From One Generation to the Next

Aug sparked my interest when he called to find out if I was available to officiate at his wedding in two weeks. So I created their ceremony on rather short notice which is different from my usual way of operating.

Karen and Aug could have lived life as it was forever...but they were moved to make their long relationship legal when they learned that Karen's daughter was pregnant. Nothing like the coming of the next generation to give one pause to re-evaluate what is meaningful in one's life.

So several family and friends gathered at their home last Sunday. We needed lots of tissues to get through the ceremony, but the vows were spoken, their rings were warmed by all present, and everyone signed the keepsake certificate of marriage. Candles were lighted in honor of their parents and all the generations before them.

Life and love goes on...generation after generation.



Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Maine-ly It was Love

It was a first for me...serving as a wedding officiant in Maine. The groom is a friend of twenty years, so it was an honor to be the one that "tied the knot" for Todor and Heather.

My husband and I had been in Bar Harbor the week before this ceremony...as passengers on the Qeeen Mary 2. We strolled around the town and stopped at the Saltair Inn where this ceremony would be taking place. We were cheerily greeted by the innkeepers, Matt and Kristi. I got a sneak preview of the space where the ceremony would take place. It was easy to see why Todor and Heather were bringing their immediate families to this place for their wedding weekend.







For the ceremony, we managed to have everyone present do something...traditional ring bearer and flower girl, two readers for one reading...once in Serbian, once in English...the bride's brother-in-law gave the blessing, and everyone held the wedding rings before they were presented by the bride and groom to each other. And everyone wore something red!




The bride placed symbolic items on the mantel...a watch that had belonged to her grandmother and a lucky $2 bill. Around her bouquet of wheat she had a piece of tatting done by her mother. She also lit a candle in memory of her mother...and the light was a bright spot in the rather gray day on the Maine coast.

A champagne toast, a sip of 21 yr. old Scotch, and whoopie pies...a wonderful post-ceremony treat. As Todor served the Scotch, I noticed his Superman cufflinks. I always love symbolic gestures for weddings!

I've seen the pictures of this unusual wedding by their Rogier of Eager Eye Photography. His pictures captured the intimate nature of this wedding and the delight and love between Todor and Heather. (Just a note: The pictures on this blog were taken by my husband, Joe.)




Yes, they are tall!

Ceremony Tip: For a small family wedding, the meaning of the wedding ceremony words and rituals are enhanced when family participates. Heather and Todor carefully carved out roles for each sibling and each parent. It made for a joyfully teary event for all.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Sometimes Things Happen

At the last minute, the wedding officiant for Robert and Whitney could not be there. My friends on the Sales Staff at Nicotra's Ballroom at the Hilton Garden Inn on Staten Island called and asked if I could do their clients a favor...would I please do the ceremony. Without the support they consistently provide, I would have not taken on this work.

Fortunately my calendar was open, and I had just enough time to work with Robert and Whitney to personalize a ceremony for them. I wrote their love story, incorporated the readings they had already selected, recommended marriage vows, and wrote the ceremony's concluding blessings.

Their day arrived...sunny and warm for an autumn day...guest were seated, the procession went off perfectly. Who knew that this ceremony was all put together at the last minute!

Yes, sometimes things happen...and sometimes the solution works out just fine. I know Robert and Whitney were not disappointed in their wedding ceremony.

Ceremony Tip: Robert and Whitney chose several readings for their wedding ceremony. They asked three special relatives and friends to do the readings. These people did a wonderful job of conveying the meaning of the readings which added spiritual meaning for the couple. Choose your readings...and the readers...well.





Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Ten-Ten-Ten

Every year there is a significant date that many couples want to have for their wedding day. This year that much sought after date was 10-10-10. I had many inquiries for that date, and it was my good fortune to have been hired quite early on by this charming, creative, and fully involved couple. They are a "10"!

Rebecca and Benjamin began planning their wedding day last year, and I could see that they were interested in making the day meaningful and putting a piece of themselves into every detail. They provided quite valuable input to the design and content of their ceremony. Because of they made a conscious choice to make their ceremony symbolic in many ways, it was a wonderful beginning for their entire celebration...and their married life together.


