Blessings and Prayers
Mother of The Bride
Sydney, Australia
And then the second wedding I couldn’t get to but this one was the one of deepest emotion; of joy, happiness and extreme sadness and impending loss. I couldn’t make this deeply special beautiful NYC wedding but I willingly gave my blessing for them to be married immediately with dear Jeffrey. My whole heart supported their beautiful union and I knew Jeffrey and Dorian would be Momma and Papa for Kayla for me for their union. And they so lovingly did, I will always be grateful … I’m so proud of them fulfilling Jeffery’s and their wish to be married with Jeffrey. A most beautiful honour that will always be cherished by them and all the family...
Manena Frazier
New York, USA
It has been a year since the beautiful and spirited journey of the wild unfolding of this sacred ceremony . When I first was called upon to cocreate the floral offering for the wedding it was just going to be a small gathering in the living room of the Bergen house. We went back and forth on the impossible strategy of how to tetrus everyone in comfortably. Then enter Josh Mailman to contribute his 2 cents. He matter of factly announced that it was would be impossible. He promptly offered to host the gathering at his place and the event expanded from a casual gathering to...
Elliott Bayev
Toronto / In the air / Gaian!
A few months ago, I got to witness and be part of one of the sweetest, most wholesome experiences of my life.
With less than a week's notice, I was invited via WhatsApp to the wedding of my friends Vaughn and Kayla in NYC. Vaughn's father Jeffrey was quite ill and said his one regret was that he wasn't going to see them marry. Without hesitation, they scrambled into action and spontaneously planned a wedding.
Having just returned to Toronto after six months of travel, I decided it was wiser not to go. While out at 2:00 a.m. the night before the wedding, my friend Dave asked me "what will you regret more? Going or not going?". Thanks Dave...
Deon Ellison
Sydney, Australia
Kayla and Jesus (LEGEND)
JUST WATCHED THE WEDDING, VERY LOVELY…
So wish I was there to celebrate it with you all. Hope to catch up soon on our next adventure around the World… thinking of you guys…
Love Uncle Dee,
xxx
Hope Dominguez
Los Angeles, USA
Happy One-Year Anniversary, My Beloved spiritual Godchild! A year ago, we embarked on this beautiful journey together, and I am so grateful to be part of your life. Watching you grow, learn, and embrace your path has been a true blessing. As your spiritual godparent, my prayers and love will always surround you, guiding and protecting you in every step you take. May this year be filled with wisdom, joy, and endless opportunities. Always remember that you are deeply loved and divinely supported.
With all my love and blessings,
HOPE
Aunty Nancy
Bergenville, New York
It was such a joy to have shared in the beautiful, unique, and magical wedding of Vaughn and his love and soul-mate, Kayla.
I have known the Bergen's for nearly 25 years, and watched Vaughn grow from a 'bouncing' pre-teen, to the special man he has become.
One of the many miracles of this day, besides the fact that this gorgeous wedding was put together in ONE WEEK (thanks to 'The Village' and Josh), was that Jeffrey was able to witness it, and give them his blessings before he passed on, soon thereafter...
Linnea Richardson
New York, USA
Thank you very much for sharing that glorious presentation of Your thoughts, feelings, emotions, Your Journey, the last days with Your wonderful Father, Your Wedding to this Beautiful Girl. The words, the timing, the magnitude of it all on so many levels, and the imagery, brought me to tears. You are very sweet to share. Am honoured to be included in the email, and am most grateful. There has always been a special place in my Heart for You and Your Family, from the very first, so very long ago - back to 1984...
Rabbi Ingber
New York, USA
It was my honor to be a witness to your love. Stepping into your chuppah, I could feel a timeless portal open and ancestors arrived, and the future was seeded.
From Rabbi
Sallyanne Leonetti
San Francisco, California
Mr and Mrs Bergen! What a beautiful coming together I witnessed on your blessed wedding day. True love at its finest. The two of you complete each other in such a beautiful way. Can’t wait to see your future together and what that may bring. I am hoping some Grandbabies to love on. Sending all my love and look forward to spending time with you in the future! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Evan Buckman
Austin, Texas
I feel so blessed to have Vaughn and Kayla in my life and to witness and celebrate their love! It’s been beautiful to watch you two come together from Hyderabad to NYC and to share your gifts and blessing with those around you. I cherish the memories we’ve forged and am excited to see all that you create together in this world!
