Mary and Monica Wed Twice In Celebration of RF 74 in Washington State!

 

MARY & MONICA

December 8 & 9, 2012 - The Seattle Yacht Club

It was with such great joy that I had two opportunities to marry Mary and Monica this month - at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8th and then legally at 12:01 a.m., Sunday, December 9th.

Mary and Monica had been planning their big Saturday evening wedding bash for months.  Little did they know that with the passage of RF 74 in Seattle, they would be able to get legally married 7 hours later!

And marry well they did!  Both ceremonies were beautiful, elegant and so "Mary and Monica."  And these two beautiful women opened their door and hearts to local broadcast and print media to share their story and their history.

Mary and Monica - much love and happiness to both of you!

Beautiful Photo:  www.jennygg.com

Celebrating Marriage Equality in Washington State! Get Married Seattle Style Starting December 9, 2012

Time To Get Hitched!

Beginning December 9, 2012 - Washington State

With all of you, I celebrate Marriage Equality.

I will be in Seattle on Sunday, December 9th, beginning at 12:01 a.m. to marry wonderful couples. I will be available throughout this first day to couples of all paths, faiths and traditions – ceremonies big and small.

To get on my calendar, please give me a call at 425.922.1325.

For more information on securing a marriage license in King County, please go to: http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage.aspx

My sources at King County say they expect 600 – 1000 couples during the first three days that marriage licenses are available. The King County Marriage License office in downtown Seattle will be open for extended hours on December 6, 7 and 8, 2012.

How do I delicately put this…YEAH!!

More information:  www.marriedbyannemarie.com

From My Heart To Yours, Thank You...

It’s now November and I move into my two months of “quiet time.”

As I do this, I look back on an incredible 2012, so very grateful for the couples who trusted me with their wedding ceremonies, tiny or big, casual or formal.

For me, it is never about the size of a guest list. It is about the joy and satisfaction I feel to be a part of a lifetime moment and to share in something that is big/huge for a couple. It’s about love. Lots of love.

So, I say “thank you” to each couple who invited me into their personal space to share in their love story.

Bring On The Wedding Dogs! Truly Joy and Comfort On A Wedding Day...

Butters and Lennon - September 8, 2012

You've gotta love wedding dogs!

Butters, Lennon and their side-kick, Sunshine pranced down the aisle, celebrating the wedding of their beloved Guardians, Randy and Lauren, on Saturday, September 8th in Snohomish.

Lauren had wedding doggie wear custom designed for her 3-pack and the outfits were truly one-of-a kind and added so much joy to a beautiful wedding day

Wedding dogs truly cannot do anything wrong on a wedding day.  The energy of a dog lends so much comfort and joy to such an occasion and can be such a conversation starter among family and friends.

So, may I boldly say, bring on the wedding dogs!

Officiant: www.marriedbyannemarie.com

Taking Advantage Of A "First Look" - Thomas & Latrena at Sanders Estate in Auburn...

Thomas and Latrena

August 25, 2012

You've gotta a guy who is totally nuts about his woman!

I took this "sneak peak" shot while Latrena was about to approach Thomas for their "first look," just before their wedding ceremony on Saturday, August 25th at Sanders Estate in Auburn.

And minutes later, with a happy wedding party all lined up and ready to go, Latrena walked down the aisle to her waiting groom, with the biggest smile on her face!

Many brides and grooms have taken to a "first look" before a ceremony - some minutes before, some hours before.

In this ceremony work that I do, I much prepare that a bride and groom see and interact with each other before a ceremony.  This creates a much more relaxed feel during a wedding ceremony.  Simply put, with a first look, there isn't as much "overwhelm" as there is when a couple "sees each other" for the very first time as the bride walks down the aisle.

Annemarie Juhlian - www.marriedbyannemarie.com

You've Just Gotta Love Jeremy and Nicole Sutton!

Jeremy and Nicole

Georgetown Ballroom - August 10, 2012

Photographer Jenny Goldberg-George and I are on the same wedding page when it comes to Jeremy and Nicole - we totally love this couple!

On a crazy hot afternoon - August 10, 2012 - at the historic and iconic Georgetown Ballroom, the room was packed with thrilled family and friends. 

Jeremy started the processional and what a parade is was!  Family, friends and wedding party all walked down the aisle, filling the ceremony space at the front - and all personally greeted by Jeremy.  AND the big moment was when the beautiful and vibrant Nicole made her way to Jeremy - with a smile so bright!