Being raised in different faiths, they incorporated rituals that had meaning to them from their background and from their mutuals interests. They selected two different rituals that involved circling. To begin the ceremony, they circled each other seven time...symbolizing that each is the center of the universe to the other. Then at the end of the ceremony they did another seven circles, this time together. Adapted from a Hindu wedding ritual, these seven steps around a "flame" (candle) symbolized the marriage pledges the bride and groom made to each other. Along with the vows and rings, the steps also sealed the marriage bond between Benjamin and Rebecca. You can see them taking the last step in this picture.

Just to make the ceremony all the more breathtaking was the backdrop of the working New York harbor and the Statue of Liberty outside the windows of Battery Gardens. Natural lighting in this venue is so dramatic. The ceremony was book-ended by bright sunshine at the outset and the colorful sky of sunset as they were declared husband and wife. (Just had to use the word "book" in this blog for this librarian bride!)



By the way, next year's date is Friday, 11-11-11. Be sure to book your wedding early.

Ceremony Tip: There are many wedding rituals that involve movement. Some of them involve the bride and groom moving. Others have the guests moving. As you select your favorite ritual, make sure the staging of your ceremony provides the space you need to do these movements. Don't forget to allow for the bride's dress. Rebecca and Benjamin worked this out ahead of time to make certain there was just the right amount of space to do the "circling."

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

The Bitter and The Sweet Together

On a cool autumn evening, Chris and Nicole invited a small number of family and friends to join them to celebrate their marriage. The banquet room at Bocelli Restaurant in Staten Island was lighted in warm colors and the fall flowers added to the mood.

The ceremony was held in a circle - symbolizing the relationship of the bride and groom to each one in the room. They declared their marriage vows and exchanged wedding rings. Taking sips of both red and white wine, they symbolically pledged to take all that will come their way together...both the bitter and the sweet.



Ceremony Tip: If many of your guests are somewhat older and a bit skeptical about a non-religious wedding ceremony, take the time to talk to them about what this ceremony means to you and what your ceremony will include. Many of the older guests at this wedding said how impressed they were with this ceremony that they had been wondering about. A civil wedding can have meaning, a spiritual feeling, and a personal touch.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Intimate and Heartfelt

It was a cool but sunny Sunday afternoon when a small group of family and friends gathered at Il Castello Restaurant in Woodbridge, NJ, for the wedding of Tanique and Thomas. This formally decorated restaurant had just the right space and lighting to facilitate the feeling of intimacy for this ceremony.

At the appointed time, Thomas and Tanique stood before their guests and declared their vows and exchanged rings. Thomas' daughter held the rings and presented them at the appropriate moment. The ceremony included the signing of the license and keepsake marriage certificate for all to witness.



Upon the declaration they were married, there was applause and cheering. And all present came forward to congratulate the newlyweds.

Ceremony Tip: This ceremony did not have a procession or recession. That added informality to the wedding, but it also reflected the wishes of the couple that their ceremony not be too stuffy. Beginning and ending the ceremony without a formal procession or recession works best if it is a small gathering.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Celebrating in Style

Amy and Tim gathered a large group of relatives and friends for their wedding ceremony at The Grand Marquis in Old Bridge, NJ. Grandmother, parents, siblings, fellow fire-fighters, friends of all ages, and even their little dog...all present to celebrate their wedding.

The ceremony included their love story, original vows, the exchange of rings, and a rose ritual. All of this took place in a lovely ceremony setting in this catering venue.

Before the wedding, I watched as the venue knocked down the set-up for a bar mitzvah in the afternoon and transformed the room into a stunning setting for a wedding. It was a one hour miracle! So the next time you attend an event, take a moment to appreciate all the behind-the-scenes work that folks did to make a wonderful celebration for their clients.












