Shrek and Fiona Exchange Rings

Janine and Richard are an especially unique couple. They met on "Second Life" and the groom had to fly from Holland to meet his beloved in person! They had the names of Shrek and Fiona inscribed in their wedding rings, so we used those names for the ring vows. They also had a lovely stone ceremony in which each guest presented a stone inscribed with a blessing, such as LOVE, PASSION, FORGIVENESS, COURAGE, etc. The stones were placed together in a glass vase as the guest said something to the couple about these good wishes.

Wedding at Ventosa Vineyards

Noah and Yvonne were married under a huge oak tree at Ventosa Vineyards on Seneca Lake. It was the perfect setting for a wedding, because there is so much love symbolism in an old tree -- its branches and roots extending deeply in both directions, just as a deep love has roots in a shared past and branches out to a shared future. Yvonne and Noah didn't want any rituals or readings in their ceremony, but it was still full of humor and meaning because of the wonderful story they allowed me to share with their guests. These two doctors have a lot of love and humor to share with each other and their patients as well!

Handfasting Ceremony

Kate and Travis were married under a graceful white arch that the groom had built and placed in front of Oquaga Lake. The ceremony took place at Scott's Inn last Saturday. Miraculously, it didn't rain, and the wind didn't blow! There were several highlights, including the two-year-old ring boy, toddling down the aisle in his little white suit, and the handfasting ceremony for which the bride had braided cords of ribbon in six colors, each symbolic of an attribute the couple will aspire to in their marriage.

Kate said afterward:"I just wanted to say thank you and that our ceremony was so beautiful. All of our guests were telling us how beautiful and unique it was, and everyone who really knows us said it was so perfect for us and reflective of who we are."

www.customceremonies-in-the-hearland.com

Genaganslet Lake Wedding

Kyle and Julia are a delightful couple who met in a most unusual way. They were both looking for an apartment at the same time and decided to share one after meeting in the realtor's office. So they were apt-mates FIRST - then friends, and then sweethearts. On July 11th they became husband and wife at the lake home of Julia's family. An afternoon downpour spoiled their plans to be married on the dock, but under the tent we were able to have the Unity Candle Ceremony without fear of the flame going out! The inclusion of Kyle and Julia's love story in the ceremony brought lots of smiles and tears to the guests' faces. Afterward the sun came out and the bridal party was able to go out on the dock for pictures. When I get one I'll add it to this blog!