Or Katzman
New York, USA
Kayla Rose and Vaughn, what a privilege to know you two and celebrate you as well! Over the past year or so getting to know you as individuals and a couple is truly an honor and I am so happy to have been connected with you. Your love, intentionality, and generosity, are inspiring and I hope to continue our friendship across time and geographies!
Ashleigh Taylor
New York, USA
Kayla and Vaughn, from the day I met you when your love was just beginning to now, as a happily married couple, it has been truly amazing to witness your journey. The deep bond you share and the way you cherish one another are inspirational to everyone around you. Watching your relationship flourish is a testament to the strong foundation you’ve built, and it continues to bloom with joy and love. You are beacons of light, perfectly made for one another, and I am so proud to call you my friends. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, love, and endless blessings!
Paulette Cole
New York, USA
Dearest Kayla & Vaughn,
may the beauty of your nourishing ritual be a blessing on your soul love journey. We love you and wish you every happiness & highest expansions.
Paulette, Lena & Daniel
Emerald Starr
Bali, Indonesia
Beloved Kayla and Vaughn, thank you for sharing your beautiful memories, the immense joy and deep love that flows between the two of you. You are both such special people, unique in so many ways, with hearts that are unified to create a better world for us all. I am deeply grateful for knowing you both.
In friendship and love,
Emerald
Ashley Personeni
California, USA
Overwhelmed with love and joy for you both
Tulum, México
Hoy es un día muy especial, un día para celebrar el amor y la unión que comparten. Tu amor es una demostración de que el verdadero amor existe. Me inspiran con su devoción, apoyo y cariño mutuo…
Today is a very special day, a day to celebrate the love and unity you share. Your love is proof that true love exists. You inspire me with your devotion, support, and affection for each other. On this very special day…
Bali, Indonesia
Congratulations!!!!
Mmmmm… Feeling so blessed to have been divinely woven into your lives whilst honoured to witness the Love blossoming between you more and more each and every day…
May your Love continue to ripple out into the world as an ever unfolding gift to be received by those that have the capacity to receive its transmission…
Colorado, USA
Love. Love. Love. 💛
I am so very grateful and appreciative that you thought to share this with me. It’s such a beautiful and joyful tribute and representation of the love that you have for each other. Listening to Vaughn’s poem, Rosebud, seeing all the smiling faces and warm hearts surrounding you, and observing the fire for each other in your eyes and souls, has warmed my heart.
I truly hope you are both doing very well, finding yourselves in joy, peace and abundance of all the wonder you seek and desire. I extend my heart to both of you, and look forward to the next time our paths will cross, or our stories will be shared.
Much love.
New York, USA
Woodstock, New York
May you always be surrounded by love. I loved seeing the photos from your wedding. They’re beautiful, and you and Vaughn are so wonderful together. Wishing you a lifetime of love together ❤
New York, USA
This is beyond beautiful, leaving me in a pile of tears.
Namaste Dear Ones and All Love Your Way ~
Wendy Elizabeth
(as your dear Papa called me)
Sag Harbor, Hamptons, NY
I cannot thank you enough for this beautiful story and stunning pictures made my day.
Love,
Julie
Singapore
What an amazing story made me cry since my father also passed so suddenly of cancer ❤
New York, USA
What a truly beautiful tribute!
Thank for sharing your intimate feelings and memories.
All the best for your Life Together.
Sydney, Australia
Everlasting / not diminishing ( Akshaya : अक्षय )
Not long after this they did convince me to jump on a plane and join them on the wild ride they were on in India. I only had ten days notice and probably was aiming to be away for 4 months, so it was a very very hectic prep time. I arrived to lost luggage and two crazy days of nothing short of comical, frustrating, hair raising Indian airport bureaucracy finding my luggage. As well as this I was whisked away in Tuk Tuks, crowds and madness for my three special outfits required for the upcoming nuptials of dear Ramya Raju – a spectacular of love, tradition, fun, craziness and A LOOOOOOoooooot of guests … well over 1000 …. And this was all before I had gotten over my jet lag, retrieved my luggage or even acknowledged I was now actually in INDIA !!!!!!! Would I expect anything less from these two ???
