Harvard University professor Noah Feldman and Shorenstein Center fellow Julia Allison married in June 2025, marking the occasion with a two-part celebration that spanned from a historic Cambridge library to a multi-day festival in Bali. The couple, who connected over the phone and maintained a five-year relationship prior to their marriage, utilized non-traditional venues and high-profile guests to curate their ceremonies.
Ceremonies at Widener Library and Bali
The couple’s first ceremony took place at Harvard’s Widener Library, where they became the first couple to marry at the venue. According to the couple, the choice of location was influenced by a spiritual kinship Julia felt toward Harry Widener, a graduate who died in the sinking of the Titanic. The event featured a dark academia aesthetic, decorated with thousands of blood-red roses provided by florist Orly Khon.
Two months later, the couple hosted a second, five-day wedding festival in Bali. The event included diverse entertainment, ranging from a performance by the Yale Whiffenpoofs acapella group to synchronized swimmers flown in from Jakarta. The festivities also incorporated the presence of five shamans and a fire dance performed by Julia with a local troupe.
Did You Know? Noah Feldman and Julia Allison were the first couple to marry at Harvard’s Widener Library, a venue dedicated to a Titanic victim.
Officiants and Wardrobe Choices
The Cambridge ceremony was co-officiated by Senator Cory Booker and Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer. Noah Feldman noted that the choice of Booker as an officiant reflected the Senator’s deep knowledge of Torah and his bohemian nature. For the ceremony in Cambridge, Julia Allison wore a gown designed by Jimmy Choo, later transitioning into her mother’s 1978 wedding dress for a private dinner.
During the Bali celebration, the couple’s wardrobe choices remained distinct. Julia wore gowns by Hian Tjen for the rehearsal dinner and the Western-style ceremony. Noah opted for a pink linen Ralph Lauren suit, which he accessorized with a live six-foot python.
Future Outlook
Following the conclusion of their Bali wedding events, the couple departed for a honeymoon at sea, sailing through Kommodo National Park on a 154-foot boat. As both individuals maintain professional roles at Harvard, it is likely they will return to their academic and media work in Cambridge following the conclusion of their travels. Given the unique nature of their wedding venues, future couples seeking similar historic access at Harvard may face significant institutional hurdles, as Julia Allison noted that the university is unlikely to authorize similar ceremonies at the Widener Library again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who officiated the couple’s Cambridge ceremony?
The ceremony was co-officiated by Senator Cory Booker and Rabbi Jessica Kate Meyer.
Where did the couple hold their second wedding celebration?
The second, five-day wedding festival took place in Bali.
What was the dress code for the opening party in Bali?
The dress code for the initial party of the Bali festival was “Welcome to the Jungle.”
How do personal narratives influence the selection of unconventional wedding venues?
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