College of Physicians of Philadelphia Garden Ceremony

Considerable time and thought was put into the creation of Laura and Daniel’s ceremony to ensure this important component of the day truly reflected their relationship, backgrounds and individual personalities. Elements from their Jewish and Christian cultures were incorporated throughout, with the ceremony being officiated by both Rabbi Claire Green and the Rev. Anita Ostrom. The couple invited seven of their guests to read the seven wedding blessings of the Jewish tradition, and the pair memorized both the traditional Presbyterian vows and the Hebrew and English for the Jewish ring exchange tradition. “Toward the end of the ceremony, our parents joined us under the chuppah and wrapped us in the tallis made by Dan’s grandmother for his bar mitzvah,” Laura says. “Dan’s mom also knitted yarmulkes, as she has done for her children’s previous weddings and bar mitzvahs.”