Mementos - Creating a Living Legacy Of Your Wedding Day

In this wedding work that I do, I love to work with a couple to create a living memento - a living legacy - of the wedding day.

At Thad and Kristen's fabulous wedding at Alderbrook Resort on August 26, 2006, I orchestrated a group photo immediately after our ceremony was over.

Thad and Kristen led the procession out of the ceremony area to a grassy area where wedding photographer Marie Clare took a group photo from a second story balcony and voila! A fabulous memento of Thad and Kristen's wedding day - and this reduced size doesn't do the photo full justice!

As you plan your wedding ceremony and day, consider ways to create mementos of the day - whether it may be a special group photo, planting a seedling and watching it grow as you move into your married life together or perhaps the handprints of all of your guests on the border of a frame...or several frames. I saw a series of framed wedding prints with the hand prints of all guests at Justin and Terri's Kramer's home (married June 18, 2006) just last week and I was amazed at this contemporary and creative approach this couple put into showcasing their wedding day thru unique framed mattes and photos.

Each couple that I work with is very unique. In this very personalized work that I do, I encourage you to consider unique ideas that will create a memento(s) for years to come!

Scott and Chaz - A Magnificent Wedding at Lakewold Gardens

Sometimes in this work that I do, I hate to admit it but I have so much fun during a wedding ceremony. It's probably not the politically correct thing to admit but when I think of Scott and Chaz's wedding at Lakewold Gardens, a smile breaks across my face.

Some couples are purely festive. Some couples are more traditional. Some couples are simple and easy. Some couples are a mix of everything.

With Scott and Chaz, there was so much joy and laughter during their wedding ceremony. I can't exactly put my finger on it, but this beautiful photo by one of Seattle's best photographers, Michael Rosenberg, captures this couple's essence.

As my 2006 wedding season winds down, I find myself reflecting on the weddings of past years. Many come to mind. And when I pass a certain exit on I-5 near Lakewood, I often think of Scott and Chaz and know that the joy and authenticity they brought to their wedding is serving them well in their married life.

Storm and Ann, Kiana Lodge, July 30, 2006 - Some Wedding Photos Are Just Fabulous!

Every so often, I receive a picture from one of my couples that just oozes joy. And just yesterday, I received this fabulous photo from Storm and Ann - a wonderful couple that I was honored to marry on July 30th at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, WA.

And as I wrap-up this very full wedding season of 2006, I'd like to say "thank you" to some of the most creative and amazing wedding photographers that I have had the privilege of working with this season:

Kurt Smith http://kurtsmithphotography.com The photo above of Storm and Ann was taken by Kurt Smith at Kiana Lodge on July 30th of this year. In Ann's words: "we had a wonderful time working with Kurt and he did a fabulous job!" I fully agree!

Cory Parris http://coryparris.com
Cory not only has great style and a fabulous smile, but he took a picture of me this wedding season that uniquely captured my joy in doing this work. Couples love Cory!

Sean Werner http://weddingphotog.com
Sean has a very outgoing personality and his pictures truly amplify what goes on behind and in front of the scene at a wedding.

Anne Herman http://anneherman.com I was with Anne at a very emotional wedding in August and was struck by her great sensitivity and heart.

Paul Dudley http://pauldudleyphotography.com You gotta just love Paul! On the hottest of days - under the most stressful or joyful of circumstances - Paul is just a breath of fresh wedding air!

Clare Marie http://claremariephotography.com I worked with Clare three times this year and shared dinner with her at one. Clare is always watching for those best shots and opportunities - and she has a lightheartedness to her that is very refreshing.

Jan Domek http://imagesbyjan.net I remember working with Jan at an August wedding this year - both of us were almost keeling under the intense afternoon heart. Talk about a classy lady - she might be sweating and she's all over a wedding with that camera of hers!

Chris Sollart http://chrissollart.com It was a colder and rainy day when I worked with Chris and his partner at a wedding at The Willows Lodge. Chris's work is fabulous and he's very easy to work with on the wedding day.

