Another magnificent summer wedding in Central Park with a couple from France.

Congratulations to Art of the Ceremony's 

Reverend Dr. R. M. Peluso, D.Min. on the conferring of her doctorate of ministry by The New Seminary. 

In all but the warmest weather, I've been making chocolates and presenting them to couples as their first wedding gift. You can see their delighted reactions here.

International Couples

Wedding at Wagner Cove, Central Park

Nautical Nuptial Season

Yacht weddings are popular alternatives to reception halls. This couple, married just a week ago, strike a joyful pose next to the Lexington at NY Sky Port Marina.






Below, a bride savors the salt breeze and the view of the Statue of Liberty. Photos by Andy Mars.

Renewal of Vows and a Movie Review--HOPE SPRINGS

I usually don't blog about movies. And I'm not a film reviewer. But Hope Springs covers some familiar ground. Couples often approach me about doing a marriage renewal or renewal of vows ceremony to mark a milestone anniversary. Sometimes, it's just to celebrate their first year, but usually, it's to mark 10 or 20 or 30 years together. And in the latter case, the couples frequently wish to renew their vows because they, as a couple, have endured some serious challenges to health or finances or other personal problems which may have threatened the very marriage itself. Yet, our marriage veterans, have survived, overcome, often triumphed.  Hope Springs is about a couple confronted with a seemingly insurmountable challenge that, often and tragically, in our throw-away society, ends in divorce. Of course, Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones gave stellar performances, and  Steve Carrell was superbly convincing in the role of their marriage therapist. I'm not going to "spoil" the ending by telling you whether this couple succeeds or not. Go see it yourself. And if you are thinking about a Renewal of Vows, Art of the Ceremony will be happy to create the perfect ceremony for you..

One Year After NY's Marriage Equality Act

Thousands of Loving Same-Sex Couples have married in NYC.

 Rev. Peluso says, "3 in 5 wedding inquiries are now running in favor of same-sex couples." 

Couples are flocking to the Great State of New York from all over the world, including the UK, France, Australia, Italy, and many American states that have not yet legalized these unions. 

A Summer Wedding in Seersucker Suits. 

Rev. Peluso, conducts a musical theatre ceremony at Ladies Pavilion in Central Park to Rave Reviews. The ceremony was attended by dozens from Broadway and London's West End for this theatre critic's and his beloved's nuptuals. 

MORE CENTRAL PARK WEDDINGS!

 

photo by Gen Nishino

 Sand Ceremony on Belvedere Terrace

 Sealed with a Kiss

   

Art of the Ceremony Loves Multicultural Weddings! Here a Latino-Jewish-African American Couple Jump the Broom.

Here, the Best Dog looks on!

French Gals Flock to NYC to Marry

The French civil union or PACS is just not enough for those yearning for true marriage equality.                               

While the French government opens its mind, we in NYC say "Bienvenue."

Dreaming of a Snow Wedding this Winter?

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

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

Review

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...

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!

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

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

Marriage Equality is Here!!!

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

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!

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