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Wedding Officiant -Debbi Ballard

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Home » co-officiant

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

The Power Team of Jewish Catholic Wedding Officiants!

March 14, 2013 by Debbi Ballard 2 Comments

I’ve been so fortunate to have 2 opportunities to work with Father Tim, and since I just received a copy of this photo from our couple, Michelle and Brian, I’m posting it right away!  Again I am reminded why Father Tim and I are the Power Team of Jewish Catholic Wedding Officiants!

The Power Team of Jewish Catholic Wedding Officiants
Cantor Debbi Ballard and Father Tim Lozier, the power team of Jewish Catholic Wedding officiants, after Michelle and Brian’s Jewish Catholic wedding in St. Augustine, FL

I’m sure there are so many couples out there who are trying to find a workable way to incorporate their Jewish and Catholic faiths into a single ceremony, and we do it so well!  Both of our brides, Beth Ann and Michelle had always dreamed of getting married in a beautiful Catholic church,   but when they both fell in love with Jewish men, they feared that might not be able to happen.

Fortunately, they both found Father Tim!  I adore Father Tim – he’s super cool, open minded, and makes everything “kosher” with the Catholic Church, and my Jewish family members feel warm and wonderful knowing that we included the most important, cherished traditions of our faith in their wedding.

On top of having a great ceremony, Father Tim and I get along so well, and we have so much FUN together!  So have no fear, if you are looking for the power team of Jewish Catholic officiants – you have found us!

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, Slider, Weddings Tagged With: Catholic, church, co-officiant, Jewish, wedding officiant

A Beautiful Day for a Sister’s Interfaith Wedding!

May 12, 2009 by Debbi Ballard Leave a Comment

So, no sooner did I finish Jared’s Bar Mitzvah, that it was time to prepare for the exciting upcoming week!

First stop:  Greenville, NC, where I had the pleasure and privilege of officiating the Interfaith wedding for Leigh and Matthew.  Leigh is Meridith’s sister, whose wedding ceremony I officiated back in December of 2007.  The family has become very special to me over the last couple of years, so it was really  even more of an honor for me to do Leigh’s wedding.  Shortly after Meridith hired me for her Interfaith wedding ceremony, they found out her Mom had brain cancer, and she was going in for immediate surgery.  Joann recovered from surgery, and happily was able to celebrate her daughter’s wedding, and I admired her so much for her incredible strength.  She was a beautiful woman, and I was so happy she could celebrate that joyous time.

A year ago, Elliot emailed me to let me know that his second daughter, Leigh, was getting married, and asked me if I could also co-officiate with Matthew’s childhood Minister, Lisa.  I was thrilled, and together, Lisa and I created a perfect Interfaith wedding ceremony – a blend of both Leigh & Matt’s backgrounds and faiths.

But sadly, by November, Joann had passed away.  Elliot assured me that Joann had been able to help Leigh make all of her plans, and though she wouldn’t be able to celebrate Leigh’s most special day, she did everything she could to make sure it had just the right touches, and that – it did.

Leigh made a beautiful bride, and Meridith was a magnificent matron of honor.  Matthew is the most adorable young man, who also works for Elliot, and adores Leigh with all of his heart and soul.  It was sad to be without Joann, but I couldn’t be happier that the family is doing well, and enjoying all of the simchas that life brings.  Meridith and Kevin are proud parents to baby Rose, and Leigh and Matt are starting their lives together, and hopefully, they will also soon be blessed with children.

I feel so honored to be such a special part of this family, and I hope we continue to remain special to each other.  Leigh & Matt, I wish you all the blessings life holds, and may your lives together be blessed with joy, health, and abundance.

B’Shalom

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: Debbi's Deep Thoughts and Musings, Jewish, Interfaith, LGBTQ Weddings, Weddings Tagged With: co-officiant, Interfaith wedding, Interfaith wedding officiant, Jewish, minister

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