Amy and Matt selected me as their wedding officiant because they sensed I got how important it was to them to incorporate pieces of their diverse backgrounds into their wedding ceremony.
To honor Matt's Jewish heritage, the ceremony has several traditional elements. His parents both escorted him into the ceremonial space. The men in the wedding party held a chuppah over the bride and groom. I offered the couple seven blessings, and the groom broke the glass to the joyful response of "Mazel Tov!"
In a nod to Amy's Slovak and Eastern Orthodox background, the bride was to my right and the groom to my left during the ceremony, the more Christian staging. The Best Man and the Maid of Honor assisted me with the crowning ritual. Matt and Amy's crowns were made of ivy which symbolizes fidelity, commitment, and married love.
On the wedding day, the bride opted to have the ceremony inside Nicotra's Ballroom (Staten Island, NY), not outdoors in the gazebo. It was a wonderful decision on behalf of her guests to be in comfortable air-conditioned space for the ceremony. To not be wilting in the heat helped their guests fully listen to all the detailed aspects of this ceremony that Matt and Amy so carefully planned.
This couple met on match.com...and they are truly a match!
Ceremony Tip: When the children in the wedding party are young...especially younger than 5 years old, plan on having them sit with relatives in the front row after they enter. They will be happier...and so will you.
Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!
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