Sunday, June 13, 2010

Christine and Frank’s wedding at Heckscher Park in Islip

I have a working relationship with Pastor Mike Cassara, and this wedding was one that he couldn’t do. It worked out nicely, because I could, and it was a lot of fun. I don’t remember being at Hechscher Park before, so I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a pretty, calming place. (I think I felt my blood pressure going down.) Christine and Frank married under a small bunch of trees - perfect, since it was a hot day, and about 50 friends and family members, including adults and children, gathered to celebrate with them. Later, everyone walked to a large tent nearby for their reception. The venue suited the couple and their friends who were relaxed, and dressed for the day - and you could see some of the young girls who were present imagining wedding days of their own. I was glad to meet photographer Matthew Turri, who was busy taking pictures, and who has recently moved to this area. (This photo is one of his.) Christine and Frank, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day. I wish you many years of happiness.

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Christine and Robert’s wedding at the Lawrence Country Club

Couples find me in many different ways. Brides who are on The Knot or Long Island Weddings will definitely find me there. Others have done a simple google search - (and found me on the first page of results!).  Sometimes the groom has done a search on Craig’s list, and sometimes one of my happy couples has referred the couple to me. That way is a particularly nice way to begin - bringing back memories for me and giving the couple more confidence right from the start. This time though it was none of those things. This time, Robert, who is a policeman, was in Starbucks - a regular stop, and was talking to my son Andrew about getting married to Christine. Andrew told him what I do, he called me, and the next thing you know, I was performing their wedding. I met with Christine and Robert ahead of time to make plans specific to them, and by the time of the ceremony, we had the feeling that we knew each other. That’s always the goal. I don’t know, but when I was leaving, it seemed to me that the look on Robert’s face said, “I didn’t think it would be this nice.” I hope that was it - exceeding expectations is also one of the goals. Anyway, Christine and Robert, may your union and life together be blessed - and Robert - be careful out there - and say “hi” to Andrew. I’m sure you see him more than I do.  :-)

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Sam and Chris’ wedding at Fort Tyron in Washington Heights, Manhattan

I married Alison at Tavern on the Green in Central Park (something you can’t do any more - or at least not now), and a year later she recommended me to Chris - her work mate in the UK. Sam (Samantha) and Chris came on a warm June day to be married at Linden Terrace in Fort Tyron.  The views are “commanding” (Wikipedia) and include the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge, and the Harlem River. The wedding was an intimate gathering of family and friends, mostly if not all from the UK, and the custom ceremony was personal, brief, and (of course) beautiful. Here’s what Sam had to say later, “We just wanted to send you our heartfelt thanks for the wonderful ceremony you did for us on June 2nd in Fort Tryon Park. It truly was a lovely service and our guests couldn't have been more complimentary about the service and choice of words. It really was an amazing day, so thank you so much for the major part you played in making our wedding day so very special.  Should anyone we know opt to marry in New York, we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you.” Thanks guys. I’m glad that your trip to our side of the pond was worth it!  (Photo thanks to photographer Guy Heart.)

Saturday, May 08, 2010

Luis and Mercy’s wedding at Arthur Ashe Stadium

My work takes me to the predictable places for weddings - catering halls, the beach, the park, private homes, churches - and then sometimes the venue is more unique and surprising. Luis and Mercy, and pretty much everyone in their wedding party, are really big tennis fans. Their dream was to be married at Center Court in Arthur Ashe Stadium - and they became the first couple in the history of the stadium in Flushing to do just that! We had a windy day (notice my hair), and the court was ripped up for repairs, but none of it dampened anyone’s enthusiasm. The stadium is beautiful, and next time I’d like to do this with the stands full. Luis and Mercy, thanks for making me a part of your wedding day. May God bless you and your union, and may your backhand be impeccable.
 