Ceremony Tip: If your wedding ceremony is going to be in a large venue that may hold several events on your wedding day, work with them to make sure your schedule meshes realistically with their work load. For example, if you plan on having a walk through at the site on the day of the wedding...make sure your room will be available or there is some other provision for a day-off rehearsal.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Love with Accents of Blue

UK citizens Lyn and Mark started interviewing their wedding vendors last year on a visit to New York. They returned in the spring to make final arrangements. Each time I met them, we worked hard, made good decisions, and had great fun. We became friends.

So it was a special for me to officiate at their wedding on the rooftop terrace at Kitano New York. The weather was wonderful, their guests from around the world were excited, and Mark and Lyn saw all their careful planning come together just as they hoped it would.

In their ceremony I told their love story, they included two readings, and they used traditional vows. Like wedding ceremonies in the UK, they signed the legal documents as part of the ceremony.

Most of us at the wedding wore some shade of blue in honor of Mark's favorite football/soccer team. Come to think of it, I never did ask him the name of the team!

It was a surprise and pleasure to cross paths again with photographer Brian Friedman. He is truly fine person in addition to being a skilled and artistic photographer. I like that he respects his clients so much. I think that his respect and affection for them as people makes for great photographs. Here are a couple of his pictures from this wedding.











Ceremony Idea: You don't have to have your wedding party stand with you during the ceremony. You can see in the picture at the top of this post that the wedding party was seated in the front row. This freed up space for the bride and groom in a rather narrow area. And it nicely placed the focus where it should be...on Mark and Lyn!

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Centerstage at the Cherry Lane Theatre

Beth and Patrick wanted a simple and meaningful wedding ceremony. They wanted their closest family and friends around them, and they wanted it to be a real "Manhattan" day.

So they arranged for their ceremony to be in the West Village on the stage at the famous Cherry Lane Theatre, the oldest continuously operating off-Broadway theatre in New York. Recent renovations made the space inviting, and the stage was just the perfect size for them to be surrounded by their guests for the ceremony.

Because they come from different faiths, they wanted a ceremony that was reverent, but not denominational. We opened with a moment of silence during which I invited everyone to become spiritually present for the ceremony. The two sets of parents did a reading in unison, and the bride and groom wrote their own vows.

As I do for many small and intimate ceremonies, I had their wedding rings passed to all present...to imbue them with symbolic warmth and good wishes for the couple.

After breaking the glass at the end of the ceremony, it was time for a few pictures and then off to lunch at a restaurant next door to the theatre. From my perspective, this was indeed a "Manhattan" wedding!

Ceremony Idea: Having a small group of guests offers flexibilty as your work with your officiant to design your ceremony. You can probably find ways to involve all present. Your family can be physically very close to you. You can be informal as you like...loved that Patrick didn't wear a tie! You can take time with the elements of the ceremony that mean the most to you.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

They Came From New Zealand

My first contact with the groom Stuart was a telephone call from New Zealand...yes, New Zealand!

Stuart and Sarah wanted to know if I could perform their wedding ceremony on the top of the Empire State Building because Sarah always wanted to do that after having seen "Sleepless in Seattle." I explained that the Empire State Building is only open for weddings on Valentines Day..and would Central Park do?

They agreed and then sent the information I needed to write their ceremony. They liked the first draft of the ceremony...so we were set to go. They called me from the road between California and New York to confirm they had actually arrived in the US.

With four friends and a proudly displayed NZ flag, Stuart and Sarah were married in Central Park by the Bethesda Fountain. There were several intimate and emotional moments...as they exchanged vows and wedding rings.


I think Sarah was pleased with her New York City wedding. And their limo driver whisked them all off to go to the top of the Empire State Building after the ceremony to recreate the spirit of Sarah's dream of being at that spot on her wedding day.

Ceremony Tip: If you are thinking of a destination wedding ceremony in New York City, know there are many options for an outdoor ceremony at an iconic spot...Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge, and Battery Park to name a few. But do check that the place you have in mind is one that is not closed to ceremonies (even small and short ones).

