Be Mine, Valentine

Valentine's Day...perfect day for a wedding. This year I was honored to be asked to officiate at Jackie and Ken's ceremony at The Manor Restaurant. It was a lovely coincidence that Ken proposed to Jackie on Valentine's Day many years ago.

Surrounded by the friends and family who have supported their relationship for the last 19 years, they spoke their vows. These two pledeged their love with simplicity and clarity...from the heart.

Ken's brother and his wife arranged the ceremony and the dinner, welcomed guests, took the pictures, helped guest who were lost find the location, provided flowers (including a long stemmed rose for me and my husband...yes, both of us). It's a pleasure to come across such caring and lovely people.






Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

With this Chocolate, I Thee Wed

When I write wedding ceremonies as a civil wedding officiant, I try to create something unique for each ceremony. Couples often give me a hint of what would work for them...something they saw in a friend's wedding, a traditional wedding element from their background, or something they both really enjoy such as wine or travel.

It could even be chocolate! A shared piece of chocolate during the ceremony could symbolize the sweetness they will share over a lifetime or the passion they have for sharing all the wonders and delights of being together.

I met two chocolatiers, Sweet Sisters Chocolates, who have a wonderful line of wedding enhancements...all in chocolate. I really like these symbols of a bride and groom....just perfect for sharing in a wedding ceremony.

Hmmmmm....so sweet!

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Elegance All Around

It's a joy to be the wedding officiant for a couple who really know what they are doing...who have planned a wonderful celebration...and fully embrace the meaning of their wedding day. Megan and George's choices for their day focused on family, friends from near and far, and their love for one another. Somehow their choices all added up to "beautiful."

The ceremony, on the rooftop at Midtown Loft & Terrace, was filled with emotion and well-chosen words. Their sibliges as Best Man and Maid of Honor each did a literary reading. I told their love story...which illustrated the many ways in which Megan and George seemed destined to be together.


Even though this wedding was last September, it's still quite clear in my mind...gracious, elegant, and loving all around. I hope that day is still crystal clear in their minds and hearts too.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!