Hyderabad, India / Netherlands
Success ( Saphalatā: सफलता )
It was a beautiful wedding that truly inspired me. Witnessing the love between Vaughn and Kayla, I suggested incorporating an Indian wedding tradition, and they wholeheartedly agreed. While I initially planned to hold the wedding in a different location, circumstances led us to celebrate in the Sahara States. I was honored to be the best man and support Vaughn throughout the wedding celebrations. As a special gift, I gave him a wedding outfit, and he looked absolutely stunning in it.
During her time in the Sahara States, Kayla encountered a family of dogs and adopted Lilu, a mischievous yet adorable companion who quickly became very dear to me. To my surprise, Kayla decided to bring Lilu with her to the U.S., which truly showed her bond with the pup…
Noida / Kanauj (U.P) India
Pure Bliss ( Ānanda : आनन्द )
My dearest & fav couple Vaughn and Kayla,
Feels like yesterday when I saw Kayla sitting quietly (practicing silence) next to me at the Raju’s Ayurveda centre. I looked at her and felt an instance connection. She had that nurturing warmth in her. Little did I know that she was travelling with this kind, generous human – Vaughn, who turned out to be the most down to earth guy I had ever come across.
Our conversations over meals and walk to the centre only got us closer to each other. The selfless love they carried for each other and everyone around them was heartening. But, this was just a start to our friendship. I remember Kayla coming up to me and…
Everlasting / not diminishing ( Akshaya : अक्षय )
I’m so happy to also be part of the celebration in NY ❤
I got emotional happy tears 🥲
You both look like prince & princess, made for each other
So much love with both family gathering & speeches
It’s like wow & amazing celebrations
Lots of love to you all ❤
You guys are amazing & blissful & cheerful couple with lots of joy & happiness & love ❤
More love to V family & your family in Australia 🇦🇺…
Kerala, India
Pure Bliss ( Ānanda : आनन्द )
പൂവിനെ പ്രണയിച്ച പൂമ്പാറ്റയെ പോലെ, മണ്ണിനെ ചുംബിച്ച മഴയെ പോലെ എന്നും സ്നേഹവും ആനന്ദകരവുമായ ഒരു ജീവിത മംഗള ആശംസകൾ ഞാൻ നിങ്ങൾക്ക് നേരുന്നു
I wish you a life filled with love and joy, like a butterfly that loves a flower, and like the rain that kisses the soil.
Yours Faithfully,
Jibina
Hyderabad, India
Eternal Peace ( Om Shanti : शान्ति )
Thank you I wish you many years of happiness sir, I remember the sweet moments I cooked for your wedding sir I am heartily thank you congrats❤🙌 ….
________
Thank you to dearest Chef Pradeep, you took such good care of us at the Raju Clinic. We felt so loved by the precious cooking always and especially on our wedding day with your incredible and thoughtful feast….
Hyderabad, India
Divine Energy ( Divyaśakti : दिव्यशक्ति )
I was really honoured to be part of your “special Indian wedding”. Perfect clothing reflects personal expression and cultural values which you and Vaughn have taken care of. I remember the day you both approached me “TRIPTYS” for making some beautiful outfits for functions and marriage. Even though not having many days in hand for finalising and then finishing the outfits we all managed and the results were best. I’m glad to be a part of it. You guys have taken care of Indian emotions whether it’s haldi, mehendi or marriage. Congratulations on your wedding, may your life be filled with love and joy. Whenever you come to Hyderabad ( India) you will always find your friend (me)
PS. while writing this note all those moments spent with you both were recalled and brought a smile to my face😊
New York, USA
Pure Bliss ( Ānanda : आनन्द )
All the blessings from New York! It was so sweet to meet you both two years ago, and to witness your sweet sincere love and celebration. Wishing you joy and laughter from here on out 🤍🪷🤍🪷🤍🪷
So sad to learn of the passing of Jeffrey Bergen of ACA Galleries. He was a kind soul who mentored me during my early days in the art world. When our gallery was on the floor above in Chelsea, he made time for me whenever I needed guidance trying to navigate uncharted waters. Our condolences to his family during this difficult time, and strength as they continue the legacy of this historic gallery.
