Nuria & Raven (On Air - Good Morning America)

Nuria and Raven's love story is so genuine and memorable that they won a stellar all-inclusive wedding on Good Morning America! I had the honor of being their officiant. Here are some of the many highlights!

PERSONALIZED CHRISTIAN WEDDING

When you hear “Wide World of Weddings” what comes to mind? For the couples I married in the Good Morning America studios, it can only mean one thing -- an extravaganza! For 24 hours Good Morning America live streamed wedding celebrations all around the world from Britain, Scotland, Korea and right here in Times Square, New York City!

CEREMONY SITE

I had the privilege of performing three of these wonderful weddings. For a behind the scenes perspective of what it was like to participate in this phenomenal event, I interviewed, Nuria and Raven!

Here’s what Nuria and Raven say about being in the contest, “Entering in the Good Morning America contest was the best decision we could've ever made! We thought about eloping or even having a very small intimate beach wedding but the experience we had was beyond our biggest dreams."

LOVE STORY FOCUSED

I did my best to stay centered in the ceremony discernment process that has helped me to create memorable one-of-a-kind ceremonies for nearly 14 years. I interviewed the couple via FaceTime and the three of us decided that a God-centered, traditional Christian wedding ceremony with their love story being woven into the script, symbolically and literally would be the best fit for them. In order to help create a wedding ceremony experience that would genuinely reflect their union and vision for the future, I asked this lovely bride and groom about their initial attraction to each other, the characteristics of the love that is leading them to their beautiful commitment and the love that intertwines their lives with family and friends. The result was outstanding!

ON-AIR

On-air, their wedding began to unfold with some fun chit-chat with ABC News Correspondent Mara Schiavocampo.

FIRST VIEW

Then, Raven, Nuria’s handsome groom was ready to see his lovely bride for the first time on their wedding day!

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE

Escorted by her father, Nuria was gracefully presented, as we honored her mother, father, family and friends for the all of the love and care that they offered our beautiful bride her entire life. Nuria was gorgeous in her Kleinfeld wedding gown and I believe her groom and many of us fought back a tear or two. As a love story ceremony specialist, I really enjoyed describing their first meeting.A wedding is often a time of intense emotions and reflection upon the ideals that really matter in life. Nuria is exceedingly happy to share this day with her mother and father. Both of her parents have dedicated themselves to her happiness in many, many ways. In these cherished moments, Nuria honors her mother for all that she has done for her and the ways that she has given of herself. We also highlight the joys of the relationship between a devoted father and a loving daughter. Indeed, the bonds between parent and child embody some of the most precious ties of our world. In these sacred moments, as Mr. Kalifah stands before us, Nuria’s father represents all of us, as he also represents his wife and their family, and today in a special gesture he symbolizes his own love for his daughter. Mindful of these values, ‘Who presents this woman to be married to this man?’ If you would like to view Raven and Nuria’s wedding ceremony, click here.

CEREMONY REVIEW

Interview with the Couple

1. Anything you are really glad you did? Or wish you didn’t do?

"Entering in the Good Morning America contest was the best decision we could've ever made! We thought about eloping or even having a very small intimate beach wedding but the experience we have was beyond our biggest dreams."

2. Any stand out vendors from your wedding? Who did you connect with? Who went above and beyond?

"Kim.... We truly loved our ceremony!! Our family/friends all over the country thought we knew you before the ceremony because it was so personal! We truly felt like it was specially designed just for us."

"We absolutely loved our engagement photographer Rhea Whitney. Our photo shoot at the United States Capitol was absolutely breathtaking!"

CELEBRANT KIM KIRKLEY'S REFLECTIONS

I continue to hold Nuria and Raven and their distinct love story in my heart. They have so much in common and a truly inspiring love story! Thank you Nuria and Raven and the staff of Good Morning America for this honor!Here are some more beautiful images from the other ceremonies I performed for Good Morning America on that magical day! Here is a quick video clip of one of the grooms’ vision for his family, and some comments from the couple!

VIDEO

For many years I have been the go-to-teacher of professional Officiants and Celebrants. Having been declared, “The Officiant” by New York magazine, families whose milestone events I celebrate will tell you that choosing to work with me is always the easy choice! I delight in helping each couple authentically and meaningfully enjoy their walk down the aisle, as the ceremony invokes an experience where everyone feels more alive and euphoric than when it began! It is also a joy to work with the amazing wedding professionals like the ones that the Good Morning America staff assembled. For example, the wedding photographer, Roberto Falck of Roberto Falck Photography did a phenomenal job of capturing the memories of this once in a life time experience. As you might imagine, Good Morning America invited the best of the best vendors to participate in this remarkable experience. It is my joy to share these ceremonies with the seasoned, stellar professionals listed below.