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!