Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Gifts of Marriage



Using the theme of gifts and giving in their wedding ceremony, I talked about what Lewis and Christina have given and will continue to give to each other...trust, commitment, and love. To illustrate my remarks, I had their grammar-school-age children open gifts. In each gift there was a card with one of the theme words written on it, for example, "TRUST."

The children were further involved in the wedding ceremony in the lighting of a family unity candle and the presentation of a family medallion to each child. There are several suppliers of these candles and medallions on the internet. Just search on "family medallion."

It was moving to see each member of this family show emotions and joy during this ceremony that was held in a suite at the Waldoft Astoria. Only the bride and groom and three children were present. Well, there was also me, two musicians, the florist, the food service men with the cake,and the photographer, but who noticed!

The couple engaged the wedding planners at The Finishing Touch to make the arrangements for them because they live in another state. Nicole and Julie pulled all the details together (hotel, photographer, florist, make-up and hair, musicians, wedding cake, and me) so the bride and groom could focus on the ceremony and each other.

Wedding Tip: You won't see pictures of the couple and the children in this blog because I agreed to alter my usual contract wording at this couple's request. I agreed not use snapshots that my husband took at the wedding in my marketing or blog. So know you can always ask for what you want from any of your wedding vendors...and most of the time we can do what you want and ask for.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

It's Christmas Time in the City





Grant and Skye, arriving in New York City from summer in Australia, got here just in time to have their wedding ceremony the day after a huge snowfall. The severe weather quit, folks were all over the city, and, cold aside, we found a picturesque spot in Central Park for their ceremony.

They spoke their vows, and I read greetings from their parents back home. Skye's grandmother had sent two small hand-crafted butterflies with her for good luck, so she placed them on her bouquet.

The spirited holiday passersby cheered when the ceremony was over.

















Kudos to Wolfgang Freithof, their photographer. He saved the day when the couple forgot their marriage license back at their hotel. Inspired by his idea, we all piled into the SUV they hired for the day...got the license signed...dropped us off at the Staten Island Ferry...and took the couple for photographs at the Brooklyn Bridge...just barely beating the setting sun.


Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Friday, December 18, 2009

Cold Hands, Warm Hearts


The wedding ceremony of Susan and Stuart was in Central Park by the iconic Bethesda Fountain....on a cold, cold December afternoon. Several friends surrounded them with cheerful good will, and the low golden rays of the winter sun gave a luster to the happy couple.

They were quite involved in the ceremony's development...selecting their vows and writing a section about their love for one another. Their original plan for Susan to receive a "make-over" of her grandmother's ring from Stuart at the ceremony didn't happen. The refurbished ring with an additional diamond, a gift to Susan from Stuart, will be presented to her at a later date.

The groom invited all for a toast at the nearby restaurant,The Boathouse...and we were all so happy to be inside. Numb fingers and feet came back to life. The groom said it was the wedding he'd always wanted...and the bride smiled.

Ceremony Tip: If it is a really cold day, and your wedding is to take place outdoors, make sure someone keeps the pen warm. Have someone hold it next to some 98.6 degree skin. We could barely get the ink to flow for the signing of the license. That may seem like a small point, but I was concerned that the legal document be clear when is it filed. (Remember - no write-overs!)

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

My Three Sons


The young boys were excited...unsual for them to be so interested in a wedding ceremony. Their father, Eric, married Janine...who knew marrying Eric would mean including his three sons who are an animated, charming, and inquisitive trio.

Eric and Janine included vows to the boys in their ceremony. They promised to laugh at their jokes, help them with their homework, comfort them when they are sick, and love them always...unconditionally.

I was told when I asked Eric if it was his intention to marry Janine, the boys asked their grandmother, "What if he doesn't say 'Yes'? Can we say it for him?"




The support I get from Island Chateau is always superb. And the elegant setting in their venue creates a grand atmosphere for any special event.

Ceremony Idea: Janine and Eric had a large candle "engraved" with Eric's father's name. Eric lighted the candle in memory of his father at the outset of the ceremony. I've had couple do something similar before...but this was the first time I've seen the candle so nicely done.

