Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Monday, October 03, 2011
The Text of our Ketubah in Hebrew and English
בששי
בשבת בחמשה ימים לחדש אב
שנת חמשת אלפים ושבע מאות ושבעים ואחת לבריאת עולם למנין שאנו מונים כאן באולד פורג' ניו יורק בארצות הברית
כרתו הנאהבים
משה מרדכי בן אברהם שמואל ומלכה אסתר
ואנטוני אלברטו בן אלברטו ותרזיטה
ברית משותפת בהערכה הדדית אוהבת ומלוות תמיכה לאורך חיים. "טבעות אלה שלנו מקדשות
אהבה ורעות בפני אלהים ועדה. אנו נוקיר ונעריך הדדית בכבוד ובתום-לב, תוך כדי בנית עתיד משותף
באהבה יוצרת. אנו מייחלים שאהבתינו תעודד אתנו להיות עצמנו ותאמצנו להלך בדרך בה בחרנו. בטקס
זה אנו מצהירים על כוונתנו לספק הדדית תמיכה וזכויות כשל כל זוג אוהב. מי יתן וחיינו יהיו טוויים לעולם כאחד וחסויים בעדנה ובמסירות. אנו מבטיחים הדדית לשאוף ולהשיג את המטרות הבאות במשך חיינו המשותפים:
להגיע לקרבה וגלוי לב שיאפשרו לנו להתחלק ברגשותינו ומחשבותינו הכמוסים ביותר, להיות רגישים ומבינים תמיד
לצרכי השני, להיות שותפים לשמחות ולעזר בעתות צער וצרה, לעודד להגשמה עצמית ולשאוף יחד לשלוה נפשית. אנו
גם מבטיחים להקים בית המעוצב במסורת ובערכי משפחתינו בשאיפה לחברה כוללת, בית אוהב שלום, תקוה והערכה לכל האדם, בית משפחה שופע אהבה ולמידה, חסד ונדיבות, נחמה וצדק. בשמחה אנו מצהירים ברית זאת קיימת ומחיבת לעד." והכל שריר וקים
On the sixth day of the week, the fifth day of the month of Av, in the year 5771, corresponding to the fifth day of the month of August, in the year 2011, here in Old Forge, New York, U.S.A., the Beloveds, Mark Albert Burstein, son of Margery and Alan, and
Anthony Alberto Balbona, son of Teresita and Alberto,
entered into this mutual covenant as equal partners, loving and supportive companions in life: “These rings symbolize our commitment to each other as beloveds and friends before God and these witnesses. We shall treasure and respect each other with honor and integrity as we create a loving future together. May our love provide us with the determination to be ourselves and the courage to pursue our chosen path. With this ceremony we affirm our intention to provide for each other the protections and privileges of all loving couples. May our lives be intertwined forever and be as one in tenderness and devotion. As we share everyday experiences, we promise to strive for an intimacy that will enable us to express our innermost thoughts and feelings; to be sensitive
at all times to each other’s needs; to share joys and to comfort each other through life’s sorrows; and to challenge each other to achieve intellectual and physical fulfillment as well
as spiritual and emotional tranquility. We also promise to establish a home shaped by our family traditions and values, committed to the creation of an all-inclusive society; a
loving environment dedicated to peace, hope, and respect for all people; and family filled with love and learning, goodness and generosity, comfort and compassion. We joyfully enter into this covenant and solemnly accept its obligations.”
All this is valid and binding.
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Thanks to the Team That Made a Perfect Day Possible
Judge Bernadette Clark Awaits the Grooms
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| The Judge watches us approach for the vows. Photo Credit: Gareth Rosenau |
The Grooms Break the Glass
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| Anthony and I stamp on glass, a Jewish wedding custom. Photo Credit: Gareth Rosenau |
Our Friends Ben and Lorraine Alexander
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| Ben and Lorraine at the wedding. They are also summer residents of Fourth Lake at their beautiful camp, The Boulders. We were so thrilled that they were with us on our wedding day. Photo Credit: Gareth Rosenau |
The Flower Girls - Campbell, Stella and Hope
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| Judge Clark observes the flower girls, Campbell Levy, Stella Breeze, and Hope Levy as we make our way toward the Judge for the ceremony. They were so adorable! Photo: Gareth Rosenau |
The Stage is Set for the Wedding Ceremony
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| The setting for the wedding ceremony was on the front porch. Anthony says that the whole house was our Chuppah! Photo Credit: Gareth Rosenau |
The Original Sketches for My Wedding Outfit
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| Anthony vetoed the original idea for my wedding attire, shown here. |
Margie and Alan are All Smiles at the Party
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| My parent have a laugh during the party. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci AMV Photography |
It's Official - Almost!
