Rev Annie Lawrence, NYC Wedding Officiant

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-02-01T12:47:00.004-05:00

Greetings Friends & To-be-Weds!
You can find all my latest weddings & news on my Facebook Page
& Twitter...see you there!

Rev. Annie Lawrence
New York, NY 10003
917-620-6307c
W: www.revannielawrence.com
FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rev-Annie-Lawrence-NYC-Wedding-Officiant/97817381767
T: http://twitter.com/revannienyc

L: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/rev-annie-lawrence/3/130/a9

*WeddingWire Rated 2012*
*The Knot Best of Weddings 2012*
*BBC3 "Don't Tell the Bride: Christmas in Wonderland" Dec. 2011*

11/11/11: Weddings in NYC!

2011-11-13T03:21:00.000-05:00

Greetings from Rev. Annie NYC Wedding Officiant!

On 11/11/11 I celebrated (5) weddings in NYC for couples from

South Carolina, Texas, London, Taiwan, and Russia!

To follow all my current wedding activity, please visit & "Like" my

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rev-Annie-Lawrence-NYC-Wedding-Officiant/97817381767

With Love, Rev. Annie @RevAnnieNYC

#NYC #Elopement #Destination #Wedding #Officiant

7/26/11: Free Gay Weddings Washington Square Park

2011-07-27T10:18:00.004-04:00

Sincere THANKS to ALL the 7/26: Free Gay Weddings COUPLES,
support Team & Neighbors who came out to join us!
A beautiful day of LOVE!

To see photos & read more about it, please visit my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rev-Annie-Lawrence-NYC-Wedding-Officiant/97817381767

7/26: GAY COUPLES MARRY FREE IN WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK!

2011-07-07T07:57:00.004-04:00

Well-known Gay-Friendly NYC Wedding Officiants

Rev. Annie Lawrence (www.RevAnnieLawrence.com)

& Rev. Will Mercer (www.RevWill.com) are ready to tie the knot with you!

Tuesday, July 26, 2011, 9:00 am-5:00 pm

in Washington Square Park

in the heart of Greenwich Village in Manhattan

they will officiate your Wedding Ceremony the first week

that Same-Sex Marriage is legal in New York.

This service is a gift of Love to all gay couples with a Marriage License,

and your personal ceremony is free of charge!

To request Rev. Annie for your 15-min time slot,

please email her with your Names, phone #s,

and requested time: revannielawrence@gmail.com

To request Rev. Will for your 15-min times slot,

please email him with your Names, phone #s,

and requested time: revwillmercer@gmail.com

You can begin to apply for your Marriage Licenses

at all Marriage Bureau locations in the 5 Boroughs of New York City

on July 5, 2011, and begin to pick up your licenses on Monday, July 25.

You must wait 24 hours from the date and time noted

on your Marriage License before your Ceremony can be legally performed:
http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/marriage_bureau.shtml

We look forward to celebrating your Love and Marriage in NYC!

http://www.engaygedweddings.com/ny/new-york-city-group-gay-wedding-event.html

WE DID IT!

2011-06-25T05:21:00.005-04:00

WE DID IT!

THANK YOU GOVERNOR CUOMO!

6 DOWN, 44 TO GO!

xo, @RevAnnieNYC

I Believe in Marriage Equality!

2011-06-15T01:33:00.007-04:00

@RevAnnieNYC supports #MarriageEquality !!!
Waiting for @NYSenate VOTE that extends Civil Rights to ALL couples!

June Weddings

2011-06-11T22:47:00.002-04:00

To follow my JUNE weddings, please visit my Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Rev-Annie-Lawrence-NYC-Wedding-Officiant/97817381767

Spring Weddings

2011-05-17T23:12:00.002-04:00

What a busy SPRING for weddings! I've been posting photos & updates on
my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York/Rev-Annie-Lawrence-NYC-Wedding-Officiant/97817381767

...and I'll update this blog with some great photos & stories soon!

With love, @RevAnnieNYC

4/1/11: Bart & Angelique

2011-04-01T17:00:00.003-04:00

With European/German Wedding Coordinator
Ursula Kay of NEW YORK IS WONDERFUL

My "go to" Wedding Photographer Melanie Einzig

APRIL SHOWERS did not stop us from having a beautiful Wedding Day!

Look at the HAPPY SPIRITS in these two!

BLESSINGS to Bart & Angelique! With Love from NYC, Rev. Annie

3/28/11: The 21st Century Bride Event

2011-03-28T23:42:00.003-04:00

One of the many blessings of being in the wedding world is meeting other Wedding Pros who share the same enthusiasm, commitment, and call to service. Today attended a brilliant networking conference hosted by The 21st Century Bride, offering encouragement, advice, and trend-tracking in the wedding universe. Here I am with my NYC wedding pals Rev. Will Mercer Wedding Officant & Margaret Sanzo Sneddon, Harpist. I refer to both of them with confidence! It was great to meet in person some of my on-line wedding connections from Twitter & Wedding Wire including Ian Lozado Photography, make new friends like Caitlin Boshnack, Event Planner, and Tweet with NJWedding.com & cyber pals! I was so delighted to meet Celebrant Kim Kirkley (NY) & Celebrant Diane Wilkerson (NJ). It gives me such comfort & confidence to be able to refer to warm, experienced, and kind officiants when I am unvailable, to share experience & stories, and support. Of the MANY presentations today, I particularly enjoyed warm & wonderful Dina Eisenberg of Positively Wed, website advice from Alan Berg, upbeat & energetic Anne Chertoff, from the blog I-Will-To-I-Do, hearing from Wedding Podcast Network, growing your business with Ken "Bosco" Rabasco, photography advice from Phil Cantor Photography, and amusement from "Celebrity Robot!" You can follow the Twitter Feed from @21CenturyBride with the tag #21CB. Thanks to all--have a great Wedding Season 2011! Warmly, Rev. Annie NYC

3/27/11: Stefanie & Erik

2011-03-27T14:00:00.004-04:00

Sunday morning ceremony at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers

*photos coming soon*!

READING #2 Scottish Wedding Prayer Lord help us to remember when We first met and the strong love that grew between us. To work that love into practical things so that nothing can divide us. We ask for words both kind and loving and hearts always ready to ask forgiveness as well as to forgive. Dear Lord, we put our marriage into your hands

3/26/11: Meredith & Justin

2011-03-26T23:00:00.002-04:00

Studio Square, Long Island City

*photos coming soon*!

3/18/11: Pauline & Kin

2011-03-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

Trump Soho Hotel, NYC

2/18/11: Frederique & Marc

2011-02-18T16:00:00.003-05:00

Frederique & Marc from Paris, married at The Ladies Pavilion in Central Park, with Casey Fatchett Photographer!

2/14/11: Valentine's Day MARRIAGE EQUALITY!

