Weddings

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

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

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.

Saturday, October 03, 2009

Laura & Kahlil's Wedding @ the Prospect Park Boathouse

I hadn’t been to Prospect Park for a wedding for some time, and I don’t think I had ever seen the Boathouse. It’s hidden away in the park, and a little hard to find, but as you can see from the photo, it’s quite a pretty area. (I realize you can’t see the actual Boathouse, but if you go to the Prospect Park web site, there is a nice picture there.) The groom’s father took the photos, including this one (Thanks!), and music for the ceremony was supplied by an iPod through a boom box - very simple. Even so, we had a great day - with none of the threatened rain, the couple was fun, and their friends and family celebrated with them warmly. Here’s what Laura and Kahlil had to say weeks after: “Thank you again for everything. The ceremony was perfect and everyone was so impressed! It could not have happened without you. Thanks so much again.”

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Christina & Thomas' Wedding at Oheka Castle

Upon entering Oheka Castle one is carried back to the days of the Great Gatsby and the “Gold Coast” mansions of that era. That it was formerly some family’s home tests the imagination. It certainly shines though, as a wedding venue, and on this day it did just that. Christina and Thomas were married under clear, beautiful blue skies, with a warm breeze drifting through the grounds, and everyone dressed to the “nines.” They spoke to each other tenderly, and the guests listened intently throughout. As the wedding officiant, I don’t often stay for the wedding reception - but on this day I did stay for the cocktail hour. Of course the food was to be spectacular, isn’t it always, but in this case it didn’t disappoint. The couple and their guests were gracious and fun, and the staff managed the large crowd well. Everything was just so - as it should be on every bride’s big day. Christina and Thomas, thank you for including me in your special day at this very special place. (Photograph thanks to Counsins Photography - cousinsphotography.com.)

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Kristen and Rob's Wedding at Tobay Beach

Tobay Beach is another little known location for a wedding - but it's a hidden treasure. If you can manage to find it (I had trouble even after I was in the parking lot!), you'll be surprized when you "round the bend" and discover that there is not only the expected beautiful beach, but facilities for catering and sheltered dining. There's plenty of sand, but it doesn't have to be between your toes, and if you have 3" heels on, there are no walking hazards. Anyway, on this particular day we had only amazing, beautiful weather (the kind that explains why we continue to live on Long Island), and everyone was primed to celebrate. Kristen and Rob wanted to keep it simple, and we did. Here's what they had to say about their ceremony: "Thank you so much for an amazing ceremony. We have had countless compliments regarding how intimate and sincere it was. You understood what we wanted and were the perfect choice for us. Thank you so very much."   Love, Kristin and Rob

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Laura and David's Wedding in Levittown

On Saturday I officiated at Laura and David’s wedding at David’s mother’s home in Levittown. The beautiful day was one of a series that characterized the week, and the wedding had a very laid back feel to it that suited the couple well. This wedding was especially meaningful to me because I had married David’s brother Mark and his wife Sarah last August at Pelligrini Vineyards in Cutchogue. In both cases the weather cooperated and the beautiful surroundings complemented the joy of the occasion. A second wedding in one family definitely signifies a vote of confidence - and appreciation for the first one. I am glad to have met both couples and to be able to help them make their wishes for the day come true.  Working with me on this day were photographer and photojournalist Brad Ross from Brad Ross Photography, and Jason Bencivenga from Party Up Productions. Both of these guys handled themselves professionally and with class, and were just nice to work with. If you’re still looking for a photographer, check out Brad’s work, which I liked. And to the Evans brothers and their brides - may you live long and prosper together!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Carol and Michael's Wedding @ The Manhattan Penthouse

