Well Matched

Jodi and Mark met on an online dating service, and the matching algorythm was right on target. They are well matched to begin the second half of their lives together.

Their closest family and friends joined them at a Spigola Ristaurante in Hamilton Township, NJ, where I was their wedding officiant. (Yes, I didn't really understand it was so far away when they hired me...but I was glad I was their celebrant!)

After a generous cocktail hour, their guests took their seats for the ceremony. The wedding party and I were really right in the middle of their guests...quite intimate.

A memorial candlie was lighted, their selected reading was read, the vows and rings were exchanged...it was just right for them. At one point Mark gently removed Jodi's glasses, ones she'd put on to read a prayer when she lit the memorial candle with her mother and sister. It was such a sweet gesture. Later she did a spontaneous gesture when she kissed his hand just after they exchanged rings. Two really lovely moments I will always remember.


Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Garden Wedding for Outdoor Lovers

When she called to inquire about my services, I asked Katie the name of the groom. "Cody," she said. My neighbor has a nephew Cody, a somewhat unusual name, and sure enough...it was the same Cody. the kid I'd seen at family events next door over the years...now all grown up!

Their wedding ceremony was at Snug Harbor's Tuscan Garden, a relatively new wedding venue on Staten Island. Their wedding party was large...involving their close family and friends...Cody's "posse," small nieces and nephews...it was wonderful.


When I told their love story mentioned their love of outdoors as being one of the things that brought them together. I described Cody's proposal...a lovely dinner, flowers, soft music, wine...and a dance together to music he'd especialy selected. Theirs was quite a romantic story.

It was fun for me to see Cody's aunts, uncles, and cousins in the audience. I usually don't see faces I know during a wedding ceremony. Here are my neighbors!

Ceremony Tip: Yes, it's about kids again! Young kids (4-5 yrs.and younger)in your wedding party don't understand the ceremony...how long it will take, where they are supposed to stand and be sort of still and quiet...what's being said. They want to move around, go to the bathroom, get out of their uncomfortable outfits, etc. You get the picture. Don't set yourself up for frustration...just designate someone not in the wedding party to be a kid helper when they need to just get out of hearing range. Katie and Cody's "kids" were great...but they lucked out!

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Keep Calm and Carry On

Two major life milestones to celebrate...a 30th Anniversary and a 50th Birthday. What better way than to come to New York City from Wales to celebrate.

Sue and Mal met me under the portico at Bethesda Fountain in Central Park. They had scouted out the park the day before, and they selected Wagner Cove for their vow renewal ceremony location. The skies were threatening, but their photographer suggested we could probably make it before the rain. Well, we didn't. We were caught in a major 20 minute thunderstorm. Against all common sense, we huddled under a large tree that we hoped would be unnoticed by the lightening strikes. Finally the strorm let up a bit and we walked over to Wagner Cove.

If ever the phrase meant something...Keep Calm and Carry On...it was for this ceremony. With great love in their eyes, Mal and Sue renewed their vows and rededicated their wedding rings...and many of their friends and family sent good wishes which I read to them.

The rain presisted throughout the ceremony, but they acknowledged it was kind of a metaphor for their marriage...especially when the sun came out just as the ceremony ended.



My husband Joe and I, both soaked to the skin, walked over to The Loeb Boathouse Restaurant for a well deserved drink!

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!