Congregation Kehillath Israel

Wedding Day

Tish and Bedeken

Ceremony

Dinner and Dancing

Grainne O'Malley's

After party

Our Wedding

We first met in 2015 at a scientific conference and got to know each other through our shared research area. Sinéad was living in LA, working at the University of Southern California, and I had just started as a new faculty member at Yale. Life soon took us in different directions: Sinéad moved to Boston, then back home to Ireland, and somewhere along the way, we lost touch.In 2018, I moved to Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Years passed. Then, in 2024, I was invited to give a lecture in Dublin, and on a whim, I reached out to Sinéad for restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. She sent over a wonderful list and then dropped the news that she'd since moved back to Boston and was working at Harvard too. We couldn't believe it, and decided to meet up. One dinner turned into another, and before long, we were dating, and then, unmistakably, falling in love.The years since have brought incredible highs and a few real lows, and through all of it we've come to rely on each other in ways we never expected. We've both changed for the better: I've learned to embrace life again, and Sinéad made the profound decision to convert to Judaism. Together, we've been building a home and a community in Brookline, and we couldn't be more excited to now build a life together as husband and wife.We are so grateful to celebrate our love, and the life we're building, with all of you. So many of you have shaped our story in ways big and small, through years of friendship, unwavering support, and love that carried us through everything life has brought. We can't imagine this day without you, and we can't wait to keep building this life with you by our side.

Our Story Thus Far

Photos

We first met in 2015 at a scientific conference and got to know each other through our shared research interests. At the time, Sinéad was living in LA, working at the University of Southern California, while I had just begun a new position at Yale. Life soon took us in different directions: Sinéad moved to Boston and later returned home to Ireland, and somewhere along the way, we lost touch.

In 2018, I moved to Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Years passed. Then, in 2024, I was invited to give a lecture in Dublin, and on a whim, I reached out to Sinéad for restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. She sent me a fantastic list, and then casually mentioned that she had recently moved back to Boston and was working at Harvard too. I had to fly to Ireland to discover that she lived a few miles away! We couldn't believe it, and decided to meet up. One dinner turned into another, and before long it was clear we were falling in love.

The years since have brought incredible highs and a few real lows, and through every celebration and every challenge, we've learned to lean on each other. Through it all, we've both grown in ways we never expected. I've learned to embrace life again, and Sinéad made the profound decision to become Jewish. Together, we've been building a home and a community in Brookline, and we couldn't be more excited to now build a life together as a married couple.

We are so grateful to celebrate our love—and the life we're building—with all of you. Each of you has shaped our story in ways both big and small through your friendship, unwavering support, and love. You have celebrated with us, lifted us up through life's challenges, and helped make us who we are today. We can't imagine this day without you, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you by our side.

Wedding Party

Dress Code

A First-Timer's Guide to Our Jewish WeddingNever been to a shul or a Jewish wedding before? You're in good company. Here is a short guide on what to expect, so you can relax and enjoy the day.

What actually happens at a Jewish wedding?A Jewish wedding is made up of numerous traditions, some dating back thousands of years. Each tradition carries its own deep meaning that has been passed down through countless weddings. Some happen before the ceremony, some during, and some after. Below is a rundown of what you'll see on our day.

What's a tish?Tish means "table" in Yiddish. Before the ceremony, the groom sits with family and friends at a table, traditionally offering some words of Torah teaching, though it's often interrupted (on purpose!) with singing, toasting, and good-natured heckling. It's a festive, relaxed warm-up before things turn more formal.

What's a bedeken?The bedeken is the veiling ceremony. The groom, accompanied by family and friends singing and dancing, comes to see the bride before the ceremony and places the veil over her face. The tradition recalls the biblical story of Jacob, who was tricked into marrying the wrong sister because her face was covered. By veiling Sinéad himself, David confirms he's marrying the right woman. It's also read more broadly as a moment about looking past outer beauty to the whole person.

What's a ketubah?The ketubah is the Jewish marriage contract, traditionally written in Aramaic, outlining the groom's obligations to the bride. Today many couples also treat it as a piece of art. Ours will be signed by witnesses before the ceremony and read at the wedding. You may see it hanging near the entrance or close to the chuppah.

What's a chuppah?The chuppah is the canopy the couple marries under. It represents the new home Sinéad and David are building together. The chuppah is open on all sides to represent a home that is welcoming to guests. The ceremony itself happens under the chuppah, and this is the closest equivalent to what you might think of as "walking down the aisle" and exchanging vows.

What are the sheva brachot?Sheva brachot means "seven blessings." They are a set of blessings recited over a cup of wine under the chuppah. They touch on themes like joy, love, and the hope that the couple's happiness will be like that of the very first people in the Garden of Eden. You'll likely hear them chanted or sung in Hebrew. It's traditional for these same seven blessings to be repeated at festive meals throughout the week following the wedding, so don't be surprised if you hear the phrase again if you're around for the days after.

Why does everyone cheer when a glass breaks?At the very end of the ceremony, the groom (or in some cases both partners) steps on a glass, wrapped in a cloth, breaking it underfoot. Traditionally, it's a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, symbolizing that even at the height of personal joy, there's an awareness of loss and the world's brokenness. The breaking of the glass is the moment everyone's waiting for! It marks the conclusion of the ceremony and is your cue to shout "Mazel tov!" (congratulations/good luck). After the glass breaks, it is time to celebrate.

What's the hora?The hora is the joyful circle dance you'll see at the reception. Guests link arms or hands and dance in a big circle, and at some point the bride and groom are often lifted up on chairs in the middle of it. Don't worry about knowing the steps; there aren’t any. It's mostly a big, happy shuffle in a circle, and everyone is welcome to join in. If you're asked to help lift a chair, keep both hands firmly on it and smile for the photos. Please don’t drop us!

