I recently returned from Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, where I had the pleasure of officiating the destination wedding of Yelena and Lennie, an amazing couple from New Jersey
but what I loved most was to have the opportunity to once again connect with more fabulous Russian families. Strangely enough, Yelena was referred to me by my friend, Rabbi Andrea Frank, who was unable to perform her Interfaith wedding. When she called me to see if I could fill the role of their wedding officiant, I was SO excited, because of the recent connections I have had with Dan & Rita, and Felix & Evelina, so I was totally on board!
Plans moved quickly, and I was booked to fly out to Punta Cana, where we stayed at the Bavaro Princess Resort. I arrived just before the rehearsal dinner, and was invited to join the families, and began to get to know everyone. What a great time I had! Yelena couldn’t wait to introduce me to Sharon, a work mate of hers, who quickly became my soul sister, and we were inseperable the entire time we were there. Sharon is an amateur photographer, who was snapping unofficial pics the whole weekend, in between all the laughs we shared!
Yelena – what can I say about her? The first think you notice about Yelena is her big, giant, authentic smile, and after you see her smile, you can’t help but feel her soul shining through.
One of the friendliest women I have met in a long time, she was so consumed with MY happiness during my stay, and I couldn’t appreciate her more. Lennie, her reformed wild-side husband was attentive and loving, and the families were all so much fun to be with. Yelena’s Mom, Alla, was an absolute DOLL, so gracious and kind, and the friends and family were so much fun to be around.
I have to say, the Jewish-Interfaith wedding ceremony backdrop was amazing. Yelena arrived in a horse and carriage, and the gazebo had a chuppa set up underneath. The gazebo location just off the ocean made the most romantic setting. It was raised up, so you could look out across the ocean, and feel the divine presence among us all.
Then, later that evening, was the beach party reception, and that was SO much fun! The tables were decorated beautifully out on the ocean. A dance floor was created in the sand, and they had a fabulous DJ, playing a mix of ethnic dance tunes – many the Russian ones I have come to love, since Dan & Rita’s destination wedding in Mexico.
The weekend flew by in a flash. We all enjoyed a beautiful day in the sun together on Saturday, and breakfast and a quick swim Sunday morning, and then it was back to reality. Yelena and Lennie – THANKS for letting me part of your incredible day, and may you both continue to be blessed with Love.
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!
Leave a Reply