Sample Testimonials From Couples, Parents and Co-Officiants

Couples

Reagan and Michael, New York, New York

When we got engaged, one of the first things we had to figure out was how we could have a ceremony that included both of our faiths and traditions. When we met you, we knew that everything we wanted could come true... and it did!!! You took the time to get to know us over the few months leading up to the ceremony and that made all the difference on our big day!  

We really want to thank you for EVERYTHING you and Rev. Kannwischer did to make our big day so special! The ceremony was everything we imagined and more - it was absolutely perfect!! We have already gotten so much feedback from our family and friends, saying it was the best ceremony they had ever seen - it was so personal and had all of the elements that we wanted. No one believed that this was the first time you had ever worked with Rev. Kannwischer – you both played off each other so well – it was fantastic! 

You did everything we wanted, gave us advice and added a touch of your own that was so special. Thank you again for your time, attention and care in preparing our ceremony - it was perfect!

Jennifer and David, Houston, Texas

We searched high and low for a Rabbi to conduct our interfaith wedding and, lucky for us, we found you! You were there to assist us every step of the way. You really took a special interest in our wedding, and made us feel as if we were the only couple on your schedule. We appreciated your experience, professionalism and punctuality. You even went to the trouble of documenting all of our meetings and producing a line-by-line script of the entire ceremony. Needless to say, this largely contributed to the fluidity of our ceremony.

During our reception, we had countless guests complimenting us on the beauty of the ceremony. Several even declared that it was the most beautiful ceremony that they had ever witnessed! It’s not too often that you see a Jewish/Catholic wedding with readings in English, Spanish and Hebrew. You even took the extra effort to translate some texts into Spanish and then read them during the ceremony. Rabbi David, thank you for officiating at our ceremony! It would not have been the same without you!

Sarah and Jason, Dallas, Texas

We really enjoyed working with you! During the three months leading up to the wedding, we felt you really took the time to get to know us by arranging several face to face meetings. With your periodic emails we stayed closely in touch, and you kept us on track. You worked closely with us to craft a beautiful wedding ceremony that incorporated the Jewish and Catholic traditions that were important to us. We got so many compliments on the ceremony and were so at ease as everything flowed so well on our wedding day.

Erin and Andrew, Richardson, Texas

My family brought Rabbi Gerald Klein, the famed rabbi of Temple Emanuel, to Dallas. He was a man of the people, and such an honorable man. Over the past few years we had not had the pleasure of meeting another rabbi like him till we met you. At a time that I was made by my own synagogue to feel very uncomfortable, you put us so much at ease; it was like we had known you forever. Our big day was wonderful and you did us a wonderful service… Again, thank you so much for making our big day so wonderful! We look forward to a continued friendship.

Jenny and Sidney, Albuquerque, New Mexico

You made our day magical! You took the time to make sure everything was perfect, checking in with us and having lengthy discussions several times. We had a multicultural wedding, and everyone left feeling educated and touched by our Jewish traditions. You have a beautiful voice, and your singing during the ceremony took our breath away. If any couple wants their big day to be perfect, I would recommend… you! I know you will do everything you can to make their wedding beautiful and uniquely tailored just for them.

Nikki and David, Irving/Garland, Texas

We loved the ceremony! You worked closely with us to make it unique. You helped us understand the deeper meanings of the ceremonial rituals, and made sure that all our wishes were taken into account when planning the ceremony. You ably intertwined the important aspects of both our religious traditions to make it our ceremony, and created such a memorable occasion for all.

Michelle and Andrew, Dallas, Texas

Michelle and I were honored to have you as part of our wedding celebration. So many guests remarked about how good you were! Indeed, you went above and beyond to make our day special. You are so detailed in your preparation, and I know you will ensure a smooth ceremony for any future couple who chooses you as their officiant. We highly recommend you. Thanks! 

Carolyn and Ryan, Los Angeles, California

We are so grateful for the amazing service you helped us put together! The fact that you feel the same way that we do, with regards to bringing people and families from different backgrounds and beliefs together, was one of many reasons that we had an amazing wedding. From the first day we met, you helped us progress in our interfaith relationship and establish a foundation for an everlasting marriage. 

The ceremony was so beautifully and seamlessly designed and performed, and everyone complemented on how great it was. Your beautiful explanations of the various wedding rituals really helped friends and family from both sides follow the ceremony, and make it meaningful for all those who were present. Thank you very much!