When it comes to a super-sized group of people walking down the aisle, etiquette comes into play as well as the flow/tone.  If you desire to have a "parade" of people (and more couples do these days), work with your Officiant to set things up so the process flows and sets a vibrant and upbeat tone for your ceremony!

Photo:  www.jennygg.com

www.marriedbyannemarie.com
Annemarie Juhlian, Seattle Wedding Officiant

Julie and Jordan: Celebrating A Truly "Meant To Be" Couple at Novelty Hill Januik Winery...

Jordan and Julie Shaw

July 2012 - Novelty Hill Januik Winery

Some things are truly meant to be. And sometimes a few words can say it all.

I love everything about Jordan and Julie as a couple.  I had the grand fortune to marry this couple last month at Novelty Hill Januik Winery.

Without saying much, look at this gorgeous photo.  Taken by the extraordinary Amelia Soper, this image was captured during a quiet and intimate wedding day moment.

What appears to be big is really small.  What appears to be small is really big.  Got it.

Jordan and Julie - so much happiness to both of you!

Love, Annemarie

www.marriedbyannemarie.com

A Joyful Wedding Day For An Inspiring and Devoted Couple at Newcastle Golf & Country Club...

Marian and Anousith

Newcastle Golf & Country Club

July 22, 2012

What a classy, heartfelt, joyful and beautiful couple!

I had the pleasure of officiating Marian and Anousith's wedding ceremony this past Sunday afternoon at the Newcastle Golf & Country Club, surrounded by 250 family and friends.

What did I take away from this wedding experience?

Devotion.  With a wedding ceremony featuring many personal elements, we celebrated this couple's devotion. 

Marian and Anousith's path to this past Sunday is profound - their love story is beautiful - and for people who know this couple, downright inspiring.  Marian and Anousith - you remind me that love comes in all packages and that a conscious and mature form of love is a magical elixir in life. 

Thank you.

http://www.marriedbyannemarie.com/

Seattle Bride Magazine's "Best Of" 2012 Award - What This Really Means To Me...

Simply.  Thank You.  "Best Of" 2012 - Finalist

Each year, Seattle Bride Magazine holds a big awards gala to announce the finalists and winners of the "Best of" awards program.

I found out after the fact that I was a Finalist for the Magazine's "Best Of" in the Officiant category for 2012.

This touches my heart.  Why?  Perhaps not for the reason you may think.

I'm touched because I did not "campaign" for this recognition.  No postcards. No phone calls.  No emails.  And no social networking.

This means more to me because it came directly from my couples and the wedding professionals who know my work.

So, thank you.  It is such a privilege to do the work that I do. 

Wedding Officiant/Annemarie Juhlian:  www.marriedbyannemarie.com

Don's Love Letter To His Beautiful Bride, Sandra - "Everybody Look Up!"

Don & Sandra - June 30, 2012

The Willows Lodge, Woodinville, WA

Don is one funny guy.  Sandra is one heartfelt and beautiful woman.

Together, Don and Sandra are a remarkable couple and in the words of their Wedding Planner, Lisa Chambers, "they are totally amazing."

We all had the pleasure of sharing in Don and Sandra's wedding day this past Saturday at The Willows Lodge.  Lisa did a gorgeous job in the design and execution of Don and Sandra's ceremony space and celebration.  She also worked with Don to create a beautiful "after ceremony" surprise for Sandra.

Promptly at 5:45 p.m. (45 minutes after our 5:00 p.m. ceremony) and at the beginning of cocktail hour, Sandra looked to the sky and found a small plane with a banner trailing behind - all for her!  Guests were elated and I loved the look on Sandra's face when she figured out what was going on.

Don - not only do I love your heart and your sense of humor...you are one very romantic and sweet guy.  I wish you and your beautiful bride a beautiful marriage adventure!

Lisa Chambers www.chambers-co.com

Annemarie Juhlian www.marriedbyannemarie.com

Yes, Annemarie - We Want To Get Married In Our Pajamas And Finish Our Ceremony On A Bed!

Jon & Kelli - June 10, 2012 - The Willows Lodge

I loved every moment of Jon and Kelli's unique, poignant and very funsy wedding ceremony.

Highlights:

Jon and Kelli eloped from Chicago to Seattle with 2 close friends.