So all the best to Eric and Janine...and the boys!

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Trick or Treat? It's a Treat




Rebecca and Rashan wanted a Wedding Halloween Party...and their guests obliged. All sorts of goblins, monsters, and weird spirits showed up for their wedding at St. Charles Seminary, Staten Island.




Rebecca's father escorted her down the dramatic central stairs of this former mansion turned event space. Rashan joined her as they exchanged vows and rings in a simple ceremony. And then the party began!

Evelyn Rogers of Taste of Honey used the Halloween theme for the cocktail hour's appropriately grisly appetizers..for example, scallops with a slice of olive on top were "eyeballs" and the wings were called "bat wings."

Ceremony Idea: If traditional readings from literature or religious sources are not what you want for your ceremony...why not use lyrics to a song that you like. For this Halloween ceremony, I suggested lyrics from a song in "Phantom of the Opera." The words resonated with this couple...and I could see a guest in a phantom costume out of the corner of my eye.




Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

They Eloped to the Big Apple


Faced with family on widely distant continents, London residents Kerri and Thomas decided to keep their wedding plans simple by eloping to New York City. Yesterday, they exchanged vows and rings at 230 Fifth, a lively bar with a rooftop garden...and soon-to-be-completed event space for larger weddings.

Rain and wind forced the ceremony to be held inside...but as the couple kissed at the end of the ceremony, the sun came out. A heaven sent sign for the newlyweds and their photographer to go out on the rooftop and take pictures.

Jack Toomey, Director of Special Events at 230 Fifth, couldn't have been more accomodating, and the photographer, Corrine Botz seemed to be taking quite creative shots before and after the ceremony. I can't wait to see her work. I thank them both for being witnesses and signing the marriage license.

Ceremony Idea: For a destination wedding in New York City, I always invite the bride and groom to share my email with family and friends who can't be there. I read the greetings at the close of the ceremony and the couple usually tear up as they hear words from the people they love. It's a way to create a connection between the ceremony and home. Kerri and Thomas' each had a sibling write a greeting...in secret from the rest of their families. It was quite meaningful for them to hear words of affirmation about eloping and getting married.

Good luck, Kerri and Thomas! Come back to New York City, and keep in touch when you move to New Zealand.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Monday, October 26, 2009

Best of Time



Yes, it was the "best of time" at Melissa and Radley's wedding at Battery Gardens last Sunday. The phrase, "best of time," was the title of the poem written for this wedding by the bride's aunt and read before the procession as a message to set the tone for their ceremony.

Before the ceremony, there was a flurry of activity to get all the final touches in place...cameras placed to get intimate shots, adjustment of curtains and floral bouquets, lighting tweaked to make certain the shadows were just right. This meticulous attention to detail was provided by the folks from Shiraz Events, the coordinators for this wedding. What an energetic team - with a real eye for the aesthetics of the ceremony setting. I'm sure they carried that spirit through all the other aspects of Melissa and Radley's wedding day.

During the ceremony, I knocked over one of the cameras...how embarrassing. But I had observed the careful set-up the photographers had done, so I just asked them to come forward and reset the camera so their work would not be lost because of me!

The best part of the day for me was to see the groom just smile and smile. Melissa is a lucky woman to have a man so obviously excited and happy.

Battery Gardens provides a dramatic setting for the ceremony and the reception. On Sunday, the weather was fine...so for the cocktail hour, guests could linger on the patio overlooking the NY harbor and the Statue of Liberty.



Ceremony Tip: Think of honoring your parents, grandparents, or someone who has been part of your life by wearing something of theirs during the ceremony. Melissa wore her mother's veil for the wedding ceremony. It was a perfect compliment to her modern-day dress...and the sentimental gesture of wearing this veil was lovely. Other ideas of "heritage" items you could add to your wedding day outfit: cuff-links, bracelet, religous medal, watch, or earrings.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Wed at Noon


Nicole and Thomas had their wedding ceremony at Island Chateau on Staten Island last Sunday...at noon! That's an early start time for a ceremony, so I had to schedule some of my "prep" work for the previous day. I kind of liked it!