Ellamay and Mike, Dallas, Texas

I am not sure Ellamay and I can describe how truly grateful we are. Our search for a rabbi for our wedding was proving difficult. Ellamay is from a Chinese/Korean Christian/Buddhist background, and I am Jewish. It was important to both of us to incorporate our diverse cultures into our wedding without restrictions. When we met you, we immediately knew you were the right officiant for us. You said we could tailor the ceremony in whatever way we wanted, and "all that matters is that you love each other." You helped us create a fantastic ceremony, tailoring it to our spiritual beliefs. You were an absolute pleasure to work with, and we would recommend you to any couple, whether their wedding is an interfaith/intercultural wedding or not. Thank you so much!

Adrienne and Jason, Austin, Texas

David, thank you so much for so wonderfully co-officiating our wedding! We were so pleased to have a balanced ceremony that complemented both of our faiths and backgrounds. We greatly appreciated your thoughtful and thorough approach to the planning of our wedding ceremony, which enabled us to have a very meaningful and personal experience. 

Colleen and Brett, New Orleans, Louisiana

The first indications that we weren't the only ones impressed by your handling of our wedding were the watery-eyed women in the receiving line, gushing about how beautiful the ceremony was. Some had never seen a Jewish or interfaith ceremony before. Several said they shed tears during a point at which we were wrapped together in your tallit while you chanted melodically in Hebrew. That was, of course, an intimate and special part of the ceremony for us, as well as something that obviously resonated with many guests.

Your presentation of Jewish traditions had a lot to do with the poignancy of the ceremony. Your command of all the ancient rituals was of the impeccable nature one would expect from someone of your training and background. In the months leading up to our wedding, you showed patience and flexibility in tailoring the Jewish parts of the ceremony to our tastes. You then conducted the portions of the ceremony that we requested be in Hebrew -- all the Jewish elements, for that matter -- with dignity and authenticity. One of the men among our guests said the Hebrew portions of the ceremony flooded him with memories of past travels through the Middle East. 

Equally important was your air of kindness, open-mindedness, sincerity and respect. We figured some of our older guests might struggle somewhat with their loved ones marrying out of faith. That would only be natural. Through your words and manner, you seemed to dissolve all such tension and you shifted the focus entirely to the joy that, in an ideal world, would define all weddings.

Valerie and Adam, Austin, Texas (Quito, Ecuador)

You guided us through important decisions about our ceremony, and you were an invaluable resource for helping us involve our families and plan a beautiful wedding. You were a pleasure to work with, always sensitive and accommodating to our preferences and scheduling needs. We felt prepared and excited about our wedding, and the result was a beautifully co-officiated ceremony that was memorable and meaningful for all our family members and guests. We can't imagine doing it any other way, and feel extremely fortunate to have had you play such an important role in our wedding.

Nicole and Jozi, Atlanta, Georgia 

We had been unsuccessful in our search for a rabbi to co-officiate our wedding, and with only one month left until the big day, we had almost given up hope of having the interfaith ceremony that we both desired so much. Fortunately, we discovered your website, and within minutes of speaking to you over the phone, you immediately allayed all our fears.

We sincerely appreciate all the time and effort you dedicated to getting to know us, sharing information with us and with our co-officiating deacon, and most importantly making sure that our expectations and those of our families were met. Your approachability and accessibility made the planning of our wedding completely stress free. The ceremony was everything we could have hoped for and more. It was especially moving to us when you recognized our interfaith and intercultural marriage as an example of how to live harmoniously in a world of differences. Weeks later, our families and friends continue to compliment the unique ceremony that you graciously provided. Thank you so much!

Lyn and Charles, Dallas, Texas

Thanks so much for making our wedding ceremony better than we could have imagined.  We became very discouraged when trying to find someone to conduct our ceremony until we found you. From our first meeting we felt so comfortable with you. The process of planning the ceremony was fun, and all of your suggestions led us to the ceremony which really reflected our values, spirituality and commitment to each other. 

Having a rabbi officiate the wedding meant so much to my in laws. At the same time you made me and my family feel so at home by incorporating the Christian elements we were looking for in our ceremony. 

Our ceremony was absolutely perfect and we could not have done it without you. Both Charlie and I would love to serve as references for anyone considering using your services.  Our hope is that all couples looking to join in marriage from differing faiths are able to have as wonderful a ceremony as we had. 