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| It's almost official - we signed the marriage license along with the Judge and witnesses. Judge Clark filed it with the Inlet Town Clerk that day and by the time we returned to New York the marriage certificate was in our mailbox! Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography |
Champagne and Good Company at the Reception
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| My Mother and Florence chat at the reception over glasses of champagne. Photo Credit: Scott LaGreca |
Mrs. Porter Parties at Penwood
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| Mrs. Porter enjoys the festivities. The Porters delivered the wedding cake and tartlettes from Pascale in Syracuse. Mr. Porter said, "I'm going to be honest with you - I ate two of your tarts on the way up and was about to eat a third, but Mrs. Porter stopped me. She was awful cross with me." |
The Reception Buffet by Sisters Bistro, Old Forge
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| The Judge enjoys some of the wonderful food provided by Sisters Bistro. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Little Dock Awaits our Guests
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| We added this dock for the wedding. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci www.amvphotography.com |
Robert and DJ Pose for the Camera Before the Wedding
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| Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci AMV Photography |
Chatting with Anthony and Jeremy
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| Anthony, Jeremy Schwimmer and Mark relax after the wedding. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Looking Out from the Bridge on Fourth Lake and Alger Island
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| As Scott says, "Fourth Lake: Timeless." We had perfect weather. Photo Credit: Scott LaGreca |
The Girls Get their Feet Wet on the Dock
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| Stella, Hope, Campbell and Anne enjoy the view fron the Dock. Photo Credit: Scott LaGreca |
Florence and Family Pose for the Camera
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| Joel, Hope, Florence and Campbell Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
All Smiles Before Flower Girl Duties Begin
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| Anne MacDonald, one of our flower girls and daughter of our dear friends Bryce and Jennifer. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
Here we Go! Mark and the Judge Walk Out to the Ceremony
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| Judge Bernadette Clark and Mark walk out to the garden for the ceremony. Photo Credit: Scott LaGreca |
Mark, Anthony and Audrey with the Ketubah
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| Mark, Anthony and Audrey display the signed Ketubah. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Walking Down the "Aisle" in the Garden
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| The grooms and parents escorted by Flower Girls Hope and Campbell. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
The Burstein Family Portrait at our Wedding
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| Robert, Florence, Mark, and Proud Parents Margie and Alan. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Joking with Aunt Didi at the Wedding Reception
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| Our Aunt Didi and Uncle Jimmy surprised us by coming to the wedding from Detroit. They had to endure a night at a lovely hotel in Utica, but they made it! Didi and I share a funny moment as we taste the wedding cake. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
The Three Musketeers: Campbell, Lydia and Hope
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| Our nieces Campbell Levy, Lydia Burstein and Hope Levy, get ready for the wedding. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
Florence's Toast - "Love Each Other or Perish"
I’ll never forget when Mark called me to tell me he got a new puppy, Miss Audrey, with his new boyfriend. I hadn’t met Anthony yet and wasn’t convinced it was the most sensible thing at the time. But here we are 14 years later – all three family members are still here.
I am not sure if you are aware, but much planning was crammed into this 5 week pre-wedding period. With Mark and Anthony in charge, no one is surprised that this is such a beautiful event. Take a look around – do you notice anything different? That’s correct – I don’t either. However, Mark and Anthony had the forest raked, pruned and cleaned for you. They even had twigs moved from the side of the driveway into the enchanted forest. Stairs painted, sand hauled in. No detail was left unnoticed for this event.
It’s no surprise, however, as Mark was always a task master – I’ll never forget when we were kids and he forced me to rehearse hours on end in our “dance studio” basement, awaiting our debut on Dance Fever or Solid Gold. I actually think I can attribute my dance career to my humble beginnings as a student of the Mark Burstein School of Dance. Which then, of course, morphed into the Mark Burstein School of Billie Jean and Beat It. No one can compete.