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

The Timing was Right

Megan and Phil met on the Jersey Shore many years ago. Their paths crossed now and then, but one or the other was always involved with someone else. A couple years ago they ran into each other at a diner, and this time neither was involved. They started dating and made up for lost time with newly discovered romance. This was long overdue, and they are quite a match!

Their wedding ceremony was at Island Chateau, a one-event-at-a-time venue on Staten Island. You can't find more client-focused management and staff! I also observed the respectful and careful work of their photographer, Angel, of Photography Elite Inc.

Just before the ceremony, the couple and their witnesses gathered in a private room to sign the license and keepsake certificate. It was a quiet moment in the midst of excitement that helped all of us focus our emotions and thoughts on the ceremony to follow.

While Megan was beautiful, especially in a bridal crown worn by her mother and her aunt in their weddings, it was Phil and his entourage who definitely stole the show with their unusual tuxedos and cool hats. Somehow, these suits were made for these charming and exhuberant men!


Ceremony Tip: Don't forget to schedule time for the signing of your marriage license on your wedding day. It only takes a couple minutes - but it is a significant part of the ceremonial things you do that day. Determine who your witnesses will be ahead of time and formally ask them..it is an honor you bestow on them. Decide if you want to have photographs of this moment. Be sure to give your parents the opportunity to be present. Another option is to sign the documents during the ceremony.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Loves Makes it REAL

Andrea and Phil arrived on foot for their wedding ceremony in the Ladies Pavilion in the Hernshead area of Central Park. This lacy ironwork structure is just the right size for an intimate ceremony...just the bride and groom...and me.

Phil was quite dapper...decked out in his formal wear. And Andrea's lovely silk dress with the hemline ringed with flowers was a knock-out. I'm not a fasion maven, but they were delightfully gorgeous on their wedding day. As the Brits would say..."Simply loverly."

But they were rather quiet, reflective, and a bit tearful during the ceremony. Glad I had some tissue...and pleased that their ceremony was so meaningful to them.

I wish them the best as they go back home to London for a couple parties with family and friends, and then off to Croatia for their honeymoon.

Now I can't wait to see the photographs their photographer,Brian Friedman,took. I keep checking his blog everyday...let's see them soon, Brian, because I know they will be stunning.




Ceremony idea: Consider picking a reading from chidren's literature...something that has had meaning from when you first read it. Phil and Andrea picked a passage from The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams...a passage about becoming REAL when you are loved.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Podcast about Tina and Paul's Wedding Vendors

Photo by TimothyGlenn Photographers

As part of a project by the NJ Chapter of the American Bridal Consultants organization, I volunteered my services, along with other wedding vendors, to a bride and groom last June. The bride has Stage IV breast cancer, so their wedding was a wonderful day in their lives which are so deeply impacted by her illness.

You can hear my voice on a podcast by Wedding Podcast Network. This program was a recap of what this wedding was like for us who provided products and services. My part of the podcast is in the second half of the program.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

An Auspicious Day to Get Married

After doing many wedding ceremonies in Central Park, finally...finally a couple took my suggestion of having their ceremony by Bethesda Fountain. It is such an iconic location...there's covering if it rains...you can see the beauty of the park as well as the skyline of the city...it's just lovely.

Mark and Linda, along with family and friends from Australia, Germany, and the US, celebrated their wonderful love story in their wedding ceremony. They met on Melbourne Cup Day 2008, got engaged on Melbourne Cup Day in 2009...and then decided to get married in NYC on...well, no it wasn't Melbourne Cup Day 2010. But it was the first day of school, Fashion Week, the eve of Rosh Hashanah, and the U.S Open was into the finals. So their wedding date was a big day here.

We did the ceremony on a grassy hill somewhat away from the fountain area because there was a persistent saxaphone player whose music we thought wasn't exactly the music the bride and groom wanted. But the observant musician won our hearts when he played "Here Comes The Bride" as the bride and groom kissed. Only in New York!

