PHOTOGRAPHY BY RON LIEBERMAN

oving back to Detroit
after successful
careers in Chicago
and in Los Angeles
can change your life for the better.
Just ask Amy and Bryan Gottlieb.
Amy Sabbota Gottlieb, 28, was an
attorney in Chicago and returned
home to be with her ill grandparent,
while journalist Bryan Gottlieb, 29,
decided to switch careers and
become a builder in the Detroit
area. Once back home, Bryan visit-
ed his dentist, but he received more
than a fluoride treatment — he left
with Amy's telephone number.
Dentist Allen Platt, Amy's cousin,
played matchmaker.
For the first date, the couple met
at Max & Erma's in Birmingham,
even though they are both vegetari-
ans. "He made me laugh. He was
intelligent, and I guess it was the
right timing," says Amy. "And the
icing was that he is very hand-
some," she adds.
"We wanted a warm atmosphere
and a kosher wedding." The couple
mentioned how they focused on the
"'getting married" part and tried
not to become obsessed or con-
sumed with the entertainment fac-
tor.
Tradition and family were key
elements. Before Amy walked
down the aisle, she gave her jewelry
to her single friends to wear during
the ceremony for good luck. The
chuppah incorporated Bryan's
grandfather's tallit in a place visible
to the bride and groom. The wine
they drank during the ceremony
belonged to Amy's great grandfa-
ther. Bryan wore Amy's grandfa-
ther's kitel (robe), while Amy
sewed crystals and pearls on her
veil from her grandmother's gown.
Amy mentions how grateful she
is to her parents because they did
not meddle and allowed the couple
to plan the wedding. "It was better
than my wildest dreams. Our wed-
ding was about us."

-- Carla Schwartz

1 8 • JUNE 2003 • STYLE AT T1-112 JN

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