A Heartwarming Frozen Wedding

Deciding to have a themed wedding is a risk...it might be over the top, it might be seen as superflous, or it might just take over all common sense.  When Lisa Marie told me her wedding was going to have a Frozen theme, I admit I had my doubts.  It seemed like it could be appropriate however.  After all, it was winter, the film was full of beautiful things about love...and I did like Olaf.

As I created the ceremony, there was a minimum of Frozen "stuff."  I used the word to describe the dramatic outdoor view from the ceremony space at Nicotra's Ballroom...it was indeed frozen and beautiful.  I incorporated some lyrics from one of the movie's love songs to describe the couple's engagement moment.  But that was about it...just right.  Oh, I did use an Olaf sticker on the envelope containing a copy of their vows that they put in a box that had a bottle of champagne...a box to be opened on their first anniversary. 

The highlight of the ceremony was the duet sung by the bride's cousins.  They sang the song you'd know if you are a fan of Andrea Bocelli..."The Prayer."  It was a goose-bump-producing moment that set the tone for the serious exchange of vows.  This was not an amateur performance...they were pros.

Lisa Marie and Michael made promises to her son as well vows as to each other.  (After the ceremony, her 9 year old nephew came to me and asked for a copy of the promises.  He wanted his mother and step-father to make those promises to him.  Someone was listening!)

Ceremony Tip:
If you are using a theme in the wedding celebration, work with your officiant to get just the right balance between too cutesy and "just right" as you bring in the theme tino your ceremony.  I always like to connect the ceremony script with elements of the wedding...colors, words, the venue, etc.  It makes all that planning come together.  I can even wear something that gives a nod to the theme...like this icy blue silk top.

Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!

Holiday Wedding

 

A wedding during the holidays is a bonus bright moment among the festivities of the season.  Hillary and Vincent combined the colors and spirit of Christmas with their Dec. 26th wedding at Above where the ceremony space is breath-takingly beautiful. 

A major part of their ceremony was the involvement of children...their young sons and a couple other children of friends and family.  Children were a charming part of the procession with the infants entering in a decorated small carriage.  Some adult assistance was required as these children were quite young...but the image of the children making a ceremonial entrance made everyone smile.

The couple's older son held the rings and gave them to their parents when it came time for them to exchange rings. 

Toward the end of the ceremony, Hillary and Vincent did a sand ritual involving both their sons.  The ritual's symbolism was the melding of all four of them into a family as the sand from small vessels was poured into a single larger vessel. 

The son who is about six years old did a fine job...he's of an age when he could easily follow simple directions.  The infant son, held by his mother, had a natural curiosity about what was happening...so he reached for the small vessel of sand that represented him.  It was a chance happening...but it was beautiful.  He held the vessel with her as that sand was poured into a center "family " vessel.  I heard an "Ah!" from the guests.

 

Ceremony tip:  If you are involving children, what they do needs to be age appropriate as was the case in this ceremony.  You also have to be flexible in case the children are fussy or confused and don't want to participate.  Their presence and participation is lovely...especially when they are the children of the bride and groom.

 

So I wish Hillary and Vincent many happy holiday seasons to come...including the celebration of their wedding anniversary every Christmastime.



Julie Laudicina, Celebrant!