Thank you, Georgie and Paul, for recommending me to Mark and Linda. It's good to know I have friends in Brisbane.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

A Wedding Journey - West Coast to East Coast

Until we have marriage equality in this country, same-sex couples find they have to be creative about how to get married, and Deirdre and Claire were very creative. They had a wedding ceremony at the foot of Mt. Baker, WA, with their West Coast friends and family in July. Then the journey came to the East Coast last Sunday with a gathering of East Coast family and friends.

It was my honor to lead a ceremony at The Lake Club on Staten Island. In the ceremony, Claire and Deirdre removed their wedding rings and passed them among all the guests for their blessings. They put the rings in a handmade box (by Claire for Deirdre for their first Christmas), and they took the box to Connecticut the next day for their legal marriage.

Deirdre's brother gave an equally emotional and rational toast in support of marriage rights, which was followed by words I read from a Massachusetts court decision. From Justice Marshall:

... Civil marriage is at once a deeply personal commitment to another human being and a highly public celebration of the ideals of mutuality, companionship, intimacy, fidelity, and family.... The decision whether and whom to marry is among life's momentous acts of self-definition.

It is undoubtedly for these concrete reasons, as well as for its intimately personal significance, that civil marriage has been long termed a ‘civil right.’ Without the right to choose to marry, one is excluded from the full range of human experience.

I congratulate Deirdre and Claire for their "momentous act of self-definition" by marrying each other. May there come a time soon when all American can marry the person they choose.




Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Wedding in the Gazebo

Bevin and Eric enjoyed the presence of their closest family and friends at their wedding ceremony in the dramatic gazebo at Nicotra's Ballroom at The Hilton Garden Inn.

Eric proposed to Bevin on a moonlit night in a sandy beach in St. Lucia. To link their wedding ceremony with their engagement night...they included a ritual with sand in their wedding ceremony. In this ritual, they poured two colors of sand into a glass vase. The colors of the sand matched the colors of their wedding, blue and green. As the two colored sands mingled, so too do the lives of this bride and groom. The photo below shows the sand after the ceremony at the reception.



Ceremony Tip: For a summer day, consider having your ceremony in the late morning. Bevin and Eric were rather comfortable in the late morning shade inside the gazebo. We all had "cool heads" during this ceremony.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Tenth Anniversary - Vows Renewed

Wendy and Darren were married ten years ago by a castle in England where they live. They graced NYC with their presence here to celebrate their 10th Anniversary and renew their marriage vows in Central Park.

They held their wedding rings over their hearts as they pledged their undying love anew. With sweetness in their voices, some tears of joy in their eyes, and with clear love and devotion to each other, they now enter the second decade of their marriage.

Ceremony Idea: For a vow renewal ceremony, remove your wedding rings to you can re-present them to your spouse again...with renewed words of love and commitment. Hold your rings over your heart when you declare your new vows.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Morning Wedding in the Rose Garden

It was early morning - the time when the Brooklyn Botanical Garden opens just for wedding ceremonies. We gathered at one entrance and walked together to the rose garden. There under a wonderfully shady pergola, Meghan and John said their vows.

Over Meghan's shoulder I saw another couple I'd married about four years ago...with their two beautiful young daughters. It's not often I get to see how my couples develop into families.

Of course, the other distinguishing aspect of this gathering is that John is a tattoo artist -so body art was everywhere. Each tattoo seemed to fit the person. The designs were intricate and full of care and symbolism. You can see John's work under his artist name - Mohawk John.

When John proposed to Meghan, he tattoed "will you marry me" on his knee. Meghan's tattoed her response just below that tattoo. I like that his fingers have tattoos that read "Stay True." That's a marriage formula that I hope works for them.


Ceremony Tip: Early morning (after 9 a.m.) ceremonies in the Brooklyn Botanical Garden are quiet and private. There are several options for dramatic settings, the garden is not open to the public yet, and the permit is not outrageously expensive.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Equal Partners in Life

When I arrived for Carlos and Deborah's wedding, I saw a couple I had married four yers ago installing and decorating the chupah for this wedding. We barely had time to greet each other as they hustled to complete this labor of love for her friend, the bride. I enjoyed watching them work as a team...a good marriage, I'd say!

