How did you meet?
We met via Hinge, but we had a mutual friend/
co-worker. I (Shira) skyped my co-worker (who I didn’t know well) to ask about Adam. Adam did the same, but his friend, who later became a groomsman, said we wouldn’t get along. He has since acknowledged how wrong he was, and he and his wife are one of our closest couple friends.
Do you have any interesting stories to share about getting to know one another?
We went on a trip together within three weeks of meeting. We both love to travel so figured if our travel styles weren’t compatible then why waste time with the relationship. Adam planned a great trip to Saratoga.
How long did you know each other before you got married? A year and a half of dating, and a year and a half of being engaged.
When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?
Shira: In the cab home from our first date, I called one of my best friends and said I was going to marry Adam.
Adam: After our first date; we talked for hours about our grandparents and our love of baseball.
What was the best part of wedding planning?
We took dance lessons and did a choreographed first dance. Each lesson was a fun date night and our dance was a huge success.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect your wedding plan and wedding day?
The pandemic allowed us to spend so much time together and with family that it really accelerated the course of our relationship. It impacted our decision to keep the wedding very small to protect our grandparents. We also asked everyone to take a COVID test prior to coming to the wedding so we had a bunch of last-minute cancellations.
Was there any spot-on advice you received prior to the big day, either in terms of the wedding or lasting relationship?
My (Shira’s) mom taught me that a cleaning lady is cheaper than a divorce.
What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding/partnership?
Shira’s mom, Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim, officiated the wedding! It made it so personal and meaningful. We used talitot from our grandpas and kiddush cups from our parents.
The intimate ceremony set the stage for a wonderful celebration. With Shira’s mom officiating and offering her heartfelt and personal words, to our meaningful vows, to our loved ones who joined us in the seven blessings, the spirit of family was truly in the air. Even Shira’s cousin, Earle, sang as we walked down the aisle, Adam’s Uncle Brad entertained the crowd at the reception with his Bruce Springsteen tribute performance, and Shira’s dad made us laugh. It was such a special day having our family involved at every turn and having our grandparents so involved. We had been taking dance lessons and our smiles to each other when we nailed our choreography and lifts got everyone excited and energized for the reception. It was the perfect weekend.
-Shira and Adam
Shira Barron & Adam Seltzer
Wedding Day
Sept. 17, 2022
The Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
Today
Ages: Both 30
Hometown: New York City
Synagogue: Celebrating Jewish Life
Planning
Engagement: April 1, 2021
Officiant: Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim of Celebrating Jewish Life, and Shira’s mother
Wedding Colors: Blue, purple and white
Dress/Veil: Matina’s Bridal in Woodmere
Wedding Rings: NYC Diamond District
Jewelry: Adam wore a rose gold Omega Seamaster watch; Shira wore a diamond tennis bracelet and her mother’s diamond and pearl anniversary earrings
Shoes: Sparkly Keds
Hair: GiGi’s Hair Artistry, LLC
Makeup: Dresden Buras
Bridesmaids Dresses: Any black dress
Groom’s Formalwear: Ralph Lauren white dinner jacket and black Ferragamo tuxedo shoes
Groomsmens Formalwear: Any black tux
Bouquet/Flowers/Chuppah: Bouquets by Becky in Kirtland
Ketubah: Nancy Schwartz-Katz
Photographer: New Image Photography
Planner/Consultant: Ginny Sukenik, GS Special Events
Reception/Catering: Ritz-Carlton, Cleveland
Cake/Sweets: Amy Kekst F.O.O.D.
Rehearsal Dinner: Pizza 216 in Cleveland
Invitations/Stationery/Rentals: Noteriety Invitations by Amy Finkenthal
Music/Entertainment: Blue Water Kings
Accommodations: Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance Cleveland
Registries: La Bella Vita, Bloomingdale’s and Crate & Barrel
Honeymoon: Thailand and Turkey
Publisher’s Note: Rabbi Rosette Barron Haim is a member of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company Board of Directors.