In fact, working with two celebrants who were versed not only in interfaith weddings but also specifically in Catholic-Jewish ones inspired Stacia and Jason to carry their interfaith ideas to the reception as well. "My father said a Catholic grace at the start of dinner," Stacia said. "And Jason's father said the Ha-Motzi (a traditional Jewish blessing made over the bread)."

Family Matters
Involving their families -- and making them feel comfortable -- was important to Stacia and Jason. For example, both sides were incredibly supportive of their interfaith ceremony ideas, but Stacia also knew that many family members might be nervous about how things would actually turn out during the wedding. Sending them drafts of the ceremony program beforehand was the perfect solution. "Once everyone saw that each tradition was being incorporated equally, they all had a much easier time just relaxing and enjoying the day," she said.

How did Stacia and Jason feel about the way their interfaith ceremony turned out? Wonderful. Even though Jason initially thought that a civil ceremony would work just as well, he now says that he's really glad that they had the church wedding that they did. "We'd already agreed that our children (when we had them) would be raised in both faiths," Stacia said. "So a combined ceremony was really the most reflective of not only where we'd both come from, but where we would go together in our lives."