Jeffrey and his father were good teachers and showed me what it meant to really love being a dealer… I learned that art dealing is hardly about selling art. Selling the art keeps the whole enterprise going, but what it’s really about is creating an ecosystem of people interested in the conversation around art and creativity. About bringing people together who love to talk about art and ideas. About living and working with beauty all day. It’s a fresh palette to build experience on. It’s alchemy.
Jeffrey and his brother, Jonathan, were special. We became friends when I worked at Knoedler at 70 and Madison and ACA was a few blocks away. They were so far ahead of their time, and they did it in an unpretentious, down-home way, that made me, and everyone comfortable. I will miss both of them, and appreciate many wonderful times together. Warm wishes to Jeffrey’s family and friends.
For Dorian, Vaughn, Casey, all family and friends, please, accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathies. I am so very, very sorry for your loss.
Jeffrey and I met with my husband, and, friends, decades ago. Jeffrey has always been a good friend and a mischievous, light-bearing Soul. For those who were blessed to have known Jeffrey, aside from his being a very knowledgeable and gifted businessman in the world of Fine Art, he was always filled with and shared light, bits of important…
He was a friend, a spiritual brother and helped bring so many important underknown artists to wider acceptance. I appreciated Jeffrey’s incredible sense of humor and deep love of humanity, community and family.
Dear Dorian and family, I was so saddened to hear of Jeffrey’s passing. He was a dear and kind man and I am grateful for the exhibitions he gave at the gallery of my art. I especially treasure my fond memories of his humor and gentleness in every interaction we had throughout almost 40 years. I am grateful to have known Jeffrey Bergen and send my love and healing energy to his devoted family.
Beth Ames Swartz
It is hard to believe that a year has passed since we lost you. Your unexpected, untimely, and shocking departure left a void that remains unfilled despite the short time we truly knew you. Even though our encounters were few, your warm spirit and kindness have left an indelible mark on us all. We will forever cherish the memories and the brief moments of joy we shared with you. With heartfelt remembrance and abiding respect for your beautiful soul.
Dear Dorian and the Bergen Family, What a delight to have known and worked with Jeffrey and, you, dear Dorian, meeting on the East End through fellow art obsessives and continuing our mutual path to this day. The twinkle in Jeffrey’s eye, his expansive knowledge and generosity of spirit, made him truly unique (as an indentical twin with my sister Sharon Gardner, we are qualified to remark on this!). Jeffrey’s gregarious nature and quick smile, his obvious love for the world and the good people in it, will forever be his legacy, along with the find stewardship of ACA, now moving heartily into the next generation.
Sending peace and love,
Janis Gardner Cecil
I met Jeffrey and his brother John on Fire Island in August 1965. We instantly connected over our love of rock n roll. . We all played guitar, traded guitars and amplifiers and morphed many times between local bands. In 1967 we all attended Shaker Village Work Group in Pittsfield MA and continued our friendship through his brother John´s passing. We have been upper west side neighbors for over 65 years. I spent many great times at Jeffrey´s parent´s apartment on Central Park West.
Condolences to Dorian, Vaughn and Casey
Great memories of Jeffrey will stay with me forever.
Beloved Being of Light, you who we called Jeffrey in your past life, are now with the ancestors, your angels and guides. May your ongoing journey towards source be filled with love, joy, magic, beauty, harmony, creativity, and all the blessings that flow from the heart of the universe.
The power of the love that you held so deeply for your family, your friends and this creation are now magnets that pull us forth as we each approach our own passage into the next dimension.
Rest and play in bliss, dear beloved soul traveler. Until we meet again
Dear Dorian and Family ! We are all so deeply sorry to hear about Jeffrey and your tremendous loss! Our hearts go out to you and our thoughts, prayers and love are with you and your entire family ! The Elson’s all share over 50 years of wonderful memories with Jeffrey, Jonathan and you and your family. Jeffrey’s memory shall indeed be an inspiration, in so very many ways, to all who know him and beyond. May you be comforted and may his memory and amazing good deeds be a source of continuing blessings and hope.
