The traditional Jewish wedding of Jen & Will


How did you two meet?
After about a week of Tinder-match texting and a few phone calls, he asked me out and I suggested the restaurant directly adjacent to my current apartment. I sat down, gave him a hit-list of who I was/am, what was non-negotiable and asked if he wanted to continue. He shook his head, we ate some tacos, drank some beer and continued our night to the other neighborhood bar where I insisted I buy him a birthday beer (he just celebrated his 27th the week before we met). Side note: both our waiter and waitress hit on us respectively that evening.

Why did you choose to get married at the location that you did?
I wanted a destination wedding – likely a coping mechanism for most of my senior family no longer being around – but Will’s family wasn’t able to travel abroad. We never actually settled on it being in Maine (obviously my state of upbringing and origin), but had found a few spots that while weren’t destination exactly, felt like a world away. After hopping to some islands and inns, we visited The Cliff House and knew it was all things for both of us and a place none of our friends and family would ever forget.

Were there any happy surprises that happened at the wedding?
Will was surprisingly impulsive and hysterical! He is a funny-ish guy, but he was on fire that night! Also, I think my brother’s speech blew us away. I mean, we knew he loved us – he’s kind of obligated to – but he really just put all of the emotions we were all feeling into words and at the right time. He brought the house down. The weather was also a freak-of-nature surprise…the entire week leading up (in true Maine fashion) scaled from snow to sleet to rain – it was just miserable. The morning of the wedding though, the skies cleared, the birds chirped and the sun rose without a cloud for miles.

What moment sticks out to you above all of the others from the wedding?
First looks – Will lost his voice it seems. Walking down the aisle – sharing that with a sea of family and friends was a moment that was overwhelming. Being lifted in the chair – I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a long time. The last dance – being engulfed in all that love, fun and amazingness. Pulling away the next day, just the two of us, headed to our honeymoon and thinking it was all a dream.

Now that the wedding is over, what are you going to do with all of your free time?!
I will likely start to pick-up my side- hustle again and regain total functionality of my brain – which has been sorely missed. Will and I have pledged to keep our fitness on point so that we can be in fighting shape for the next chapter of our lives.

Venue: The Cliff House
Planner: Azalea Events
Photographer: Fidelio Photography
Band: Groove Authority
Cake: Confectionary Art
Florist: Laurie Andrews Design
Stationery: Minted
Hair & makeup: Natalie Lelless of Your Makeup Face
Dress: Allegria Bridal, Dress by Enaura
Groom’s suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Officiant: Sruli Dresder