Carlos and Deborah began the ceremonial portion of their wedding celebration with a private signing ceremony...signing the Ketubah and the NYC marriage license. With only their parents and two witnesses present, Carlos and Deborah read the promises written on the Ketubah in unison to each other...promises made as "equal partners in life."

Then the public ceremony began with a traditional procession highlighted by the arrival of three angel-like flower girls. The ceremony included readings, vows, exchange of rings, lighting a unity candle, and the traditional breaking of the glass. Throughout, the towering Carlos was attentive and serious, and Deborah was smiling and delighted.

Check out their unique Staten Island venue...great for a medium sized wedding (50-70 guests)..Little Shop Studios.

Ceremony Tip:
Carlos and Deborah asked me to begin the ceremony with a moment of silence...a moment for guests and the wedding party to take a deep breath, leave the nerve-wracking pressure of wedding preparation behind, and become mentally "present" for the ceremony. I recommend this idea. I noticed that the silence served as a catalyst for focusing the wedding party and the guests on the here and now. The bride and groom seemed relaxed and ready to participate in their ceremony with clear heads.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Everything's Up to Date in New York City

After a heartfelt serenade from one of their friends that told of "the long and broken road that lead me straight to you"...Tom and Lori spoke their vows and exchanged rings. It was a metaphorical long road that lead them from their Kansas City home to one of their favorite destinations - New York City - for their wedding day.

The ceremony took place on the rooftop of the Midtown Loft & Terrace...with views of the city in all four directions. It was warm (well, HOT) and breezy as their guests heard their love story, two appropriate readings, and the music from a string quartet.

This was the first time in one of my ceremonies that the bride got two rings...one for each side of her engagement ring. So I had the groom say some "I give you his ring" words twice.

It was my pleasure to work on this wedding with the wedding planners at Juliet Events. They kept me informed and they gave me lovely compliments on the first draft of the ceremony script. Thank you, Alida and Angela.

I'm always fascinated by wedding photographers...just when you think there isn't possibly another creative shot...you see them doing something unusual and cool. Check out the blog for this wedding by the talented team from NicoleMarie.


After the ceremony, it was cocktails on the roof as the sun set to the west and the lights of the Empire State building came on...the signal to start the celebration!

Ceremony Tip: Destination weddings are not easy to arrange. You may not know typical prices here, and you may be concerned about how to mesh NYC culture wity yours. Tom and Lori came to NYC a couple times to meet with their planner and vendors. My meeting with them was a huge benefit to me as it facilitated my getting to know what they wanted in their ceremony more clearly and deeply than we could have done just by email. I think their ceremony was greatly enhanced because we had some "face time" well before their wedding day.


Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Paul and Tina's Wedding

It was my honor to officiate at the wedding of Paul and Tina at the Monmouth Battlefield State Park, and here's why. The NJ Chapter of the Association of Bridan Consultants recruited several of us wedding service providers to donate our products and services for this couple. While Tina had encountered some problems making arrangements for her wedding, the most compelling elements of her story is that she is courageously battling Stage IV breast cancer.

You might think it would be difficult to create a personal wedding ceremony for a couple in this situation, but Tina and Paul joyfully shared their hopes and dreams with us all as we prepared for their wedding. With their openness about their love story, they made it easy for me to create a wedding ceremony tailored just for them.

Their photographer Timothy Glenn captured the spirit of the day beautifully. I used his photographs for this blog...thank you! If you read his blog on this wedding, he did a wonderful job of acknowledging all the vendors who participated in this wedding.

There were flowers for the wedding party and to decorate the ceremony space in the park. There was relaxing music before the ceremony, and loud and joyful music for the reception. The printed materials were elegant and beautiful. And all throughout the day there was the caring support of wedding planners from The Finishing Touch. Everything seemed to come together as a gift from the heart from all of us for Tina and Paul.

Just as I was leaving the cocktail hour, I heard the D.J. announce what would have been the bride and groom's first dance...but this was different. Paul serenaded his bride...he had a stunning powerful singing voice, and his message to Tina was of his unconditional love for her and all that is to come in their life together. I was blown away, and of course in tears.