Sunday was a rainy day...but the set-up at Island Chateau is bright and cheery so no one's spirits were dampened. I always marvel at how the staff there manages the transition between the ceremony and the reception...all in the same room.

I wrote a few remarks for the ceremony on the keys to a successful marriage...respect, commitment and love. I gave the couple three keys tied together with ribbons that matched their wedding colors. They can use these keys as a Christmas tree ornament...or whatever they want.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Autumn Ceremony at Fiddler's Elbow




The pastoral setting on the lawn of Fiddler's Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, NJ, was perfect for Pam and Paul. They wanted to exchange their vows surrounded by nature...and of course, their family and friends.

Several of Paul's family and friends arrived from the UK...many from Wales. His sister and her friend said they would wear the trendy sculptured hats worn in English and Welsh weddings these days. Paul told them not to...American women don't wear hats to weddings. But the charming women wore their hats anyway to spoof the groom...and they looked stunning in them!




It was fun to reunite with Shira Weinberger, their photographer. We did a wedding together last winter...and Shira remembered the names of that bride and groom in a nano second. Take a look at her engagement photos of Paul and Pam on Shira's web site...edgy urban shots taken in the meat packing district of Manhattan. Then check out her wedding pictures of them in a couple weeks. The contrast between urban and country should be eye-catching.

The staff at Fiddler's Elbow took comand of the ceremony staging made my pre-ceremony life so stress-free. Thank you, Kristine.

And finally, the young harpist, Violetta Norrie, performed the processional and recesisonal music beautifully. What a talent!




All the best to you, Pam and Paul!

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Links, blogs, disclaimers...

The F.C.C. has announced that it will be revising rules about endorsements and testimonials in advertising...particularly as the rules relate to blogs and tweets.

So I hereby make it known that any links to other wedding vendors or venues on this blog, any comments I make about their services, or any pictures of their work...none is related to any payment from them to me. I don't ask for it, and I wouldn't accept it if offered.

In the spirit of full disclosure, I do hope the vendors I mention will create a link to my blog or web site on their blog, and sometimes I ask if they will do so. My experience is that a reciprocal link rarely happens.

Know that if I mention another wedding industry supplier on this blog, it is not connected to any direct financial or economic gain to me.

I'll be looking for the new F.C.C. rules that come out on Dec. 1...and see if this disclaimer is on target. Now I'm going to create a link to myself below, which I think is OK to do...and go make lunch!

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

"...Caught Between the Moon and New York City"











Crystal and Scott had their wedding ceremony and reception at the Chart House in Weehawken, NJ. With the skyline of Manhattan as the backdrop...from the golden colors of the late afternoon sun to the moonlight over the Hudson...it was just the right setting for these two urban professionals. I was humming Chris Cross' song all evening..."the best that you can do is fall in love."

I often invite couples to include their pets in their ceremony, and this bride and groom took me up on it. In fact, they suggested it before I did. So Ula, a magnificant and relaxed Staffordshire bulldog (I think) was the mascot of the ceremony...tooting her pleasure, if you know what I mean! Great fun!



Ceremony Tip: Check out the ceremony space your reception venue has to offer. Will it hold all your guests? Is there a lighting problem that will make your photographer's job difficult...like backlighting? Will you need a sound system for the ceremony? Will the venue staff help with the staging of the ceremony...welcoming your guests, managing the procession, and checking to see that your musicians and officiant's have everything ready to go.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

From Engagement to Wedding


It is always a dream come true to have wonderful weather for your outside wedding. Tarrah and Jim got married in the dramatic gazebo at Nicotra's Ballroom at The Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island, NY. I think it was just the wedding ceremony they envisioned having.

Their engagement story is unique. Jim took a book of poems he'd purchased for Tarrah, and cut a heart-shaped niche out of several pages...just enough space for the book to conseal the engagement ring. He wrote his own poem which he positioned in the front of the book...a poem that ended with "Will you marry me?" And then he suggested she look at page 196...where she found the ring.

For one of the readings in their ceremony, the included a reading from that book of poems.