2011-02-14T16:00:00.004-05:00

I am proud to support full MARRIAGE EQUALITY for all LGBT couples! It's important to me to be seen & heard in my support for Civil Rights, I want my gay friends to know that I am an ally in the movement to change hearts, minds, and *the law* in favor of recognizing LOVE, and granting gay couples EQUAL RIGHTS. So on Valentine's Day Monday, February 14th, I joined Marriage Equality New York GetEQUAL NY, the Metropolitan Community Church (MCCNY), Queer Rising, and fellow New Yorkers at The Manhattan Marriage Bureau, near City Hall in lower Manhattan, to stand beside Rob Lassegue & Manuel Reyes, as they attemped to file for a marriage license and join the more than 1.2 million couples who have been married there since 1930. We came carrying signs, smiling & showing our love, and demonstrating our commitment to making Marriage Equality a reality. We chanted, shouted, we waved at passing cars, we passed out fliers to people on their way to work. We gathered with pride as Rev. Pat from MCCNY conducted a joint ceremony for a gay couple and a straight couple, demonstrating that LOVE is an equal right! We will continue to speak out, educate, advocate, and protest civil injustice until ALL COUPLES are equated with respect and the same rights under the law. It's wonderful to BELIEVE in gay marriage in your heart, but at this critical time in history, it's also important to DEMONSTRATE your belief by telling your family, friends, co-workers, children, neighbors, and community that you ACTIVELY SUPPORT civil rights for gay couples, and you support MARRIAGE EQUALITY. I especially encourage my straight friends to TAKE A STAND and SHOW UP for gay rights rallies wherever you live! Find your local chapter of the grassroots groups & organizations that are taking actions, and support them. It's important to let your gay friends & family know that you are on their side not just in theory, and not quietly...but with PRIDE! http://thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/valentines-day-marriage-equality-wedding-in-manhattan/marriage/2011/02/13/17401

http://www.edgeonthenet.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc3=&id=116244&pf=1

2/12/11: Kris & Nic

2011-02-12T15:00:00.001-05:00

Kris & Nic were sooo excited to come to NYC for the 1st time to celebrate their true love on Valentine's Day weekend! I met them at their mid-town hotel, Millennium Broadway right off Times Square, and we took a cab to the South East corner of Central Park (where the horse & buggies line up). They choose to have their ceremony on The Gapstow Bridge, which is an easy walk close to the corner of the park. It's a small bridge, and no matter what season, you'll often find a saxophone player there doing Frank Sinatra, classic jazz and of course, "New York, New York!" Just behind the bridge is the Central Park Wollman Skating Rink, which turns into a children's amusement/ride park in summertime. It was cold but bright & sunny, and they cuddled up to keep warm as they shared their vows & rings and emotions. I was happy to take pictures for them so they would have plenty of photos to show off at home to their kids, families, and friends. After the ceremony, they planned on celebrating by going to see their favorite Broadway show: Phantom of the Opera! That is TOTALLY how I celebrate special occasions, too! Love it! It means so much to me to see true love in action. Nic & Kris are so well matched, I feel lucky to be in the presence of such happiness. We signed a souvenir wedding certificate to commemorate the emotional, spiritual, and symbolic significance of joining their lives. And as soon as the wedding license they are entitled to becomes available, *we will sign that, too!* MARRIAGE EQUALITY! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

2/11/11: Trice & Matt

2011-02-11T20:00:00.001-05:00

The Boathouse at Central Park with Trice & Matt! When visiting NYC you must come here for drinks/dinner! It's an oasis of elegance in the middle of this bustling city, and they really know how to "do it up" in style! http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/

2/5/11: Diana & Jeffrey

2011-02-05T18:00:00.014-05:00

When Diana 1st called me on the phone from Florida, we made a great connection. I loved hearing her love story and dream to have a winter wedding in NYC. February did not disappoint--we provided plenty of *snow* for her dream day! Diana & Jeffrey and the wedding party of family & friends arrived in pedicabs. I met them at Bethesda Terrace in Central Park with John McCarthy Bagpiper. Oh, the bagpipe is very moving & emotional, isn't it? We received a lot of attention as folks in the park stopped to listen, take pictures, and appreciate the traditional sounds. Diana was a perfect winter bride in fur headband. She made a dramatic entrance, descending the steps of Bethesda Terrace escorted by her teenage sons. Groom Jeffrey wore a Scottish kilt. The cold temperature didn't stop the tears as Bride & Groom and family beamed with love! In Central Park, it's common to have some onlookers stop & appreciate the site of a wedding. It's inspiring! It's always been my exprience that people are respectful, kind, and considerate when they come across our wedding in the park. In fact, it adds to the happiness of the occasion knowing that we "made their day!" After the ceremony, when it was clear we were finished with formalities and were celebrating and taking pictures, several tourists and photography enthusiasts asked if they could snap our picture. The Bride & Groom said yes--I like to call this having "A New York Moment!" I am so honored to share life-changing moments with couples & families, and days they will remember forever. Just thinking of Diana & Jeffrey brings tears to my eyes. There are some couples you just know will *stay in touch* :) It really was a perfect day! So much love, Rev. Annie NYC

2/4/11: Emma & Tom

2011-02-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

Tom & Emma have been a part of each other's lives & families for many years. They share a life together that includes a happy house full of children. Their marriage ceremony marked not the start of a new relationship, but their deep committment to each other and their family. Their private & personal ceremony reflected their mutual respect and the confidence they have in their long-lasting love. They married in a suite at The Ritz Carlton Battery Park, with Emma's mum & brother from the UK as witnesses. The ipod played country music before & after the ceremony.

After the kiss & pronouncement & signing of the license, Emma & Tom

invited me to join them in a toast to their relationship, their children, and their family. It was so nice to smile & chat and have a laugh together! I share their Irish/English roots, and there is something so comforting to me about being with folks from my ancestral home!

Thanks Emma & Tom for making me a part of your family on this very special day in your lives. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand :)

With love, Rev. Annie NYC

2/2/11: Sydney & David

2011-02-02T18:00:00.001-05:00

Sydney & David were married at home in the company of their parents. Sydney wore snazzy shoes & carried pink roses, which have a romantic history in her family as her father gave her mother pink roses on the day she was born. The closeness of this family & the romantic feelings of this sweet couple filled the room with love, and we were easily moved to tears in the presence of such excitement, happiness, and emotion. Wishing David & Sydney a long and happy life together, and a great wedding celebration party with friends this summer on Long Island! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

Thanks Wedding Wire!

2011-01-31T11:44:00.001-05:00

1/17/11: Rory & Steve

2011-01-23T18:20:00.009-05:00

Rory & Steve asked me to officiate their Monday, Jan. 17th Martin Luther King Day holiday luncheon wedding in Queens. What a great time for a ceremony--many friends & family were off from work and able to join them for this romantic, kid-friendly, celebration of love followed by an Italian lunch. One of my jobs at weddings is usually to pin the boutonnieres on the gentlemen. And then keep them calm as we wait for the bride! Rory took our breath away in her lace bodice dress. She had tears in her eyes throughout the ceremony, and the bride & groom held hands as they repeated their vows. Steve kept beaming his warm smile at his Bride, as they exchanged rings and pledged their love to each other in the presence of their children, family, friends, neighbors, and community. I was delighted to stay for lunch to enjoy the company of their wedding guests! We had a leisurely Italian meal that began with antipasta, then pasta, and entrees. I so enjoyed chatting with friends and relatives, we had a fine time! It really makes my day when guests come up to me after the ceremony and tell me that they loved the wedding, and that it spoke to their hearts. Even the waitstaff was kind enough to greet me one by one and tell me that they listened in and they were really touched! I"m so honored to share a message of love that stays with people, and allows them to appreciate the love they have in their lives, and inspires them to find real love--the kind that allows them to grow, to shine, to share, to be truly happy, helpful, and inspiring to others. The couple ordered a carrott cake for their reception--yum! What a great choice. As the sky grew dark around dusk, it was time to catch my train back into the city. What a great way to spend the day, in the company of good & kind people, celebrating love, enjoying an excellent meal, and taking "time out" to say to each other, "What a GOOD day this is! THIS is really LIVING!"

