Jordana &and Jeremy

Describe any specific family or cultural traditions that were important to you during your wedding planning.

We are both Jewish and family and religious traditions are very important to us. We got married by Jord’s family’s rabbi, with whom she has a very close relationship. Jeremy and our entire bridal party walked down the aisle to the music that his mother had originally composed, as she is tragically no longer with us. Jordana walked down the aisle with both parents, something she never hesitated doing. Jeremy wore Jordana’s father’s tallit under the chuppah. We had our brothers and fathers sing the Seven Blessings to honor each of them at our ceremony. Jordana got married in the ring that her mother did. The kiddush cup we used has been in Jordana’s family since the 1700s and currently belongs to Jordana’s grandfather (who is 94 years old). Inside Jordana’s bouquet was a very small bible that every Imershein bride has signed on their wedding day and carried with them since the early 1800s. We also both decided that we wanted to say our own vows so that everyone in the room would be able to hear from us the things that we love and appreciate most about each other. The most amazing part about all of this was we never hesitated, argued or even had to discuss each of these traditional elements. We both were on the same page the entire time.

What did you base your choice of location on?

We wanted a big wedding in New York where we would be surrounded by all of our family, friends and our family’s friends. We are both from New York and wanted to keep everything convenient for people. The minute we saw Cipriani 42^nd Street we both absolutely loved it. It fit us perfectly and it was exactly what we both wanted. We loved how New York and iconic it felt.

On your day, what was your first thought when you woke up in the morning?

Jeremy: WOW—this is finally happening! There were a lot of things going through my mind. I was a little anxious. There is so much planning that goes into making the weekend so special. Most of the work was done by Jord, I’ll admit, but I was very excited that the weekend was here.

Jordana: OMG we’re getting married! I can’t even process that my rehearsal dinner is over. I’m still overwhelmed by all of those speeches. I’m not ready to move on from that. Wait—OMG I have to shower!

What was a highlight of your wedding day?

Jeremy:  A highlight for me was right after the ceremony. I was so excited to have 20 minutes for just me and Jord and our amazing food.

Jordana: There were so many highlights. One of them was when my bridesmaids first saw me in my dress. I am so exceptionally close with my bridesmaids. This large group of girls was made up of childhood friends, college friends, sisters, sisters-to-be. I will never forget the looks on their faces when they saw me and the screaming, shouting and camera flashes. Even though they had all seen my dress before, they still acted absolutely shocked and amazed, as if they had never seen anything so beautiful. Each and every one of their happiness was radiating and I really felt so loved.

Another major highlight was when I turned the corner into the Cipriani gates to meet my parents and walk to Jeremy. I remember this feeling of ultimate fulfillment. The room looked exactly as I wanted it to and I was walking with my favorite people in the world to one of my favorite songs to finally marry Jeremy. He was standing there looking so excited waiting for me and I have really never felt so much emotion in my life.

Another highlight was when Jeremy and I were on the stage just rocking out with our band. I felt like we were really just living our best life. We were so happy and free—dancing and singing with all of our favorite people right on the dance floor cheering us on. I didn’t even care about what I looked like in that moment. I was so ecstatic.

Did anything surprise you?

How fast the night went. Everyone says it will fly by but it really did—faster than we ever imagined. The whole day felt like an entire day from start to finish but the night flashed before our eyes so quickly. Before we knew it the lights were turning on and everyone was chanting “ONE MORE SONG!” In that moment, Jeremy actually considered paying our band on the spot to stay and extend the party even longer. No one was ready to go home.

Is there anything you would do differently?

Absolutely NOTHING. We had the best weekend of our lives and we loved every second of it. We were so happy with every vendor we hired. We felt like they made the day so seamless and made our vision come to life.

Which quality do you most admire about one another?

Jeremy: I most admire Jord’s selflessness. She continues to place the highest value on the happiness of others—even before her own. She has this effortless ability to help anyone in need. I’ve never met anyone like her before.

Jordana: There are so many I don’t know where to begin. Either how he always puts me first—no matter what or how hard he works. He started his own business at the age of 24 years old and now manages over 40 employees in six locations around the US. He is so dedicated to each and every employee and to growing his business and working hard so that we can have whatever we want in life. He is a true dreamer.

What is the most valuable thing that you have learned from each other?

Jeremy: Jord has inspired me to improve myself in every way possible. She has encouraged me to always look for the silver lining in every situation and to always focus on the things that really matter in life. She has inspired me to be a dreamer and to work as hard as I can to achieve my goals for the life that I want for both of us.

Jordana: We’ve learned and grown so much from each other. I’m not exactly sure where to begin. If I had to pick one, I would say that I’m always a mile a minute—running from friend to friend, obligation to obligation. Jeremy always tells me how important it is to breathe, slow down and take care of myself. I always put others first but luckily I have him to take care of me as he always puts me first.