Ceremony Idea: Think of ways to link your engagement story into some part of the ceremony. It could be a ritual with your engagement ring. It could be incorporating some of the words you shared that on your engagement day into your personal vows. It is fitting to acknowledge the end of your engagement in the ceremony...because a new phase of your relationship begins on your wedding day.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Wedding Ceremony Venue Change



What a nail-biter! Chris and Karen had to change the venue for their wedding ceremony and reception just 5 days before their big day. It was not a problem for me...but you can only imagine all the work they had to do to get flowers, food, guests, etc. to come together at a new location...in just a few days.

They ended up having their wedding at The Vanderbilt, a beautiful wedding venue overlooking south beach on Staten Island. This new venue made it easier for me to talk about the unity ritual using sand that Karen and Chris wanted in their ceremony.

Ceremony Idea: If you are having your wedding on or near the water and a beach...or if the beach has been a major part of your life...consider doing a sand ritual in your ceremony. Typically there are three vessels...usually glass...two on the side and one in the middle. The side vessels symbolize the individual lives of the bride and groom; the center vessel symbolizes their new blended life as a married couple.

You can use sand from a familiar beach...or from a craft store. Parents or significant people in your life can pour sand into the side vessels. The bride and groom alternately pour the sand from the side vessels into the center vessel.

The center vessel becomes a keepsake of the wedding ceremony. And as sand on a beach shifts, the sand in your keepsake vessel wills shift and change over the years.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Wedding Ceremony Options


I was invited to be a guest blogger for The Finishing Touch, a wonderful wedding and event planner company. Candice Benson and her staff are terrific...and they have linked me with delightful clients...like Alan and Jilian seen above.

So click here to check out my blog on wedding ceremony options.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

After 31 years...it's legal!



Eileen and Rose have been together for 31 years. This year, recognizing they weren't getting any younger, they got married in New Haven CT, one of the states what recognizes same-sex marriage.

After making elaborate plans for months, they had their family and friends attend a reaffirmation ceremony and celebration last Saturday at Nicotra's Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island, NY.

Even though they didn't get to be outside in the hotel's beautiful gazebo, they did have a warm and intimate ceremony indoors that included a chupah, sharing wine, regifting of their wedding rings, and a "shower" of blessings from Christian, Jewish, Irish, and Native American traditions.

With Beethoven's Ode to Joy and lots of bubbles...Eileen and Rose walked hand in hand out of their ceremony to their reception...at last!

Ceremony Idea: When you are a couple from different faiths, use the most wonderful traditions from each religion in your ceremony. Ask your celebrant to adapt the traditions you love most, and infuse them with that which is meaningful to you. For example, these two women both did the breaking of the glass from Eileen's Jewish background. It was the perfect way to end their ceremony.




Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Their Crowning Moment















Michael and Carrie's wedding ceremony included a wonderful ritual...the stefana ritual from Michael's Greek heritage. The ritual was lead by Michael's paternal grandfather, who has done this ritual at several of his grandchildren's weddings...using the traditional crowns that were from his own wedding sixty years ago. It was the highlight of the ceremony - made even more meaningful because it was Michael's grandfather doing it.

After the ceremony, I was talking with the photographer, Kella Macphee. We agreed to cross link each other on our blogs. So check out her photographs of this wedding.

The ceremony was held at sunset on the deck at the Molly Pitcher Inn in Red Bank. The harbor on the Navesink River was picturesque. The weather was pleasantly warm. And all the family and friends were in a celebratory state of mind. And best of all, Carrie and Michael really seemed to enjoy the wedding they'd carefully planned.

Ceremony Tip: If you have talent and traditions in your family, like this groom's grandfather and the crowning ritual, by all means, tap into that wonderful opportunity to make your ceremony really personal. The guests loved it...and I would guess that Michael and Carrie will not forget it.




Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Monday, August 31, 2009

At Blue Hill at Stone Barns...


Damon and Carolina wanted their wedding to take place in nature...and they wanted the food to be good. So they selected Blue Hill at Stone Barns as the site for their ceremony and reception. You've seen the place on the Food Network...and the food was indeed exceptional.