My favorite line from our ceremony is:  "In an interfaith wedding, such as this one, the shattering of the glass also marks the breaking down of barriers between people of different cultures and faiths. Lyn and Charles, may we all learn from your example, and may the day arrive where all people live together in love and happiness like you do." We really cannot thank you enough!!! You were a Godsend.

Tiffany and Todd, New York, New York

Tiffany and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you. We were so impressed by your attention to detail. You never passed judgment on us, all the while giving us great suggestions and advice. You did a terrific job, and we are huge fans! Tiffany and I look forward to staying in touch. 

Martha and Steve, Highland Park (Dallas), Texas

How did we get so lucky? We could not have asked for a more perfect wedding ceremony, and you were the driving factor behind this, with Rev. Smith. The both of you, at your direction, were there to guide and support us through our engagement from the very first time we met. We knew how lucky we were from that very first meeting, when you spent over two hours with us, just getting to know each other. 

You did everything in your power to help us plan the wedding ceremony that exemplified our feelings, religious backgrounds and love for each other. So many of our guests commented on how they had never been to a ceremony where the love and expression of feelings were so apparent. We feel so blessed to have met you and will always have the most perfect memories of you and the role you played in our ceremony. We would recommend you to any couple. Thank you so much. You are an amazing individual, and Steve and I both mean that from the bottom of our hearts!

Crystal and Dave, Austin, Texas

When we first found you, we were ecstatic. Here was a real rabbi that would co-officiate an interfaith ceremony on Shabbat, and do so gladly! Through our phone conferences and personal meetings, our affection for you only grew. You did an excellent job editing and redacting our ceremony until it was perfect and exactly to our liking. On the day of the wedding you arrived early, helped us with the signing of the Ketubah, and did an awesome job co-officiating our ceremony. We would definitely recommend you to anyone. Thank you very much for a job well done!

Elizabeth and Andy, Carrollton, Texas

We really appreciate you helping us create a wedding that truly reflected us and our style! You were able to do that, while preserving the Jewish traditions and fitting reverence that a genuine wedding ceremony demands. Thank you so much!

Kristina and Josh, Boston, Massachusetts

Kristina and I wanted to thank you again for co-officiating our wedding in May. We are still receiving compliments from people about how fantastic our ceremony was, specifically how well the two faiths were represented. It was fantastic working with you throughout the entire planning process. Your patience, insight and guidance were such a tremendous help and we are still so excited about the ceremony we had. We particularly appreciated how you took the time to get to know Kristina and me, and worked with us to create a ceremony that would truly reflect who we are, our faiths and our family traditions. 

We look forward to keeping in touch with you and I hope all is well with you and your family. Please let us know when you are in the Boston area, as it would be great to see you again. Additionally, if you would like to use us a reference, please feel free. We cannot tell you enough how great the entire experience was!

Taylor and Jordan, Houston, Texas

We wanted to extend our gratitude to you for everything you did to make our wedding an unforgettable occasion. Your flexibility and your devotion to our wishes made working with you a joy. We appreciate the guidance you offered us throughout the process of crafting our ceremony, and we truly felt that the ceremony we crafted together was “ours.” 

Our guests had nothing but praise for the manner in which we were able to seamlessly incorporate both our faiths into a memorable ceremony. Given that several of our guests were unfamiliar with Jewish custom and ritual, your presentation style incorporating explanation of the rituals and traditions into the fabric of the ceremony made everyone feel at home, and your good-natured humor provided a perfect balance. Thank you again for all of your help in ensuring that our wedding was one that we will recall with fondness for the rest of our lives! 

Claire and Jonathan, Michigan City, Indiana

You were a pleasure to work with from the very beginning. You helped us put together a beautiful ceremony on short notice, and everyone is still talking about it! Thanks again for being there for us, and for being patient with us as we got caught up in the whirlwind of pre-wedding details. We can’t thank you enough! 

Amy and Stephen, Allen, Texas 

Thank you so much for officiating our wedding! You were able to help us create a celebration that was personal, intimate and joyful. We simply cannot thank you enough for all of your kind words, hard work and support!

Elizabeth and Ben, Houston, Texas 

Coming from different faiths, we wanted to design our own ceremony, incorporating elements of our two traditions. You helped us craft the ceremony we had imagined. You guided us in choosing elements we had not thought of, and gave us further insight into the various prayers and traditions, making the ceremony that much more meaningful.  