Thanks for including me in your love story, and in your celebration Steve & Rory! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

1/15/11: Brynn & Maz

2011-01-15T21:00:00.005-05:00

I had an excellent time creating a highly personal, meaningful, family ceremony for Brynn & Maz's wedding day at Castle on the Hudson in Tarrytown, NY. They gave a lot of time & attention to the details of their ceremony, including family members in offering readings and traditions that reflect their blended families and cultures. Brynn was escorted down the aisle by her mother, and remembered her father in the ceremony with a beautiful memento photo of him in her wedding bouquet. Maz's sister & sister-in-law did a reading from the Sufi poet Rumi, "This Marriage," offering it in Farsi & in English, and Brynn's Uncle Jim read from "Union" by Robert Fulghum. Maz's mother created a beautiful sofreh covered in mirrors, candles, fruit, sweets, coins, and favors, a Persian tradition representing the many blessings we wish for them in their marriage. Both Brynn & Maz's mothers participated in the Candle Lighting, representing the shared light of their lives and their families, and Maz's cousins came forward after the pronouncement to help us with the "Taste of Honey" as the Bride & Groom sealed their 1st kiss as Husband & Wife. It was a pleasure to work with friendly, organized, fun, professional Jennifer Boyle Photography. Jennifer kept everyone on schedule with photos before the ceremony, getting all the shots "on the list" with grace, laughter, and ease. She has a wonderful ability to tell the story of your wedding day as it unfolds. You absolutely want to see the wedding slideshow! Warmest wishes to Brynn & Maz and their families. You brought so much warmth to a snowy winter night, and I wish you so much happiness for years to come! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

1/15/11: Vitaly & Karina

2011-01-15T08:24:00.004-05:00

Best wishes to lovely Karina & Vitaly, married today @6:30am! This special time was advised by their astrologer as an auspcious beginning to their new life together. We had a beautiful ceremony in a private location in NYC, in the company of their closest family and friends, followed by champagne, cake, and coffee. Losing no time, the couple was then off to look at new apartments! Wishing thems so much happiness as they enjoy this new start in life, TOGETHER. With love, Rev. Annie NYC

1/7/11: Bride & Groom secret wedding

2011-01-07T23:00:00.010-05:00

Tonight's Bride & Groom
just moved into a beautiful new
apartment on 5th Ave. in NYC.

They are planning a destination wedding to ITALY this summer,
and are marrying *here in NYC*
in advance of the ceremony,
so that all the paperwork
and legalities are finalized,
and their summer wedding abroad will be symbolic, without any of the worries "is it legal?"

In the privacy of their home, we had an intimate,
emotional, and heartfelt ceremony
that in no way "spoiled" any of the rites and rituals
they will experience this summer in their "big wedding."
They exchanged vows, but no rings--
they will wait to do that in Italy.

Afterwards I joined them for a toast, we signed the license
with our witness, and I left them with big smiles on their faces
as they prepared to go out to dinner to celebrate
their "secret wedding."

Congratulations my dears! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

1/7/11: Frank & Nelleke

2011-01-07T13:19:00.005-05:00

Congratulatons Frank & Nelleke from The Netherlands,

who chose NYC for their destination wedding!

They were married today at The Dairy in Central Park in the company of their closest family & friends. The Dairy is a great spot on a cold winter day, as the Central Park gift shop is right there, and you can step inside to warm up your fingers & toes (and get some nice souvenirs!)

The Dairy is near the South East Side of the park, it's easy to get there on foot from Central Park South by walking north past The Gap Stow Bridge & Wollman's Rink, or by circling around The Central Park Zoo.

I wore my earmuffs & gloves, and awaited the arrival of the wedding party. You can see from my photos that it was snowy & slushy out! The bride gingerly stepped over the ice & snow and made such a stunning entrance in her fur hat.

The couple exchanged traditional vows & rings, and there were many tears from family as well as a few very respectufl onlookers. I know it made their day to stop and see a wedding in the park as they were out for their winter walk!

I always enjoy working with my friend Melanie Einzig Photography! She's #1 on my "go to" list for Central Park weddings. She's flexible, always on time, in a great mood, and is personable and gentle with all our couples, making them feel relaxed and comfortable, allowing them to smile & shine in their photographs.

I took this photo of the couple as they jumped into a pedi-cab headed back to their limo parked at the SE corner of the park. I had a lovely stroll through the park on my way home, enjoying the snow covered trees, the bundled up tourists and pedestrians, the dog walkers and carriages, the snowmen and winter sports.

It's such a blessing when asked, "What did you do today?" to be able to answer, "I did a wedding today!"

Warmest wishes and safe journeys, Rev. Annie NYC

1/6/11: Christian & Joanna

2011-01-06T22:00:00.005-05:00

Brrrr! Winter Wedding in Central Park, celebrating
Christian & Joanna! They married last Fall
in a destination wedding abroad, and their paperwork
from that ceremony is still not finalized.
This can happen when you marry outside the US!

Rather than wait for it, they decided to marry here in a fun,
romantic, spontaneous ceremony in the company of their families, visiting over the holidays.

We did the ceremony in the lamplight of The Bow Bridge
in Central Park. They exchanged vows & rings again,
and smiles & tears.

Cold hands...warm hearts! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

Happy New Year 2011!

2011-01-05T00:30:00.011-05:00

Greetings Newly-Weds, Soon-to-be-Weds, Friends & Family!

Wishing you a fantastic, prosperous, adventurous, and exciting

NEW YEAR. How wonderful to start again! Brides & Grooms,

how excellent to look forward to an *anniversary*,

and commit yourself to renewing in your heart, mind, and spirit,

your vows of marriage. Soon-to-be-Weds,

I celebrate with you your excitement as you count down the days

to the WEDDING!

I'm starting this NEW YEAR with a clean slate & fresh outlook.

I am truly grateful for ALL

that I've experienced to date--

I have really COVERED my "bucket list!"

Thanks, Universe for conspiring with me

to make my dreams come true :)

I look forward to *adding to*

my hopes & dreams NEW desires, passions, joys & adventures. Saying YES to LIFE...AGAIN!

As YOU say YES to your relationship, your commitment

to each other and your future, I look forward to

consulting with you, working with you, and celebrating

with you in planing one of the BEST DAYS of your LIFE.

It's truly my joy to be part of your wedding plans,

dreams, and celebration as we consider the personal, cultural,

spiritual, and creative elements that will make your wedding

a unique reflection of your love for each other.

Whether you come from the 5 Boroughs of NYC,

or Long Island, NJ, Westchester or upstate--across the country

or from around the world, THANKS for including

me in your wed ding plans and sharing your joy with me.

In 2010 I had the honor of celebrating over 100 weddings,

and I look forward to even more this year.

If your wedding is short & sweet, straight or gay,

traditional or modern, an elopement or formal affair,

in Central Park, a hotel suite, restaurant or reception hall,

I look forward to hearing from you via

email, phone, or Skype for a no-obligation consultation.

Let's make EVERY DAY of 2011

one to give thanks & CELEBRATE!

With love, Rev. Annie NYC

Find me on Facebook & Twitter!

12/31/10: Beryl & Casimir

2010-12-31T21:00:00.002-05:00

Beryl & Cas from Liverpool, UK: under the tree at Rockefeller Center, New Year's Eve 2010/11!

