The Scottich Lass and her Irish Sweetheart

Gemma and Gary's paths crossed when they were school-age kids, but they didn't really connect until they chatted each other up in a Belfast bar queue.  To their amazement, this started a unexpected and  delicious romance.  They became engaged in Paris, and they chose to get married in New York City.

Their ceremony was at Cop Cot in Central Park, the park's largest rustic structure.  It's Scottish name means something like little house on the crest of the hill.  This was the first time I officiated at a wedding there that it was not raining or had just rained.  The jinx is broken!

I worked with Gary and Gemma over the past year...incorporating the several ideas and readings they wanted into appropriate spots in their ceremony script.  They involved Gemma's uncle, handsome in his Scottish kilt, and her friend Bernie as readers. 

 

I suspect their parents didn't know what to expect from a US celebrant officiating at this wedding.  After the ceremony they tearfully expressed their delight with the ceremony and their surprise, I think, that it was filled with meaning....even so far from home.

Once again, it was a pleasure to work with their photographer, Brian Friedman, on this wedding.  I got a glimpse of his post-ceremony shots in Facebook...creative, unusual, captivating...and even a big edgy. 

With the melody of  "Empire State of Mind,"  Gemma and Gary were declared husband and wife.  Their NYC marriage license in hand, they left the park...married and smiling.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
julielaudicina@msn.com