Weddings by Art of the Ceremony, NYC

Dreaming of a Snow Wedding this Winter?

2011-12-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

Central Park in the snow! Other than a bride, what's more beautiful? Although NYC had a freak snow storm this October, most snowfall comes in January-February. While Rev. Peluso cannot guarantee snow for your wedding, if it is your dream to marry in the snow, Rev. Peluso will certainly pray on it for you. Here's a video of one French couple's dream come true. Rev. Peluso had to turn to speak to the American witnesses in English to make sure the ceremony was legally witnessed. A minister must get all the details right.Video provided by photographer Andy Mars. Enjoy!

New Wedding Video

2011-12-24T08:15:00.000-08:00

Rev. R. M. Peluso created this French & Brazilian Portuguese ceremony for Swank Productions at Tribeca Rooftop. International Elegance, NYC style.

Review

2011-12-24T07:16:00.000-08:00

Reverend Peluso did an amazing job with our ceremony. We traveled all the way from Florida, finding an officiant in New York who would honor a same sex marriage was difficult when living so far away. Not only did she make it much easier with the planning but she took the time to make the ceremony as personalized as possible, including the most important aspects of our life. To be honest it was amazing to work with someone who both respected and appreciated our relationship, working hard to create a wonderful ceremony. We have come across many conflicts within both our personal and professional lives when it comes to same sex marriage, but Rev Peluso was wonderful to work with and made us both feel comfortable planning and attending the ceremony. A.K. (reprinted from Comments below)

When other states do not honor Marriage Equality...

2011-11-28T12:37:00.000-08:00

This lovely couple could NOT get married in their homestate. Rev. Peluso was honored to marry them here in New York City's Central Park. We love New York, and New York loves lovers...particularly committed lovers who marry here.

This Review Just In!

2011-11-28T12:15:00.000-08:00

My wife is Jewish and I am Catholic and the language of preference for our family and wedding guests ranged from English, to Spanish to Hebrew. So when first searching for a marriage officiant, we never thought we could find someone who would be able to create such a personalized, heartfelt ceremony that considered the multiple languages and faiths of our families and wedding guests. Reverend Peluso handled all these challenges in stride. Not only did she help us achieve a creative, beautiful and memorable ceremony, but she was always professional, organized, courteous and respectful.--J & J
(names withheld here by Rev. Peluso to protect couple's privacy; names can be provided upon request)

Baby Photos...a wedding minister's fringe benefit

2011-10-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Just love it when my couples send me baby photos when their newborns arrive!
Here's a beautiful new family.

Marriage Equality is Here!!!

2011-07-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

Rev. R. M. Peluso joined Interfaith and Nondenominational colleagues today in Washington Square Park to celebrate the launch, this week, of Marriage Equality. The event was organized by Rev. Annie Lawrence and Rev. Will Mercer. See Youtube video filmed by Andy Mars @ wedrevnyc channel

Marriage Equality--Our Position

2011-06-15T08:32:00.000-07:00

With one vote hanging in the balance, I contacted NY State Senator Andrew Lanza this morning, urging him to vote for Marriage Equality. I hope you will urge your own legislators to pass bills in every state to make Marriage Equality the law in all 50 states. Now, why is this so important to a straight woman? Because it is a matter of compassion and justice. As a minister, I am compelled to support it. As a human being, I am compelled to support it. We, as a society, need to uphold equality and justice for all. We should encourage consulting adults, no matter what their gender, to form committed, enduring relationships that are recognized as legal marriages with all rights under the law. Civil unions still fall short of extending all rights. Rev. Peluso and Art of the Ceremony will happily create and perform LGBT marriages in New York or any other state. Until Marriage Equality is the law of the land, Rev. Peluso and Art of the Ceremony will be honored to create and perform commitment celebration ceremonies.

When the Standard Musical Ensemble Won't Do!

2011-05-20T08:50:00.000-07:00

Couples often ask me for referrals for musicians. A few months ago I had the delightful experience to see two members of Tenet perform at my seminary. These singers and instrumentalists specialize in medieval and renaissance music, but their versatility goes far beyond those forms. So, if you're looking for something truly unique for your wedding ceremony, watch their videos on their website. http://www.tenetnyc.com/web/home.aspx

Brides of Winter...strapless!

