Interfaith wedding ceremony for Ryan and Chiara at Limekiln, Sussex

bkirkham79
Sep 17, 2025
3 min read

A Sussex wedding blending Catholic and Jewish traditions

Ryan and Chiara chose Limekiln in Sussex as the setting for their wedding, and what a venue it is! With its gorgeous light-filled spaces and super stylish feel, it was the perfect place for a celebration that combined the best of both of their family traditions.

When they first got in touch, they told me they wanted a ceremony that honoured both of their faiths (Ryan is Jewish, Chiara is Catholic) - but which also felt modern, high-energy, and totally personal. Honestly, my dream brief!

“Going into wedding planning, we were feeling so daunted over how to conduct our ceremony, with Ryan being Jewish and me being Catholic. It was so important for us that our ceremony represented the two of us and our now blended family. It was also really important that it felt balanced. She achieved exactly this.”

Chiara and Ryan

One of the things I love most about being a wedding celebrant in Sussex is working with couples to weave together different traditions, rituals, and faiths into something fresh and meaningful.

Over a smoothie and a cup of tea in London, we mapped out every element of their ceremony - looking at Jewish wedding customs, Catholic blessings, and the kind of modern touches that made sense for Ryan and Chiara.

Together, we built a ceremony that was rich in symbolism, but also playful, warm, and very much about them.

Here’s how it unfolded at Limekiln:

Welcome & housekeeping - a chance to set the tone before the couple entered

Couple’s entrance - Ryan walked down the aisle with his parents before Chiara arrived with her dad. Live music set the atmosphere beautifully (you can't beat live music IMHO)

Giving away - both sets of parents gathered under the chuppah to pledge their love and support

Introduction - I explained what guests could expect from this bespoke, interfaith ceremony

Hakafot - traditionally the bride circles the groom, but Ryan and Chiara chose to circle each other in turn

Poem - written and read by Chiara’s sister, a gorgeous personal touch

Couple’s story - their love story, told with plenty of laughter and a few happy tears

Vows - personal promises, crafted with my help and read aloud on their behalf (as they opted not to read them themselves)

Ring exchange - highlighting the symbolism within the Catholic faith

Catholic blessing - Chiara’s uncle shared a blessing, ending with a sprinkle of holy water!

Looking to the future - their hopes for married life and the celebration ahead

Breaking the glass & first kiss - a joyful finale combining Jewish and modern tradition finished off with more live music to see them back up the aisle and into married life

It was heartfelt, fun, faith-filled, and totally unique to them.

The result? A ceremony that celebrated Ryan and Chiara, honoured both Jewish and Catholic traditions, and left their guests buzzing with love and excitement (and ready to party!).

“If you are unsure over a celebrant ceremony, definitely do it — and definitely book Beth!! Couldn’t recommend her more.”

Chiara and Ryan

If you’re looking for a wedding celebrant in Sussex who can create a ceremony that blends faiths, traditions, and your unique personalities, I’d love to chat. Whether you’re planning a wedding at Limekiln or another stunning venue, I’ll help you craft something personal, joyful, and completely yours.

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Jack and Madi's Jew-ISH wedding ceremony

Ryan and Chiara's day was as a result of amazing work from the following team of suppliers:

Wedding Coordinator - @ella_parisa_

Venue - @limekilnsussex

Celebrant - @bethkirkhamceremonies

Photographer - Murray Sanders (no instagram)

Videographer - @everjoyweddingfilms

Caterer - @kalmkitchenltd

Florist - @bud_flora

Musician - @_thommusic

Cake Designer - @birchhousebakery