And to all of the many other wedding photographers that I worked with this season - thank you. Wedding photography is a tough job - it's a job that you "can't do over." We are so fortunate to have so many amazing photo professionals who truly care about their couples and their work.

A Fabulous Venue For Your Wedding Ceremony - Bastyr Chapel at Bastyr University

One of my favorite places on the planet for a beautiful and memorable wedding ceremony is Bastyr Chapel at Bastyr University in Kirkland, WA.

I have had the pleasure of officiating several weddings this year at Bastyr Chapel and the picture at the right features Josh and Jessica at their wedding ceremony on June 10, 2006.

There is so much that I love about Bastyr Chapel:

- The acoustics are terrific and the built-in sound system is one of the best around.

- It's such an ornamental venue for a traditional wedding ceremony and one that envelopes you in ritual - and it's an appropriate chapel for couples of all diverse traditions and backgrounds.

- The chapel and venue is drop-dead gorgeous. It's one of the few venues around where a couple of any denomination can reserve the space and have the wedding ceremony of their dreams.

So, if you're seeking a beautiful, reflective and charming venue for your wedding ceremony, consider Bastyr Chapel. It's one of the best indoor venues in the Northwest for a wedding ceremony - traditional or not!

What My Dog Taipooh Teaches Me About Love

Okay, so now you're thinking, "What is this woman doing writing about her dog when she should be writing about love, weddings and whatnot?!"

Meet Taipooh. He came to me as "Peanut," rescued off the streets of Taipei, Taiwan in 2000 - a country which is a hell hole for companion animals. I rescued Taipooh just after my beloved cocker spaniel, Ms. Pooh, passed away. I named this goofy guy from Taipei, "Taipooh," in honor of his heritage and Ms. Pooh.

Taipooh is a nut. Because of his severe neglect in Taiwan, he has weathered two bouts of mange, has overcome heartworm, has epilepsy and infrequent seizures and is going blind. And he is so full of joy. Oh, and I forgot to tell you his tongue is too long for his mouth and always stick out - talk about goofy!

What I'd like you to know about me is that a huge part of my life is evolves around animal rescue. My husband Greg and I live on Bainbridge Island and we have four special needs dogs all rescued from severe abuse/neglect. When I am not working with couples and on my wedding work, Greg and I are often involved in rescuing and rehabilitating dogs from the worst of situations - many like Taipooh.

So, in this wedding work that I do, I frequently have a dog sitting under my desk as I write a ceremony. On occasion, on a wedding day, I attend to an animal rescue (I have lots of clothing changes in my car!). And while this wonderful wedding work that I do makes me very happy, the joy I feel from releasing an animal from pain and suffering is unmatched.

Thank you for indulging me. I was going to write about wedding vows but took a look at Taipooh sleeping in his bed near my desk and said, "what the heck!"

Annemarie - Wedding Officiant and Animal Lover

What Smiles and Elegant Laughter Tell Me About A Couple During Their Wedding Ceremony...

With great delight, I was honored to officiate Jim and Erika Heesacker's afternoon wedding ceremony on Saturday, August 19th of this year.

And what a smile Jim had on his face during their wedding ceremony! His face was lit up with joy and from time to time, a huge grin would just cross his face. Erika was also absolutely delightful and elegant during their wedding ceremony.

What I love about Jim and Erika is not only their passion and commitment to each other and how far they have both come in life to be together, but their absolute joy and appreciation for the wedding ceremony moment, how they took care of their family and friends before/after the ceremony and Jim's big smiles and Erika's grace.

Creating a Magical and Unique Wedding Ceremony with Traditional OR Untraditional Music Selections!

Jason and Angela Showve - When I think of this wonderful couple that I married on July 29th at Windmill Gardens, a silly and goofy smile crosses my face. What made Jason and Angela's wedding ceremony so authentic and memorable is that together, we worked to create "defining moments" within their wedding ceremony - including a processional of music I won't soon forget.

Imagine this:

- The parents process down the aisle to the music selection, "Bad to the Bone," and the groom's father does a little jig down the aisle!