Everything came together perfectly for this wedding - and it's partly because the venue, the Manhattan Penthouse at 80 Fifth Avenue, provides spectacular views and is very well run, and because everyone the couple hired to work for them was doing just that. James Abel, the wedding planner, was on top of everything, and the DJ, Anthony Gelo, was easy to work with and did a great job of creating just the right mood. Here's what Carol had to say about my services that day: "I've been meaning to email you but things have been hectic since we returned from our honeymoon. First, I am SO sorry we didn't get to a chance to say goodbye to you.  Michael and I had wanted you to stick around for the cocktail hour and celebrate with us but I realized we probably never told you that. Second, you did an AMAZING job!!!!  We can't thank you enough for all that you did to make our wedding so special. I can't wait to watch the video to see it again.  Everyone said the ceremony was perfect.  Thank you for all of your help with it. If there is anywhere Michael and I can write a review for you...please let me know."  -- Carol & Michael

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Meagan and Eric’s Wedding at Wagner Cove

Central Park never fails to captivate and amuse. On this day, at least as much as usual, since it had rained and was threatening to do so again. We had our window so we grabbed it, and the bride's and groom’s family members and friends were treated to a wedding ceremony in the heart of Manhattan, but that seemed in the next hour to transform into something like the Louisiana Bayou (which would have been familiar since both were Southerners in NYC for their destination wedding). Wagner Cove personifies true quiet, and when the rain finally came - and it poured with a vengeance - the effect was eerie and beautiful. During the ceremony we had sun-bathing turtles as extra witnesses, and a large water-bird of some kind (No one could say what kind.) that stood at attention in the green mossy water. A friend of the couple who plays in a blue grass band sang and strummed a song whose chorus included the words “Strawberry Fields” - and another friend took pictures - like the beautiful one here. The ceremony was simple, the repeated vows heartfelt, the mood joyous. Meagan and Eric, thank you for making me part of your special day, and may God’s blessing be upon your new family!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Heidi and Jimmy - Wedding at Tavern on the Green

It’s had been raining almost steadily for the last month, and even though none of my couples have been soaked yet, I was a little worried about this wedding. The traffic noise and sirens created a typical Manhattan experience, and the guests from California took it all in stride - as if they would have been disappointed otherwise. Heidi, the bride, arrived late, and I joined the groom in  “waitin’ on a woman.” He remained as patient and wise as Andy Griffith himself, and the delay actually allowed us to take advantage of some cooler temperatures.  Members of his family provided beautiful music (guitar and vocals) that set a spiritual tone - including the song “Charity”, which is a sung version of the famous love poem in 1 Corinthians 13. David Kerry Hannan was everpresent, snapping candid photos that promised to be beautiful. Of course the setting at Tavern on the Green was intimate and beautiful - and the break in the bad weather was all we could have hoped for. I had extra time to talk with family members and friends, and this group was not only good looking, but charming too. The icing on the cake was that in my previous visit I had discovered that the Tavern has it’s own parking (duh!) - so I paid less than half of what I would have otherwise - and saved some wear and tear on my shoes and legs.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Deborah and Frank’s Wedding in Huntington

Many believe that a wedding in a home is less expensive and simpler, but it’s almost never the case. The backyard wedding really shines not for these reasons, but because it can be so much more personal and intimate. Frank and Deborah’s wedding illustrated this well. Guests and family members mingled on the broad patio, and I made plans not to fall into the nearby pool during the ceremony like the famous ceremony that went viral on youtube recently. The photographer Dan Wagner and I had done weddings together before, so I was glad to see him snapping away. When you’re getting married, you don’t want a bad wedding officiant, and you don’t want an incompetent photographer. (The photo here is his.) Anyway, we managed to avoid the rain, the microphone worked nicely (I had had my doubts), and the guests were very attentive to the ceremony and supportive of the couple. The couple’s beautiful home provided a perfect backdrop for a perfect wedding, and I was glad that I was able to contribute to all the joy myself. (When I first talk to couples I often emphasize the importance of meeting together ahead of time to plan and "establish chemistry." In this photo, Deborah was sequestered away before the wedding and I was there to have her sign the license. Ilove this photo because I  think it demonstrates what that chemistry can look like. My desire is to connect with every couple in this way. It can't always happen, but when it does, it's magic.) When I heard from her months later she wrote, "You provided us with far more than we had ever hoped for or expected; we are forever grateful to you."

