Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Tenth Anniversary - Vows Renewed


Wendy and Darren were married ten years ago by a castle in England where they live. They graced NYC with their presence here to celebrate their 10th Anniversary and renew their marriage vows in Central Park.

They held their wedding rings over their hearts as they pledged their undying love anew. With sweetness in their voices, some tears of joy in their eyes, and with clear love and devotion to each other, they now enter the second decade of their marriage.

Ceremony Idea: For a vow renewal ceremony, remove your wedding rings to you can re-present them to your spouse again...with renewed words of love and commitment. Hold your rings over your heart when you declare your new vows.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Morning Wedding in the Rose Garden



It was early morning - the time when the Brooklyn Botanical Garden opens just for wedding ceremonies. We gathered at one entrance and walked together to the rose garden. There under a wonderfully shady pergola, Meghan and John said their vows.

Over Meghan's shoulder I saw another couple I'd married about four years ago...with their two beautiful young daughters. It's not often I get to see how my couples develop into families.

Of course, the other distinguishing aspect of this gathering is that John is a tattoo artist -so body art was everywhere. Each tattoo seemed to fit the person. The designs were intricate and full of care and symbolism. You can see John's work under his artist name - Mohawk John.

When John proposed to Meghan, he tattoed "will you marry me" on his knee. Meghan's tattoed her response just below that tattoo. I like that his fingers have tattoos that read "Stay True." That's a marriage formula that I hope works for them.


Ceremony Tip: Early morning (after 9 a.m.) ceremonies in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are quiet and private. There are several options for dramatic settings, the garden is not open to the public yet, and the permit is not outrageously expensive.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Equal Partners in Life



When I arrived for Carlos and Deborah's wedding, I saw a couple I had married four yers ago installing and decorating the chupah for this wedding. We barely had time to greet each other as they hustled to complete this labor of love for her friend, the bride. I enjoyed watching them work as a team...a good marriage, I'd say!

Carlos and Deborah began the ceremonial portion of their wedding celebration with a private signing ceremony...signing the Ketubah and the NYC marriage license. With only their parents and two witnesses present, Carlos and Deborah read the promises written on the Ketubah in unison to each other...promises made as "equal partners in life."

Then the public ceremony began with a traditional procession highlighted by the arrival of three angel-like flower girls. The ceremony included readings, vows, exchange of rings, lighting a unity candle, and the traditional breaking of the glass. Throughout, the towering Carlos was attentive and serious, and Deborah was smiling and delighted.

Check out their unique Staten Island venue...great for a medium sized wedding (50-70 guests)..Little Shop Studios.

Ceremony Tip:
Carlos and Deborah asked me to begin the ceremony with a moment of silence...a moment for guests and the wedding party to take a deep breath, leave the nerve-wracking pressure of wedding preparation behind, and become mentally "present" for the ceremony. I recommend this idea. I noticed that the silence served as a catalyst for focusing the wedding party and the guests on the here and now. The bride and groom seemed relaxed and ready to participate in their ceremony with clear heads.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!