Where Oh Where Was I Last Saturday Night? Hmmm...beautiful downtown Poulsbo, Washington!

Brenda and Chris Ruddick, January 26, 2008
Poulsbo, Washington
"...just look at the joy on Brenda's face during her ceremony!"

I had the honor of officiating Chris and Brenda's wedding ceremony this past Saturday evening in Poulsbo, Washington. This was an interfaith ceremony, celebrating Brenda's Jewish heritage and Chris's more non-denominational background. Married under a Chuppah, Chris and Brenda were truly in the moment - and the joy just shined thru with laughter and humor.

- PHOTO: The wonderful photo above was taken by the marvelous Laurence Kim - you can see his work at www.laurencekim.com - Laurence is one of Seattle's most amazing wedding photographers.

Congratulations, Chris and Brenda!

BIG TIP: BE SMART AND GIVE YOURSELF A 'BUFFER DAY' WHEN PLANNING YOUR REHEARSAL...

Casey and Kimberly, The Salish Lodge

"a small and intimate ceremony with family and friends"

Here's my big tip of the day when scheduling your wedding rehearsal:

"give yourself a buffer day!"

That's right - if your wedding is on a Friday evening, rehearse on Wednesday. If your wedding is on Saturday, rehearsal on Thursday.

You'll find that by giving yourself a buffer day, you walk into your wedding day experience more rested and at peace. If you load a full wedding rehearsal and dinner the day before, you may be more tired and overwhelmed going into your big day.

Take a buffer day - enjoy time with your Sweetheat and family and friends and attend to last minute details with ease.

Post Wedding Show "Cake Coma!

THE MARVELOUS BRENT & JEN!

Waterways Cruises, Seattle, WA, 2007

I'm in a post-wedding show "cake coma!"

Truth? My real motive for cruising the aisles of the yearly January Wedding Show are the "cake samples." I'm a baker at heart and am often in the kitchen at home creating something with sugar and flour, much to the chagrin of my husband, Greg, who has quite the sweet tooth.

The yearly wedding show is my excuse for sampling the best cakes out there and my yummy winner for this year (as last year) is Sugar Rush Baking Company in West Seattle, www.sugarrushbakingcompany.com - take a peak and go visit!

Wedding Vows: They Are More Than "I Will Do This, I Promise This, I Commit To This..."

Beautiful Day. A Truly Beautiful Couple

Scott and Sarah, Alderbrook Resort, 2007

When I look back on this past year, and look at the many diverse and interesting experiences I have had as a Wedding Celebrant/Officiant, one thing is very true for me: I feel so incredibly blessed to do this work and be with a couple on their wedding day.

I loved officiating Scott and Sarah's Fall wedding at the Alderbrook Resort in Union, Washington. Not only was it a glorious day but this ceremony was made extra sweet as Scott and Sarah shared wedding vows that were written from the heart and uniquely theirs: poignant, funny, deeply touching and very honoring.

If you are getting married and elect to write your vows, ask me about different ways to do this. Each couple that comes to me is so very different and vows are a wonderful opportunity to make your wedding ceremony fully your own.

Add A New Family Member! Adopt Special Needs Cocker Spaniel "Handsome Henry."

HANDSOME HENRY SEEKS FOREVER HOME!

I love this ceremony work that I do very much. AND a big part of my volunteer life evolves around rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing neglected/abused and "death row" dogs. So, I am going to disgress from "everything wedding" for a moment. If you or someone you know loves cocker spaniels and would love to adopt a special needs boy who is spunky, adventurous, courageous and very handsome, please let me know. Handsome Henry has had quite a journey so far in his 3+ years and one of my rescue groups is searching for a most beautiful home for him.

Looking Forward To My 2008 Wedding Season...

The Wonderful Max and Kristin Palmer, 2007

Waterways Cruises, Lake Union, Seattle

During November and December, I have a number of wonderful weddings and most of my work is meeting with couples who are planning weddings for next year. I love this part of my work - I get the amazing opportunity to meet loving and committed couples devoted to creating and building a meaningful and poignant wedding ceremony and celebration. And while it's true that I want the opportunity to work with many of these couples, I do not push.