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Keri and Jack’s Wedding at Old Field in Southold

Until just recently, it seemed normal that it would rain every day. If it wasn’t raining at the moment, you could be sure it would be raining again soon. That’s what this day was like. As the wedding hour approached, the biggest question was “Outdoors, or under the tent?” We had the beautiful location - the Old Field in Southold - all we needed was for the weather to cooperate. The trolley company, North Fork Trolley, arrived about 3o minutes late after the driver got lost with the bride and her party, which essentially cost us our window of sun. We moved under the tent when it started to drizzle, and things were a little crowded, then the rain let up, and after a pow wow the bride made the call, “Let’s do it.” What followed was a wind-swept ceremony with guests that hung on each word as much as the couple did. That makes my job easy and enjoyable - and makes for a memorable wedding. Jack and Keri were radiant throughout, and afterwards, their family and friends also radiated friendliness and good will - a great group of people that could only reflect well on the couple. Photographer Michael Cody did a great job of capturing the joy and camaraderie of the day, and you can see more photos like this one on his web site. The people at the Old Field, Ros and Perry, were professional and attended to everything the couple and their guests needed. As you can see, it’s a beautiful location - and very intimate. The musicians, a string quartet, were troopers - succeeding in creating the mood musically in the midst of significant wind and precipitation. All in all, everyone stepped up, and the result was a great start to a great celebration. Congratulations Keri and Jack!

Monday, June 08, 2009

Unique Brooklyn Wedding Venue - Dyker Beach Golf Course

Would you like a Country Club atmosphere for your wedding  - and to keep it in Brooklyn at the same time? Then when it comes to looking any further .... “fagetaboutit!” The Dyker Beach Golf Course is a new, and still relatively undiscoved jewel of a venue. Yesterday I married Suzanne and Patrick there, and the beautiful location perfectly matched the beautiful weather of the day. Dawn Marie Gallagher, the director of catering and the Maitre’ D Chris Giacalone did a great job of coordinating everything and seeing there we no glitches. Bill Gillen set the mood for the ceremony by playing the bag pipes - and did it quite well. (Not everyone does that. If you're looking for someone to play for a wedding or funeral service, you can contact him through his day job at the Law Offices of Ronald Schwartz.) As for me, Suzanne and Patrick wanted me to do my homily entitled “The Truth about Marriage”, and I was gratified to see as Patrick said later that “You could hear a pin drop.” - people were definitely paying attention. So, if you've concluded that you have to travel to Suffolk County or to Westchester - think again. You can reserve your wedding with trees and grass and fresh air right (oh, and lots of good food also - did I mention that?) in the Middle of Brooklyn. Who would have guessed?

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Bride in Wedding Dress Saves Family From Fire

Only last year I was married, so I remember the emotions and thoughts that go with the day. For instance, “This is my special day, it should be about me.” - and this is something both the bride and groom think, even if they never say it. And there’s nothing wrong with thinking that way. Being a bridezilla relates more to the way such a conviction manifests itself - and to taking it much too literally. Anyway, when a bride in Bridgeport Conneticut stops the car, wades into the mud, and then into a smokey house - in full wedding attire on the way home from her reception - to save neighbors who don’t know about the fire - well, that’s a reason for commendation and a new found hope in humanity. It’s definitely “doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”  I’ve never met Georgette Fogarty-Clemons, the brave and fiesty bride in this story, but I’d like to, and I’d be glad to have her as my neighbor.

If you’d like to read the rest of the story you can read the original account by John Christoffersen. (The AP photo is by Douglas Healey.)

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Matt and Jenna's Wedding at Georgio's at Foxhill

In searching for something else today, I found Jenn's nice comments about the ceremony I did for them on June 21 of 2008 at Georgio's at Foxhill. The things she liked I do routinely, and are simply what every bride deserves. Thanks Jenna, I hope you guys are doing great!