You made a genuine effort to get to know us, and to understand what was most important to us, as a couple in general, and specifically with regards to our ceremony. This gave us a personal connection that was evident to everyone at the wedding. Indeed, the time and effort you put in to get to know us, and to help design our ceremony, made our wedding incredibly special, personal, meaningful, and amazing.

We can't tell you how many people have told us that it was the best and most unique ceremony they had ever seen, and how great you were in guiding everyone through it. Every bride and groom should be as lucky as we were in having someone as wonderful as you officiate their wedding! Thank you very much!

Danielly and Roger, Isle of Palms (Charleston), South Carolina

Thank you so much for our beautiful wedding ceremony! We really appreciate your taking the time to get to know us, and thus making the ceremony so personal. Also, thank you for coaching us while we figured things out, as well as for your diligent attention to details.

Everyone loved the ceremony, and most are saying it is the best one they have ever been to! 

I also want to personally thank you for the effect you had on my father. I don’t think you realize how inspirational you were in getting him to take a very hard look at his own beliefs. For starters, we were not allowed to dance growing up, and our “father-daughter” dance was the first time my father danced in his life! Thank you again. We will definitely stay in touch.

Mollie and Michael, Los Angeles, California 

You were a pleasure to work with and superb on the day of the event. Guests are still raving about how great our officiants were! Your were an excellent guide as we together built our ceremony in the months preceding the wedding, very professional throughout the process, and fantastic during the service!

Yisel and Max, Corpus Christi, Texas/Tucson, Arizona

We really want to thank you for everything you did for our wedding!  Working with you was an absolute pleasure, and not only did you make us feel very comfortable, all of our guests felt the same. You were so open and understanding, very professional, and extremely approachable. 

We can't even count how many people told us it was the most beautiful ceremony they had ever seen. Everyone was simply blown away, and we are still getting compliments about how much people enjoyed the ceremony. It meant so much to us to have both of our heritages and religions represented in the service, and you went above and beyond to make sure this was done. You even learned some Spanish for the ceremony! 

You were everything we could have asked for and more. For anyone looking for a rabbi to officiate an interfaith wedding, we would say, look no further. We guarantee they will be as impressed as we were with the work you do. Thanks again!

Sara and Brian, Santa Monica, California

We genuinely cannot thank you enough! When we first found you, we wondered if the distance between California and Texas would be an issue. It never was! You truly made an incredible effort to get to know us, and the distance was never a factor. You were able to craft a personal and meaningful ceremony regarding which we have received non-stop compliments. We cannot imagine our wedding any other way. Thanks again!

Jenny and Jon, Cleveland Heights, Ohio

It was an absolute pleasure having you officiate our wedding. After running into problems with finding a rabbi who would officiate our ceremony, we came across you. Within just a few minutes of talking on the phone, we were sure that you were a perfect fit for us. You encouraged us to make our wedding special and unique. You have a magnetic personality, are very approachable, and our phone conferences were always fun and relaxed. We were also amazed at how well you got to know us in such a short time. 

We were a bit nervous about how well both sides of our family (the Jewish side and the rural Southern Louisiana side) would receive our wedding ceremony, but everyone in attendance commented on how wonderful you were, and how validated they felt by the ceremony. Our wedding day would not have been the same without your help. Thank you for your openness, adaptability, and kindness. Without hesitation, we would recommend you to any couple. Please do keep in touch!

Stephanie and Michael, Dallas, Texas

We thoroughly enjoyed working with you, and our wedding truly would not have been as special with any other officiant. We really appreciated all of the time you spent with us before the wedding getting to know each other, and the very personal feel our ceremony had as a result. We found being wrapped in your tallit for the Priestly Blessing especially touching and meaningful, and we would certainly encourage future couples to incorporate that into their ceremony. We also appreciated your improvisation and humor, especially with the noisy folks in the pickup truck who felt they needed to be a part of the ceremony! Every other detail was perfect as well, and we cannot tell you how much we appreciate it. With no hesitation whatsoever, we would certainly recommend you to anyone. Thanks again!

Parents
 
Linda and Kenneth, Duncanville, Texas

You spent a lot of time getting to know our daughter and her fiance. You are a kind, intelligent, and compassionate man. The ceremony was beautiful and warm, and we intend to ask you to perform similar services for our other children. We highly recommend you without any reservations!

Gayle and Gene, Panama, Nebraska

I know now that our daughter was right when she told me that you were a perfect fit for them. The ceremony honored them as a couple and their love for each other, encompassing traditions from both of their cultures, and it was fun! Thank you for helping them to create the perfect ceremony, one they and we will remember the rest of our lives.