Click here for a write up of this wedding in the Asbury Park Press.



Ceremony Tip: Tina did not want to enter her wedding ceremony in a wheelchair. We spent time brainstorming options for Tina...and one was found. The solution to this problem was found at a store that rents "props" for international weddings, specifically Indian weddings. So the men in the wedding party carried Tina in a sedan-like chair. Don't think there is any unsolvable situation for your ceremony...engage your professionals, and we'll come up with a creative solution.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

First Wedding Ceremony at the NYPL

Avery and Will consciously chose to be surrounded by books and immortal words for their wedding ceremony...as symbolic of the seriousness of declaring their marriage vows. So, appropriately, the setting was the third floor rotunda of the New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street.

The music was devine...thank you, Steven and La Belle Musique, Inc. The florist created arrangements that were in scale for this grand venue...and with a subtle, elegant color palate. The entire design of the wedding celebration, it's execution with a very high degree of professionalism, and ultimate magic all around was husbanded (nice word for a wedding blog, no?) by Francesca, of Francesca Events.



The NYPL staff member who heads their special events department told me this was the first wedding ceremony at the main library. Note that a major requirement of weddings held at the NYPL is that the ceremony be exclusively a civil one...no religious references or rituals.


Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

It Translates to Love

Bernd and Anna bring at least three languages to their marriage...American, German, and Russian. Then layer their cherished religious backgrounds, Jewish and Lutheran, and you have a wonderful cultural and spiritual melange.

At Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn, their parents witnessed a ritual-filled ceremony that gave a nod to their backgrounds...lighting a unity candle, blessing the challah bread, and breaking the glass. It was all joyful!

To engage the various family and guests, two translators worked side by side with me to speak portions of the ceremony in the language guests would understand...one in German and one in Russian.

This physician and university professor are blessed with good fortune and strong family ties...Mazeltov and Viel Gluck!

Ceremony Tip: Here are the bridesmaids after the ceremony...wilted. Don't forget to think about the ambiance of your ceremony location when you make your plans. If it could rain, or be hot or cold, or noisy...prepare for the worst case scenario and you will be glad you did. And yes, I wilted too!





Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

It was HOT HOT HOT at Chacala NY!

For a very urban couple, it was a very sophisticaged urban wedding setting - Chacala NY, a trendy cool party space just south of Canal Street on Broadway. The ceremony began with the procession of their rather large wedding party...who formed a horseshoe shaped backdrop for the Devin and Natalie who stood with me in the center.

Afternoon sun beamed in on the couple...and it was hot...sweaty hot for us all. But their love story was told, vows were declared, and rings exchanged. The groom wrote to me, "Everyone thought you were a hit, and your ceremony was one of the brightest moments of our wedding."

I was intrigued by the pictures their photographer set up in the alley behind Chacala NY.




Ceremony Tip: Natalie and Devin's love story, a 2-3 minute portion of the ceremony, had humor and detail about their romance. For some couples, the thought of having their love story told is daunting. But the response to this ceremony from the family and other guests is one piece of proof that this is an aspect of a celebrant-officiated ceremony that really makes the day unique and memorable.

Julie Laudicina,Celebrant!

Resort Wedding

For the family and the wedding party, it was like a destination wedding without the airplane ride. Garrett and Kimberly's wedding at Crystal Springs Resort near Vernon, NJ, was like going to another place...sunny skies, long mountain vistas, dramatic architecture.


Ceremony Tip: Kimberly and Garrett incorporated a wine ritual in their ceremony to compliment the wine theme of their reception. Each of them picked out a bottle of wine they thought the other would like. I prepared a keepsake copy of their marriage vows. The wine and the vows were placed in a wooden box during the ceremony. The box will be sealed and then opened on their Firth Anniversary. This ritual tied the ceremony to their reception theme, and it provides a link from this day to a special day in their future. "The Wine in the Box" is something for them to look forward to, a reminder of their beautiful wedding day out in the hills of New Jersey.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!