SAND CASTLE

Franklin Square, NY

Kristie & Gillon

From Friendship to Forever

Kristie and Gillon's story began in junior high school, where friendship eventually grew into a relationship that would span more than a decade. Through the years, laughter remained at the heart of their relationship, along with a deep understanding of one another.

Their wedding at Sand Castle wasn't the beginning of their story. It was a celebration of how far they'd come and the start of their next chapter together..

Kristie and Gillon posing in the gardens at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY on their wedding day

Surrounded by Their People

For Kristie and Gillon, their wedding day was about more than the two of them. Having their closest family and friends there to witness the moment mattered deeply, especially after so many years of growing together.

With a large wedding party and nearly 200 guests gathered at Sand Castle, the celebration was filled with the people who had been part of their story along the way.

Kristie with her bridesmaids in the gardens at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

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Gillon’s groomsmen posing together in burgundy suits at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

Kristie surrounded by her bridesmaids during a candid wedding party portrait at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

Gillon with his groomsmen in the gardens at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

Members of Kristie’s bridal party holding pink and white bouquets at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

The Moment
He Saw Her

There are some wedding-day reactions you simply can't plan. For Gillon, it happened the moment he saw Kristie coming down the aisle.

The laughter and easygoing personality that defined so much of their relationship gave way to pure emotion. Surrounded by nearly 200 guests, his focus was entirely on Kristie as she made her way toward him.

Kristie smiling at Gillon during an emotional moment at their Sand Castle wedding ceremony in Franklin Square, NY

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Love, Laughter and a Few Tears

Kristie and Gillon wanted a ceremony that felt personal, intimate and true to who they are. With nearly 200 guests gathered around them, they wanted the moment to feel warm and engaging, with plenty of room for both laughter and emotion.

As their Wedding Officiant, I created a ceremony that reflected their long friendship, their personalities and the life they had built together. They also chose to share their own vows, bringing even more humor, emotion and personality into the ceremony.

Kristie and Gillon exchanging rings during their wedding ceremony at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

Kristie and Gillon sharing their first kiss as a married couple during their Sand Castle wedding ceremony in Franklin Square, NY

Kristie and Gillon smiling as they walk back down the aisle together after their Sand Castle wedding ceremony in Franklin Square, NY

Kristie and Gillon smiling as newlyweds while walking down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

A Ceremony That Honors Your Story

Your ceremony should reflect more than the moment you say “I do.” It should honor your relationship, your families and the traditions and experiences that have shaped who you are. I create personalized wedding ceremonies that bring those pieces together in a way that feels natural, meaningful and distinctly yours.

EXPLORE WEDDING CEREMONIES

Let the Celebration Begin

After a ceremony filled with emotion and plenty of laughter, Kristie and Gillon were ready to celebrate. The rest of the evening carried that same energy, surrounded by the family and friends who had been part of their story from the beginning.

Kristie and Gillon dancing together during their wedding reception at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

Kristie and Gillon kissing on the dance floor surrounded by guests during their wedding reception at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

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Wedding guests gathering for the bouquet toss during Kristie and Gillon’s reception at Sand Castle in Franklin Square, NY

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In Kristie’s Words

"Our ceremony was the favorite part of our wedding day."

“It was my event planner who got Aretha under our radar. The wedding process can be challenging, but after our initial meeting with Aretha, we knew that this part of the process was going to be trouble-free.

Soon as we made it official with Aretha, she sent out our ‘homework’ right away, and this is how we knew we made the right decision. We loved how Aretha considered our culture, values and thoughts because we knew it would translate into our ceremony. My favorite homework to complete was the questionnaire because it gave us the time to reflect on the memories that we had created over the years.

Not only is Aretha organized, but she is professional and polite as well. It was a pleasure to work with her and to have her officiate our ceremony. Honestly, our ceremony was the favorite part of our wedding day, and we couldn’t have created that intimate and warm felt ceremony without Aretha! We thank you so much!”

Kristie & Gilllon
Sand Castle
Franklin Square, NY

Planning your wedding at The Florentine Gardens?

Having officiated many weddings at Florentine Gardens, I'm familiar with the venue and what makes ceremonies there so special. Whether you're planning a large celebration like Caroline and Brett or something more intimate, your wedding ceremony can still feel personal, meaningful and completely your own.

INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR WEDDING