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!

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!

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!)