- The groom then walks solo, accompanied by the theme song from WWF - the Worldwide Wrestling Federation. Jason is a big and handsome guy and when he entered, family and friends could not contain their joy and laughter.

- The ladies in the wedding party walked down to a pretty and mello musical selection - a nice change and perfect.

- And the bride, Angela, was elegant as she entered and processed in with her parents to a selection from Enya.

There were other moments, but for me, the music set the tone for this very joyful and fun couple.

Ted and Pallas Dame - Why My Work As A Wedding Officiant Is So Very Rewarding...and what they helped me remember...

On June 24th, I had the honor of marrying Pallas Reichman and Ted Dame, at their home on English Hill in Redmond. For me, having the opportunity to be with Ted and Pallas was a special treat - this is a couple who brought a deeply moving and purposeful love story to their wedding day and were an absolute delight to work with as together we created and crafted their wedding ceremony.

On the evening of June 24th, family and friends gathered and to top things off, this was quite the "Microsoft and Tech crowd," which turned out to be a most lively and appreciative audience for Ted and Pallas as they wed.

Yes, the sun was hot. The wedding coordinator was running around doing her thing beautifully. And pre-wedding ceremony refreshments were being served to cool guests off. But to my delight, this couple helped me remember a few important things in this work that I do:

- That joy is one of the greatest pieces of a wedding ceremony and when included and delivered elegantly, it makes a wedding ceremony.

- That true love "beams" on the faces of a couple - and Ted and Pallas were literally beaming during their wedding ceremony.

I am deeply grateful to Ted and Pallas for giving me the opportunity to be with them on their wedding day. They trusted me with their wedding ceremony and they gifted me with one of the more festive wedding ceremonies of my summer season!

Your Wedding Vows - Make Them Your Own, Modify Vows You've Found or Go Traditional - It's Your Choice...

In my work as a Wedding Officiant, I work directly with couples to create sets of vows that are deeply personalized and meaningful.

And of course, just like anything else, I are drawn to some wedding vows more than others.

Here is a beautiful set of wedding vows authored by one of my most favorite people on the planet, Marianne Williamson. I offer this set of ring vows to you from Marianne who has a talent for crafting words into art:

________, With this ring,
I give you my promise that from this day forward,
you shall not walk alone.
May my heart be your shelter
And my arms by your home.
May God bless you always.
May we walk together through all things.
May you feel deeply loved, for indeed you are.
May you always see your innocence in my eyes.
With this ring,
I give you my heart.
I have no greater gift to give.
I feel so honored to call you my wife/husband.
I feel so blessed to call you mine.
May we feel this joy forever.
I thank you and I love you.

#1 Tip for Planning Your Wedding Rehearsal and Wedding Weekend

Steven and Patrice - May, 2006. What is the best thing a couple can do to insure an elegant and graceful wedding day? Particularly if the wedding is large and with "lots of details?"

If possible, considering scheduling your wedding rehearsal so that you have a day or two between the rehearsal and the wedding day. Why?

I often see a more relaxed couple if they have a day or so between their rehearal and wedding day.

Scheduling your rehearsal and wedding back-to-back - i.e., Friday and Saturday - is often very stressful and leaves little time for last-minute details and just enjoying family and friends. With a "buffer day," a couple may be able to find a little private time for a few hours or better entertain out-of-town guests.

Either way, as you plan your wedding weekend, consider this planning tip. I see many couples over the course of a year and this is one of my best pieces of advise to the couples I am so very honored to work with.

Creating A Unique and Memorable Wedding Ceremony When Children Are Involved...

So many times each year, I am delighted to work with couples to create a wedding ceremony that also incorporates their young children, teen-agers or adult children. The picture above was taken last year during Adam and Marcy Kispert's wedding ceremony with their daughter in Suquamish. I absolutely loved this couple and their very obvious commitment and devotion to this young child. During the ceremony, honoring words were shared with the young girl and a gift was presented - a memento of "their wedding day." If you are planning a wedding ceremony with children, here are a few important tips to consider:

1) A wedding ceremony is not only about the two of you. It's also about the "tribe" of people who love and appreciate you. Honoring words of gratitude and appreciation to family members and children are often a highlight of a wedding ceremony - and when written and delivered with eloquence and heart, they help create a bridge to the future.

