iPad Wedding at the W Hotel, NYC

Photographer Max Flatow (www.maxflatow.com) snapped this stunning shot of the entire wedding party blessing the rings. We never knew he was there! His stealth technique sure impressed me. Beautiful bride, handsome groom... and my iPad... again. The iPad has become this minister's constant companion. (I use the iPad when I lead worship services too at The Interfaith Temple.)

To find out when Rev. R. M. Peluso is preaching at The Interfaith Temple, follow IFT on Twitter @ interfaithnyc. Or follow Rev. R. M. @ weddingrevnyc

From the UK to the Conservatory Gardens, Central Park,

Ah! A fountain full of lotus, a minister holding an iPad, a late summer wedding in a city that loves lovers. This couple from the England knew that New York was the capital of romance! While they chose the Conservatory Gardens, there are many other sites all over Central Park--some pictured on this blog, that make for unforgetable nuptual locations. And--best kept secret-- most are free!

photo by Ande Whyland @www.newyorkphoto.nu

A Very Special Review

Dear Rev. Peluso,
We don't even know where to begin thanking you. I had a very specific vision of what I wanted our ceremony to look like, and you took that vision and created something so unique that I couldn't have even dreamed of it. You totally "got us" when you talked about our relationship and partnership with one another. You were able to incorporate our families in a way I've never seen before, and our parents were so touched by the pink rose gifting. You have been a pleasure to work with throughout this process--always making yourself available with an open heart, and, even more, open ears. We really appreciate all the thought you put into a day that we will remember the rest of our lives.
All our best,
Gloria & Ivan


This thank you note so touched my heart that--with permission-- I had to post it here.
Other testimonials can be read on my website: www.artoftheceremony.com and wedding sites, such as OneWed.com.

Elegant Wedding at the Hudson Hotel, NYC

Photos from earlier this spring/summer season are still coming in (they can take months!) Rev. Peluso married this handsome couple under a tent on the roof of the chic & trendy Hudson Hotel. Roof overlooked the Hudson and skyline and roof garden hosted their reception. After feasting your eyes on this couple, look at those florals. Ceremony and decor, simple yet elegant.

Ship Mates...a Pirate Wedding

Some weddings are such fun, I can hardly wait to post about them. Thanks to this couple for encouraging this minister pull out all her theatrical tricks. This wedding party set sail from the North Cove Marina (World Financial Center at Battery Park City) aboard the sailboat Shearwater with folks from France and Colombia, and one NYC "pirate" minister. Yes, I too was in costume and will post photos as they come in. Meanwhile, here is one I snapped this photo with my Blackberry at the pier before we set sail. The ceremony was in French and Spanish, and, as you may have gathered, rather hilarious, except for the couple's self-written vows and inspirational readings by their mothers. When the pirate minister found this pirate couple had invaded New York waters, she sentenced them to life...as a married couple, rather than order them to walk the plank.

French Groom & American Bride Wed in Central Park

Regis and Lisa met in a tango class in Paris...but it wasn't their last. Here the just-weds tango lakeside in Central Park. After Skype video conferences with Paris and three-way audio chats between the continents, family and friends from America and France participated in the bilingual ceremony led by Rev. R. M. Peluso. The couple has already settled into their Paris apartment. Art of the Ceremony will be hosting several bilingual French and Spanish weddings this summer. We are delighted to be increasingly popular with trans-Atlantic couples.

Military Weddings

This past season has brought me several military couples. It's been a privilege to marry them and to send them off with special blessings, particularly in the case this groom and his brother, both about to ship out. As the wife of a veteran myself, these courageous young men remain in my heart and prayers. May they return safe and sound to their new brides.

Icelandic Volcano...

A French groom is scheduled to fly in today from Paris. The wedding is scheduled for this Saturday. I am hoping his flight will get out sometime soon and I won't have to exercise my Volcano Wedding Clause this week. Stay tuned!

My Volcano Wedding Clause

I like to offer my couples a little "extra peace of mind," so my wedding contracts contain clauses that may function as a bit of psychological and real world insurance. My contracts also exempt both me and my clients from liability in the event of situations beyond anyone's control in the form of "verifiable emergencies, acts of nature, acts of terrorism...etc." When the H1N1 virus was still unpredictable, I added an H1N1 clause to reassure couples that I would reschedule their ceremonies within two years without any added charge should the CDC or the WHO deem it unsafe to hold public gatherings. Fortunately, we got vaccinated, and that public gathering ban never materialized in New York. Praise God! So...the clause came out. But when the Icelandic volcano recently blew her top, I wrote in a new clause exempting my couples from loss of their fees if the airlines cancelled flights and the couples had to reschedule. Many of my couples fly into New York from Europe, particularly the British Isles, France and Belgium. Northern European air traffic was hard hit by flight cancellations and continues to be at risk. Some experts say this risk may continue for the next two years. Therefore, I will offer this bit of insurance to my European couples: If your flight is cancelled or postponed due to the Icelandic volano, we will reschedule your ceremony and you will not lose your deposit.