Standing side by side under a traditional Jewish wedding “chuppah” in the backyard of YAI’s Kew Gardens Residence, Jeffrey and Barbara declared their love for one another.

Surrounded by friends, family and YAI staff members, Barbara and Jeffrey, two individuals served by the YAI Network, recited their vows in a Jewish commitment ceremony. The rain did nothing to dampen the sprits of the newlyweds, who held hands during the Rabbi’s reflections on their commitment as a merging of two souls who had found one another — a completeness that Barbara, 51, and Jeffrey, 45, were able to find when they first met at Kew Gardens 13 years ago.

“When I met Jeff, he used to go out with a lot of girls,” Barbara said with a laugh. “I met him in the middle of that, when he came to Kew Gardens. At first, when he asked me out, he thought I’d say no, but I said yes.”

For Jeffrey, he knew immediately that Barbara was different than all the other women he had met before.

“Barbara’s so cute and she makes me laugh,” Jeffrey said. “She gets along with my family. She loves my Mom and Dad. My little nephews love Barbara - they’ll always ask for her!”

The couple enjoys spending time together, whether it’s seeing a movie, taking a swim, walking through the park or going out for dinner together. For Jeffrey, some of his favorite memories are traveling with Barbara. They recently went to Atlantic City, Coney Island as well as horse races in Yonkers and the annual YAI International Conference.

Though they had been dating for a while, Barbara said she never anticipated Jeffrey getting down on one knee six years ago.

“He came to my room before we lived together, and he asked me ‘Barbara will you marry me?’ I was shocked when he asked -  I didn’t expect it!” she said.

Since then, preparations have been under way for their special commitment ceremony. Kew Gardens staff went above and beyond, helping Barbara and Jeffrey put together their intimate backyard ceremony.

“It was more than just one day, it was truly months of preparation,” said Ryan Garofalo, Supervisor at the residence. “So many people brought so many skills to it — our overnight staff member made the wedding cake and secured a pro bono wedding photographer, the assistant supervisor brought out his green thumb and the Licensed Practical Nurse introduced us to a professional designer, who provided his service and materials free of charge.”

Meanwhile, Barbara went on the search for the perfect dress. Her beautiful gown, a beaded halter dress complete with a matching headpiece and dangling pearl earrings, was a wedding present from her stepmother and sister and was kept a secret from Jeffrey until the special day.

As for Jeffrey, in his excitement, he said he has had his tie hung up and shoes shined for a week before the ceremony.

All of the nerves and anticipation paid off for the happy couple when they finally saw one another under the chuppah, held on each side by a friend of the newlyweds. Jeffrey, decked out in a matching set of purple suspenders and tie under a neatly buttoned suit jacket, held his bride’s veil up to catch a closer look. Barbara, holding a bouquet of purple flowers to match her husband’s ensemble, grinned at him, peeking out from under her veil.

They were all smiles during the ceremony, which ended with Jeffrey traditionally stepping on a wine glass amid excited claps and shouts of “Mazel Tov!”

After a quick kiss, the reception kicked off with music, food and excited hugs for the couple from their closest friends and staff members. The tent itself, decorated with paper wedding bells, balloons and pink flowers, was full of well-wishers as more eager friends walked up the rainy path, gifts and cards in hand, waiting to take a picture with the bride and groom.

“There wasn’t anybody who was going to miss this,” said Ryan. “After the families left, it was just Barbara and Jeffrey and their friends, and then the real party started!”

For Jeffrey and Barbara, however, they were happiest finally being together as husband and wife — as the Rabbi explained, "one soul now coming together."

“I’ve never met a man like him,” said Barbara fondly.

Jeffrey added with a smile, “I always wanted to find one person, and now I found her — she’s it!”