Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Matrimony on Monday

It is a rare thing for me to officiate at a Monday wedding, but Ann Marie and Glenn chose a Monday evening for their wedding ceremony and dinner at The Marina Cafe overlooking Great Kills harbor on Staten Island.  There was so much excitement and celebration in that room that it just didn't seem like a Monday.  So it proves you can get married on any day of the week!

As Glenn and Ann Marie they heard their love story being told and then a lyrical reading, they were flanked by their children...her three daughters and his two sons.  After the vows and ring exchange, these adult children each read a piece of advice for a successful marriage.  One of the quotes was from Oliver Wendell Holmes:
Love is not a matter of counting the years: it is making the years count.



Glenn and Ann Marie, I wish you all the best!  So glad you found me to be your wedding officiant.



Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
julielaudicina@msn.com

Back Home Party is Over

I promised not to post pictures of a summer wedding for which I was the wedding officiant...one held in Cop Cot in Central Park....until now.  Here are pictures of Lorna and Matt's happy day.


The photographer, Brian Friedman, and I promised to not blog about this wedding until Lorna and Matt had their wedding party back home.  She wanted to keep her wedding dress under wraps, so to speak.  So now they are home...their party is over...and I'm delighted to post a few pictures from the magical lens of Brian Friedman.  Thank you, Brian, for letting me use these images.

 
 Lorna's step dad missed his answer to my question - "Who presents this woman to be married?"  As you can see, it provided a moment of enjoyable laughter to ease the nerves at the start of the ceremony.
 
Lorna included a broach in her bouquet...in memory of one of Matt's grandmothers...nice sentimental touch.
 



This was a destination wedding to remember...a real NYC experience for Matt and Lorna.  Thank you, Lisa, from iPlanNewYork.



Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
julielaudicina@msn.com

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Coles & Christopher

Coles and Christopher...sounds like a law firm.  But it's a lovely couple who found love at work...and made it work!

They live in Monmouth County NJ...so they decided to get married at one of their favorite restaurants, Salt Creek Grille in Rumson.  Overlooking the water, their guests heard their love story.  Her sons did a terrific job of a reading by Dr. Seuss...they were pros!  Vows, rings, kiss...it all came together as the late afternoon sun shone on them.



Of course, I had to check out the bride's shoes...this year's latest fashion accent for brides. 


Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
julielaudicina@msn.com

Everybody Loves Cop Cot


Cop Cot is a funny sounding name for the largest and oldest rustic structure in Central Park in New York City.  It is a favorite spot for couples from around the world who come here for their destination wedding.

Lorna and Matt got married here a few days ago.  With their twenty plus family and friends from around the world, their ceremony began in unexpected sunshine.  I tied the couple to this structure with its Scottish name by recalling Matt's Scottish-born grandfather.  Lorna had a brooch from another grandparent in her bouquet.  Uncle Mike read a humous piece likening love to owning a dog...a nod to Lorna and Matt's dog Charley.

Vows were spoken, rings exchanges, tears of joy from parents and friends...and at last the kiss!

Then they were off in with wonderful photographer Brian Friedman to take pictures at iconic NYC sites.  Have fun in the checker cab with the Union Jack flying! Cheerio!

Now you won't see pictures of this ceremony or the couple.  Lorna requested no pix on the internet until they have their party back home in Manchester, UK...wants to keep her dress a secret.  I'm doing my part here!

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
julielaudicina@msn.com