The Brooklyn Bridge is an iconic landmark in our great city. The Gothic structure, now a National Historic Landmark, is a living testament to architectural brilliance, human ingenuity, and fortitude. Built in 1903, it is one of the oldest, longest suspension bridges in the U.S. It is also an interesting (and free!) venue for a private wedding ceremony.
Among those of us who think about rituals, rites of passage, and ceremony, the bridge is a universal symbol of transitioning from one stage of life to another. Thus, a ceremony on the Brooklyn Bride is a visual representation of moving from one of life’s chapters—living as two single individuals—to another, the new status as a married couple. Moreover, the vistas surrounding the bridge provide for stunning wedding photographs, even taken by a novice photographer like me!
While the most desirable time for a ceremony on the Bridge would be summer and the “shoulder” seasons (late spring and early fall), but anytime is workable. Indeed, I officiated a wedding last November 13 (which happened to be a Friday).
It so happened that on this Friday the 13th, there was a powerful Nor’Easter sweeping through our City. With whipping winds, a nasty wind chill, and ample rain, a lovely wedding was held for Olga and Maxim, a young couple originally from Russia. As teen-agers coming to America, Olga and Maxim had strong memories of their motherland and a great appreciation for life in America. As Brooklyn residents, the Bridge held special meaning for these young lovers. In a ceremony perfectly choreographed for them, Maxim made a processional from the Manhattan side of the bridge while Olga travelled from Brooklyn. The couple met midway on a promenade area connected to the pedestrian path, used every day by New Yorker and tourists as well. Despite the bone-chilling cold, our couple was joined by interested passers-by…..everyone loves a wedding! A dapper groom and bride wearing a fashionable strapless wedding gown enjoyed a ceremony where we recalled their intercontinental love story, exchanging vows in Russian.
It so happened that on this Friday the 13th, there was a powerful Nor’Easter sweeping through our City. With whipping winds, a nasty wind chill, and ample rain, a lovely wedding was held for Olga and Maxim, a young couple originally from Russia. As teen-agers coming to America, Olga and Maxim had strong memories of their motherland and a great appreciation for life in America. As Brooklyn residents, the Bridge held special meaning for these young lovers. In a ceremony perfectly choreographed for them, Maxim made a processional from the Manhattan side of the bridge while Olga travelled from Brooklyn. The couple met midway on a promenade area connected to the pedestrian path, used every day by New Yorker and tourists as well. Despite the bone-chilling cold, our couple was joined by interested passers-by…..everyone loves a wedding! A dapper groom and bride wearing a fashionable strapless wedding gown enjoyed a ceremony where we recalled their intercontinental love story, exchanging vows in Russian.
So for those who love history, architecture, or cultural landmarks, perhaps the Brooklyn Bridge is a wedding venue suited perfectly for you—as it was for Maxim and Olga!
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