A Ceremony of Unity: Co-Officiating Jenna and Max’s Interfaith Wedding at the Plaza Hotel

As an officiant, every ceremony I participate in is special, but co-officiating Jenna and Max’s wedding alongside Father Walker—Jenna’s childhood priest—was an experience I will treasure forever. Held at the majestic Plaza Hotel in New York City, their wedding was more than just a union of two people; it was a beautiful blending of two faiths, two families, and a heartfelt commitment to honoring one another’s traditions. The joy, depth, and symbolism present in the carefully chosen rituals, decorations, and personal touches made this a truly extraordinary day.

From the very first meeting, Jenna and Max made it clear that their ceremony needed to reflect who they were—not just as individuals, but as a couple forging a shared future that honored both of their religious heritages. That’s where our journey began! Over many months, Father Walker and I sat down with the couple, sometimes in his rectory, sometimes over coffee, and often on Zoom, weaving together what would ultimately become a deeply personal, harmonious service. Our goal was clear: balance. We aimed to ensure that every moment, ritual, and prayer equally reflected Max’s Jewish heritage and Jenna’s Catholic faith, creating a harmonious blend of traditions.

The ceremony space itself was breathtaking. The Plaza’s classic elegance was enhanced by a cascade of springtime flowers—white roses, peonies, lilacs, and baby’s breath—filling the space with the same soft beauty as the season in which they first met. Purple lights bathed the chuppah and the aisle, a nod to their favorite color, and also a symbol of spirituality, royalty, and transformation—so fitting for such a transformative day.

One of the most moving aspects of the ceremony was the thoughtful inclusion of cherished family heirlooms. Max wore his grandfather Martin’s tallit, a beautifully preserved prayer shawl passed down through generations, honoring his Jewish ancestry. Jenna wore her grandmother Martha’s necklace and earrings, delicate pieces full of love and legacy. These items weren’t just accessories—they were threads of memory woven into the new tapestry they were creating as husband and wife.

As part of the ceremony, I chanted The Seven Blessings, or Sheva Brachot, in Hebrew, creating a moment of reverence and connection. Father Walker then followed each blessing with an English translation, ensuring the meaning was accessible to every guest. Our voices intertwined—one ancient, one contemporary—just like the relationship we were celebrating.

What stood out most to me was Jenna and Max’s shared spirit of learning and respect. It wasn’t about compromise; it was about curiosity and honor. They didn’t just go through the motions of each other’s traditions—they immersed themselves in them. They asked questions, read scripture, attended services together, and even practiced rituals in private to understand not just the “how” but the “why.” Their dedication to interfaith understanding didn’t just shape the ceremony—it radiated from them as a couple.

Near the conclusion of the ceremony, there came a powerful symbol: the breaking of the glass. But in a departure from tradition, it wasn’t just Max who stepped on the glass—it was both of them, together. It was a deliberate, profound choice to express their joint responsibility to repair the world—Tikkun Olam—and to build a shared life filled with purpose, compassion, and peace.

After the ceremony, as the evening unfolded into celebration, Father Walker and I were approached again and again by guests who were visibly moved. Many said it was the first time they had truly learned something about Judaism or Catholicism—that the ceremony had opened their eyes to how faith can be a bridge across differences instead of a barrier to belonging. Those words were a testament to Jenna and Max’s vision and openness and to the love they’ve nurtured.

Weddings are, by nature, beginnings. But this one also felt like a continuation—a joining of legacies, communities, and sacred traditions. As their officiant, I felt not only honored, but also transformed by the experience. And as Jenna and Max begin their life together, I know they’ll continue to be lights to one another—and to everyone lucky enough to know them.