Jstyle Weddings spotlight | Maggie Eckertson & Steven Kutash

Photos by Todd Anguish Photography

How did you meet?

I (Maggie) was working at a restaurant downtown and Steven came in for lunch. He started coming in more frequently after that and asked me out on a date.

What’s an interesting/fun/cute story about getting to know one another?

A few months before we met, I had purchased a beautiful necklace with a hamsa charm on it. Something about it caught my eye. The salesperson explained to me that it was a symbol of protection and was meant to bring good luck and blessings. On our first date, Steven noticed my necklace and asked me if I was Jewish. At the time I was not and he explained that it was a symbol he knew from his religion and we started discussing it together. Looking back now, I can’t help but smile and think that the hamsa did in fact bring me good luck and my greatest blessing after all. It brought me love.

How long did you know each other before you got married?

About five years.

When did you know you wanted to marry your partner?

Maggie: I knew early on in our relationship, but I didn’t want him to know that.

Steven: Right away, as soon as I got to know her.

What was the best part of wedding planning?

Picking everything out together and taste testing all of the food.

What was the most difficult part of wedding planning?

Staying organized and remembering all the little details. Luckily, we had Kristen Mercurio who was fantastic and made planning a lot easier.

What spot-on advice did you receive prior to the big day?

To take a step back on our wedding day and realize that everyone is here for us and that the day is about celebrating our love; to be grateful for that and enjoy the moment.

Were there any conflicts between the two of you or your families in the planning process? Did either of you have to make any sacrifices?

Honestly, our families helped us plan the wedding and it was fun for everyone to be involved. It was a great way for our families to get to know each other.

What was the most fun or interesting Jewish aspect of your wedding/partnership?

The “Hava Nagila” was so much fun at our wedding. We also really enjoyed the process of me converting to Judaism. We got to expand our faith together and grow as a couple.

“Our entire wedding day felt magical but if we had to pick a favorite moment, it would be our ceremony. We were both smiling ear to ear and surrounded by our loved ones. It was the happiest moment of our lives.”

– Maggie