New York City and Cherry Grove couple David Scott Auxier, choreographer, composer, and singer, and Carlos Alberto Loyola, physical therapist, were married at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, in Fort Greene, in Brooklyn, on May 3, with due pomp and circumstance and plenty of music, before numerous family members, friends, and colleagues. That this was “the first official same-sex wedding at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian” was noted several times during the afternoon. Reverend David Dyson came out of retirement to officiate.
Making vows in English (Carlos) and Spanish (David) before Rev. Dyson, the couple exchanged rings bearing the dates that they met, at the Eagle NYC, in 2005; that they got engaged, in 2012; and that they married, in 2014. “These two guys are one of the great couples of the 21st century!” Rev. Dyson declared, and gave them a benediction that included quotes from William Finn and Bob Dylan. Johnny Smith and Marybeth Sullivan were David and Carlos’ ‘best men’ and young Joshua Smith, the ring bearer.
The ceremony began with romantic songs “What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?,” by Michel Legrand and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, sung by Janis Russell, and “Listen to My Heart,” by David Friedman and Clarissa Dane, sung by Elisabeth Cernadas, with Jean-Pierre Lemarié at the piano. Soprano Sarah Caldwell Smith, mezzo-soprano Amy Maude Helfer, tenor Chris-Ian Sanchez, bass David Wannen, and the choral ensemble of the New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP), with which David is associated, serenaded the couple a cappella with the madrigal “When the Buds Are Blossoming,” from “Ruddigore,” conducted by Andi Striker-Rodda.
We heard a quartet of songs written by David, beginning with a moving “Ave Maria,” sung by NYGASP’s Erika Person and Angela Christine Smith, with Jean-Pierre at the organ; continuing with love song “Here We Are (You & Me),” sung by Paul Martin Kovic and Seph Stanek, assisted by Jean-Pierre at the piano; David’s song asking Carlos, “How did I make it alone?,” with Mark York at the piano; and, a cappella, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You, Amen,” sung by the men of NYGASP, conducted by David.
Carlos and David recited Laurie Winkelmann’s poem “Once in a Long While” to each other. Mike Jantz and Peter May delivered “To everything there is a season,” by Ed Harris, after Ecclesiastes, and Matthew Kernisky offered Mehmet Murat ildan’s “Don’t Wait.” Carlos’ sister Maria Teresa Ryan spoke the words of Madonna and Shep Pettibone’s song “Rescue Me,” at her brother’s request. Rev. Dr. Moira Foxe gave a blessing, opening with a quote from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Yeomen of the Guard.” Virginia Jama proffered the poem “There is no difficulty,” by Emmett Fox. Amy Walter, David’s niece, spoke about their family.
Jean-Pierre, who had begun the afternoon with an organ prelude, also closed it, playing his own organ Sonata Classica in D Major.
A reception at Therapy Lounge, in Manhattan, followed.