They snuggled into Woodinville's Willows Lodge and in front of their suite's fireplace last Sunday morning, they exchanged vows and special words/rituals on fluffy pillows, in their pajamas.

Witnessed by two close friends (also in pajamas!), Jon and Kelli finished their ceremony by climbing onto their bed for a "reading" - a wedding bedtime story by Dr. Seuss.

And best of all, close family and friends were Skyped in!

Jon + Kelli:  deeply in love, fully devoted to each other, wedding rebels with a cause!

A Most Fun & Offbeat Couple: Ean and Jenna at Yang's Botanical Gardens in Port Orchard...

Ean and Jenna - May 2012

Ean + Jenna.  Off-beat.  Funsy.  Lots of humor.  Eclectic. Gracious.

This wedding ceremony and celebration was truly a celebration of their loving relationship and the people around them, including Jenna's wonderful mother, Barbara, who was an absolute delight to work in the months before May 12th.

On this very fine and very hot May day, family and friends gathered at Yang's Botanical Gardens in Port Orchard, Washington, for a mid-afternoon ceremony.

Sometimes a couple and their families are just a true delight to know and interact with.  Such was the case with this wonderful couple and their people. 

Ean and Jenna - I wish you much, much happiness in your marriage adventure!

Annemarie Juhlian - http://www.marriedbyannemarie.com/

A Religious Ceremony With Contemporary Style: Rodney & Karen's Inter-faith Wedding Ceremony...

Rodney & Karen  5.5.12

I have the privilege of designing and crafting ceremonies for all faiths and traditions.

Each year, I have couples such as Rodney and Karen who desire a religious ceremony with rituals and traditions celebrating their faith and cultures.

Such a task isn't an easy endeavor.  And it is so hugely worthwhile.

On May 5th, at a sweet church in Kirkland, Washington, Rodney and Karen participated in a ceremony that while serious and devout, was also laced with elements of humor and style.  We wove in cultural pieces and rituals to celebrate their individual paths and while this ceremony went longer than most, it "felt" right in all ways.

And that's the bottom-line of a ceremony - the "feeling" that goes with a couple and their family and friends as they leave a ceremony space.  This is truly the lifetime "take-a-way" from a wedding day.

DeLille Cellars - A Favorite Woodinville Venue for Chase and Christina's "Easy & Awesome" Day!

Chase + Christina = EASY & AWESOME!

DeLille Cellars.  Chase and Christina.  Planner Megan Keller. Lots of happy family and friends.

A commitment by a very progressive, loving and heart-centered couple to keep their wedding ceremony and day at Woodinville's DeLille Cellars "easy and awesome."

With 150+ family and friends looking on, Chase and Christina were fully in the moment in all ways during their ceremony which celebrated not only their partnership but incorporated contemporary elements of gratitude, appreciation, remembrance and a dash of the Celtic.

Like my easy and awesome couple, I love DeLille Cellars for a wedding ceremony.  From the road, you would never know this venue existed.  If you are seeking a venue that works in all ways for a wedding day, you must take a peek.

Chase and Christina - much happiness to you as you embark on your marriage adventure!

http://www.marriedbyannemarie.com/

Rick and Clare: A Sweet Morning Ceremony On The Kirkland Waterfront...

Rick and Clare - what an amazing couple!  And yes, it was about time after more than 12 years of loving relationship!

On Saturday morning, April 28th, I had the honor of officiating their wedding ceremony at the Marina Park Pavillion on Kirkland's waterfront.

While the rehearsal two days before was a very cold and windy event, the sky was clear and sunny on Saturday morning as Clare and Rick joyfully exchanged vows and rings in front of 50+ thrilled family and friends.

This ceremony had many special touches. Clare's sister, Gigi, sang a song made special by Barbra Streisand.  We paid tribute to family and friends present with many special mentions.  We also honored those family and friends - including Clare's "bestest friend" Paula, who is no longer with us.

Rick and Clare ~ I wish you a beautiful marriage adventure - lots of travel (stay out of Tukwila!), lots of new opportunities and so much love.

Taking A "Time Out" Before Walking Down The Aisle: Larry and Christy At Seattle's DAR House

Some of the sweetest moments on a wedding day are unexpected and very private.

As I went to gather Christy and her wedding party to process down the aisle for her ceremony at Seattle's DAR House, I witnessed a sweet and private pre-ceremony moment with Christy and her "gals."