Kathleen and Darrell, Houston, Texas

Thank you for such a moving service. Your service in conjunction with Father Kappe's was beautiful. This service satisfied both our wishes and the wishes of our son in law’s parents. I'm sorry we didn't get to visit longer, but our brief meeting enriched my life, and again I want you to know how much we appreciated the effort you made to make their wedding day one that we all will remember forever. 

Laurie and Bruce, Silver Spring, Maryland

Thank your for everything you did to get the whole process going and on track.  Our son was very impressed with how well the ceremony itself went and he was particularly pleased with the seamless flow between you and Father Drenzek. Thanks again for everything!

Wendy and Larry, Houston, Texas

We received many compliments about the ceremony and things couldn't have gone better! Very few of the guests had ever attended a Jewish wedding ceremony before. I'm glad it all went so well. Thank you so much!

Barbara and Don, Eunice, Louisiana

We can’t thank you enough. Everyone has told us it was the most beautiful wedding they ever attended. They said you could just feel the love in the air. My Catholic friends had never been to a Jewish wedding, and were so impressed with you and all the Jewish customs, especially your comments about what you learned from the couple uniting two faiths and two cultures, and how the whole world should learn from them. You and Deacon Don made it a wonderful and memorable event for everyone. Indeed a week ago we went to visit the couple, and they and their friends were still talking about the ceremony.

Today a friend called to tell me about a wedding in New Orleans last week, where the rabbi spoke of a Eunice girl marrying a Jewish man from Turkey. Then I remembered that you had indeed told us that you were officiating another wedding in New Orleans a few weeks after our daughter’s wedding. She said that the wedding ceremony was quite moving. May God continue to bless you, your family and your ministry!

Co-Officiants

Reverend Phil Pike, Maineville, Ohio

You were an absolute pleasure to work with, and were exceptionally prepared and professional. You performed a beautiful ceremony, and I enjoyed working with you and would gladly do it again. I highly recommend your services!

Father Billy O’Riordan, New Orleans, Louisiana 

It was a joy working with you and I will be sure to tell others who may need some guidance in the future about you and the ceremony.  I really enjoyed everything and my annual Christmas epistle will have mention of the wedding, as it was one of the highlights of this year, so far.   

Father Peter Drenzek, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Everything went very well in the ceremony we co-officiated, and special thanks to you for pulling the whole thing together. I was so pleased that the groom was as moved as he was. God's blessing on your work!

Pastor Dave Janssen, State College, Pennsylvania

I honestly believe that what happened together was so much more valuable than what we could have done solo. It was an absolute delight to work with you, and it would be so much fun to do this again! It was just so much fun to meet you and to hear about your journey!

Reverend Bill Smith, Highland Park (Dallas), Texas

What a joy it was to serve with you. It was a most meaningful service; thank you for all that you did to develop it. I am most appreciative, as I know they are. Rest assured, when I have another request for a rabbi to co-officiate a wedding ceremony, you will be first on my list to call!

Reverend Nahor Muchiutti, South Lancaster, Massachusetts

I really appreciate your kind and professional work co-officiating the wedding ceremony with me. Thank you for organizing everything so meticulously, and most and above all for your personal touch and friendship. I look forward to keeping in touch with you. We were blessed by your presence. May Adonai be with you!

Reverend Andy Lewis, Carrollton, Texas

It was a real pleasure to plan together for and co-officiate an inter-religious wedding with you. You brought a wealth of experience to the planning process, which eased everyone’s minds, and was responsive to my and the couple’s points of view. The wedding ceremony itself was beautiful, poignant, and went without a hitch!

Reverend Vic Nixon, Little Rock, Arkansas

What a great wedding! I really enjoyed planning and working with you, as well as having the opportunity to spend time getting acquainted. I feel that our planning together and with the couple was done openly and respectfully for our faith traditions. The wedding service itself affirmed both traditions explicitly and celebrated our commonalities. It was a beautiful and joyous occasion. I feel that I’ve made a good friend as well as developed a professional relationship with a trusted and capable colleague in ministry. I look forward to more opportunities to work with you.

Father Tom Vorhies, Scott, Louisiana 

You were a pleasure to work with. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Everyone commented on how beautiful the ceremony was. I highly recommend you to any couple. God bless you and your family!