezra, I would have gone to the ends of the earth with whatever I had to support their wedding, and I’m just happy to have had such a perfect outcome, and to see the recent article Ezra penned for 18 Doors.

That’s the way I like it!

Love is love.  Judaism requires that we welcome our neighbors, and we look at all humans without judgment.  The most Jewish thing I could do was show up for Ezra and Joe, and I’m so happy that I did.

Mazel Tov, you two!

Ezra and Cantor Debbi
Ezra and Cantor Debbi
Ezra, Joe and Cantor Debbi
Ezra, Joe and Cantor Debbi

Filed Under: GLBT, Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings Tagged With: Interfaith, Interfaith wedding officiant, Jewish, queer

Allie and Ben and Their Beautiful Wedding at The Addison – Meet my Interfaith Couple

February 15, 2018 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

Meet Ben and Allie – a recent favorite Interfaith Couple

Have you ever met someone and just fallen in love — I did, and it’s probably not the story you’re expecting to hear.  For me, it was Allie — and then Ben, and what led to an amazing relationship with this Interfaith Couple, as their wedding officiant.  Let me share their story.

Ben and Allie’s love story

About a year ago I was contacted by a young woman looking for someone to officiate her Jewish-Interfaith wedding.  She was originally from South Florida, and her parents live here now, and they were planning their wedding at the beautiful Addison in Boca Raton, Florida.

Ben and Allie had met in Grenada, while at Medical School.  Ben helped Allie up the stairs with her luggage, and over the next 3.5 years, they would fall in love and share the most romantic love story. While studying in Medical School became their #1 priority, they fell in love over the simple things in life, and couldn’t wait to begin their lives together, post Medical School.

A logistics challenge…

But here was the problem.  When I met Ben & Allie, they were in the process of matching. What if they didn’t match to the same schools?  Could their love endure being in different places during such a challenging time in their lives?

As we sat together, somehow, we all knew – that everything was going to work out fine, and they would land exactly where destiny was going to take them.

Here we come, Arkansas!

Holy moly!  How excited was I when I found out they both matched in Arkansas, and got a puppy??  Everything worked out so well for them – and even though we might think – HUH?  ARKANSAS?  I just love how Allie and Ben looked at this as such a miracle, and that life was taking all the right turns at just the right time.

The Jewish-Interfaith Wedding

I loved marrying Ben and Allie.  Even though it rained and we had to go indoors, The Addison is a beautiful place to be, no matter where you have the wedding ceremony.  But what really shined through was the love Allie and Ben shared, and the excitement for finally starting their lives together – IN THE SAME PLACE!

How adorable is this Interfaith couple? I couldn’t be happier to be their wedding officiant on this very special day!

Cantor and Wedding Officiant Debbi officiates the wedding for a Jewish Interfaith couple at The Addison in Boca Raton, Florida
Jewish Interfaith couple at The Addison in Boca Raton
an Interfaith couple is exchanging Jewish Interfaith Wedding Vows at the Addison in Boca Raton, Florida
Wedding giggles during vows

Where will their love take them next?

I can’t wait to find out where Ben and Allie’s next stop on their journey will take them!  I sure hope they stay in touch – and don’t wait too long till we get to welcome an adorable baby – but wish them all the best in their medical profession journeys.  Love you guys!

Thanks for the memories!

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.

PS: And don’t forget to stop by our sample ceremonies page to see what your ceremony might look like!

Filed Under: Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings Tagged With: Interfaith wedding, Jewish

The Most Personal of Interfaith Wedding Ceremonies

November 27, 2017 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

Jewish Interfaith wedding ceremony with couple and Co-Wedding Officiant
Jewish Interfaith Wedding Ceremony with Co-Officiant

Officiating an interfaith wedding ceremony requires a particular mindset, one that encompasses respect for multiple faiths, attention to important traditions and a true belief in the ability of a couple to move forward together despite what may have been vastly different upbringings.  For years I have officiated Jewish interfaith ceremonies.   I do so because I believe that faith, regardless of religion, unites people.