2) Surprise gifts are often a wonderful element to a wedding ceremony. Get creative - one of my most artists for a reasonably priced gift is Caitlin Dundon here in Seattle and her website is: www.oneheartstudio.com

3) Consider rituals during your wedding ceremony which include your children - these can include: vows to your children; re-planting a tree seedling for your home; unity candle; sand ceremony and so much more. Each ritual is about strength and harmony and celebrating the formal creation of a new family. If you'd like specific information on one of these rituals, please let me know.

Cocker Spaniels Clarence and Claire - What They Can Teach Us About Love, Perseverance and Devotion

Weeks ago, my small animal rescue network rescued Clarence and Claire, two cocker spaniels who had been chained up in a backyard for TEN years in Eastern Washington. After much negotiation, these dogs were finally released from their horrible living situation and came to us. As brother and sister, Clarence and Claire had been living in a tiny and confined space for their entire lives. And despite their adversity and hardship, they are thriving in their foster home on Vashon Island, waiting to be adopted together to a loving and forever home.

As I look at Clarence and Claire, I see great perseverance and devotion. They absolutely adore one another and despite what they have been through, they shine with joy and courage.

On occasion, I have the honor of marrying a couple who has been together through challenge and adversity. Much like the couple I married unexpectedly last week here at a park on Bainbridge Island because orders just came through for the groom to ship to Iraq. Or perhaps the wonderful groom who just lost his beloved father a week before his April wedding ceremony to his Sweetheart - and was wearing his heart on his sleeve on his wedding day in more ways than one.

Yes, a wedding is joyful and lovely. And it is fraught with what we call "life." I am so honored to be a part of facilitating a ritual that is hopeful, celebratory and joyful - much like Clarence and Claire.

Roy & Karen - An Inspiring Couple and Their Beautiful Wedding Ceremony & Celebration - April 22, 2006, Bacon Mansion, Seattle

Roy & Karen. Every once in awhile, I just fall in love with one of my couples. And such is the case with Roy and Karen. I can't tell you exactly why. Perhaps it's because their mid-life love story is over-the-moon inspiring and a true testament to weathering life's ups and downs. Perhaps it's their very affectionate and considerate nature and how they treated everyone at their wedding such such love and respect. Or perhaps it's their infectious enthusiasm for life and their devotion for one another. Whatever the case, Roy and Karen lit up the Bacon Mansion on April 22nd with their love story and I feel just grateful to have been a part of their day.

Ryan & Lisa - A Fabulous Couple Who Forgot (yes, forgot!) Their Marriage License On Their Wedding Day!

I knew when I first met Ryan and Lisa that they were going to be one of my most memorable couples of last year and they didn't let me down. In addition to having one of the best "how we met stories," my dynamic duo forget their marriage license! Yes, forgot! I arrived at their wedding ceremony in Snohomish only to find that Lisa had left behind a piece of their marriage paperwork and I couldn't marry them with out. Thankfully, the wedding was at a private home and while their Best Man zoomed back to Lynnwood at record speed to get the needed documents, family and friends waited in anticipation.

Finally, our wedding start about an hour-and-a-half late - and a beautiful wedding it was. So, for me, the lesson learned is to request all of my couples to bring their marriage license to a rehearsal (if they have one) or to check in with the couple on the "day of" if there isn't a rehearsal. And Ryan and Lisa - you made me a promise to "have me back!" Take me up on it! Your Grateful Officiant and Friend, Annemarie.

Gabriel and Jaime Angeles, Married at Thornewood Castle, May 27, 2006

There is so much that I absolutely love about my work. Mostly, I am so incredibly honored to be with couples during one of the most intimate momenets of their lives. Over Memorial Day Weekend, I was privileged to marry Gabriel and Jaime at a beautiful afternoon wedding ceremony at Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, Washington.

