On the Campus at Yale

The wedding ceremony was at the Dwight Chapel at Yale University. The air was crisp, the candlelight made it cozy, and the music was inspiring as it reverberated throughout the gothic chapel.

Dave began by lighting a candle in memory of his father. I told their unique and charming love story which elicited laughter and tears. Close family members read such meaningful passages. Christina and Dave held their rings over their hearts as they said their vows. It was what you'd hope for every wedding ceremony...people at their best, beauty, happiness, and authentic shared moments.



The bride is an equine vet and the groom is a zip line consultant. They met at a rowing class; they got engaged in Key West; they are dashing and smart...but also kind and unassuming. It could be said the wedding was glamorous...but that would trivialize the genuine love and respect that this couple has for one another.

I'm so grateful for my friends Ray and Susan who brought me to Christina and Dave. My first wedding ceremony in Connecticut...unforgetable!

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

It Would Take More than A Blizzard to Stop Them!

Liz and Geoff came from Sidney, Australia, to renew their marriage vows in New York City on Monday, Dec. 27...and what did they encounter - a crippling blizzard.

But those of us whom they had engaged to make this celebration come together - photographer, restaurant, and me - arranged a postponement that worked for everyone. Thanks to the gods of the calendar and holiday good will...and this resilient couple...we were able to reschedule the ceremony for Dec. 30.

Last Thursday was a beautiful, warm, sunny day at Battery Park...full of exuberant tourists and New Yorkers trying to shake off cabin fever. Liz and Geoff had their ceremony in front of floor to ceiling windows at Battery Gardens, overlooking the New York harbor. They rededicated themselves to one another...for another 37 years and more. Their granddaughters, Allison and Guilia looked on with affection.

Their familiy and friends send an array of greetings to be read during their ceremony. From hilarious to sentimental to loving...these remarks were received with surprise, laughter, and tears from Liz and Geoff.




The Battery Garden folks brought out champagne and cupcakes. Just the right amount of sweetness and bubbly to puntuate the event! So it all worked out...the blizzard changed their event, but what happened was just right for them...beautiful, meaningful, and oh, so New York!

Brian Friedman was taking pictures of the ceremony and the champagne toasts. I watched him out of the corner of my eye as he recorded every detail. I can't wait to see his shots. Hope his professional touch makes the image of the Statue of Liberty come through the haze in the background. I know his eye will have certainly captured the spirit of this delightful couple from Sidney!

Ceremony Idea: When you have a "destination ceremony," try to bring in a connection to that which you treasure from back home...your flag, a stone from your garden, a picture of family...or like this couple did - have messages from family and friends read to you by your officiant.

Snapshots by Joe Laudicina


Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!