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Vow Renewal Ceremonies on Long Island

Maybe at times you've thought about renewing your marriage vows. It can be a very beautiful and meaningful thing - sometimes as much so, or even more than at your wedding, when you were distracted (!) and before you had spent years together as a married couple. If you don't have a minister, priest or rabbi of your own these days, I can help you do whatever you have in mind. Call me anytime.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

The Magic in Central Park Weddings

A wedding in Central Park presents special challenges (walking in heels to the location, the possibility of bad weather, etc.), but a Central Park wedding can also add another dimension to whatever your great plans are already for your wedding ceremony. Usually the park is filled with people of all kinds (tourists, true New Yorkers, bikers and runners, people with dogs, kids) - and almost without fail, when these people see what you're doing, they show respect, hang around to be informal "witnesses", and wish you all kinds of congratulations! It's unpredictable and special - and you never know when you might end up on YouTube! So, if you're thinking about the park for your wedding day, give me a call. I've done many weddings there, and I know many great locations, and the other important details that you'll want to know. Join my couples from all over the country and all over the world who come to the Big Apple to tie the knot.

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Jineen and Bruce's Vow Renewal Ceremony @ Bet U Can Dance in East Northport

When a couple has been married over 25 years and they still obviously love each other and find joy in their friendship and relationship, it's a joy to be part of their celebration of that. That's how Jineen and Bruce relate, and what they so beautifully conveyed in their vows to each other. The ceremony was a celebration at Bet U Can Dance in East Northport - a beautiful, full-size studio that was dressed up for the occassion like a club. (BTW, the place offers about 21 Zumba lessons a week, and a very full menu of choices for engaged couples who want to prepare for their wedding dance - just in case, as the owner Jeff Sherman said to me - someone in the crowd tapes the wedding and it goes viral on YouTube!) The couple is fanatical about dancing, and most of their friends in attendance were also avid dancers. The mood was festive, and everything seemed perfect about the night. I was sorry that I couldn't stay for the food, but they were all going to be up past my bedtime. Here's what the couple had to say about their ceremony: "Thank you so much, Pastor Bill. The ceremony you performed for our renewal vows for our 25th wedding anniversary was amazing. My guests thought that we were old friends!! Everything you said was so insightful and just beautiful!! I'm keeping your number for when my kids get married!!"  Jineen & Bruce

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Taneah and Rick’s Wedding in Central Park

If you remember, the weather lately hasn’t been that great. First we had a couple big snow storms, then we had days of soaking rain followed by sometimes hurricane force winds - and lots of downed trees and wires. What a great treat then to be given an amazing Spring day for a wedding in the middle of March. Taneah and Rick were ready for whatever kind of weather - but their wedding day could hardly have been nicer. It seemed that everyone in Manhattan was outside! We walked down to the Ladies’ Pavilion, where Adam from Elizabeth Solaka Photography (who graciously provided this photo) was waiting. The New Yorkers who were using the Ladies’ Pavilion gladly made way for us, and others climbing on the nearby rocks watched and took pictures. (You didn’t see us on You Tube did you?) It was just close family - and me. Taneah and Rick, thanks for including me in your special day.

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Vinessa and John's Wedding @ the Irish Coffee Club in East Islip

The Irish Coffee Club in East Islip a perfect venue for a smaller wedding ceremony. The restaurant is attractive, easy to find, and has ample parking. The staff is attentive and the food is good. It's difficult to find a place when you have a smaller group, so it's good to know about this one. My couple seemed to appreciate the intimacy of the place, and how it allowed family and friends to relax and focus on what matters. Here's what Vinessa and John had to say about their wedding ceremony: "We enjoyed our ceremony with Pastor Bill tremendously as did our family and friends.  Everything we wanted and could have asked for it and more.  Pastor Bill made our special day truly special and we are thankful for it."

 

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Debra & Frank's Wedding in Kings Park

Debra and Frank had tried several times before, but never managed to actually tie the knot. This time they not only succeeded, but they dodged the huge, oncoming snow storm and managed to celebrate their traditional family Christmas - all in one. With friends, children and grandchildren (from former marriages) all together, they repeated beautiful personalized vows and kissed their way into the state of matrimony. As you can see from the photo, a home wedding can be very intimate and beautiful - and nothing compares to feasting with friends in your own home. Anyway, it was fun for me to meet both of them and some of their great friends - and they were very grateful. All in all, another very nice day - and afterwards, I returned to my own home for a Christmas party there.