You may or may not be aware, but this is actually Mark’s second happiest day of his life. The first being the release of Michael Jackson’s sixth studio album, Thriller, in November of 1982. In fact, Mark and Anthony’s first fight as an engaged couple was whether or not their first dance was going to be to Man in the Mirror, or at Anthony’s preference, something by Mozart.
I’ll also never forget when Mark finally convinced Anthony to come to Old Forge for the first time. We joked that Anthony had MDD -- also known as Manhattan Dissociative Disorder. We were worried that he would be just slightly too far away from the amenities of New York City that he might actually go insane. No bright lights, no food delivery, no smelly garbage, no beeping horns…what is a person to do? While it did take time, Anthony grew to love this place just like a Burstein, and how special it is today that they are choosing to make their union official here, in Anthony’s Secret Garden.
I am so excited for my brothers today. And I want to thank them for planning this wedding around our trip back east. I know that their love is everlasting, built upon years of trust and companionship. I love them both very much and only want the absolute best for them.
And today, I raise a glass and wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.
Before I close with a passage, I want to remind you to stop at the favor basket on your way out – everyone will be receiving a single white sequined glove! Don’t leave home without it!
In closing, I wanted to read an excerpt from a book – and this has extra special meaning because I know how much this book means to my dad – it’s from Tuesdays with Morrie, by Mitch Albom:
“Still,” Morrie said, “there are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: If you don’t respect the other person, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. If you don’t know how to compromise, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. If you can’t talk openly about what goes on between you, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don’t have a common set of values in life, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. Your values must be alike."
“And the biggest one of those values, Mitch?”
Yes?
“Your belief in the importance of your marriage.”
He sniffed, then closed his eyes for a moment.
“Personally,” he sighed, his eyes still closed, “I think marriage is a very important thing to do, and you’re missing a lot if you don’t try it.”
He ended the subject by quoting a poem he believed in like a prayer: “Love each other or perish.”
“Still,” Morrie said, “there are a few rules I know to be true about love and marriage: If you don’t respect the other person, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. If you don’t know how to compromise, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. If you can’t talk openly about what goes on between you, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. And if you don’t have a common set of values in life, you’re gonna have a lot of trouble. Your values must be alike."
“And the biggest one of those values, Mitch?”
Yes?
“Your belief in the importance of your marriage.”
He sniffed, then closed his eyes for a moment.
“Personally,” he sighed, his eyes still closed, “I think marriage is a very important thing to do, and you’re missing a lot if you don’t try it.”
He ended the subject by quoting a poem he believed in like a prayer: “Love each other or perish.”
***
We love you, Florence.
Adirondack Wedding - The Setting and Rings
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| Flowers by Mountain Greenery, Old Forge. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
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| The ring pillow made by our friend Jennifer MacDonald with the wedding rings. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
Up, Up and Away Over Fourth Lake! An Adirondack Twist for the Departing Grooms
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| Anthony and I - up, up and away over Fourth Lake! My parents surprised us with a seaplane ride after the party. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
The Siblings Together at Penwood
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| Robert, Florence and I celebrate together. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Surprise! We're About to Take a Seaplane Ride into the Sunset!
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| Surprise! We watch the seaplane approach the dock to take us into the sunset. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Adirondack Royalty Celebrating at Penwood
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| Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Celebrating my Parents on the Last of the Children to Marry - Me!
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| The children and I dance around my parents to celebrate the last of their children to be married - me! Jeremy Segaul and his grandmother, Susie Segaul, join in the festivities. Photo credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
The Wedding Cake, Designed by Anthony
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| Wedding cake with fondant by Pascale. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
With Our Faithful Camp Companion, Zoe
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| Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Just Married: In the Seaplane After the Reception
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| Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
Married at Last - After 14 Years of Planning!
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| Finally married! Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
The Ketubah: the Jewish Marriage Contract
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| The Ketubah, the Jewish wedding contract. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
Having Fun at the Adirondack Boys Wedding
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| Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
An Adirondack Wedding: The Flower Girls
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| Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography www.amvphotography.com |
The Adirondack Boys' Adirondack Wedding
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| The Honorable Bernadette Clark officiates at our ceremony, held at Penwood on August 5, 2011. Photo Credit: Ann-Marie Vannucci, AMV Photography, www.amvphotography.com |
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