All our love – from us – Glenn and Heidi, Melody, Beverly & Marvin OBM, and Chad – the Elson family.
Brilliant, funny, thoughtful, kind and generous are but a few words to describe my friend Jeffrey Bergen. Having grown up together in the NYC art world of the ’70’s and 80’s (along with identical twin brother Jonathan and partner Dorian), to this day I marvel at his ability to work with me on “deals” regarding artists as diverse as Peter Max and Childe Hassam (and much in-between). Ah, the(untold) stories I could tell, and the adventures we had, (after all, we both went to Antioch College) but that must wait for another time; only to say that Jeffrey’s dedication to keeping the ACA flame burning bright is a wonderful tribute to his love of the arts….he will be sorely missed and dearly remembered.
Chad & Shulamit Elson
Dear Bergen Family, It’s been many years since I last encountered Jeffrey out East on a glorious summer’s evening, but I will never forget that radiant twinkle in his eye as my twin, Janis Gardner Cecil, and I shared our stories of twinship hijinks and he shared his own. His expansive spirit of generous creativity and imagination will continue to inspire us all. I am sending healing and peace as you grieve this tremendous loss.
With Love,
Sharon Gardner
The world and most especially the art world really is an emptier place without sweet huger-than-life Jeffrey. I think of him every time I’m in Chelsea. So happy for charming Vaughn and gorgeous Kayla. I know they and glorious Dorian will imbue the new ACA with the same love and magic with which Jeffrey saturated the original.
Love,
<3 Scott <3
Dear Dorian and Family, I’m SO sorry to learn of your loss. It is just before Shabbat and the Holiday of Purim, and I just heard of Jeffrey’s passing. There are moments I recall going back to not only the Gallery, but the Open Center. Jeffrey was one of the kindest, softest, most nature -loving, soft-spoken gents one could hope to experience. He truly cared about so much and so many, and you could feel his tough and tender soul through his wide smile. I wish you only sweet, kind memories with loved ones. May his ‘memory be for a blessing’ for ALL those whose lives he touched.
Sincerely, Jayne G.
Please accept our condolences on the passing of Jeffrey. We have been so fortunate to be connected with ACA galleries, to attend events, to meet friends, enjoy american art, and be uplifted by Jeffrey’s unique sense of joy, humor, and goodness. The world of art has lost a wonderful man but his legacy will endure.
Joe and Linda Camardo
My dear Dorian and family, I have known Jeffrey since the late seventies. He first came into my life through our shared interest in creating a new world. And then, through him I met wonderful Dorian. What a special man I will never forget.
My deepest sympathy and love, Dominique Mazeaud, Santa Fe, New Mexico
I met Jeffrey through the art world because my dad, Mike Steinberg, purchased a Stuart Davies painting from Jeff´s dad at ACA Gallery which was eventually purchased back from my family years later and the purchasers donated the painting to the Boston Museum of fine arts. I met Jeffrey over these many years, he was a lovely guy and i am so sorry to read this news about his passing. My sincerest condolences to his wife and children.
Bonnie Lautenberg
Dear Dorian,
I have just received your announcement of services for Jeff. I am very sad to miss this tribute and wish to send my sympathy and prayers for peace and comfort, with kind thoughts and fond memories.
Sugar Barry
*Jeff was one of my favorite exhibitors.
For Jeff,
May the course of time only deepen the single path our hearts must follow as we join as one in this great adventure of Earth Ascending!
With Love and fond Respect,
Jose A
Having met Jeffrey only recently, I cannot attest to a seasoned familiarity, but in the short time I spent with him and his great buddy Josh, I was deeply impressed by his expansive viewpoint , and the youthful enthusiasm for the art we were discussing. What a fine person. My condolences to his family and close friends.
The Seidner family just adored your dad and uncle. My brother Bruce talks about their frolicking and it is with so much love. Please share our thoughts and prayers with the whole family.
Dear Jeffrey was an angel always, and he blessed all of us every moment of his presence.
Dear Dorian and famille, it seems I have known Jeffrey forever and you too with Vaughn and Casey: So many memories over time. We, you, and the whole art world will miss his energy, passion, and humor.
Love, Barbara T. Hoffman