Autumn in New York

Shayla and Ryan came from Kentucky to get married in Central Park. The wedding, originally scheduled for Saturday (a gray and rainy day), was postponed until Sunday. That was a great decision because Sunday was one of those Top 10 weather days in Manhattan.

The couple picked the rocky lakeside by the Ladies Pavillion for their ceremony. With the backdrop of the Manhattan skyline, they exchanged vows and rings, and their four friends, who were sharing their NYC weekend, applauded with the couple's kiss at the end of the ceremony.

Ryan is about to be deployed by a private corporation to support US military efforts in Afghanistan. So Shayla and Ryan have about a month for their "honeymoon" and then they face real life...married but separated for the near future.

I can't wait to see the photographs their Lux Photos photographer,Yura,took. It was such a picturesque place that I will recommend it in the future to couples who want to get married in Central Parl.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Inspiration from Sculpture

This dramatic sculpture by J. Seward Johnson is located at a park in the Washington DC area. It is titled "The Awakening." The couple I married last Saturday were engaged by this sculpture.

Because it had meaning to them, I referred to this image in my remarks...likening the awakening of this person breaking through to the surface of the earth to the awakening of love for each other in their hearts.

The setting for their ceremony was also dramatic...the Manhattan Penthouse on Fifth Avenue and 14th Street. With view of the city from three directions, the family and friends of Lesley-Jane and Brad witnessed them exchange vows.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Fall...In Love

Yesterday the morning rain and grey skies gave way to a sunny autumn afternoon...so that Joni and Alex's wedding did take place in the newly refurbished garden at Nicotra's Ballroom - The Hilton Garden Inn. The folks at the Staten Island Hilton have created new and lovely photogenic gardens to accompany their stately gazebo for weddings.

Joni and Alex's adult children supported their parents in the wedding ceremony. Alex's twin daughters gave the invocation, Joni's son escorted her down the aisle, and her daughter sang a beautiful solo. Another of Joni's daughters was the Maid of Honor, and her daughter-in-law did a reading. Joni and Alex wrote their vows...loving words that came straight from their hearts.

The ceremony was literally accompanied by the keyboard talents of John Rotante, a recommended musician for Hilton Garden Inn weddings. John is not only versatile, he is nuanced and easy-on-the ears as a piano stylist. He provided music for the ceremony as well as for the cocktail hour yesterday.

With seasonal colors in the flowers and a bit of autumnal crispness in the air, Joni and Alex had their day...a day to fall in love all over again.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!