12/30/10: Tom & Kristy 10th Anniv.

2010-12-30T12:00:00.009-05:00

What an excellent adventure--

I conspired with Groom Tom

to surprise his Bride Kristy

with a *surprise* 10th Anniversary Vow Renewal in Grand Central--featured in NY Daily News!

Tom & Kristy have been married 10yrs and have 3 sons. When they were 1st married, they really wanted

to do the ceremony at Grand Central, but it was beyond their budget. On the day of their wedding upstate, there was a big winter blizzard that kept many guests from attending.

On their 10th anniversary, Tom & Kristy planned to "restage"

their wedding with a photo session at Grand Central.

Kristy had NO IDEA that Tom contacted me, to surprise her,

to renew their vows!

She was totally overcome with emotion and we had a beautiful

ceremony. On a side note: how GREAT do these two look

10yrs later in their SAME wedding dress & tux?!!

I am so inspired by Tom's romanticism and his love for his wife,

and the vibrant, exciting, true LOVE that Tom & Kristy

have shared for 10yrs. I hope they contact me

to renew their vows again on their *20th* anniversary!

Warm regards you two, you have truly touched my heart!

With love, Rev. Annie NYC

12/18/10: Jaxie & Dan 5th Anniversary

2010-12-18T21:00:00.005-05:00

Jaxie is a good friend from my online life! We met in a pop culture literature chat group in the 1990s :) It was an honor to offiicate Jaxie & Dan's wedding ceremony in PA in 2005.

This holiday season I was delighted to renew Jaxie & Dan's vows of marrige on their 5th Anniversary in Allentown, Pa on the set of Civic Theatre's A Christmas Carol

The bride & groom spoke the same vows they shared 5yrs ago, and in addtion, added new, personal vows to their commitment to each other.

We were joined by two friends who supported them and took photos & video. Afterwards, they had lunch in the neighborhood, and I went to my family Christmas party!

It's touching to witness the sincerity, attention, and affection Jaxie & Dan give to their relationship. They have told me to "save the date" for their 10th anniversary vow renewal in 2015!

Many blessings you two, and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
With love, Rev. Annie NYC

11/28/10: Thanksgiving Wedding

2010-11-28T20:31:00.027-05:00

Congratulations Thanksgiving weekend Bride & Groom, married today in their neighborhood Hell's Kitchen/Clinton in NYC! This couple shares a great New York love story-- they met in their neighborhood while walking their dogs. They got their puppies together for play dates, and thought "we should date too!" They celebrated their wedding today in the presence of their closest family members from the Northeast & Nebraska. The bride's friend Leah Lund Photographer came to NYC from upstate NY especially for the ceremony. Have camera, *will travel*. Her website is beautiful, and I look forward to seeing her wedding photos! We celebrated the wedding at a wine bar in the couple's neighborhood, Casellula (52nd & 9th), an intimate, cozy space with exposed brick walls, and a large picture window front that looks out onto the city sidewalk, passing yellow taxi cabs, pedestrians, and double decker midtown tour buses. Family members arrived in winter coats-- it's cold now in NYC! The tables were set with fall flower centerpieces for brunch immediately following the ceremony. The bride arrived escorted by her father, and we greeted her with applause. She joined hands with her groom, and we had a sweet, tender, emotional wedding. The bride had tears running down her cheek as she spoke her vows. The couple chose the reading "The Art of a Good Marriage," shared after the vow & ring exchange. I always like reading this one-- sensible & sensitive advice to the couple on keeping love alive throughout the years. The groom & bride had one attendant each, who witnessed their license following hugs & kisses with everyone at the end of the ceremony. Then the bride changed into her cowgirl boots ! I love it! After a champagne toast, the couple shared a romantic first dance that demonstrated their sincere love for each other. It's truly inspiring to me to be in the presence of such love. How beautiful. As a wedding keepsake, instead of a guest book the couple brought a guitar case for everyone's signature & wedding blessings. That's a first for me--great idea! Best wishes for many years of happiness you two--may you enjoy many long walks together with your dogs in this beautiful city we call home! Happy Holidays to you & all your family. With love, Rev. Annie NYC

11/27/10: Kathryn & Ross

2010-11-27T22:04:00.043-05:00

I'm still glowing from celebrating Kathryn & Ross's Thanksgiving weekend wedding tonight at historic home to literature & arts, The Lotos Club on E. 66th St. (a block from Central Park East). Sweet, adorable couple, warm & welcoming families, fun & personal ceremony. Hurray! When I arrived, the bride & groom had just finished photographs with Photographer NicoleMarie with their bridal party & families, and were relaxing upstairs before our ceremony start time. Kathryn was completely at ease, sitting on the floor of the library on an antique red oriental carpet with her full skirt all poufed out around her like a doll. She was so comfortable there that I got down on the floor too and sat next to her (!) to give her a hug and go over the order of ceremony and signing of the license. The bride wore a simple neckline princess gown with her hair in loose ringlets down her back. She carried an autumn palette bouquet of orange & pink roses accented with berries, and on her feet under her full skirt she wore awesome mauve pink high heels. The bridesmaids were lovely in pale cocoa cocktail length dresses with ruffles around the neck. This is a great style that can be worn again, ladies! Very stylish & in this year. They all chose their own evening bags & matching shoes. As for the gentlemen...! Ross was dashing & dapper in a black tux, and he & all the groomsmen wore indisputable classic Chuck Taylor Converse All-Stars. Excellent! When it came time to begin the ceremony, we descended the red carpeted spiral staircase to the dining room with it's beautiful floral centerpiece and carved marble fireplace. I began the processional accompanied to violin, followed by Ross, his parents, the bridesmaids & groomsmen in pairs, followed by ringbearer & flower girl, then Kathryn escorted by both her parents, who were married on Thanksgiving too! In a room that has hosted parties for Gilbert & Sullivan, the Great Caruso, Benny Goodman & Helen Hayes, Ross & Kathryn exchanged traditional vows, and instead of a Wine Blessing they had a Beer Blessing! For as Ben Franklin said, "Beer is proof that God loves us." This got a chuckle from the crowd and points for their originality. I am so grateful to Ross & Kathryn and their families for sharing their happiness and time of Thanks and Giving with me tonight. It was such a pleasure to chat with all the relatives and relations after the ceremony and agree what a charming couple these two are, and how their love for each other inspires us all and fills the room! For their first dance, the bride & groom chose a "reel" to the song "You're My Only Home," adapted from Magnetic Fields, I think--must ask them! They swirled, they discoed, they dipped, they spun each other around, and for a moment I felt like I was at a country dance in another century. Then they started jumping up and down like they were on pogo sticks, and I felt like it was a rave! Friends joined them on the dance floor for classic & contemporary rock, and it came time for me to bid them goodnight. THANKS Photographer NicoleMarie for sharing their wedding slideshow, here. Great work! Thanks Ross & Kathryn for touching ALL our hearts with your love tonight! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

2010-11-25T07:27:00.009-05:00

Greetings friends & family! Sending you Happy Thanksgiving
wishes from Allentown, PA, where I'm visiting with Mom,
brothers, nephews, Aunts & Uncles.

I love waking up early
on Tofurkey Day to watch
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
This is one of my annual rituals--
my heart just swells with joy
for all the teens in the high school bands
that get to fly to NYC for the 1st time
and experience the thrill of marching down Broadway!
I am glued to the TV during all the Broadway musical numbers,
I look forward to The Rockettes big kick-line finale,
and when Santa appears on his big sleigh
to usher in the Christmas season, I start to cry!