Meet My Couple – Dave and Tori

Dave and Tori are two fabulous individuals.   Together they make one super-fabulous couple!  Dynamic and fun loving, this couple actually met because a photo of Dave’s dog Karl, on a dating site, caught Tori’s attention.  Talk about giving new meaning to the term “man’s best friend”!  When Dave and Tori contacted me to discuss their upcoming interfaith wedding, I had no idea how uniquely special it would be.  First, Dave was raised in a Jewish home, Tori in a non-denominational Christian family.  Nothing new there.  I have performed many interfaith wedding ceremonies, some by myself and others in conjunction with another member of the clergy, for couples with similar religious backgrounds as Dave and Tori.  This is where the expected ended…..

The Surprise

You see, Dave and Tori were confident they wanted two wedding officiants, me and Vicki.   But there was a catch:  Vicki was Tori’s mother!   She recently graduated from a minister ordination program;  this was going to be her first wedding.  I have to admit, it caught me a little off guard.  The Mother of the Bride marrying the couple?  The mother of the bride who traditionally has so much emotionally invested in a wedding?  I was a bit concerned at first.  I kept thinking, “Will this work?”

Planning the Interfaith Wedding Ceremony – This Will Work!

After speaking with Vicki, I KNEW this partnership would not only work; but it would result in a magical experience.  After all, this woman made a life choice based on her faith and desire affect others (a decision with which I can easily identify).  Her commitment to her beliefs and her desire to share it through actively participating in her daughter’s interfaith wedding was inspiring.  What a beautiful gift she was going to be able to give them.

Dave and Tori (and Vicki and I) discussed their wedding ceremony.  We learned what was important to them, both traditionally and spiritually.    Understanding the meaning and symbolism behind Jewish wedding traditions is important.  This is a conversation I have regularly with brides and grooms; melding different religions to create a meaningful ceremony is at the heart of what I do.  However, this time the mother of the bride was the minister. Her perspective was not only religious, but also personal.  As it turns out, her input and participation made for one of the most heartwarming interfaith wedding ceremonies in which I have participated.

The Wedding

Dave and Tori, along with their family and friends, gathered in Long Boat Key for a beautiful outdoor interfaith wedding ceremony.  At the start, Vicki welcomed everyone, which was so appropriate; they were her family and friends too.  Because of Dave and Tori’s love and mutual respect for each other’s background,s and as a result of Vicki’s and my mutual respect for each other’s beliefs, a truly special ceremony evolved.  The couple married under a Chupa, the traditional Jewish wedding canopy, I wrapped them in Dave’s tallit and recited the seven blessings.  Vicki led the couple in reciting their vows and read a verse from the New Testament (Corinthians).  We each individually shared our thoughts about David and Tori.  Dave broke the glass  and I pronounced them husband and wife. What a special day.

What I Learned

Early in my career I made it a point to take time after each experience, each ceremony, each meeting, each lesson, to stop and think.  What went right? What can I improve for next time? And, perhaps most importantly, what did I learn? Honestly,  I learn something every single time.

Ultimately, Dave and Tori’s interfaith wedding was no exception.  I learned the value of taking a moment to make sure I am actively listening.  In this case I did.  I may have had initial concerns regarding sharing the officiating duties with the mother of the bride; but I did not make a rash decision.  I took a moment, waited and listened. I approached it with a positive end in mind. In this situation, it served me well.  Honestly, in most situations it does.  My choices are inherently better when I don’t rush to a decision. Perhaps that’s advice we can all heed.  Especially in this day and age.  Stop, ask questions and listen.  Approach solutions with a goal for positive outcomes!  I’m so glad I did.

Officiating with Vicki was eye opening.  It was a truly moving experience.  One which I will always remember.  Thank you Dave and Tori, for inviting me to share this special day with you.  And thank you Vicki, for your acceptance of me, your open and mind and your willingness to share your family and this very special day.

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.

 

Cantor Debbi Ballard is  a spiritual leader leader in  South Florida , well-known for her commitment and dedicated to the unaffiliated Jewish community.  She officiates at all life cycle events and looks forward to welcoming new families.  Learn more about Cantor Debbi at www.mypersonalcantor.com.

Filed Under: Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings Tagged With: co-officiant, Interfaith wedding, jewish interfaith ceremonies, officiant, south florida

Your Brother is not a Wedding Officiant…Why You Should Always Hire a Professional

April 8, 2017 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

I received an email from someone in Philadelphia this morning who was considering using her brother as a wedding officiant.