Will I need to cover my head?At Jewish ceremonies, many men choose to wear a kippah (skullcap) in the sanctuary. We had kippot made especially for our wedding and they'll be at the entrance to the sanctuary for any guest who'd like to take one. Feel free to wear one if you feel comfortable doing so.

What should I wear?Treat it as you would any formal wedding: smart and a little on the conservative side is a safe bet, especially for the ceremony. Details on our specific dress code are on the main wedding website page.

Is there anything I shouldn't do during the ceremony?Mostly just the usual: phones on silent, no chatting once things get underway.

Do I need to bring a gift?Whatever's normal for you is fine as there is no special Jewish-wedding gift etiquette to worry about.

Anything else I should know?Mostly: come with an open mind, don't worry about getting it "right," and be ready to dance. Nobody expects guests to know the traditions inside out. If you're ever unsure what's happening or what to do, just follow the lead of the people around you, or ask one of the wedding party. Jewish weddings are some of the most joyful, high-energy celebrations you'll ever be part of — full of singing, dancing, and a room full of people genuinely delighted to be there. Come ready to let loose, and we promise you'll leave with sore feet and a big smile. We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Jewish Wedding Q + A

We are so thrilled to have you join us for our wedding weekend! Brookline is a beautiful, walkable neighborhood just outside of Boston. It is full of leafy streets, cozy cafes, wonderful restaurants, and easy access to everything the city has to offer.

Iris Hotel Boston

Samuel Sewall Inn

AC Hotel Boston Cleveland Circle

Coolidge Corner Guest House

Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline

Longwood Inn

Arcadian Hotel

Places to Stay

A historic 50-acre park ideal for a leisurely stroll or picnic. In autumn the tree-lined Mall offers beautiful fall foliage and great photo backdrops. Just a short walk from the theater district and public transit, it’s an easy, centrally located spot to relax between wedding events.

Boston Common

Family-friendly aquarium with stunning Boston Harbor views—perfect for kids and adults alike; located at 1 Central Wharf, about a short walk from the waterfront.

New England Aquarium

Step back to 1773 with interactive exhibits, costumed reenactors, and hands-on activities that bring the Boston Tea Party to life; includes multimedia presentations, a replica ship, and dockside artifacts—great for families and history lovers, about a 15–20 minute walk from downtown waterfront.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

World-class collections spanning ancient to contemporary art; highlights include Impressionist paintings, Asian and Egyptian galleries, and rotating special exhibitions.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A charming, historic neighborhood famed for its Italian restaurants, bakeries, and narrow cobblestone streets; perfect for a leisurely meal or pastry crawl. Highlights include classic red-sauce trattorias, cannoli from legendary bakeries, and historic sites like the Paul Revere House and Old North Church. Easy to reach from downtown—ideal for an evening out before or after wedding events.

The North End- Italian Neighborhood

Take a stroll through the world‑famous Harvard campus and explore Harvard Square’s lively shops, cafés, and street performers; wander the historic yards and courtyards, pop into the Harvard Art Museums or local bookstores, and enjoy lunch or coffee at a nearby cafe—about a 15–20 minute drive from Brookline.

Harvard Square

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum — Unique museum housed in Isabella Stewart Gardner’s Venetian-style home; renowned for its intimate galleries, stunning central courtyard garden, and eclectic collection of art and antiques.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Situated in the charming neighbourhood of Beacon Hill A postcard‑perfect, cobblestone lane often called the most photographed street in the U.S.; its narrow brick rowhouses, gas lamps, and flower boxes make it an ideal spot for quick photos and a quiet stroll—about a 10–15 minute walk from downtown Boston.

Acorn Street

Explore Boston’s rich history at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour along the Freedom Trail and surrounding streets. Follow the marked red-brick path to 16 historic sites—including the Old State House, Paul Revere’s House, and Faneuil Hall—or customize your route to focus on colonial history, Revolutionary War landmarks, or literary and maritime sites. Expect cobblestones and occasional stairs; wear comfortable shoes and allow 2–3 hours for the full trail (shorter loops available). Family-friendly and flexible for groups. Guided group tours available through the Freedom Trail Foundation

Freedom Trail

Board a scenic ferry from MacMillan Pier to Provincetown for stunning coastal views, seasonal whale‑spotting, and narrated history; the trip lasts several hours and includes onboard restrooms and a snack bar—book through Boston Harbor City Cruises (MacMillan Pier, Provincetown ferry). Shorter harbor cruises and sunset sails are also available.

Boston Harbor City Cruises (Provincetown Ferry)

Historic marketplace combining shops, food stalls, and street performers in a lively waterfront setting

Faneuil Hall

A scenic stroll along the Boston Harborwalk with sweeping waterfront views, great at sunset and an easy way to explore the harbor between events. Start near HarborWalk (HarborWalk, Boston, MA 02127) and follow the path past piers, cafés, and historic ships.

Boston Harborwalk

Climb the 294‑step granite obelisk for panoramic views of Boston and learn about the pivotal 1775 Battle of Bunker Hill at the nearby museum. Explore the quaint and historic Charlestown neighbourhood of cobbled streets and red‑brick neighborhoods—great for photos and a taste of Boston history.

Bunker Hill Monument

Lively, authentic Irish pub just over the Cambridge line in Inman Square; known for traditional pours, hearty pub fare, and a warm neighborhood vibe—about a 15-20 minute drive from Brookline.

Sinéad & David