STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Nadette Staša doesn’t do things small. Her 50th birthday was celebrated aboard the Staten Island Ferry, while her 60th served as a “solo wedding” that turned heads in Manhattan’s Washington Square Park Saturday — possibly due to a procession of 50 pugs in formal wear with handmade corsages.
Staša, who conceived of the unique ceremony, held at Judson Memorial Church, said the gathering “totally exceeded expectations” after months of planning what she described as a meaningful ritual of self-commitment rather than just a party.
While still hoping to find a life partner someday, she explained that the event was to celebrate the community she’s built around her message of peace, love and connection.
“For the first time in my life, I feel fulfilled,” the St. George resident said. “I knew what it would be for me, but I had no idea what it was for everyone else. And for everyone else, it was as powerful as it was for me.”
The gathering drew around 150 guests who participated in original readings, musical performances and rituals that included both joyful and somber moments.
Key musical selections included the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love” and “I Get by with a Little Help from My Friends.”
Despite several last-minute changes — including finding replacement musicians and a stage manager days before the event — everything fell into place as Staša’s wedding motto came into being: “Everything can be worked out.”
Staša credited her team, which included a production manager, stage manager, bride handler and pug wranglers, with soothing her jitters and ensuring things ran smoothly.
Having put out online requests for pug participants as a tribute to her late pug, Olive, the pug procession — which was more of a group stroll than pugs marching in formation — gathered beneath the Washington Square Arch.
Making its way through the park as participants sang “Who Let the Pugs Out,” park goers and busking musicians joined in. Curious onlookers captured the unexpected occurrence on their phones, and the pugs departed shortly after receiving a blessing outside the church.
“There’s nothing more joyful than a bunch of pugs,” Staša said. “I’m kissing the dogs. They’re all licking my face. And I’m like, bring it!”
Moving into the hall — decorated with potted orchids from Trader Joe’s against a maroon color scheme — a variation of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts” was performed as guests placed electric votive candles in memory of lost loved ones, including Staša’s late dad, a best friend, and her beloved Olive, “who was known for her activism,” Staša noted.
Although not Jewish, Staša was committed to incorporating several Jewish traditions into the festivities, including the breaking of a glass and the bride being lifted and danced around the room in a chair by her guests.
Staša’s 93-year-old mother traveled from Boston for the ceremony. Though initially skeptical of the concept, she told others in attendance she was proud of her daughter.
“People kept saying, ‘This is so inspiring. You’re so courageous, you’re so brave,’” Staša recalled. “I think it really spoke to people with what’s going on in the world today; there’s so much division that people are just jonesing for connection.”
Several guests even suggested Staša start a business helping others plan solo weddings, though she said she has no plans to pursue that venture.
“(Nadette’s) commitment to herself, her community, her family, her art, animals, social justice and beauty abounded in this gorgeously put together ritual of affirmation, laughing, cheering, dancing, singing and crying … Nadette’s strength to reveal her vulnerability was profoundly moving,” Staša’s friend, Jenny Lytton-Hirsch, posted to social media.
“You are your place, Nadette, and I am so tickled and honored and blessed to be here with you,” Lytton-Hirsch added. “Thank you for the warmth and shine and for sharing your magnificent life.”