What I Know For Sure: A Wedding Ceremony Brings Up "Stuff" - Really!

Brandon & Andrea's Wedding Ceremony, 2007

Snoqualmie Golf & Country Club

What do I know for sure? As I get older, perhaps less and less.

And having done this work now for six years, I offer you this learned wisdom after working with many couples to create and deliver a wedding ceremony - short and sweet or custom and involved.

- A wedding is a ritual of transition. "Stuff" comes up during an engagement to be attended to. Listen, have authentic and real conversations - use your engagement time to go deeper with your Sweetheart. Try not to dampen feelings or "stuff coming up" with wedding planning or by staying busy.

- Not only does "stuff" come up for you, it comes up for your "tribe," i.e., people around you. As one of my brides shared with me yesterday, "My fiancee's Mother doesn't realize it's not all about her!" Recognize "projection" for what it is and be clear with your boundaries.

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Most of all, I know a few things: how grateful I am for this work, how much I love and appreciate my husband and our family of dogs and how honored I am to work with a couple and share in their wedding day. Onward we go!

"OFF SEASON" WEDDINGS - SAVE MONEY, MORE CHOICES....CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY!

It's really interesting.

My full wedding season now officially runs from the beginning of February thru Thanksgiving.

If you are a couple and have yet to select a venue and/or date, consider an off season wedding, i.e, November - February.

Not only will you get more choices for a venue and vendors, you'll enjoy better prices.

Yes, summer weddings are most popular. And if you have flexibility, go "off season" and take your savings and enjoy an extra special honeymoon or a big ticket purchase for your new life together!

COCKER SPANIEL "HONEY BEAR" - JUST LOOK AT THIS FACE!

The Story of "Honey Bear"

Rescued from a hell hole in January.

Adopted to a loving home in February.

A big part of my life is dog rescue and rehabilitation and I've been doing this work in Seattle for more than 15 years. My husband, Greg and I, have four dogs at our home/property on Bainbridge Island - and during the past couple of years, we have taken care of special needs dogs who have spent the their last months with us.

I was part of a team that rescued "Honey Bear" in January. We found her living in filth and neglect in a shed with a heat lamp. After getting her urgent veterinary care and grooming, we discovered the sweetest little cocker girl underneath all of her filth and mats. She was fostered by a loving couple for several weeks and adopted by a lovely woman named Amy. Amy and Honey Bear are living together in Port Orchard and best of all, Honey Bear goes to work every day with Amy and the two are practically joined at the hip!

So, on this chilly March evening as I am working to find a foster home for another rescued dog - I offer you Honey Bear's picture and story for no other reason than to share the joy I feel when a dog is released from suffering and is insured of love and kindness for the rest of it's life. Woof!