Before YouTube & DVRs, watching the parade & The Tony Awards
*live* were THE only opportunities to see highlights
from the Broadway shows. The magic of Broadway
and the excitement of New York City encouraged and inspired me.
NYC represented heaven to me, the center of the universe!

I never imagined that one day I would call this amazing,
dream-come-true place HOME. I can't imagine living
anywhere else, and it gives me such joy to share this fantastic city
with my friends, family, and the wedding couples who marry here!

I'm so grateful for all the wonderful couples I met this year,
and count every wedding I celebrate as a blessing.
September & October were very busy with weddings & traveling,
and I'll be catching up & "filling-in" this wedding blog over the winter months.

Wherever you are today, in the USA or abroad,
I will be thinking of you today as I gather around the table
with my family and we join hands and share what we are GRATEFUL for.

With love, Rev. Annie

11/5/10: Hugh & Connie

2010-11-05T12:00:00.002-04:00

Hugh & Connie Fall wedding

at Fort Tryon Park near The Cloisters, NYC

10/31/10: Trish & Keith

2010-10-31T21:00:00.001-04:00

Childhood friends Trish & Keith,

reunited on Facebook, marry at long last

in Brooklyn! Halloween 2010

10/30/10: Kate & Karey

2010-10-30T21:00:00.001-04:00

Kate & Karey's wedding in

Greenwich Village, Halloween weekend 2010

(I wore my "Professor McGonagall" hat

before/after the ceremony!)

9/25/10: Kev & Jen

2010-09-25T22:14:00.008-04:00

Jen & Kev:

Fun, original wedding
for a great couple
with big smiles,

fantastic personality

& humor!

Here's Jen & Kev's JOKER
wedding cake
featured in B rides Magazine!

Love it!

Lots of laughter, heart,

celebration,

and surprises on Long Island!

THANKS Kev & Jen!

I'll never forget

this one! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

9/17/10: Margaret & Adam

2010-09-17T22:00:00.001-04:00

I love a good love story.
Margaret & Adam met a year ago last July. They'd both spent the afternoon on one of NYC's best new parks & social meetup places--The Highline.
They had been there separately, and later met over drinks in the MeatPacking District. LOVE!

Margaret is originally from LA, and Adam from the UK. This year they traveled around the world and met each other's families, and brought them all together tonight in Central Park to celebrate their wedding day!

Adam & Margaret have lively spirits, quick smiles, and a joyful presence. They were so excited to tell me about their great wedding rings, from Little King in the East Village, which they designed themselves. Beautiful!

The wedding was at dusk at the Ladies Pavilion
in Hernshead in Central Park, by the water's edge. Perfect weather tonight--with just a tiny bit of Fall chill in the air.

From here you can see the lake and a beautiful NYC skyline to the South, and the historic art deco Eldorado Apartments to the West.

Margaret was escorted by her brother & her mother, and we remembered the loving spirit of her father in the ceremony.

She was stunning in a strapless off-white gown with tulle skirt, white lace gloves, and tobacco colored pumps that matched the autumn palette
feathers in her hair. Her bouquet was white orchids with cotton buds, with long trailing feathers. Truly original and gorgeous! Adam wore a grey suit, with tobacco colored tie to match his bride's accessories.

I always offer couples "traditional" American wedding vows, sometimes I refer to them as the "TV vows"--you know what I mean--the ones we hear on TV and in soap operas: "To Have and To Hold, from this day forward, For Better or For Worse, For Richer or For Poorer," etc. There is something very grounding, very comforting, about participating in the ritual of repeating words that we are so familiar with.

When we first sit down to plan a wedding ceremony,
most couples I meet with *don't know* that you do NOT have to say these traditional vows/words! You can write your own vows, adapt them from another source--whatever you want to do! Margaret & Adam chose to express their vows this way:

Adam: From this day on, I choose you,
My beloved Margaret
to be my wife,
my constant friend,
my faithful partner
And my love from this day forward.

Margaret: From this day on, I choose you,
My beloved Adam,
To be my husband
To live with you and laugh with you
To stand by your side,
To love and to cherish,
From this day forward.

I love the word "beloved," it always makes me think
of this song, from the musical KISMET :)

Adam's mom is in the UK and was unable to travel to join
us for the ceremony--so his sister had mom on the cell phone
during the whole ceremony! Right after the pronouncement
& kiss, Adam was handed the phone and was able to tell mom
in person that he was now a married man. I love the modern world!

At the wedding, I got to work with Tatjana & Charles from Wrinkle in Time Photography. They were so awesome, they have been following my weddings, and I felt like I was meeting *my fans* LOL! THANKS you two for totally making my day with your enthusiasm & support of my wedding ministry. Looking forward to working with you again!

Adam & Margaret, I wish you all the best in your continuing love story. And yes, if I hear of any more performance art German punk bands playing in NYC, I will email you & we'll meetup for a beer and some music!

All my best, Rev. Annie

9/15/10: The Plaza Hotel

2010-09-16T23:43:00.021-04:00

It's always such a pleasure to go to The Plaza Hotel in NYC.

The entrance & the lobby take my breath away.

It really is stunning, iconic, and feels like the lap of luxury.

Right at the South East corner of

Central Park, across the street

from the horse-drawn

carriages, the Apple Store and

The Paris Theatre,

and a short walk from Tiffany's.

I was contacted by a Parisian couple this month

who arranged for a suite at The Plaza,

and we held their elopement ceremony

there in the presence of one witness,

and our photographer, Jordan Van Aken.

The groom wore a great rock-n-roll outfit,

a 19th century inspired military jacket

with gold buttons & piping, and motorcycle boots.

He took great care with all the ceremony

preparations, even sprinking flower petals

on the carpet in preparation for the bride's appearance.

We played the Queen version of The Wedding March

or "Here Comes the Bride"

from the 1980 Flash Gordon soundtrack!

The bride entered wearing a gorgeous

strapless gown that laced up the back,

white stiletto heels,

a crystal heart necklace,

and a yard of 4" wide white satin

ribbon tied into a bow around her ponytail.

The ribbon was so long and wide,

it fell like a veil down her neck & shoulders. 1st X I've seen this--really original! (That's PARIS for you!)

The bride & groom recited traditional

vows, followed by poems they read to each other

en Francais. We had a real "NY moment"

when just at the very end of the ceremony,

the *doorbell* to the suite rang. We weren't expecting anybody.

We ignored it, and continued on, until the door opened

with the loud announcement, "HOUSEKEEPING!"

Fortunately the couple had an excellent

sense of humor, and shoo'd the maid away

and I carried on with the final pronouncement!

I was invited to stay

for cake & champagne,

and the cake toppers

were so cute--

Japanese anime figures,

a surprise from the groom to the bride. Adorable!

Wishing my sweet Parisian couple many years of adventures & happiness!

With love, Rev. Annie

9/15/10: Kate & Glenn

2010-09-15T20:45:00.014-04:00

I have to admit, I have a bit
of a crush on Australians!

It started with
Mel Gibson in Mad Max,
and thosebackpackers I met
on a Eurail train from France
to Italy my junior year abroad.
Then it included the films of Peter Weir,
pop icon Kylie Minogue, Nicole Kidman,
the amazing Guy Pearce, and flawless Hugh Jackman on B'way
in The Boy from Oz! And now it includes Kate & Glenn!

