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!

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!

A Class with Class

Last evening I had the privilege and delight to give a presentation to Wagner College's Wedding Planner Certificate Progam's students.

The topic was non-traditional weddings...and the discussion focused on all the options available to couples who select a wedding celebrant, like me, to officate at their wedding ceremony.

It is always encouraging to see the faces of learners who are about to make their mark in the wedding industry. And it is my goal to help as many wedding planners and coordinators know about the partner they can find in a celebrant.

The best part of the evening for me was to become acquainted with the instructor, also a wedding planner Marissa Mortimer. We shared our wedding stories...the good, the bad, and the unbelievable! I do look forward to working together with Marissa in the future on a wedding. And it would be fun to return to her class in 2010.