Mother Nature is uninvited guest at nuptials

Surviving an earthquake the day before the wedding and a hurricane the day after is a good omen for the future strength of this couple’s marriage. The day before the wedding, Aug. 25, 2011, when most couples are concerned about last minute details, Christina LaPointe-Nelson and Jukka Välimäki were worried about reports about a rare earthquake in New York City. Had the temblor impacted the historic Church of St. Francis Xavier, the site of wedding? Would the wedding go on? Would family and friends who were flying in from Spokane and Finland be able to land? Of course, the answer was that all was well. The earthquake, by West Coast standards was minor; however, New York City almost never has them. So, the concerns were real. The next day, Aug. 26, 2011, was picture perfect. Friends and family from across the globe gathered to witness Christina and Jukka exchange wedding vows. St. Francis Xavier’s is the perfect place for a wedding. Christina is a member of the parish which is an urban sanctuary in middle of the city’s fast pace buzz. Built in 1800s, according to Christina, it is an active, welcoming community. The bride, who is the daughter of David Nelson and the stepdaughter of Diane DeFelice Nelson, Spokane, Wa., walked down the aisle to “Ave Maria”. Her matron of honor was Raina Nortick. Her dress was silk taffeta with appliquéd chiffon flowers and was purchased at Kleinfeld, which is famous for TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress”. Her veil belonged to Diane DeFelice Nelson’s mother Luigina DeFelice, who was a dressmaker in downtown Spokane. The groom, who is the son of Reijo and Eeva-Liisa Välimäki, Seinäjoki, Finland, wore a traditional morning suit. His best man was Tapio Pyysalo. The couple had two readers during the ceremony, Jacqueline Holden, from Spokane to read in English and Nora Hagemeier from Finland to read in Finnish. A reception at the Gramercy Park Hotel followed the ceremony. Gramercy Park is one of two private parks in New York City. In most ways, the reception was traditionally American, with one exception. At a Finnish wedding reception, just before the couple cuts the wedding cake, the person who stomps his or her feet first will rule the household. Jukka was unaware the Christina had learned of this custom. So, just before they cut the cake, Christiana stomped her feet, much to her spouse’s delight. That kind of delight in each in other is what marks their relationship. Christina and Jukka fell in love at first sight. They met in January 2011; were engaged by April and married in August 2011. They speak of other with breezy admiration and easy humor. Some might say it was fast. Some say it is just right. Everyone says it is true love. While on a job recruitment trip to M.I.T. for their company, Reed Elsevier, they noticed each other. They were delighted with each other. They talked openly together. First, they checked the company’s policies and procedures to see if there were any rules prohibiting them from dating. It didn’t. So, they dated. They kept it to themselves until they announced their engagement. Their co-workers, while at first surprised, have been supportive. “From the moment I saw him, I knew. I was never one who gave much credence to the love at first sight theory,” said Christina, “We were both bowled over. What a blessing it is to know it is the right decision.” Just like being bowled over, the day after their wedding, Hurricane Irene hit New York City putting an end to travel plans for many of the guests. Making the best out of a bad situation, the wedding party simple continued for two more days. Stranded family and friends who were in town from Spokane and Finland had the rare opportunity to spend precious days with the newlyweds. Family and friends are Christina and Jukka’s highest priorities. Both Spokane and Finland are similar in placing a high value of family and honoring the power of nature. The days following the wedding, the couple enjoyed the good omen of family and the power of nature. The ability to withstand the hurricane in the company of family will surely give this couple the foundation to build a marriage for decades to come. Christina graduated from St. George’s in Spokane. Both Christina and Jukka earned their MBAs in Boston. They frequently travel to Spokane to visit family. They live in Manhattan and plan a honeymoon to Africa.