Tips for Planning a Large or Small Waterside Wedding Ceremony...

Jason and Anna's Wedding Ceremony ~ Hood Canal

photo: http://www.barbiehull.com/

If you are planning to have your wedding ceremony on a beach or very near the water, I invite you to take a few pointers from Jason and Anna's wedding ceremony...

- Not to short, not too long. Many waterside weddings have the grand fortune of good weather and like Jason and Anna, a very hot day. Work with your Officiant to insure the ceremony is just the right length so people are not baking in the sun!

- Pre-ceremony refreshments. Yes, your guests will hugely appreciate some lemonade or punch before the ceremony, particularly on a very hot day.

- Standing position. Work with your Officiant on how/where you will stand as a couple during your ceremony. This allowed Jason and Anna's photographer, Barbie Hull, to get some great photos and as usual, I moved around so the focus was truly on this couple.

- Use the beach/waterfront for a grand group photo. A waterside group photo is a marvelous "thank you" to include in your post-wedding note to guests.

Alex and Amy's Wedding Ceremony in Puyallup - at a "Hidden Gem" Of a Venue!

Alex and Amy Smithing

Blair Acres ~ Puyallup, Washington

This weekend, I had the remarkable privilege of being a part of Alex and Amy's wedding day at a most amazing venue in Puyallup, Blair Acres - http://www.blairacres.com/.

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From the moment I arrived at rehearsal to the moments of signing the documents immediately after the ceremony, all was easy, fun and sweet.

Alot of this was because of the love, generosity and kindness of Alex and Amy's parents and their immediate family. Amy's Mother, Sandi, set the tone for a peaceful and memorable day and everyone and everything fell into place.

Alex and Amy - I wish you much happiness together and thank you for the opportunity to share in your wedding ceremony!

Annemarie

Romero and Erin - Joyful, Fun, Moments of Solemn Gratitude and a Wedding Pooch!

Romero and Erin Zamora ~ 2009

Lake Union Cafe

I loved officiating Romero and Erin's wedding ceremony at the marvelous Lake Union Cafe. We worked together to create a traditional wedding ceremony with contemporary pieces and the "tying of the lasso" from Romero's Mexican tradition included both sets of parents in this beautiful ritual.

Jennifer of www.redfishphoto.com took this poignant photo of Romero and Erin outside of the Cafe, walking away for a few moments.

The Blending Of A Family - How Ceremony Ritual Can Create A Loving Memento For A New Family...

Paul & Kimberly ~ The Woodmark Hotel

When crafting and writing a wedding ceremony that includes a child or children, I'm very resourceful in how I create and incorporate a family ritual that is appropriate, loving and memorable.

In Paul and Kimberly's morning wedding ceremony at the Woodmark Hotel, Paul's girls helped our couple re-plant a "wedding tree" - complete with watering and scooping of the dirt (no, nobody got dirty!). Smaller children love a ritual that is tactile - meaning, they actually "do something." If you are incorporating a child or children into a ceremony, get creative and mark the moment with a ritual that is meaningful and memorable for your new family.

Signing Your Marriage Documents: Be "Fashion Forward" With A Camera or "Just Get It Done..."

Signing Marriage Documents With Anna

photo: http://www.barbiehull.com/

When it comes to signing the marriage license paperwork at a wedding, some couples like the flash of the camera.

Other couples prefer a quiet signing, either together or separately.

Your wedding. It's all about your personal preference.

A Sweet and Private Wedding Ceremony In The Rain At The Salish Lodge....

Troy & Jennifer ~ The Salish Lodge

"Perfect In The Rain..."

photo captured by: http://www.jenandjody.com/

Here is all I have to say about Troy and Jennifer's intimate wedding ceremony in the rain at The Salish Lodge...

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Perfect. And even more perfect is this slide show courtesy of Jen and Jody!

http://jenandjody.com/darkroom/share/?client/jt060609

Lots Of Spontaneous Moments During Justin and Desiree's Wedding Ceremony At Illahee Manor

The Dip! Justin & Desiree

Illahee Manor, Bremerton, Washington

The very spunky and fun Jenny of www.jennygg.com perfectly captured "Justin's dip" as Justin and Desiree celebrated the end of their wedding ceremony. Justin and Desiree recently held their wedding at Illahee Manor, a waterfront bed and breakfast, in Bremerton, WA.

It was a crazy hot day and while some of us were wilting a bit in the sun (okay, truth!), this beautiful couple happily smiled and glowed the entire time during their ceremony.

I especially loved how Justin's Mother made a few impromptu comments during the ceremony that just seemed to fit each sweet and spontaneous moment. In many ways, the spontaneous and unexpected pieces/moments of a wedding become a unique part of a couple's story - and truth be told, a wedding day usually holds more than a few of these moments!