The Ketubah is the Jewish legal marriage document. The traditional Ketubah dates back over 2,000 years. Nancy & Jeff wrote their own Ketubah, in which they promised to build a loving home together, always being mindful of their separate heritages. Designed by Patty Shaivitz Leve, the L’Chaim Ketubah (ordered from ketubah.com) is graced with blossoms of springtime set on a midnight blue border. Surrounding the border is an inscription from Song of Songs in both Hebrew and English. Nancy & Jeff plan to frame and display their Ketubah in their home.

Prior to the ceremony, Jeff lowered Nancy's veil onto her face in keeping with the tradition that began after the  biblical story of the marriage of Jacob to Leah. Jacob was tricked by his father-in-law into marrying Leah, instead of his beloved Rachel. This was done by having the bride wear an opaque veil. As a result, it is now customary for the groom to lower the veil onto his bride’s face, to ensure that he is marrying his love.

The couple was wed in the Starlight room at the Crest Hollow Country Club on Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury, New York.  The ceremony began at eleven-thirty in the morning on April 18, 2004.  Nancy wore a beautiful laced ivory wedding gown designed by Maggie Sottero with a train of nearly four feet long.  Carolyn, Lisa and Stephanie wore Apple Red dresses from David's Bridal each in a different style.  Nancy’s mother Virginia wore a black blouse with gold sparkles and a matching black skirt.  Jeff was dressed in a classic black tuxedo with a gray vest and tie.  Adam, Jorge and Nancy’s father Stephen were dressed in classic black tuxedo with black vest and tie.

 The flowers for the ceremony were red and white roses with baby's breath.  The Chuppah was beautifully decorated with fresh white roses and greenery and the columns leading to the chuppah were adorned with the couple’s swan centerpiece filled with lush red roses.

 Jeff was escorted to the Chuppah by his Best Man, his brother Adam.  Following them down the aisle were the groomsman, Jorge, and the bridesmaid, Stephanie.  Nancy's sisters and Maids of Honor, Carolyn and Lisa then made their way to the Chuppah.  Finally, Nancy was escorted by her parents, Stephen and Virginia, to meet her soon to be husband. 

 The ceremony was written and officiated by Cantor Doreen Gamell, a spiritual advisor and family friend for many years.  The ceremony ended with the traditional Breaking of the Glass to celebrate the couple’s new beginning.

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