Weddings are a time of great joy and contentment, but they should also reflect the story of the couple who has come together to tie themselves in holy matrimony. For those who have faced more of a struggle to reach this day, a marriage ceremony can be more about reconciliation and a renewment of love. At Atlanta Jewish & Interfaith Weddings, we’re ready to cherish the love that brings together any couple and makes them want to profess their commitment to each other in front of their closest friends and family.

Many assume that when a couple separates, that the future is sealed off for them. To them, marriage vows that have been broken through divorce cannot be mended. However, there are plenty of instances where divorce has only been a temporary state and the renewing of vows has only strengthened the future of a couple. As the holiday approaches, now is a great time to be reminded of this power of love.

One of these stories of redemption after breaking up comes to us from this article published by Minnesota’s Star Tribune. When Kawayn Johnson returned home after serving a tour of duty in Iraq with the U.S. Army, he suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which drove him to a state of alcoholism.

As his struggles with drinking worsened, his wife, Clarise, divorced him. Life continued to spiral for the Johnsons, and the family ended up homeless. Then, about a year ago, Clarise and Kawayn reunited, after which Kawayn pledged to give up drinking and get healthy. After a time, the couple decided to remarry, and the outpouring from their new community was astounding.

A local baker donated a two-tier wedding cake for the occasion. The retired minister who officiated the wedding offered a reception lunch at his own house. A local jeweler even passed on a pair of wedding bands that the couple was able to keep as evidence of their vows. The couple still has a long way to go to regain their former life, but with this foundation of love, Clarise has been able to find work and Kawayn was able to maturely face his own personal demons.

The power of love is one that we here at Atlanta Jewish & Interfaith Weddings love to cement for couples who have decided to wed. No matter what your personal story is, we’ll find a way to help you celebrate your special day the way it deserves to be celebrated.

–Rabbi Lebow

*Video courtesy of yurksemesh

Welcome everyone to the matrimonial merriment that is Atlanta Jewish & Interfaith Weddings! Powered by the unique and effervescent personality of Rabbi Lebow, we serve Jewish and interfaith weddings of all kinds throughout the Southeast. In this world of growing understanding, we’re seeing that love of any kind is the true answer to today’s problems. Rabbi Lebow is happy to share that message with any couples who wish to openly express their love and commitment.

These are interesting times for weddings in this country. Slowly, the walls have been crumbling down and same-sex couples from coast to coast are finally making public the private love they’ve shared for years, sometimes decades. With the removal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which negated public benefits for same-sex couples, LGBT marriages are a new source of love in our society.

However, some are finding that clearing away one problem has only led to another. In many cases, same-sex couples also happen to be from different faith backgrounds. It is this difference in background that, in a growing number of examples, is starting to pose the biggest obstacle for marriages.

Take for example the story of one female couple from this article published by The New York Times. Together for 30 years, their love withstood decades of moral mishaps in our country’s legislation. With same-sex marriage legalized in New York, however, the couple found that their different backgrounds (one Presbyterian, the other Jewish) made it difficult to find proper officiating for the weddings. Some ministers still have issues dealing with love that forms across religious aisles.

There is no reason to keep your love hidden from the world as tolerance for all forms of spiritual and emotional connection is growing in our society. Situated in Atlanta, Rabbi Lebow can contribute to interfaith and same-sex weddings all over the Southeast, including areas of Tennessee, Alabama and South Carolina. If you’re planning an interfaith wedding in this area, call him today to take the anxiety out of booking the right minister!

–Rabbi Lebow

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