Family
An Audubon Wedding Story
A bird-loving couple ties the knot with a memorable celebration.
By Michele Wilson/Photography by Corey Nickols

Laura and Joseph Ruggeri think they were destined to marry. Not just because they met in high school without an introduction from their mothers, who happened to know each other, but more because, after dating for years, they fell in love—with nature, and particularly birding—and have been environmental devotees ever since. When it came time to plan their wedding, a green, bird-themed celebration seemed a natural fit. 

The couple tied the knot May 2 outdoors at The Oaks resort in New Rochelle, New York. They sent out bird-covered invitations made with recycled paper, used potted-plant centerpieces instead of cut flowers, assigned guests seats at different avian-themed tables, and even set up bird feeders. In lieu of the traditional bubbles or candy, the couple gave out copies of Audubon and E-The Environmental Magazine, and made a donation to the National Audubon Society. “People asked us if we had paid birds to fly around us [during the ceremony],” says Joe, 26. “They were literally all around us.”

Laura and Joseph got hooked on birdwatching five years go, when they were hiking in the marshland of Rye, New York. “It was the middle of the day, and we spotted a great horned owl maybe 100 feet away or 50 feet away,” says Laura, 26. “It was just so striking. We were totally in awe.”

Laura’s interest in birds stems from working with an environmental science professor who was an avid birdwatcher; Joe’s comes from the gentle familial nudging of a naturalist cousin. What started as a minor hobby quickly turned into much, much more for both. Presents—Christmas, birthday, you name it—are now bird-related. The pair jumps on opportunities to see new species and habitats, and both have brought their passion to their careers, one as an environmental scientist, the other as a photographer. “It’s such a peaceful, fun activity,” Laura says, of birdwatching. “You can take people who are not even interested in birding. You can get them interested. You can do it anywhere.”

What better way, then, for Laura and Joe to show their friends and family the joy they derive from this hobby than to incorporate it into their marriage celebration? “When we started thinking about the wedding, it was an immediate thought that we would donate to an organization,” Laura says. “The wedding industry is really a big business. We were trying to avoid getting sucked into that.”

To the bride and groom, putting money toward a non-profit rather than wedding favors was a no-brainer. But they knew there were others to appease. “Most people really like to receive something [at weddings],” Laura says. So the couple brainstormed a compromise: Hand out an environmental publication as favors. Audubon was an obvious fit. Joe says. “Not many people can say that Audubon has been a part of their wedding,” Joe points out. Actually, not many people can say any magazine was part of their wedding. But for this pair, it worked fabulously.

The guests were blown away by the concept—as well as the photo of the collared aracari that appeared on the March-April 2009 Audubon that the couple handed out. “We were able to explain to people that we had actually seen that bird in the past,” Joe says. “We got a great reception. People were curious.”

Their guests’ approval made the newlyweds bubble—along with the fact that a Costa Rican honeymoon was just a few hours away. For 10 days they had a blast exploring the Central American wildlife haven. “That’s our personality to a T,” Joe says. “We don’t sit on the beach. We were out hiking every day. We visited three different national parks. Most people stay in one place and drink piña coladas.”

The newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Ruggeri have no regrets about their wedding theme—even if it was unconventional. “Most people expect an indoor, very fancy, evening wedding when you say you’re getting married in this area,” Laura says. “In the end, all the people would just come up to us and say, ‘This is exactly how we expected your wedding to be.’ ”

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