I think Americans & Australians are a bit like England's
naughty 1st cousins. We seem to be having entirely too much fun
for her majesty's liking. It's a stereotype, sure, but I have
never met an Australian who wasn't beaming a smile ear to ear.

And that makes an Aussie WEDDING day even more super fun!

I've had a great time corresponding
with Kate & Glenn this year
about their NYC destination wedding.
The were engaged at
The Helmsley Park Lane
and wanted to come back to the Big Apple for their ceremony.

Their guest list started at 25, and grew to 50 as more & more friends
from Down Under and across the US wanted to come join them to celebrate!
The photographer was a friend from home, Big Dog Bites,
and I can't wait to see the pictures!

Kate & Glenn considered different locations in NYC, and
settled on Central Park's Bethesda Fountain, a perfect wedding spot,
as seen in the Amy Adams/Patrick Dempsey film ENCHANTED.

We were gifted with a perfect sunny
September day! Glenn & guests
waited by the fountain for Kate's
arrival by horse-drawn carriage.
She was escorted by her parents
down the Bethesda Terrace
grand staircase. What an entrance!
Truly like a scene from a movie!

One of the personal touches
the bride & groom chose for their
ceremony was to read excerpts from love letters
they wrote to each other when they were dating.

It was so moving to hear the depths of connection, emotion,
and gratitude in their words, and it really added to the romance,
ritual, and sweetness of their ceremony.

Everyday in Central Park
is a unique adventure--
here are some other visitors
to the park on Kate & Glenn's
wedding day! Haha--I love this town!

Best wishes always
to Glenn & Kate, with thanks
for their friendliness, enthusiasm, and excitement!
I'm so happy I got to celebrate with you! With love, Rev. Annie

9/12/10: Kimberly & Jorge

2010-09-12T17:00:00.001-04:00

Oh, that time of year is here: my last wedding for the season
on the Carnival Miracle! After this, the ship will sail off
to the Caribbean route for winter. I have such a great time
doing the cruise weddings in NYC every summer--
meeting ship staff from around the world,
working with the coordinators,
meeting the couples, and having lunch on the Lido Deck!

Kimberly & Jorge were married in the ship's big theatre,
The Phantom Lounge. When I arrive I touch base
with the videographers, the sound technicians,
and the stage crew to see that we are set with cameras,
microphone, and any tables or props needed.
Jorge & Kimberly did a Unity Candle Lighting,
so I always check with the video team
that the stage is set for them to get great shots!

The bride & groom had a large wedding party
of bridesmaids in seafoam green dresses,
big families, and a flower girl. When the groomsmen arrive,
I always get asked to help with pinning on
their boutennieres since I am good with the straight pin & the lapel!

The wedding party was ready to DANCE at the reception!
The bride & groom opened up their 1st dance
to an ALL DANCE, and it got the party started!

Best wishes to Kimberly & Jorge and their families.
Hope you had a great cruise,
and have many happy years together!
Sincerely, Rev. Annie

9/7/10: Louis-Philippe & Marie Pier

2010-09-07T18:47:00.004-04:00

It was such a pleasure
to marry Louis-Philippe & Marie Pier from Montreal!
They love NYC, and chose Central Park and
the Ladies Pavillion at Hernshead to celebrate
their "spontaneous & cool" wedding day.

Louis-Philippe looked smart in a lime green shirt
and black & white striped tie, and Marie Pier
was gorgeous in a strapless gown and mid-length veil,
and *red high heel shoes* :)

They left their dear 1yr old son Emile at home with grandparents, and came to NYC with their friends Olivier & Veronique as witnesses.

I brought my Altec Lansing iPod speaker,
and we plugged in to hear
The Four Seasons, Largo from Winter, Op. 8 No. 4 by YoYo Ma,
as the bride came down the park path at the start of the ceremony.

Olivier read "Love Is" from Corinthians, and Veronique read
The Apache Blessing.

After vows in English, they couple exchanged personal vows with each other in French,
and we ended the ceremony with I Will, from The Beatles.

Casey Fatchett was the couple's photographer,
and it was great to work with him again! I'm grateful
to know some great wedding pros :)

Louis-Philippe & Marie Pier brought me a treat
from their home: Canadian Maple flavored sweets
from Chocolaterie La Maison Gourmande. YUM!

Many blessings to Marie Pier & Louis-Philippe!
Your true feelings for each other really touched my heart!
And you are TOTALLY *spontaneous & cool*!

With love, Rev. Annie

9/2/10: Evelyn & Garreth

2010-09-02T22:27:00.009-04:00

I wondered what to wear to Evelyn & Garreth's CRUISE WEDDING
today. Some cruise weddings are sundresses & Hawaiian shirts,
others are big whitedress, formal tux, and the works!
Since summer is almost officially over, I wore my black linen
one last time, knowing it would blend with any wedding style I'd find!
Evelyn & Garreth had a big, friendly wedding with really happy,
outgoing guests--all very talkative and excited for this wedding day!
I coordinated with both Mom's before the ceremony to make sure
they knew that they were prepared for their readings--one in English,
and one in Spanish.

Garreth wore a light tan suit and deep purple orchid boutonniere.
He was totally relaxed and grinning ear to ear. I loved Evelyn's
short, net veil with floral comb, and her flowers were vibrant
& stunning: reds, greens, deep purples. I spoke to her privately
before the ceremony, and she was so excited, and very nervous.
I assured everything would be just fine, and I'd be there
to remind her to breathe!
The bride & groom wrote their own vows, and had us all going
from laughter to tears. Evelyn was overcome with emotion,
and her Maid of Honor was right there for her, offering her
soothing whispers and assuring her with a light touch.

Evelyn & Garreth chose to do the modern ritual "The Rose &
The Vase," symbolizing their love for each other--
that was a nice touch, I'm not asked to do that one very often.

At the reception, Garreth's father offered a heartfelt blessing,
and the Best Man & Maid of Honor recalled their long friendships
with the couple and wished them well.

The wedding party is sailing off now to Canada.
Have a great cruise! With Love, Rev. Annie

9/1/10: Martin & Cecilia

2010-09-01T23:01:00.008-04:00

This week I did my very 1st BEACH WEDDING!I met with Martin & Cecilia in late August to discuss their September 1st wedding. We had enjoyed coffee at Le Pain Quotidien in Central Park one evening at dusk, I met their dog Mac & infant daughter Felicia, and they told me their love story & wedding ceremony dreams. We discussed a beach wedding...Montauk...excellent...! And then Martin said he imagined being married *at dawn*, with the sun rising in the East over the ocean! I took the train out to Montauk the night before the ceremony, and Martin & family picked me up at 5:20am for the drive out to Montauk Point on the tip of the South Fork of Long Island--referred to as "The End." It was amazing to watch the sky go from inky black to saturated indigo as it absorbed more and more light. Sunrise was at 6:14am, and a miraculous pink sun rose over the ocean and we started the ceremony. Every word of the ceremony was deeply personal & meaningful to Martin & Cecilia--we co-created their wedding script exactly to their specifications. It began with me sharing some of their love story: their 1st meeting, their 1st date, when they knew they had found "the one," what they love about each other, and their aspirations for their future. In addition to traditional vows & ring exchange, we did a Celtic handfasting with different pastel ribbons, and Cecilia & Martin also wrote their own personal vows. To symbolize the blending of their lives with their daughter Felicia, we adapted "The Sand Ceremony" to a stone ceremony, and the couple layered black, brown, and white stones they'd collected on the beach the day before. Caroline Roccheta was our photographer, and she did an awesome job! She was right in there, in a non-invasive, gentle way. I really appreciated her gentle style and artistic eye, and look forward to opportunities to work with her again. When the ceremony was over, it wasn't even 8am yet! We signed the license with Martin's parents as witnesses, we took some photos, and drove back to Montauk Village where I said goodbye and wished them every happiness on their continuing journey. Before heading back to NYC, I went for an oceanside lunch at Nick's and had *the best seafood salad in the history of the universe*! What a perfect day, awesome wedding, and wonderful trip! Thanks Martin & Cecilia for sharing your joy and spirit of adventure with me! With love, Rev. Annie

8/31/03: My 1st wedding: Kim & Chris

2010-08-31T01:17:00.007-04:00

Weddings this past wknd, and tonight in NYC, tomorrow I travel
to Montauk for a beach wedding on Wed. @dawn :)
Weddings every weekend in Sept. & Oct. 2010. (Grateful! Blessed!)