Gabriel and Jaime's wedding was particularly moving for me. You could actually feel the love and respect that this couple shared and I was very taken with way that this couple interacted with each other. The stress of a wedding day often takes it's toll on a couple. Gabriel and Jaime were peaceful, confident and so very charming.

Weather was a worry all day. However, clouds cleared at the last moment and the sun actually peaked thru during Gabriel and Jaime's outdoor wedding ceremony - delighting everyone who was there to share this couple's day. Aloha, Gabriel and Jaime!

Sean Werner - One of the Northwest's Finest Wedding Photographers...fun, caring and creative.

Every once in a while, I run into a "wedding vendor" who just snaps my radish. I met Wedding Photographer Sean Werner at a wedding in Des Moines last September. What I immediately admired about Sean was his unique ability to put his bride and groom at ease and his great sense of personality and humor. Being a wedding photographer is a tough job. It's a "can't do over" kind of job. Sean brings to his job a joy for for his art, a very kind heart and a great sense of style.

This wonderful photo was taken by Sean on May 20th at The Salish Lodge where we celebrated the marriage of Cory and Teri Everhardt - a wonderful couple with a most beautiful love story and very deep bond of love and trust.

If you're looking for a great wedding photographer, I invite you to contact Sean at 253.307.4501 or send him an email at weddingphotog1@hotmail.com. If you want to check out his work, please go to: www.weddingphotog.com

Woof! More on Bailey the "Wedding Dog"

I got a phone call this week from a reporter at MSNBC who is doing a story on "wedding dogs." Of course, the animal lover in me was all over this possibility to share that more and more couples are choosing to have their beloved furry friend(s) in their wedding ceremony.

I love this picture of Bethany and wedding dog, Bailey. Bethany married her Sweetheart, Josh, in August of last year in Arlington and Bailey was a hit during the ceremony and lapped up all sorts of attention during the reception. If you are getting married and would like to include your dog in your wedding ceremony, please contact me with any specific questions.

I encourage creativity in a wedding ceremony - whether traditional or contemporary, big or small, casual or formal. Your wedding ceremony is a tribute to your love story - celebrate it!

Taiya & Bruce - A Class Act!

I have this thing. Okay, I have this big thing! I truly believe there is a sweet synchronicity to the universe. That is, a wedding day is a true defining moment and if I am to truly be with a couple during one of the most intimate moments of their lives, I will be. And what is also true as carefully you select an Officiant, I also select you. In this work that I do, I work with couples from all backgrounds and all walks of life. About a year-a-half ago, I married Bruce and Taiya at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in downtown Seattle. What I treasured about this couple was their elegance, class and how deeply they cared for each other. What I also remember about Bruce and Taiya's wedding was how happy people were for the two of them. At a wedding, there is all sorts of "stuff" flying around the room. At this wedding, it was all about the love!

Petals! Petals! The Joy of the Flower Girl...

In a more traditional or formal wedding ceremony, a flower girl frequently precedes the bride and her escort down the aisle. I get a kick out of flower girls - whether they be a baby in the arms of a Mom or Dad, a toddler who barely makes it down the aisle or a pre-teen who is over-the-top proud to be part of the festivities.

If you are having a flower girl in your wedding here are a few tips from this Officiant who sees things from a different perspective:

1) Freezing up. The younger the flower girl, the more chance there is that she may freeze up half-way down the aisle. If a flower girl is very young, I often place several adults in the aisle and they help the flower girl along. Or if needed, I walk down the aisle and escort the petal throwing young lady to her place.

2) Not Enough Petals. Make sure that the petal basket is large enough and has lots of petals. You'd be surprised how often I see a flower girl run out of petals before she is half-way down the aisle!

3) Smile! Please tell your flower girl to smile, make contact with certain people and enjoy the walk.

Petal on!

Dawn and Mike...A Wonderful Couple From Two Years Ago...

