Dear Friends and Family,

September 12, 2004 was a joyous day for us, and it still feels like a dream. We had intended to say a few words that afternoon, but we were rendered speechless by strong emotions. Having regained our composure (after a trip to Vienna, Prague and Paris), we can say now that we were thrilled that so many of you were able to celebrate with us.

It was an event we had not even imagined until recently. We take no credit for our good fortune; we happen to love and be loved by the couple whose name will forever be identified with the bold court decision last fall – Julie and Hillary Goodridge, (two of our overqualified “chuppah carriers”), the lead plaintiffs in the case that brought an end to official discrimination against same-gender marriage in Massachusetts. Our honorary granddaughter, Annie Goodridge, flower girl and dancer extraordinaire, has become, in her own right, an ambassador for all of us. We are the beneficiaries of their foresight and willingness to put themselves on the line to achieve this profound social change.

We are blessed in many ways. Our sister/sister-in-law, Sally Brotman, gave so much of herself, especially by quilting an exquisite chuppah, and displaying her long-latent talents as a poet/humorist/rap artist in an unforgettable performance.  She and (brother-in-law) Carl went over the top when they informed us that, in the spirit and tradition of the late Peach and Sid Levin, they had picked up the tab for half of the caterer’s bill. Talk about family values! We are bowled over by their generosity.

Rabbi David Meyer, of Marblehead’s Temple Emanu-el, was awesome. We have known him only a few months, but he captured our essence and helped us to appreciate the full meaning of our marriage celebration. 

The loving words of Jeanine Primm, (Helen’s goddaughter), of Julie and Hillary and of Sebastian Mendez, Martin Mendez, and Martin’s wife, Laura Boschetti Bonilla, (our “adopted Argentine niece and nephews”) were- well- perfect, as was Steve Stelovich’s unique historical perspective on our relationship. We are at a loss to convey how we were moved by the sentiments they expressed. And Laura, with competence and artistic talent, took care of so many details- and kept us from getting divorced in the final days before the wedding.

Thanks to our dear brother/brother-in-law Roy Levin, with his musical skills – for adding the Elvis touch. And to Andrea Nolin, talented flutist and friend, who helped us to select exquisite music for the ceremony, and performed it beautifully with the trio. Cubey, (Cubey Entertainment) our ultra-conscientious, kind and gentle DJ, went overboard accommodating two aging brides with atypical musical taste – we loved every selection.

Cousin Paula Wolfson (Party Architects) lent us a ‘touch of class’ with party-planning consultations and fabulous French test tubes for the white roses.

Dan Mathieu (Max Ultimate Foods) is the BEST caterer ever! He bent over backwards to ensure a perfect party; everyone on his wonderful staff, including site supervisor, Peter, and site coordinator, Gene, was exquisitely attentive to us and to all our guests; their hard work made the day’s events seamless.

And how about Jeremy, who held court with his daddies (cousins Steven Cohen and Bruce Withey, the other overqualified Chuppah holders); do you believe a 9 month-old smiling, eating and dancing his way through a 5 hour wedding without a whimper? All the young people, and probably the three in utero, were so happy; we loved that.

Now take a look at a sampling of the talents of a terrific guy, our handsome photographer, Michael Khachadoorian (Michael K Photography), at our photo gallery. Without the tireless help and computer skills of Art Rawding (Annie’s dad), you might have waited until our 10^th anniversary to see these fabulous photos; there are many more, and we could not post them all. Read the rabbi’s words, read Sally’s rap, and email us with your comments at: hrittenberg@comcast.net or loislevin@comcast.net.

We are grateful that many of you honored us with a donation to GLAD, the legal folks who brought the Goodridge case to the MA Supreme Judicial Court. And we won’t forget the thumbs up from a smiling Newton police officer at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to us in love and friendship and shared their enthusiasm for this momentous event.

We’d like to do it all over again.

Lois and Helen