“My daughter is getting married on July 22 (her fiancee is not Jewish).  She and her fiancee have asked my brother to marry them.  My brother is going to get certified on line, but we want to be sure the marriage is legal.  Could you recommend a cantor in the Philadelphia area, that would be willing to come to our venue, before the wedding ceremony, to sign the marriage license (and maybe Ketubah) so the marriage would be legal?” [Read more…]

Filed Under: Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings Tagged With: Interfaith, Jewish ceremony, Jewish wedding, officiant, ordination, wedding officiant

The Lord’s Prayer and my favorite Catholic Priest – Jewish-Catholic Wedding

September 2, 2013 by Debbi Ballard 2 Comments

Meet the “Jewish-Catholic Wedding Officiant Dream Team!”

Last night, I drove 13 hours round trip up and back in the same day, just to co-officiate the wedding of Alex and Blake, an adorable couple from Gainesville, FL, in St. Augustine.  Now normally, I would never accept a wedding two days before Rosh Hashanah, most especially out of town – and most definitely not with an up and back in one day! But this wedding ceremony was different.  See, I would go to the ends of the earth to share an altar with Father Tim Lozier, my most incredibly favorite Catholic Priest in this world.  Father Tim and I co-officiated our first Jewish-Catholic wedding a few years ago for Dan and Bethann, and then for Michelle and Brian last year.  Last night was the third time, for Alex and Blake.

My favorite Catholic Priest, Father Tim, at Alex and Blake's Jewish-Catholic wedding
Father Tim and I – the Dream Team of Jewish Catholic Wedding Officiants!
Father Tim and Cantor Debbi Ballard
Father Tim and I – The DREAM TEAM of Jewish Catholic Wedding Officiants – I just love performing Interfaith weddings with him!

It’s been hard to put into words what makes Father Tim my favorite.

 

First, his incredible willingness and ease in sharing the wedding officiant roles and equally including both of us in the most special, wonderful ways in the wedding ceremony makes him so easy to work with.  His wonderful, loving, caring soul makes him so easy to love and get along with.  And I really get a kick that he grabs my arm and leads me right up to the bar to get us a cocktail to celebrate!  What a guy! But last night, I understood what makes Father Tim really so special.  In any other co-officiated wedding, I would be deeply concerned over the inclusion of the “J-word” in a wedding ceremony, but with Father Tim, he makes special points to mention “Rabbi Jesus”, and he takes all of the discomfort out of the obvious elephant in the room.  And as I stand there next to him, reciting The Lord’s Prayer word for word along with him, I can feel the palpable energy of unity flowing through the room. It is the ultimate point in what I do that makes me so happy to work with Father Tim.

“What unites us, not what divides us”

Focusing on what unites us – the values of love and caring, we can dissolve the concepts of what divides us.  In that space, in his white robes and in my tallit, with the words of Jesus on his lips and the Sheva Brachot on mine, we are one.  We are brother and sister in G0d’s eyes, and we share the same source.  In this moment and time, there are no differences.  The Lord’s Prayer is as much mine as it is his, and the power of that thought has been what has transformed the three wedding ceremonies we have performed together, and will continue to do so every time in the future. I adore Father Tim, and I adore my couples who I marry.  I adore my family, my loved ones, and human kind.  And oh, I adore the thought of all of us living and sharing this planet, loving and caring for each other, as brothers and sisters in God’s eyes.  I have a dream…

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.

Filed Under: Debbi's Deep Thoughts and Musings, Featured Content, Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings

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Contact Me

717 Shotgun Road,
Sunrise, FL 33326
954-646-1326



~ Officiating Jewish & Interfaith Weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, Funerals, and any other Jewish Lifecycle Services in Florida, USA – Destination Weddings in North America, Mexico, Caribbean & Worldwide ~

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Events Calendar

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27February 27, 2023 28February 28, 2023 1March 1, 2023 2March 2, 2023 3March 3, 2023 4March 4, 2023

6:00 pm: Ava's Bat Mitzvah, Wellington, FL

March 4, 2023 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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5March 5, 2023

Upcoming Events

  • 10:00 am – 11:15 am, September 19, 2020 – High Holy Days with Cantor Debbi Ballard on ZOOM
  • 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm, September 27, 2020 – High Holy Days with Cantor Debbi Ballard on ZOOM
  • 10:00 am – 11:15 am, September 28, 2020 – High Holy Days with Cantor Debbi Ballard on ZOOM
  • 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, March 4, 2023 – Ava's Bat Mitzvah, Wellington, FL

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