The weather threatened, so the ceremony was inside...but all present could see into the fields through a huge window. The abundance, sustainability, and nurturing aspects of the farm were just the right backdrop for this couple who shared personal vows they had written themselves.



I learned about a type of guitar music from their musician, Alex Simon,...django, named for the 1920s guitarist Django Reinhardt...makes you tap your toes and smile. Check out Alex' music!

Ceremony Tip: A small ceremony doesn't require amplified sound. Non-amplified voices make the ceremony seem intimate and warm - which I think was the case for this ceremony. I really like to do a ceremony without a mike. However, with a larger group of guests, you do need to plan on a sound system. Put that into your planning so the system allows flexibilty for the speakers in the ceremony and makes it possible for all your guests to hear what is being said. Your musicians or the venue will be your best resource for sound.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Our Journey to Cherish True Love


Yiting and Wei-Chun made a journey from their home in California to get married near family and friends at The Ritz Carlton at Battery Park. Some of their family members journeyed from China to join their family for this wedding.

Wei-Chun and Yiting had a phrase on their wedding invitations and their wedding program that their journey to find love had ended...and their journey to cherish love was just beginning with their wedding.

It was a journey for me too to prepare for this ceremony. I'd never met the couple...we talked over the phone and exchanged email messages, but I didn't have a "feel" for their personalities. I was struggling with the pronunciation of the Chinese names and words in the ceremony script...wanting to pronounce names accurately out of respect for them...and also to not seem like I was an idiot!

But when I met them at the rehearsal and watched them interact with each other that day and also at the wedding, I came to appreciate how they compliment each other and truly love each other. I have never seen such an emotional response to saying wedding vows as I saw with Yiting and Wei-Chun. I'm so happy for them.

Ceremony Idea: Wei-Chun and Yiting made gifts to be presented to their parents during the ceremony...their first act as a married couple. The gifts were identical books of picture of them as children, growing up, and as an engage couple. This idea could be adapted for any type of wedding...a thoughtful way to acknowledge all your parents have done for you and how much you love them.




Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Delight in the Details



All of Yiting and Wei-Chun's careful planning came together for their wedding last Sunday. Because they are both engineers, I expected they would have a penchant for detail and perfection, and I was not disappointed.

The various vendors who contributed to this beautiful wedding were all outstanding:

- Beautiful, complimentary, high design flowers - Flowers of the World

- Creative, nuanced, skilled photographer - Gulnara Studio (Take a look at her blog...stunning photos!)

- Calm, thorough, professional support staff (also great food at the cocktail hour...love those lamb chops!) - The Ritz Carlton - Battery Park

- Lovely harp/piano combo for the ceremony and cocktail hour music




Yiting and Wei-Chun made their ceremony programs and the gifts they presented to honor their parents during the ceremony. Beautiful, coordinated, creative!




They had their pictures taken in their wedding outfits ahead of the wedding day. The images of them as bride and groom were on the poster for guests to sign...and on the cover of the album for the polaroid pictures that guests took of themselves at the reception.
















Yiting and Wei-Chun have many reasons to look back with satisfaction on all the arrangements they made for their memorable wedding day. Everyone they hired did their best! That includes me, their wedding officiant.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Monday, August 17, 2009

A World Filled With Love


With the warm golden sun of the late afternoon shing on their faces, Estelle and Anthony declared their vows last Saturday. The setting at the Water's Edge in Long Island City had magnificent views of the Manhattan skyline...appropriately, because theirs is a New York love story....with a delightful Radio City Music Hall connection...and a 26 year romance. (Their wedding invitation had the phrase: A world filled with love, ever old, ever new!)

As the procession came in...the audience cheered the groom, and then each member of the wedding party. I was slightly worried that this "crowd" might be unruly...but they were just so delighted that Estelle and Anthony finally were getting married.

Not many couples opt to have their ceremony videoed these days...and when they do, most of the time the videographer is just in the way for the ceremony. (Sorry...but it's true!) Not so for Alan Bloom...who was very professional - even adjusting and readjusting to get around the lighting problems caused by the setting sun shining directly into the ceremony space. I hope I get to see his work on this ceremony some day.