Time for a *time out* to look at the calendar & celebrate the
anniversary of *Kim & Chris*, 8/31/03, Bear Mountain, NY:
my 1st wedding!
This is when I thought I was going to dress like Earth Mother/
Hippy Mama for all my ceremonies. Kim loved it, but this look
didn't last for me past this wedding!

I tend now to dress in all black & white, to blend in
with the white wedding dress/black tux theme.
Suits me better, and I make a ritual out of
putting on my wedding pearls and Chanel No. 5
for most ceremonies :)

I refer to Kim & Chris' wedding A LOT when I meet
with couples! One of the things that made their wedding
so unique is that instead of traditional wedding readings,
they chose lyrics from their favorite band,
Smashing Pumpkins, to read as poetry at their ceremony.
I LOVE that! So personal, so modern, so original!
What else is music--but poetry?

Stand Inside Your Love, Smashing Pumpkins

You and me
Meant to be
Immutable
Impossible
It's destiny
Pure lunacy
Incalculable
Insufferable
But for the last time
You're everything that I want and ask for
You're all that I'd dreamed
Who wouldn't be the one you love
Who wouldn't stand inside your love
Protected and the lover of
A pure soul and beautiful you
Don't understand
Don't feel me now
I will breathe
For the both of us
Travel the world
Traverse the skies
Your home is here
Within my heart
And for the first time
I feel as though I am reborn
In my mind
Recast as child and mystic sage
Who wouldn't be the one you love
Who wouldn't stand inside your love
And for the first time
I'm telling you how much I need and bleed for
Your every move and waking sound
In my time
I'll wrap my wire around your heart and your mind
You're mine forever now
Who wouldn't be the one you love and live for
Who wouldn't stand inside your love and die for
Who wouldn't be the one you love

Kim & Chris send me Christmas cards every year,
and announcements when the babies arrive!

I'm so grateful they took a chance on me,
and really supported me my first time in this
official capacity. Friends ask me, "you've married
so many couples--how do you remember them all?"

I remember :) Each one is personal, unique,
and memorable. I remember :)

8/23/10: Cynthia & Steven

2010-08-24T07:11:00.010-04:00

After a sweltering hot summer in NYC, temperatures are finally cooling down and we've had 2 days of rain. You can feel September in the air now! My favorite time of year!

For the first time in months, I wore my raincoat today, grabbed my umbrella, and took the subway uptown to the Carnival Glory on Pier 88 for Cynthia & Steven's wedding with family.
Cynthia wore a unique lace, handkerchief hem cocktail length dress and Steven a tan summer suit. Cynthia was escorted by her father. The bride & groom chose to have a Candle Lighting and a Wine Blessing in their ceremony (always use white wine, brides!) and selected two readings, one was this popular wedding readingby Roy Croft:

I love you, not only for what you are,
But for what I am when I am with you.
I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself,
But for what you are making of me.
I love you for the part of me that you bring out;
I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart
And passing over all the foolish, weak things
That you can’t help dimly seeing there,
And for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings
That no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life
Not a tavern but a temple;
Out of the works of my every day
Not a reproach but a song.

I love you because you have done
More than any creed could have done to make me good
And more than any fate could have done to make me happy.
You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign.
You have done it by being yourself.Perhaps that is what being a friend means, after all.

Cynthia smiled throughout the whole ceremony, and Steven couldn't take his eyes off of her. We broke the glass and shouted "Mazel Tov!" to start the wedding celebration. The reception followed in the ship piano lounge Cinnabar. One of the things I love about cruise ship weddings is...ICE SCULPTURES!

The Carnival Glory is a new ship to NYC, and I'm still exploring it. This picture was taken in the disco after the ceremony--look at those gothic throne chairs, those candles! Very Adams Family or Beauty & The Beast (the musical--"Lumiere!") I love it!

Congratulations Cynthia & Steven and have a great cruise! With love, Rev. Annie NYC

8/22/10: Andrei & Anelia and Nicole & Kevin

2010-08-24T04:44:00.018-04:00

Andrei & Anelia called me this week to say that their friend was going to marry them this weekend, and was I available to sign the wedding license with them? Sure!
Sunday morning I made my way to Grand Central Terminal (always impressive!) to take the Metro North Hudson Line to Tarrytown in Westchester County.

I took a short taxi ride through Tarrytown past some beautiful homes on my way to the wedding. When I arrived at Tappan Hill Mansion (once owned by Samuel Clemens aka Mark Twain :) the begonias were in bloom, I saw a majestic hawk circling overhead, and the bride & groom were in the foyer of the historic home, having video & photos taken.
Andrei wore white tie, vest, and black tuxedo and adored Anelia as she made her way down the spiral staircase in her gorgeous strapless gown. Very dramatic and beautiful!

Family, friends, and photographers gathered for the signing of the license. Andrei & Anelia asked me to oversee a short & sweet civil signing, as they would have a full out, romantic, personal ceremony officiated by a good friend later in the day.

I asked them if they consented to be wed today ("I do") and in the presence of their witnesses, pronounced them married and wished them a wonderful afternoon of celebrating! Their mothers acted as their witnesses when we signed the license.

Here they are with their flower girl!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I took the train back to NYC and continued on from Grand Central on E. 42nd St. to Port Authority on W. 42nd St. to take a 10min. NJ Transit bus ride to Nicole & Kevin's evening ceremony on the Romantica yaht in Lincoln Harbor, Weehawken, NJ.

Nicole is a hair dresser, and has great style & personality! She wore a Grecian gown (very IN this year!), with flowers in her spiky hair. Her friend Mark acted as wedding coordinator, and helped the wedding party line up, escorted me through excited family & friends to the wedding area, cued the DJ, and saw to it that everything took place on time and as planned!

Nicole was escorted by both her father & her mother, and beamed big smiles to her groom throughout the ceremony. Kevin is in the military and looked dashing in his dress olive & beret. It was a stormy night with a lot of rain coming down, but there was so much love in the room for the wedding couple, I know Kevin & Nicole will have smooth sailing in their marriage!

Best wishes to both couples! With love, Rev. Annie NYC ♥

8/21/10: Matthew & Helena, and Jean-Paul & Muriel

2010-08-21T19:38:00.017-04:00

I was blessed with 2 weddings today :)

Matthew & Helena are artists, and they met at art school 9yrs ago. Their studios were near each others, and admiration of each other's art work led to their meeting, courtship, and marriage.