For every Officiant, there are certain couples that tremendously touch your heart. Two years ago, I had the privilege of working with Dawn and Mike who were married at the Cedarbrook center in August. While I believe that an Officiant and couple "choose each other," I got extra lucky here. Not only did Dawn and Mike want a deeply personalized wedding ceremony that celebrated their love story - but they had an elegance to them that just oozed a great love story. Here's to you, Dawn and Mike. Happy almost 2nd anniversary! Your Grateful Officiant, Annemarie

Selecting a Wedding Officiant...it's a weird and often wacky process...

Okay, I said it. Weird and wacky. Perhaps sometimes. Perhaps more than often. As a Wedding Officiant, I am hugely respectful of the process that a couple goes through to select their Officiant. Choosing a Wedding Officiant is often not that much fun. First of all, you've got to call/meet with an Officiant that you don't know to potentially invite him or her into one of the most intimate moments of your lives. In addition, you're giving this person control of your wedding ceremony. Yikes!

And here is what I know for sure in my years as a non-denominational Wedding Officiant:

1) Be very, very clear about what you want from your Officiant. Ask lots of questions. Yes, this process can be somewhat daunting and you can make it fun. Qualify your Officiant via email or phone and if they resonate with you, set up a meeting for coffee/tea, etc.

2) Selecting your Officiant is often a hugely personal choice and one from the gut. Bottom line: You like the Officiant. And the Officiant likes you.

3) You get what you pay for. Really. Truly. No kidding. When it comes to "wedding vendors," you want an Officiant who is excited to know you, honored to create a wedding ceremony with you and privileged to deliver your ceremony on your wedding day. I find that most couples spend money where their values are - and there is no right or wrong here.

Your Wedding Vows - traditional, contemporary, funky/fun - whatever you like!

When it comes to wedding vows, anything goes. Whether you are religious, spiritual or secular, your wedding vows can be anything you wish. Here is a wonderful website for wedding vow ideas: http://www.myweddingvows.com. If you have specific questions about wedding vows, please drop me or a line or call me at 425 922 1325. And if you have a wonderful set of vows that you'd like to share, pass them on and I'll post them!

Bring on those "Wedding Dogs!"

In this wonderful work that I do, one of the wedding ceremonies that I love the most includes a beloved "Wedding Dog." Yes, take a breath. A "Wedding Dog!"

Last year, I officiated six weddings where a couple's beloved pooch walked down the aisle, often sporting a beautiful ribbon which held the wedding rings. I even had one dog who carried the ring pillow in it's mouth!

At a wedding ceremony, emotions are all over the place. And two things can never do anything wrong: dogs and little people, i.e., children. During a processional, a wedding dog, ring bearer or flower girl bring such incredible joy and smiles to family and friends. Dogs love the attention and featured in this post is Bailey, who actually stood with the groomsmen during a very beautiful wedding ceremony for his guardians, Josh and Bethany, at A Country Location in Arlington.

I ask you to consider adding what brings great joy to a wedding ceremony - or any life major event for that matter. And many woofs to Bailey for being such a great ambassador for his furry friends!

Welcome To The World Of Weddings!

As a Wedding Officiant in Seattle, it's my privilege and honor to be upfront and personal with couples as they move forward to their wedding day - and on their wedding day. As this is my first blog, I'll make this short and sweet.

As a "marrying lady," here is what I know for sure.

- That there is no such thing as a 'perfect wedding' and that this label thrown around by vendors in the wedding industry makes me crazy. Believe it or not, it's often the imperfect moments on a wedding day that are the most precious and memorable.

- A wedding ceremony is most often an 'out of body experience." I frequently hear from the couples I am honored to work with that they actually remember about 50% of their wedding ceremony experience. A wedding ceremony is a huge moment - it's full of emotion and there is lots of "stuff" swirling around the room, no matter how intimate or large a wedding.

- That couples who use the time of their engagement period to strengthen their relationship and bond will walk more elegantly and gracefully into their wedding day. Wedding planning can often numb normal feelings and thoughts that need to be voiced and expressed prior to a wedding day. Our "isn't this perfect" society doesn't fully allow for a bride or groom to share pre-wedding jitters - that are often perfectly normal.

-