On Saturday I officiated a small wedding for a fun-loving Brooklyn couple. The celebration was at the Boathouse at Prospect Park. Although Prospect Park was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, it is less familiar to most of us compared to his more famous Central Park. But it was a stunning spot. The day was clear as a bell and about 30 friends, family members, and former students attended the event. The bride and groom have a wonderful love story. They met nearly two decades ago and dated for several years. Not ready for a serious relationship, they followed separate paths for many years. And then, through the wonders of Facebook, they reconnected several years ago. Surely it was “meant to be.” They are mindful of their prized possession, a relationship that was nearly lost.
The couple let their personal style shine through in all aspects of the ceremony, including casting their beloved dog Kona as the “ring dog.” Kona sported a specially designed collar that included a pouch for the rings. At just the right moment, the two young nieces of the bride untied the little pocket and passed the grooms to the bride and groom—to the cheers of the wedding guests. In a place like New York, where many do not have children, dogs really are man’s (and woman’s) best friend. So I say bravo for to the off-beat bride and groom—and Kona of course!