Hudson Valley Autumn Wedding: Congratulations Sharon and Michael!

Sharon and Michael were married at Sharon’s parents’ home in the Hudson Valley region of New York.

Sharon and Michael shared a first look on the grounds of the property with the gorgeous fall foliage in the background. I just love Michael’s expression!

Sharon and Michael grew up in Congers, NY, where they attended the same elementary school, middle school, and high school. The first time they met was when Michael at the age of 7 came over to ask if Warren, Sharon’s brother, could come out and play. Since then Michael became a close friend of Warren’s and the family. At one of the Fong family’s annual July 4th barbecues in 2007, Sharon and Michael reconnected and started dating.

Currently, Sharon and Michael live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Sharon is a clinical director of physical therapy at an orthopedic clinic on the UWS. Michael is a radiation therapist at Memorial Sloan in Sleepy Hollow, NY.

Sharon and Michael included a spice ceremony in their wedding ceremony. Each parent and the couple mixed a spice into the blend. Their minister, Reverend Jeffries, shares:

“Each spice represents a blessing – when they are mixed they become Chinese Five Spice – a blend of flavors and tastes enjoyed throughout the world.

Cinnamon is for love and romance. May your lives be filled with love for one another.

Clove is to banish negativity. May you always see the best in one another.

Star Anise is for strength and good luck. May you remain steadfast for each other.

Fennel is for lasting love, longevity and courage. May you always remain devoted to one another.

And Szechuan Pepper is used to represent that extra spark, and the spice of life.

As the couple mixes these flavors together know that their lives are forever changed after today. They will forever have influence over each other as they blend their lives together.”

The crane, a strong and graceful bird, is a traditional Asian symbol of love. The crane mates for life and has become a popular image in weddings to represent honor, harmony and fidelity. Asian lore tells a story of three holy creatures that can live for 1,000 years, one of them is the crane. Sharon actually folded 1,000 origami paper cranes herself to represent the 1,000 years. This custom represents the majestic “bird of happiness” carrying her prayers and wishes for a strong and happy marriage to heaven. This beautiful custom has been popular for centuries.

The spices from the spice ceremony were also mixed to give as favors and an origami crane led each guest to their seat.

At the end of the evening everyone made their way outside to send wishes to the bride and groom through Chinese water lanterns. Each guest wrote a wish on the side of the paper lantern and then sent it off into the pond.