Officiant – Pastor William (Bill) Britton – A++++

Pastor Bill did an amazing job and put together a really personalized ceremony for us. I met with 2 different pastors and spoke to a few on the phone and decided I just loved Pastor Bill’s voice, demeanor and ceremony options! We only had to meet in person with him once to go over the details and any requests we had. Then we kept in touch over email and made edits to the ceremony as needed (which readings to do, etc). He kept in VERY good contact over the course of our 6 month planning period and always sent me reminders of information he needed from me.

On the day of the wedding he showed up on time and was very professional. He delivered a beautiful ceremony I thought he did a wonderful job….he had his notes but never seemed to be reading from his book – I think he memorizes most of the stuff! Also I wanted to say that he adds in a small part about how we met which was very cute and a nice touch! Overall this was the most important and memorable part of the day and I am so glad we chose him! Many thanks to Pastor Bill for such a beautiful ceremony!

Thanks for Katie Lyman Photography for this great photo. You're other work in Jenna's review (lots of photos) is great!

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Janet and Michael's Wedding at 70 Park Avenue Hotel in Manhattan

We weren’t able to meet ahead of time, because Janet and Michael came from Maryland for their NYC destination wedding, but I felt like I knew them already because of the great time we had on the phone. They had also send me a photo - of them on their honeymoon in Hawaii - yes, before the wedding! Anyway, the initmate ceremony, which took place in a beautiful suite at the 70 Park Ave Hotel in Manhattan, was a delight to do, since the couple, each in their own way, showed real  affection for each other. Sometimes life experiences make for a more powerful moment, and this was one of those times. The couple had discovered their guitarist, Hanan Harchol (also a successful visual artist), when dining at Tavern on the Green in Central Park. He regaled us with skillful renditions of a wide variety of songs from Bach to Neil Young - including “To Make You Fell My Love” by Dylan, which was a special treat for me. Jerry Grigory promised me a photo for this blog, but he has to return home to Hawaii, his home and more regular location for wedding photography.  (Look for that here soon.) Finally, Inga Taper and Jazmin Callazo from the hotel were attentive and worked hard for the guests and wedding party, and were very professional. Note well couples marrying in NYC, this is one of the few available, really nice, indoor venues for a small party!

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Sergi & Lena's wedding in Belarus

In early 2000 I left Long Island to visit Belarus several times, twice with a church group to do humanitarian aid, and two times with fellow pastors to teach in a Minsk Bible school, preparing future pastors and Christian workers. My students were mostly young, but very determined - overcoming many hardships and taking risks to follow such a course. Of course I loved them. Several of my students went on to marry (each other!), and today, in 2009, I came across pictures they sent me later. This picture of Sergei and Lena makes me miss them, and wonder about them - and wish and pray that they are well today! Maybe they'll see this and contact me! I just wanted you to celebrate with them.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Vladimir & Zhanna's wedding in Minsk

Another pair of students, both from my class, now married. (See the previous post.) Vladimir and Zhanna, I hope and pray that your faith is strong and God is prospering whatever you're doing for him these days. I was blessed to know you. May God's rich blessings be upon the faithful church in Belarus.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Diane and Robert's Wedding at Bryant Park

This couple became a favorite of mine from our first meeting. We had fun together and established that special chemistry that makes for the best ceremonies. Weddings in Manhattan always include a special intangible - and this one was no different. We started at dusk, the temperature was perfect, and the typical crowds streamed by - and even in the city, people show interest and offer congratulations.  The DJ from Eclipse Entertainment set the mood with classics from the American Songbook, and when the bride finally appeared, she was radiant. Some of the tallest buildings in the city formed our backdrop - along with the grassy, peopled expanse of the park. It was a beautiful, fun evening - with the couple’s great friends - and a reception to follow at Bryant Park Grill overseen by Banquet Manager Thomas Ferretti. Thanks for including me Diane and Robert!

