As their wedding officiant, I worked with Diane and Michael to write their wedding ceremony in a way that would reflect their interests and values. They were drawn together by a mutual interest in books, and they took care to select the readings for their ceremony. One they especially liked is by Alice Walker who described marriage as two people who do not melt into one, but rather two persons becoming a "council of equals...the beautiful two."
As these words were read, it was symbolic that Michael and Diane stood on a mosaic depicting cranes...a beautiful twosome of birds who mate for life. Surrounding the cranes were symbolic interlocking circles...maybe wedding rings! This mosaic is visible in this picture of their ceremony at the Chinese Scholar's Garden in Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island.
The celebration following the ceremony was at The Noble Maritime Collection, a familiar place for me having worked there some years ago. Michael's company had done the electrical work on our family room renovation, and I know Diane from our work on a planning committee for an annual Staten Island business women's conference. It's not often I have so much connection with a couple outside of their wedding ceremony itself.
For their reception, they had a great live band, and wonderful food, featuring treats from Diane's homestate of Maine...all catered divinely by Framboise. I rarely stay for a reception...this one I couldn't miss! And what did they give for favors as we left...yes, books!
Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
Wedding Officiant for the wedding ceremony that is about you
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