By taking a moment to just "be," Christy walked down the aisle in grace and peace as her wonderful Groom, Larry, saw her for the first time in a most beautiful vintage gown and accessories.

Wedding moments. The unplanned moments are often very best. As an engaged couple, make time on a wedding day for these precious "time-outs" away from the chaos and craziness of a wedding day.

A Loving Farewell to Abby: This Wedding Dog Will Be There In Spirit Come August...

I have the marvelous opportunity to marry Anne and Bryce this coming August at Point Defiance Park in Tacoma.

I like Anne and Bryce so very much. They are a remarkable couple and we share a devotion to and great love for dogs.

Anne and Bryce's beloved dog, Abby, passed away recently - there had been hope she would make it "down the aisle" for their August wedding ceremony.

In getting to know a couple, it is a privilege to share in the joys and the sorrows on the road to a wedding day.

As I write Anne and Bryce's ceremony, Abby will be fondly remembered and I'm quite sure she'll be walking down the aisle in great Spirit!

The Use of Mementos In A Wedding Ceremony: Creating A Memorable Lifetime Ritual...

I love creating special lifetime moments.

When I work with a couple - no matter if the ceremony is formal, contemporary or casual - I look for a way to possibly incorporate a "take-home memento" into their ceremony.

The unity candle and the sand ceremony are beautiful rituals. And, in my opinion, they are over done. If a couple truly wants to incorporate one of these pieces into their ceremony, we do it.

However, most likely, I will invite a couple to consider another option or two that I will thoughtfully create and package for them as a viable option to the more "main stream" rituals in American wedding ceremony.

As you consider your ceremony, think about what ritual you may like to consider carrying forward into your marriage and create a ritual around it.

Alec & Ashley: A Sweet March Ceremony At Seattle's Design Center

I love this photo taken by photographer Cory Parris.

He captured Alec and Ashley in a private moment during their wedding celebration at the Seattle Design Center.

Planner Rebecca Grant was a tremendous help to me in pulling Alec and Ashley's ceremony together. We had a large wedding party to coordinate as well as many guests to get seated.

Alec and Ashley used the stairs in the Design Center's Atrium to stage their wedding party and to "frame" the two of them. With the sharing of their story, gratitude to family and friends, sweet vows and other personal pieces, this young and inspiring couple did it "right" and went on to a festive celebration!

Photographer: www.coryparris.com

Officiant: www.marriedbyannemarie.com

A Sweet & Romantic Wedding - Washington State Ferry Style!

Julie & Peter.

I love everything about this inspiring couple.

Surrounded by their children, close family and more than 100 friends from their home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Julie and Peter were married on the 12:20 ferry run from Bainbridge Island to Seattle on a very sunny and sweet March 3rd.

We celebrated Julie and Peter's love story. We honored their children. We enjoyed the cheers of their gathered friends. Most of all, we were all just so thrilled to be a part of Peter and Julie's lifetime moment!

3.3.12 - Richard and Maggie Get Married On A Gorgeous Winter Day in Seattle!

Richard and Maggie. 3.3.12

Private Estate near the Washington Arboretum

Gorgeous, crisp and sunny day.

75 very happy family and friends.

An unusual wedding cake with bamboo elements.

The bride wore a gorgeous sage colored gown.The groom got dressed up! And Maggie's guy went one step further, surprising her with a love letter during their ceremony to open on their 25th wedding anniversary!

Tears. Laughter. Sweet Moments.

A beautiful ceremony and wedding day for one terrific couple!

Photo: http://www.jennygg.com/

Officiant: http://www.marriedbyannemarie.com/

Hamade and Elisha's International Love Story: From Egypt With Love...

On Saturday, February 18th, I had the sweet pleasure of officiating Hamade and Elisha's wedding ceremony at a non-denominational church in Kirkland, Washington.

With 60+ family and friends looking on, Hamade and Elisha celebrated their relationship which started in Egypt and brought them all the way back to Elisha's hometown of Kirkland.

This is a young couple who has fought for their love and opportunity to be together. And it was such a joy to see the happiness of family and friends who fully support this relationship and marriage. Some things are just meant to be.

Photo: http://www.photoelan.com/

Annemarie Juhlian: http://www.marriedbyannemarie.com/

Bernel and Gloria's Magnificent Persian & Jewish Celebration - So Much Fun!

I had so much fun last night!

And I walked away from Bernel and Gloria's wedding ceremony doing a happy dance in my heart, so thrilled for this remarkable couple.