They were married in Brooklyn in DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Overpass) at DAC--The Dumbo Arts Center: a nice, big open space with hardwood floors, exposed beams in the ceilings, easily converted to meet the needs of the wedding celebration. We had white folding chairs, tables with red, purple, and wild flowers, a wide paper runner, bar area to the back, and buffet catering on the side.

Helena & Matthew are unique & creative, and we adopted a wedding ritual from 2006 bride Andrea's wedding: flowers were placed on the chairs in the back of the room, and everyone *passed the flowers forward* giving them their love & blessings. As the flowers reached the front, they were gathered and tied with ribbon, and became Helena's bridal bouquet. Collaborative, personal, and romantic!

Matthew expresses himself like a poet, and when we met this Spring he told me he admires the Transcendentalists. This delighted me, as I lived in Boston for 5yrs and loved to take "literary day trips"--
to Lowell, to walk in the steps of Kerouac, and to Concord to visit Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House, and Emerson & Thoreau. We used some Emerson quotes in the ceremony, and they set the tone beautifully:

“He who is in love is wise and is becoming wiser,
sees newly every time he looks at the (object) beloved,
drawing from it with his eyes and his mind those virtues it possesses” --Emerson

"Give all to love. Obey thy heart." --Emerson

Matthew & Helena held hands throughout the ceremony, and chose this reading for their wedding day.
This was the 1stX I've read it in a ceremony:

A New Beginning, Gwen Frostic
On this earth there is a oneness
A rhythmic flow through everything that lives
The things with roots and stems and leaves
The things with shells and fins and furs
The things with wings with which to fly
The things that crwal and those that walk
Each thing must eat and breath and rest
Each thing must seek and each is sought for
Each has a birth, a purpose to fulfill
To each an end and then a new beginning.

A tender, quiet, beautiful ceremony with family & friends. I enjoyed a glass of Prosecco after the wedding, said my goodbyes, and got on the F train to 42nd Street to walk to Tudor City Greens near the UN for:

Jean-Paul & Muriel met in Paris. They had a small wedding, just the two of them with their good friends Jai & Vivian. Jean-Paul wore an ivory suit, and Muriel an ivory lace dress with Parisian hat (and shoes!) She carried yellow roses with red edged petals. Je parle un peu de Francais (high school level French & a decade of ballet classes), so greeted them with "Bonsoir!" and when it came time for "I do" I told them they may say "Oui."

Jean-Paul wrote a beautiful poem for his bride, and read it in French.
I pronounced them husband & wife, "mari & femme," and left them to enjoy and celebrate this beautiful summer night!

Congratulations to both Helena & Matthew, and Muriel & Jean-Paul today! Many blessings!

With love, Rev. Annie

8/20/10: Di & Rich

2010-08-20T23:44:00.013-04:00

Perfect Summer day in NYC for a Central Park wedding! Di & Rich live in the UK, and contacted me in April to arrange their 3rd anniversary vow renewal in New York City. They love to travel here, and chose Hernshead Ladies Pavilion on the West Side of the park for their ceremony. I arrived early, and saw a fancy English military ceremony wedding party having photos taken, and then another smaller wedding party--two friendly Aussies, their attendants, and their photographer, my friend Michael Skoglund! Here's Annie & Michael in the park! I've been corresponding with Di & Rich for months now, we've exchanged pictures, wedding ideas, and weather reports (!) They arrived with big smiles and warm greetings. Di wore a beautiful pale peach dress, with a gorgeous "fascinator" hair accessory as many of my English brides do. She carried yellow roses, and had her makeup done at MAC in the morning and looked stunning! Niece Charlotte and friends AnnMarie & Drew and Helen & Dawn all took photos. In addition to traditional vows, Di & Rich wrote their own vows and made each other cry! It was very moving to witness their sincere love for each other. They exchanged rings once again, and they chose this reading to celebrate the renewal of their vows: True Love (Author Unkown) True love is a sacred flame That burns eternally, And none can dim its special glow Or change its destiny. True love speaks in tender tones And hears with gentle ear, True love gives with open heart And true love conquers fear. True love makes no harsh demands It neither rules nor binds, And true love holds with gentle hands The hearts that it entwines. I'm an Anglophile in every way--both my grandmothers were English, I did my college junior year abroad at Crewe + Alsager College and I love everything British from rainy days to Doctor Who :) Di was so sweet to bring me a present from home--a gorgeous china teacup & saucer, and "proper" English Tea from Tesco's! I'm so touched by her thoughtfulness! At Di's request, I made a souvenir wedding certificate to commemorate the day, and after the ceremony, all the witnesses signed it. We walked together through the park as far as 72nd Street (near John Lennon's IMAGINE in Strawberry Fields), where I said goodbye and left them to enjoy their evening together. Best wishes to Rich & Di--who want to renew their vows AGAIN next time they visit! (How romantic!) With love, Rev. Annie NYC

8/19/10: Melissa & Robby

2010-08-19T23:43:00.010-04:00

Today I went uptown to NYC Pier 90 to marry Melissa & Robby on the Carnival Miracle. Melissa wore a strapless beaded gown with red sash, and carried a red rose & red gerbera daisy bouquet. Robby was turned out in black suit and red tie to match his bride. They had an altar memorial with a vase of roses to remember their loved ones, and chose their own readings for the ceremony, including: Union, by Robert Fulghum You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.

The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. For after today you shall say to the world – This is my husband. This is my wife.

----------------------------------------

Touched By an Angel, Maya Angelou

We, unaccustomed to courage exiles from delight live coiled in shells of loneliness until love leaves its high holy temple and comes into our sight to liberate us into life. Love arrives and in its train come ecstasies old memories of pleasure ancient histories of pain. Yet if we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear from our souls. We are weaned from our timidity In the flush of love's light we dare be brave And suddenly we see that love costs all we are and will ever be. Yet it is only love which sets us free.

--------------------------------

Robby & Melissa's reception followed in the Miracle's Frankenstein Lounge, the ship disco--one of my favorite rooms on the ship given my love of old monster movies! (And kind of a funny ironic nod to "Bride of Frankenstein," doh!)

Melissa & her father danced to Butterfly Kisses, and Robby danced to Song for Mama with his Mom & his auntie. Their wedding cake had their initials as a cake topper, and the ship board buffet featured decorative carved watermelon & sushi. Best Man John and Maid of Honor Sonia, both friends of the Bride & Groom since grade school, gave heartfelt toasts.

Congratulations Melissa & Robby--now sailing off to honeymoon in the Caribbean!

6/27/10: Elizabeth & Omar

2010-06-27T17:22:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to NYC wedding photographer Jorda n Van Aken
for sharing her wedding blog of photos from Elizabeth & Omar's wedding at Gantry State Park in Long Island City, Queens this summer!

Jordan was such a pro...she really captured some amazing shots
of the couple & their families! I look forward to working with her again :)

http://jordanvanaken.blogspot.com/2010/07/elizabeth-omar.html

Elizabeth wore a stunning, original *tie-dyed silk* gown, and feathers in her hair! She surprised her groom Omar by reciting her vows to him in Spanish, his native tongue. There was live music, bottled water (super hot day!) and a lovely reception at Riverview Restaurant & Lounge--right across the street.

Best wishes always to Elizabeth & Omar--one of the most original & deleriously happy couples I've had the honor to marry!
Love, Rev. Annie NYC ♥