Ceremony Idea: Estelle and Anthony placed pictures of family and themselves around the reception area. It was interesting to see them as children, as a younger version of themselves, and to see their parents' wedding pictures.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Monday, August 10, 2009

Thank You To Life...


The bride was beautiful, the groom so handsome...not unusual. But Gloria and George have such a genuinely beautiful spirit about them that they are an unusual couple.

They selected the lyrics of a Spanish song (which they later had played at their reception) to set the tone for their ceremony..."Thank You To Life..." The words of this song fit this couple who are indeed thankful for all they have been given in life, especially their love for one another.

To cap off their ceremony, they went outside to release doves. As the shimmering white birds took flight, they announced to all around that George and Gloria's marriage had begun. Thank you to life...the life they will now share.

As always, the staff at Nicotra's Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island, NY, was warm, efficient, and very professional. It's a joy to work with them.





Ceremony Tip: If you decide to release doves as part of your wedding ceremony, be certain that you check out the supplier of the birds. Make sure the birds are white homing pigeons (who will safely take wing and fly home)...not helpless doves who just are left to fend for themeselves. The folks at Love Doves are reliable, good to their birds, and they provide beautiful cages that are a lovely enhancement to your ceremony decorations.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Field of Dreams Come True













Because they are avid NY Yankee fans, Debbie and John planned a Yankee-themed wedding celebration - with the wedding ceremony to take place on the baseball field at Nansen Park in Staten Island.

But as luck would have it, the unrelenting rain last Friday meant the ceremony was in the shelter at the park. Even though the outfield ceremony was rained out, the indoor ceremony was just what John and Debbie wanted...warm, lighthearted, and an acknowledgment of their blended families.

And yes, I did use the famous Lou Gehrig quote about being "the luckiest man on the face of the earth"...truly the way this couple felt as they declared their vows.

With the help of the wonderful folks at A Taste Of Honey, the catering group at the park, the tables were numbered by famous Yankee players' numbers, there were pinstripes all about, and you can see that even one of the food stations had the Yankee logo in the ice.

Ceremony Tip: Don't hesitate to suggest a theme to your wedding officiant. Whether your ceremony is religious or civil, you may have a wedding officiant who will find a way to incorporate your theme into the ceremony. I used many baseball references in the love story I told about this couple...and it was a homerun!

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

It was a lovely day in the neighborhood...















Liz and Chris looked forward to their backyard wedding...their home is such a symbol of their marriage. And the Mr. Roger's song, "It's a lovely day in the neighborhood..." could have been the theme song for their love story.

Arriving by trolley, the women in the wedding party processed to the ceremony. Liz' faithful dog, Ruby, escorted her down the aisle. Ruby had been the catalyst for Liz and Chris's meeting each other.

This wedding ceremony had many personalized touches...based on the input and interest of the bride and groom. The couple wrote their own vows, the groom's daughter read an original piece in honor of her dad's new marriage, and the bride wrote the reading I used. Liz and Chris lighted three candles to acknowledge their love and support for Chris' three children. (They didn't take my advice on avoiding candles for an outside ceremony... and it worked out just fine!)

Ceremony Idea: Liz and Chris's vows were placed in a keepsake book that they used during the ceremony...in this case, so they could read their vows to one another. The book also contained Chris' daughter's piece and the poem Liz wrote.













Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Monday, July 6, 2009

4th of July Weekend Wedding




Designing a wedding ceremony that is on the 4th of July weekend...a ceremony at Liberty House which is in sight of the Statue of Liberty...poses a challenge.

Themes of liberty and independence seem a bit counter to the central message of a marriage ceremony. So I decided to tell this couple's love story using the theme of "gifts." The Statue of Liberty, being a gift from the people of France, was the inspiration.

The gifts Amy and John share are friendship, trust, commitment, and respect. May the Lady of the NY Harbor shine with delight on their marriage!


Ceremony Tip: Amy and John had a table set up in the ceremony area...filled with pictures of their deceased grandparents. As each mother and father of the couple came in, they placed a rose in a vase on this table...in memory of their parent, Amy and John's grandparents.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!