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Lori and Sam's Wedding at Peppercorns

On November 1st Lori and Sam tied the knot at Peppercorns Restaurant in Hicksville. I was pleased to discover this place, because it’s very nice for a smaller group, and more intimate venues for receptions are hard to find. The ceremony room upstairs was attractive and decorated more nicely than many bigger wedding halls I’ve been to. I stayed for the cocktail hour and the service and food were great. The event coordinator Lynda Brolin was attentive to all the details. I also met the DJs, Patty and Jimmy from Mobile Music Masters. They handled themselves and and the music-related issues in a professional manner, and I found them likable and easy to work with. When it came time for the ceremony, Lori was a little nervous, but Sam was a steadying influence, and they were definitely “in the moment” during their ceremony. Both they and their guests were a delight. Her dress was beautiful, and the photographer promised me photos - which I’ll post here as an update later. All in all, it was the kind of wedding I like to do - working with professionals, bringing joy to a great crowd - and a couple that is doing their part thoughtfully and beautifully. Lori and Sam, as I said to you during the ceremony, “May the happiness you’ve found together be yours throughout a lifetime of love.”

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Joyous Weddings

It’s not at all unusual in the New York metropolitan area to spend forty thousand dollars on a wedding. Why do  so many of us incur such an expense?  After all, it’s possible to elope or do do something small and personal in Central Park or at the beach - and these are definitely nice options - and obviously less expensive. So why isn’t that the typical thing?
    I think the answer is found in one of the greetings to the guests I often use at the start of a wedding:  “In these times the couple calls upon their friends and family to share their joy – for to celebrate alone would only diminish the joy of the day.” The idea is a Biblically based one, one clearly seen in the idea of “praise” in the Psalms of Israel. When we “praise” God, our joy in him is increased - it’s greater than if we just sat around alone at home thinking about him and saying nice things.
    Everyone already instinctively knows this. Watching the game is more pleasurable with others. Celebrating is too. When your team wins, you want to text a friend - “Did you see the game? Did you see that catch? Can you believe they made the playoffs?”, etc.  When you lose weight, or close a deal, or meet someone special, the first thing you want to do is tell someone else! And in the telling, your joy increases even more. Shared joy is multiplied.
    So, back to weddings. To celebrate with family and friends definitely makes the day more special. We want them to see the beautiful bride, to hear our vows, to see our first dance, to enjoy the great music we picked out, and to share with us the delicious cake.
    This is bad news for the pocketbook, but good for the wedding industry. It’s pretty good consolation also. So, next time you’re stressing over how much this ever-so brief event is going to cost you, just remember this - it’s all about maximizing the joy.  (The picture above is of my four sons, and my brother and best man at my Long Island wedding. We’re all just feeling the joy.)

Thursday, October 09, 2008

Wedding Officiant Becomes a Groom

On July 19th, I switched places - from wedding officiant to groom! Suddenly I had to take some of my own advice about keeping calm and staying in the moment. And a few things went wrong too. When the flowers arrived, no one was there to accept them. My bride got a very noticeable lip stick smear on the front of her dress just before leaving home for the ceremony. At the church, I immediately misplaced the bag with the license, a lot of cash and gift cards, and our copies of the vows we were to say to each other. At the restaurant the air conditioning wasn't working in one area, and we got fed after most of our guests. There’s more, but you get the idea. Not everything went exactly like we had planned. (“White water” already!)
    On the other hand, both we and our guests loved the ceremony (We found the vows!), and two friends did a beautiful hymn they learned just for us. Another dear friend actually made us our three-tier chocolate cake – the best wedding cake I’ve ever had, and my new wife and I actually pulled off the “dancing with the stars” dance routine we practiced so hard. (You have to understand, I really don’t dance.) Several people have said since, that it was the best wedding they ever attended, and as for us, we had a blast. Others had told me that all the stress would melt away once the ceremony was over, and I can testify that it really works that way.
    Now it’s almost three months later, and I would like to recommend marriage to those considering it. It’s definitely not something to rush into “unadvisedly or lightly”, but when the right person and the right time come along, it’s ... nice.
    I’d like to give thanks to God, for his grace in it all, for our great friends, who celebrated so joyously with us and helped us in so many ways, for our family members who supported us and assisted us, for our many vendors (who will be blogged about more later) and for Pastor Tom Carpino, our friend and super special wedding officiant.
    So, do I know what you’re going through for your Long Island or New York City wedding? Probably more than you think. I hope that knowledge will make me an even better wedding officiant myself – your very own super special wedding officiant!