2011-02-21T07:44:00.000-08:00

Scientists should study brides. Why? Because they seem able to endure sub-freezing temperatures without popping a goosebump. I've seen it so many times. Perhaps it's adrenaline. The brides are able to stand uncovered for the length of the ceremony plus photographs. I recommend having a standby wrap, though. Here's a recent bride from England, totally unphased by the snow and low temperatures (in the low 20's F.) The lake in Central Park--frozen!

This British couple's wedding was delayed due to a snow storm that grounded flights from London. Lucky for my couple, my contracts contain an "acts of nature" clause. So, no extra fees, despite a rescheduled ceremony.

iPad Wedding at the W Hotel, NYC

2010-09-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

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,

2010-09-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-23T14:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-10T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-09T17:11:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-08-08T17:05:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-05-16T16:29:00.001-07:00

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!

2010-05-16T16:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Reverend Peluso, Art of the Ceremony, NYC and your wedding1

2009-11-30T10:47:00.001-08:00

Video invitation from Rev. Peluso of Art of the Ceremony

When a Wedding Isn"t a Legal Marriage

2009-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

Wedding ministers receive all kinds of strange requests. One night I received a call from a gentleman clearly in distress.
"Reverend Peluso? I'm wondering if you can help me with a sensitive problem."
"Why don"t you tell me about it," I said.
"On the basis of my attorney's projections last year, I scheduled a wedding, expecting my divorce decree to have been finalized last month."
"Sounds like that didn"t happen."
" I don"t know what I'm going to do. We've put thousands down on the reception hall and caterer, the wedding is supposed to be in two weeks, and...."
"Nonrefundable deposits. Got it."
"Our parents are old, I don"t want to break their hearts...but when I explained the situation to the minister we engaged several months ago, he said he wouldn"t do the wedding."
"I'm sorry to hear that. How is your fiance reacting to all this?"
"Of course, she's disappointed, but she's been just very understanding."
What my "gentleman-in -distress" needed was a "wedding" ceremony that would let everyone celebrate their commitment, and when his divorce decree came through, he and his fiance would legally tie the knot at city hall.
"I will have to speak to your fiance alone. Would you please have her call me?"
There were a couple of problems to overcome in order for me to agree to do this ceremony, the first was to make sure the fiance wasn"t being deceived, pressured or coerced into accepting a phony marriage. I needed to be sure my gentleman-in-distress wasn"t a manipulator.
That proved not to be the case. His "bride" fully understood that the ceremony I would perform was not a legal marriage and that I could not pronounce them husband and wife without a license.
In several traditions, the lines between the sacred and the legal are more preserved and transparent than in our modern Western marriage commemorations. In these traditions, two separate steps may be involved: one: the signing of a contract; the other, the sacred ceremony. In America, the state issues the license, but the ceremony is performed separately. The clergyperson, having registered with the city or state, then verifies that the marriage has been performed by submitting the documents. In this case, I would not be stating that "by the power vested in my by the State of New York, I pronounce you..." nor would there be any documents.
When I was sure that this bride and groom understood the full legal implications, I then did some counseling with them both on how to protect themselves until they could legalize their union. I told them that before I'd do the wedding I'd want them to agree to go immediately and name each other as beneficiary in all their bank accounts and financial documents, and to name each other as coowners, or to "will" to each other all other properties. I was delighted to learn that they had already done this. What they hadn"t yet done was given each other durable power of attorney and health care proxy. These latter two items are essential in order for either to act on the other's behalf in an emergency.
The couple's agreement to do these things for each other, convinced me that their relationship and intentions were for real. Under those conditions, I agreed to do a spiritual ceremony. Instead of pronouncing them married, I pronounced them "loving and committed life-partners." And their aged parents, nor anyone else, seemed to notice anything amiss as I transitioned my couple directly into the kiss.
There are any number of reasons why a couple may wish to have the sacred part of a "wedding" performed without legalizing the union. Seniors may be afraid to lose their social security. Other people do not recognize the right of civil authority over what they feel is a private matter. And, of course, we have gay and lesbian couples, who, as of this writing, are unable to legally marry in this and many other states.
We humans are moved to recognize life milestones in the form of ritual. When we meet someone with whom we wish to share our lives, we want to celebrate our love with each other, with friends, family and community.
It is a privilege to be here for couples and assist in whatever way I can, to the extent the law allows.

