** I do not always receive a text to me about a pending inquiry. For the fastest response, please write to me here and let me know about yourselves (Jewish, interfaith, secular) -- but also send a text. TY! 267-902-7752. **

The most important thing to know about me and "How is this officiant different from all other officiants?" is this. In the words of Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan: "I believe the past has a vote, but not a veto." While the traditions of any religion or culture are a great place to BEGIN the process of planning a ceremony, they do not dictate it -- esp. when they don’t reflect YOUR beliefs.

I NEVER officiate the same ceremony twice (and sadly, that is what so many officiants do!) I don't hand you two or three pre-scripted ceremonies and ask you to pick one. Worse, I don't do a ceremony written in the Middle Ages and which has been done for every couple, the same way, for 1,500 years, as so many denominations do. As if every two people are the same! As if broader human values have never changed! As if the scientific method was never discovered!

I take great care to learn about you, YOUR values and create a ceremony that celebrates YOUR unique love story.

Probably 90% of the couples I marry are Catholic-Jewish partners, but I've married Quakers, Hindus, Baptists -- you name it! Non-Jewish couples who find me usually self-define as "spiritual but not religious." I like to believe I can create a ceremony with SO much more heart and soul than a Justice of the Peace would.

I'm ordained as a rabbi and legally able to perform marriages in every state; I've studied or worked in all non-Orthodox Jewish groups for 30 years: Reconstructionist, Secular Humanist, Reform, Conservative, Renewal.

I worked my first career as a journalist and I provide you with many resources to help you weigh your ceremony options.

And I'm a certified facilitator with Prepare & Enrich premarital prep program, an optional program whereby you each take a survey and learn about how much alike, and different, you are in the 9 key areas that determine long-term marital success. It is solidly based on the science of researchers like John Gottlieb and his Love Lab at the University of Oregon -- and I'm happy to offer this at no additional charge.

The P&E program is especially beneficial for couples who haven't been together for more than 3 or 4 years; where one or both partners have never been in a serious relationship before; or if you are interfaith and there are very likely many topics you should probably discuss, that you may not even realize you should discuss!

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As far as logistics, here is how the process works: FIRST, we have a phone call to "meet" (no obligation!) SECOND, I invite you to my home to brainstorm the MANY options you have for your ceremony; it takes about 2 hours (still no obligation!) THIRD, I write a ceremony based on your decisions: which readings, rituals, etc. you would like to include. You have total control over the content of your ceremony (though I naturally share opinions based on my experience.)

You make a 50% deposit to reserve your date whenever you are ready during that process. The balance is due to the wedding day.

By far the most popular (and unique) element of my ceremonies is what I call "The Love Story.” Here, I ask you each to answer questions about how you met, your first date, what qualities you fell in love with, etc. You would email me the answers privately – the surprise is half the fun!

I hope you can find time to read reviews other couples have left, as they really are the best testament to my work. Also, don't miss the 5-minute video posted here showing highlights of a co-officiated ceremony I conducted with an Episcopalian priest.

Lastly, I am HONORED to work with LGBT couples.

Congratulations on this joyous, exciting BIG step in your life!

-- Rabbi Joysa