Friday, May 23, 2008

Keeping Things in Perspective

Every year I perform close to one hundred weddings either on Long Island or in New York City, so by now I've learned, if I didn't already know, that many things can go wrong at a wedding. Some within our control – some definitely not. An earthquake isn't what anyone expects. One minute your biggest concern are sore feet, and the next minute you're just hoping everyone has survived – and wondering if maybe you'll still be married at all on your day - or anytime soon. Near the Chinese town of Bailu, several couples we're marrying when the earthquake on May 12 occurred. Hopefully just this one photo from that day is enough to help us keep things in perspective when it comes to our weddings. The Photo is by Wang Qiang (The Associated Press)

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Kimberly and Tim's Wedding at Land's End

Kimberly and Tim got married last week at Land’s End in Sayville on Long Island. This beautiful location has always been one of my favorites, so this time out I was looking around and asking myself, “What is so special about this place?” I think I can illustrate it better than trying to explain. I looked at the tasteful mirror treatments in this great room with a  bar and a fireplace, and there wasn’t a single smudge on it. Later I watched one of the staff meticulously create symmetrical folds in the table covering for every table. Yes, the ambiance is warm and intimate, and the views of the water make a beautiful backdrop, but what impressed me most was the attention to detail - the excellence. It’s this kind of work that explains the difference in cost from one place to another. I don’t even know what the couple spent, but I know there were cheaper options. Why not choose one of those options? It’s about the views, the food, the wood paneling - but best of all, it’s about knowing that every detail has been thoughtfully given attention. May their tribe increase!

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Raquel and Josh’s Wedding @ The West Side Loft in Manhattan

It seems like a million different places exist in Manhattan to tie the knot, and more venues are opening up every day. Sometimes it’s a rooftop, sometimes a space in a restaurant, and sometimes a loft. In to this case, the Manhattan crowd didn’t have to travel far to join the festivities. The “West Side Loft” at 336 West 37th street was decorated beautifully - as the photographs by Mel Barlow show so nicely. The wedding planners, Mayra Castillo and Xochitl Gonzalez of Always a BridesMaid, attended to the couples’ every need, and the wedding party relaxed and looked beautiful - especially the bride. When it came time for the ceremony, the several hundred guests were quiet and attentive - with only a few tears from the mothers to mark the moment. Raquel and Josh, thanks for including me in your day. From the moment we starting talking on the phone - in between your ski trips and other adventures, I knew it would be a nice connection.

Thursday, May 01, 2008

Who's Getting Married?

I myself am getting married this year in July - a small restaurant in Rockville Centre on Long Island - informal, less traditional, and hopefully, less expensive! Anyway, after conducting close to 500 weddings, you'd think that I would understand what couples are going through as they plan their weddings! After all, I meet with most of them, and I always ask how they met, how they got engaged, how the wedding planning is going, etc. But I discovered what I should have realized already, that there is no substitute for experiencing something yourself! Now I'm the one asking the vendors "How much?" too soon in the conversation. I'm the one who shoves all the wedding planning papers into one big envelope (and where IS that envelope?) Now we're the ones who don't have a venue six months before the ceremony - and who keep having nightmares that go something like this, "Wait, did we get the wedding license?" (said as the bridal party gathers at the church) No wonder so many couples forget to prepare for the marriage itself! Now I understand. So, couples, you have my sympathy, my empathy, and whatever else might be left of me when this is over. I just keep repeating that quote from Herman Melville, "A smooth sea never made a successful sailor." I'm sure that applies.