Reprinted with permission from The Insider.

I have known Gideon Levinson since he was born. My husband Jeffrey and I are close with his family and live across the street from them. For 30 years I have watched Gideon mature into a determined, intelligent, confident, compassionate and adventurous young man.

I was at Gideon’s bris, bar mitzvah, and every play he performed in from high school to the University of Michigan. And on the evening of Sunday, August 31, I watched as Gideon walked down the aisle to marry the love of his life, Jacob Rosenblum.

Jacob and Gideon met in Chicago when Gideon began medical school at Loyola University. They connected through a dating app and their relationship immediately began. It was a natural progression of meeting for dinners, having long conversations, and taking in the sights around Chicago.

While Gideon attended classes, Jacob, who graduated with a degree in Statistics and Social Policy from Northwestern, was working at Crown Family Philanthropies and involved in charitable giving. Additionally, Jacob taught high school students about this cause. It was called Young Community Change Makers. He then began a master’s program in Urban Planning and graduated from the University of Illinois.

It didn’t take long for Gideon and Jacob to realize they were meant to be together. Two homes became one and their lives were forever intertwined.

After a year and a half of a committed relationship, Gideon decided it was time to pop the question. Unbeknownst to Jacob, Gideon secretly put plans into motion. Family came in from Michigan and Maryland, a party room was secured in downtown Chicago, food was catered by Chipotle (Jacob’s favorite), and engagement rings were waiting. When Jacob walked through the door, he was blown away seeing family and friends ready to participate in this special moment.

Then  a  move to Colorado was made for Gideon’s residency in anesthesiology, and a fellowship program was lined up for September 2026 in pediatric anesthesiology — his passion.  Jacob became the director of Jewish Charitable Giving for the Rose Community Foundation in Denver.

Two months before the wedding, a shower was thrown for the perspective grooms. I was one of nine women who planned the event. The excitement in the air was palpable as guests ate lunch and watched as Gideon and Jacob opened their gifts. They were thrilled with the beautiful presents that were selected from their registry.

Gideon ‘s parents, Marty and Elise, gave the couple lovely Judaica pieces– a menorah, Shabbos candle sticks and a honey dish. When Jacob looked at these gifts he exclaimed, “Baruch Hashem, we can use this on Rosh Hashana.” Jacob‘s parents, Robin and Jay, surprised them with a generous gift card for massages — a true stress reliever.

And then the sweetest gift was sent by Jacob’s 90-year-old grandmother, Joy, who couldn’t attend the shower or wedding due to health issues. She gave Gideon and Jacob a substantial check — funds to be used for adoption or IVF.

Gideon, for years, dreamed about having a beautiful wedding: “I just wanted my own version of a fairytale, romantic, thoughtful, bright, and with a partner for life.”  He took the lead with the venue, floral arrangements, invitations, tablescapes, clothing, and music. The wedding was planned with infinite care and decisions included both sets of parents. Every detail was examined with a meticulous eye.

The wedding was held at the Cambria Hotel in the heart of downtown Detroit. This art deco hotel is stunning and combines history with modern features. The original structure was built by architect Albert Kahn in the 1930’s and housed the WWJ 950 AM radio station. Two years ago, it was transformed into a luxury party venue.

When the wedding weekend finally arrived, the grooms were more than ready. This wasn’t a one-day affair: it spanned four. Drinks and conversation on Friday night, a welcoming dinner on Saturday, the wedding on Sunday, and brunch capped off the festivities Monday morning.

The air was electric as Gideon and Jacob, along with many friends and family members (34 in total), joyfully walked down the aisle. While exchanging vows, Gideon and Jacob shared stories about their inevitable journey to the chuppah. Jacob’s rabbi even flew in from Maryland to officiate.

After the ceremony guests gathered to congratulate the happy couple. Appetizers and cocktails were served as people meandered around the roof top of the hotel.

Shortly after, guests walked to the garden to find their seating for the reception. To everyone’s delight, there was a freestanding wall with brightly colored envelopes decorating the surface. Names and table numbers were placed on the exterior of each envelope and inside a heartfelt letter written to each guest –all 240 of them.

Jeffrey and I teared up as we read our notes. Looking around, most people had the same reactions. Writing these letters was truly an act of love.

The wedding was a continual celebration of the undeniable bond that Gideon and Jacob have created. Gideon serenaded Jacob from the balcony of the ballroom, accompanied by close friends while guests chimed in. Family members delivered speeches, and the atmosphere was nothing short of happiness on steroids.

Gideon’s dream of a fabulous wedding celebration certainly came to fruition. And his hope for a partner to love unconditionally was found in Jacob.

Here’s to a long life filled with health and abundant happiness. L’chaim!