Weddingbee PRO
Layla and Lewis were married earlier this year at the Valley Brook Golf Club in River Vale, NJ. I had so much fun getting to know them and learning their story. They also introduced me to a great Greek restaurant – After Athens in Rutherford – two blocks from my apartment that I hadn't been to – they have the most fabulous chai!
They really wanted a sentimental, touching, and funny ceremony, without getting too mushy. I think their love story really captured the wonderful love they have between them, and celebrated who they were. Layla gave me a special “checklist” that a friend had given her, as potential ways to check out a new guy's history, and I opened with it:
Many years ago, a friend of Layla's wrote a special screening checklist for her potential dates. This list included many gems of advice, including:
Number 1: Check guy's psych history.
Number 4: Check his walls/photo albums for signs of obsessiveness.
But, the most important, was number 7: Above all, settle for nothing. Layla took this very important advice to heart, and it led her to her soul mate, as you see them before you today.
“You will always and forever be new to me, you will forever be my real love.”
Layla and Lewis chose to write their own vows. It was their moment to really have fun and open up to each other, in front of their family and friends, and they did a fabulous job. Layla used a reading from the Velveteen Rabbit in her vows – telling Lewis that his love is what makes her real. Lewis said that one of his favorite activities is making Layla smile – and requested that she let him do that forever.
Lewis getting his vows!
Matron of Honor Jamie
Their ceremony also included a reading by the Matron of Honor (e.e. cumming's “i carry your heart”) and a handfasting.
Wrapping Layla and Lewis' hands with the handfasting cord
Layla and Lewis got engaged in November, put their wedding together in just two months, and had their first child in March! I couldn't believe it! 
You guys rock. I had so much fun. Congratulations again!
| Share this post: 
I hope they know someone who can photoshop out that EXIT sign. 
@Sarah: These were my personal photos, hopefully theirs don’t have the giant exit sign in them!
| Visit our sister sites | Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Fertile Thoughts Infertility Support |
Jessie Blum, New Jersey
Vendor: Officiant
Website: Eclectic Unions
About Me: I began writing & officiating wedding ceremonies in 2008, and love every single moment of it. It all started when my best friend asked me to officiate her Jewish/Lutheran/Pagan (but completely non-religious!) wedding - since then, I've found a love and passion for creating original wedding ceremonies that truly reflect the couples being married. Wedding ceremonies should be all about the bride & groom's love, relationship, and commitment, and I do my best to make sure everything is just perfect! I live in Northern New Jersey with my fiance and our two kitties, and, when I'm not meeting with my awesome couples or writing wedding ceremonies, I love to knit, obsessively check my email, and plan my own wedding (Oct 2010!).
They look like a fun couple!