Two-in-Love Ceremonies

DJ GAZA!

So, I had heard lots of great things about dj gaza before meeting him, and he lived up to the hype!  I worked a wedding at the The Foundry (actually I have done a lot there this year, it's such a great space!) and dj gaza just made everyone tap their toes and bounce around even before the ceremony began!  I really wanted to stay and see what he did with the rest of the night, but the reviews were all really positive.  His vibe is very chill, professional, and approachable. 

And yes, I am wayyyyyy behind on photos- a computer issue is causing that! I promise to get more pics up soon!

Alternative Honeymoons

I love hearing what my couples are doing, and so many do unconventional trips.  This article gives some ideas and shares experiences of people who choose eco-friendly vacations. 

can't wait to share more...

but for now, a few teaser pics will have to do! Congratulations to all my couples so far this year! (those aren't pictured, I can't wait to post yours also!)

WOOHOO!

New York to Back Same-Sex Unions From Elsewhere

Part of the pride that comes from being a New Yorker is from stories and decisions like this one!

Central Park Weddings: Gapstow Bridge

I have a few weddings to post, but while I sort those pictures out, I have some photos of the Gapstow Bridge in Central Park, where many of my Central Park weddings happen.  It's located just inside the park at the 59th and 5th entrance, and it serves as a perfect place to be married, with its variety of places a short distance from each other.

Two-in-Love in NY Magazine!

I am so pleased that I was selected to be a part of NY Magazine's Weddings Summer 2008 magazine- I use it as a resource all the time for my couples, and did so when I was planning our wedding. It was also great to see some of my peers in there!

As always, feel free to email suggestions for your own favorite vendors!

our prayers and good thoughts

In Bikram yoga, they often say to dedicate the class to something, someone, or some group.  Lately there have been many people who could use dedicated classes, thoughts, and prayers.  Take a moment and dedicate some thoughts or prayers to those in Myanmar's Irrawaddy Delta area and the quake survivors in China.

i love my job.

I can't even call this a job.  Besides the more obvious love and joy that comes from working with couples and the actual ceremonies, a part of this work I adore is being connected to an amazing network of inspiring fellow officiants.

After weddings, and meetings with couples, I get this glow...my husband call it my "love glow" - there is something so uplifting and wonderful to be around people taking this step together.  That isn't to over-romanticize it, because I don't. I know that weddings are one day, and a day that can cause stress, anxiety, tension....and also endless satisfaction, closeness, and fun with your partner.  I look at this work as not working with weddings, but with marriages and commitments. 

So, there is the "love glow" that comes from meeting with couples.  I was reminded that I also get an "officiant's high" when I connect with someone who does this work and also has a passion for it.  Yesterday I had breakfast with Bettina Yiannkourou, a trained celebrant.  Talking to her and sharing stories, inspiration, and ideas just made me that much more excited to continue meeting with couples and getting into the thick of wedding season.  Thanks Bettina!

Central Park Weddings

Many of the smaller weddings I perform are located within Central Park.  It's a beautiful place to be married and afterward you are already in the middle of the city, ready to head to a brunch or dinner in your honor with your closest friends and family.

There are two places that are used the most, in my experience.  The Ladies Pavilion is on the West side, between 75th and 76th street. (more photos)

I get calls sometimes from people who want to be married that weekend, with a small group, and most of the time we have no problem without a permit performing a short ceremony.  For weddings with more notice, I like to obtain a permit just in case.

The other location that is popular is the Gapstow Bridge, located at the southeast entrance to the park.  (more pictures here) This location is perfect for those who want a selection of areas from which to choose, and the views from the bridge are gorgeous.  If you would like a carriage ride after your ceremony, the horse-drawn rides are directly outside the park.

You can obtain a permit at the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (here), but as I said above, many smaller weddings of a handful of people require so little time (and the people of NY are so excited to see weddings) that simply showing up and being polite to those around is enough.

Some of my favorite experiences have been in Central Park, when couples don't have a witness (in NY you only need one).  Many couples are nervous about this, but I have never had a problem finding an excited resident or tourist to be a part of a couple's ceremony.  Sometimes the street musicians will even perform an impromptu procession, making it a truly New York experience!

And here they are...PHOTOS!

Allison and Andrew's wedding was so beautiful, and the love between them was palpable. My favorite moment of the ceremony was when I said (upon Allison's arrival up the aisle), "Ok, you two, don't worry about me — just keep your eyes on each other and be in this moment," and Andrew so sweetly and quietly said, "That will not be a problem," and they kept their eyes on each other only, smiling these "we know the secret to the universe" smiles.

The rest of the night was spent with their closest friends and family in a sophisticated and very New York wedding. (And take a look at the back of her dress, amazing.)

James at The Upper Crust (which is also in charge of their reception space at 91 Horatio Street) was professional, talented, and calming.  He is the contact for both 91 Horatio and the catering from The Upper Crust.  The food was amazing, and beautiful.  The space was set up by the staff at 91 Horatio, including the flowers — they are truly a full service place.

The florist (and ceremony space) was Banchet Flowers, the space and SMELL were amazing.  The photos of the ceremony space don't do it justice: check out this section of their site for a better sense.  Every guest was handed a candle (with a little protection plate) and the mood was set.  Between the smell and the candlelight ... amazing.

Ceremony music was provided by La Vita-Williams Guitar Duo — they were top-notch and set the romantic and heartfelt tone for the time before and after the ceremony.

Their wedding documentary was shot by Linda Petrucci who was unobtrusive and was simply everywhere. When there is a clip to be shared, I will post it!  She was a pleasure to be around and had the perfect mix of capturing the traditional and untraditional moments.  I can't wait to see what she comes up with for this wedding. 

The DJ, who kept so many people on the floor all night, was DJ Shiran of Candela Productions.  He was classy and created the space for an event to happen, rather than any unnecessary announcements or in-your-face DJ-ing.

I am gathering the other vendor info (the photographer/dress designer/hair & makeup), and will post it asap.

Congratulations Allison and Andrew!  Thank you for letting me be a part of your wedding.

CEREMONY SITE

RECEPTION