Over these past weeks, I had been working closely with Bernel and Gloria to write, craft and stage their intricate Persian/Jewish wedding ceremony.

With 150+ family and friends at Russell's Loft in Woodinville, I officiated a ceremony with many rituals and traditions from the Persian tradition and a few from the Jewish faith.

Between the gorgeous Sofreh (marriage spread), the asking (3 times), the sharing of honey and signing of documents, gratitude to the six children of this marriage, heartfelt sharing with parents, readings from Rumi, the breaking of the glass and so much more, we celebrated Bernel and Gloria and the road that brought them to this moment.

Bernel and Gloria - thank for the opportunity to be a part of your wedding day. Your ceremony was sweet, romantic, heartfelt, meaningful and so much fun!

David and Keri's "Snowy & Winter White" Wedding Week in Seattle!

As I write this, David and Keri are putting the finishing touches on their honeymoon in Hawaii - sun, sand, ocean - perfect!

And what a Winter week they had for their January 21st wedding at The Canal in Seattle.

Yes, it was the "snowmageddon" week!

With flurry of phone calls and emails, their ceremony and rehearsal dinner was flipped around.

I was concerned about getting to the event and was so happy and pleased to make it. Stopped by snow? Not for a wedding!

And best of all, on their wedding day, January 21st, the sun was peaking through, the snow and ice were melting and 100+ family and friends joined this fun, gracious and very inspiring couple for a beautiful celebration of their partnership (i.e., ceremony!) and reception.

Mahalo to you, David and Keri!

What To Do With the Groom? Stand, Walk, Escort - You Decide!

I have lots of options for my couples when it comes to getting the Groom "down the aisle."

If you are fussing with your processional and trying to figure out placement and process, I offer these options for your Groom:

1) Start at the front with the Officiant and Groom. This is a traditional opening and often works as the Groom can greet everyone coming down the aisle - including parents, honored guests, his guys, etc.

2) Have the Groom escort his Mother, his Mother and Father, Mother of the Bride or honored guest down the aisle. He then takes his place next to the Officiant.

3) Have the Groom process down the aisle or from the side with his "guys."

4) What about the Groom walking down the aisle at the very beginning with the Officiant?

Lots of options - and more than just these four. There is no "right" or "wrong," - it's what's best and true for you as a couple and family.

Beautiful Photo of Brian and his parents from their 2011 wedding at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island.

Photo: Kat Speyer - www.persimmonimages.com

My Best Tips For A Successful Small & Intimate Wedding Ceremony - Seattle Style!

I love everything about Mark and Lisa.

This is a profoundly devoted couple who have come together at mid-life to not only love one another but to create a loving home for their children.

We shared in their waterside ceremony at Seattle's Ray's Boathouse and thinking about how Mark and Lisa created such a sweet and intimate setting for their ceremony, let me share a few tips:

1) Do what "feels" right. A ceremony is a profound opportunity to celebrate your loving partnership and to celebrate the people around you. Mark and Lisa did this well and this was evident in the "feeling" in the room during their ceremony.

2) Children can never do anything wrong. A ceremony is a wild card. You really never know how things are going to turn out until they're over. I invite you to involve children in whatever way is joyful to you. If a small ring bearer makes a wrong turn, a child starts to cry or a pretty flower girl sits down in the aisle on her way down the aisle, your Officiant is up front with "Plan B."

3) Get Personal. A small and intimate ceremony is your opportunity to express your feelings about your partner, your commitment to showing up and your gratitude to the people around you. A best ceremony is one that is vulnerable, romantic, emotional and true.

A Very Fun, Romantic & Memorable New Year's Day Wedding Ceremony - Seattle Style!

David and Lindsay.

They live in Minneapolis.

They trekked to Foxglove Guesthouse on Capital Hill to be married.

And not just on any day.

1.1.12

Surrounded by their parents and siblings, David and Lindsay shared in a ceremony that not only celebrated the history they have shared, but a ceremony that celebrates the joy and anticipation they feel as they move forward in life together.

In particular, look at these faces! Near the end of their ceremony, David and Lindsay tied a fisherman's knot, symbolizing the unbreakable bond of their partnership. They did a fantastic job with the knot and the smiles were everywhere.

David and Lindsay - here's to much joy in your first year of marriage and beyond!

Photo: http://www.abeautifuldayphotography.com/