Scenes from Recent Weddings

2009-10-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Alas! Photos and video are always delayed. But here are a few from recent weddings...a destination, beach wedding (photo by The Bleu Studio)

and an Anglo-Islamic wedding. This Uk bride of Bengali heritage is pictured here in her reception gown--an eye-popping red silk sari embroidered in gold thread. Two beautiful brides, two fabulous weddings...and an honor to create and officiate two ceremonies that just couldn't have been more different.

Interviewing Wedding Officiants NOW!

2009-09-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

They live in Scotland, but like many of my international couples, they wanted to marry in New York. New York has become an exciting meeting point for families dispersed across the globe. Until recently, all the preparatory contact and work for the ceremony has been through email, sometimes a phone call. Not for my Skype couple. We had the traditional interview--audio and video--over the internet through Skype. This is technology in service of LOVE. Enjoy the photo of my Skype couple. Oh, yes...that's me in the middle.

Wedding Highlights for August 09

2009-08-17T17:46:00.000-07:00

Among the weddings I performed this month included one for a NY1 news producer at The Water's Edge a lovely, lavish setting with a view of Manhattan from the East River. The venue provides its own ferry to E. 23rd Street. Another wedding was for a Muslim couple from the UK in a most unusual venue 632 Hudson Street, a town house, with unique decor, ideally suited for a small wedding. The couple flew in about 35 people from the UK. The couple had their Nikka (Islamic religious ceremony) a year before. The groom's family is Christian. The ceremony I created was mostly civil but a Sufi poem was included. The bride (of Bengali heritage) wore an elegant beaded (pearl) white gown (Western style) but a traditional red sari with gold trim for the reception. The sari...magnificent!!! The wedding was skillfully coordinated by Miche Griffin of Griffin Events. Miche was a pleasure to work with.

Another wedding also won a special place in my heart--that of videographer William Beebe and his bride Ajeia. Performing a wedding for a colleague is a great joy and particular honor. William is one of the best wedding videographers in NYC and one of the nicest people in this city. Enjoy this photo of William and Ajeia. And congratulations to all my August couples!

Join Me At Facebook and...

2009-06-29T16:05:00.000-07:00

Blog readers are invited to join my Facebook circle of friends.
Go to: www.facebook.com and search for Rev. R. M. Peluso.
Send me a message or invitation to become a friend.

Challenging Interfaith Weddings.

2009-06-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

I've done 'em all--Chinese Buddhist-Jewish, Moslem-Baptist, Celtic-Retro, Yoga weddings, and in Spanish and French, as well as English. The more challenging, the better I enjoy creating ceremonies to touch the heart of every participant. But special challenges sometimes come up when parents do not support their son's or daughter's decision to marry out of their faith. While the wedding couple had given me a heads-up, I was caught a little by surprise when, a few minutes after my arrival, the father of the groom sat me down to express his discontent. The gentleman was educated in his faith pre-Vatican II, and mostly needed to vent. He was half-way there in his heart, wanting to accept his new daughter-- he just needed to know that his sentiments were being respected. We talked about his values, their values, the values both faiths held in common. And he was surprised that I would take about Jesus under a chuppah and that I would ask the Catholics to say a prayer in Hebrew, that Jesus would probably have said over wine. A little later, the old gentleman caught me by the elbow. With tears in his eyes, he said, "Thank you. I would never have believed it possible."
I have often said, that if at least one parent doesn't come to me with tears of gratitude, I wouldn't consider that I'd done my job properly. So, I was delighted to know that my words struck the right chord. Because the future of a couple, of an entire family can ride on an auspcious beginning, the good will, respect and inclusion of all the family members, skillful communication, care and compassion are essential ingredients in greating a wedding worth remembering.