Spotlight

JAMIE COLLINS & MAX GARBER

WEDDING DAY NOV. 28, 2020 AT HOME IN CLEVELAND HEIGHTS TODAY AGES: 29 AND 25 HOMETOWN: CLEVELAND HEIGHTS SYNAGOGUE: THE TEMPLE-TIFERETH ISRAEL

Working as supervisors at Camp Wise.

DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORIES TO SHARE ABOUT GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER?

During one of our days off from camp, I (Jamie) took Max to my parents’ house for dinner. As we were driving closer to my parents’ house, Max kept remarking that this was exactly how he got to his house in Solon, and the remarks kept coming as we got closer. We learned that day that we grew up in the same development just a few streets away.

HOW LONG DID YOU KNOW EACH OTHER BEFORE YOU GOT MARRIED?

We strongly believe that growing up in the same development we likely hung out as children without knowing, but I would say we technically met in May 2018 and were married in November 2020.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO MARRY YOUR PARTNER?

Jamie: I came back to camp after a day off and my first day “away” from Max in a few weeks, and I told him we had to talk (it was very ominous!). He 100% thought I was going to end things, but I told him on my day off I really missed him – like a lot – and that’s when I realized this wasn’t just some summer fling, but the real deal and that we had something very special.

Max: Just knew, gut feeling.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF WEDDING PLANNING?

When it ended! In all seriousness, neither of us were all that excited to plan a wedding and deal with all the drama that comes with it. But, I had a really fun time working with my mom as my wedding planning sidekick, going to wedding shows, tastings, florists and dress shopping. It all felt easier than expected. When deciding on vendors we went with what felt right, and things kind of fell into place ... prior to COVID-19 hitting.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOUR WEDDING PLAN AND WEDDING DAY?

We went from planning a wedding for around 225 guests, down to 70, cut again to 30 and finally ended with just our parents and siblings in our living room, seven guests total. It was a bizarre experience trying to plan, re-plan and adjust expectations, and humbling in the fact that wedding planning was the most challenging experience coronavirus had brought us when the reality for others was much more severe. In the end, we just wanted to be married, surrounded by the people who mean the very most to us, our immediate families, and knew we were making the right sacrifices now to keep our loved ones safe so we could celebrate together in the future.

WAS THERE ANY SPOT-ON ADVICE YOU RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE BIG DAY?

I am certain there was plenty of advice given during toasts from our parents and siblings at the wedding and messages from friends and family before. I think we are both so lucky to have watched our parents have loving marriages of partnership and friendship, and we expect the same from each other.

WHAT WAS THE MOST FUN OR INTERESTING JEWISH ASPECT OF YOUR WEDDING/PARTNERSHIP?

We enjoyed meetings with Rabbi (Stacy) Schlein to plan our wedding ceremony to make it feel the most authentic to who we are as a couple. During our ceremony, we had each family member read one of the seven marriage blessings. We also shared in the circling ritual, circling each other three times and once together. And we loved discussing our plans for the future, reminiscing on what Jewish traditions were special to us and how we plan to keep those traditions in our home with our family and build new ones together.

PLANNING

O ciant: Rabbi Stacy Schlein Dress: Luxe Redux Bridal; Heidi Elnora Wedding rings: Diamonds Direct Jewelry: Earrings from Nordstrom Veil: Luxe Redux Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman Hair: Blow Dry Bar Makeup: Risa Katz (friend) Groom’s formalwear: Indochino Bouquet/Flowers: Nikki’s Perfect Petal Designs Ketubah: Amanda Goldberg Chupah: Hand-built, borrowed from fellow COVID bride and friend Sarah (Tucker) Gall Photographer: Olivia D. Wenger Planner/Consultant: Valerie Semick, Perfectly Planned Reception site: Their home in Cleveland Heights Cake/Sweets: Luna Bakery Catering: Taste Invitations/Stationery: Paperlesspost.com Registries: Crate & Barrel, REI, West Elm Honeymoon: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

“After re-planning and re-imagining our wedding nearly four times between May and November with different venues, guest lists and vendors, we finally settled on getting married in our living room with just our parents and siblings and 200-plus of our closest friends and family watching on Zoom. The entire day felt so special and unique. The best moment was ascending down the stairs and walking into our completely transformed living room and into this incredibly intimate and special wedding ceremony.” -Jamie

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Left and center photos © Genevieve Nisly Photography Right photo © Dennis Crider Photography