You see, I truly believe there is a synchronicity to the universe - an invisible world that is at work at all times and in all ways. For me, a wedding ceremony is one of life's greatest defining moments and transitions and I'd like to think that if I am to be with a couple on their wedding day, they'll find me - and we'll like each other and move forward together. It's as easy and as complicated as that! So, here are to the wonderful couples that I will be working with next year as I break out my calendar and start to build a roadmap for 2008.

Jeff & Lynley, DeLille Cellars, Summer, 2007

Sometimes, laughter is so very wonderful during a wedding ceremony.

Funny thing, though. From where I stand, I often feel/see that people are not accustomed to smiling big and/or laughing elegantly during a ceremony.

So, I'm a personal and lighthearted mission to change this!

When laughter or wit is done well within a ceremony, it relaxes everyone.

Even me.

November - Facilitating and Teaching My Wonderful 12-Week Class to Celebrants From All Around The Country...

Kanishka and Marisa, 2007, Stimson Green Mansion*

*Photo: The amazing, creative and sparkly April Greer -

Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire! www.aprilgreer.com

Each Fall, I teach a 12-week course to Celebrants around the County on how to craft and create a Celebrancy Practice that offers very personalized and custom ceremonies to individuals, couples and families.

This Fall, I'm having so much fun! I have a great group of 12 Celebrants from all parts - including Oregon, Wyoming, New Jersey, Illinois and more. All are in different stages of building their Celebrancy Practices and it's my pleasure and honor to work intimately with this group to forward the Celebrancy movement within the United States.

THE 'DUTRO' WEDDING DOGS!

Scott and Suzi Dutro, Summer, 2007

It's Saturday, October 20th, and this evening, I am marrying the marvelous Andrew and Jackie at a candlelight ceremony at Bastyr Chapel in Kenmore. Walking down the aisle in his role as ring bearer will be "Leonard," a beloved dog (breed: boxer) who is a wonderful part of Jackie's family. We weren't sure if Leonard was going to make it to this day as he has cancer and is living life one day - and woof - at a time. So, today is a most happy day in so many ways. Congratulations, Andrew and Jackie Paffrath!

2007 Wedding Season - It's Saturday Evening, October 6th, and I'm at the "Unofficial End" of my 9-Month Season....

Casey and Suzi Axe, 2007

St. Paul's Church, Port Gamble, WA

It's Sat. evening, October 6th, and I am "marking" this day with gratitude.

Photo: The lovely Laurel McConnell, www.mcconnellphoto.com

It's my "unofficial" end of a very full and intense 9-month wedding season. I just returned from marrying the wonderful Shawn and Nicole at The Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland and my heart is full of gratitude for many things this work year....

• The wonderful couples I am so blessed to work with and marry.
• All of the amazing vendors who help make every wedding beautiful.
• Traffic - for cooperating beautifully this year.
• My husband, Greg, for all of his love and support.
• Our four dogs and my animal rescue work which keeps me grounded.
• For new friendships developed with family and friends of my couples.

Most of all, I am deeply appreciative for each opportunity to be an intimate and small part of a couple's wedding day. Here's to a quiet Fall season of rest, contemplation, fun/travel and of course, a few more weddings!

WRITING YOUR WEDDING VOWS - There is no "right way" to do this....it's all from the heart...

John & Maggie Lahey, Summer of 2007

Beau Lodge, Bow, Washington

Photo: www.fireflyphotos.net - The wonderful Greta!

If you are writing your own wedding vows, I'll make this short and sweet.

Write from the heart.

Wedding vows are less about what you "promise" or what you "will do."

Wedding vows are all about how you will show up in your marriage. What you love, respect, admire and cherish about your Sweetheart. How your relationship supports your growth and healing. How you are blessed to be with your Sweetheart for life.

Consider this simple counsel when "writing your wedding vows." And yes, humor is very good, too!

Creating a "Spiritual Wedding Ceremony" - Often A Challenge For Couples...

Congratulations to Thom & Susie Cosgrove, 2007
DAR House, Seattle, Washington

Photo: www.claremariephotography.com - the Fabulous Clare!

When a couple comes to me, we often work to create a meaningful and poignant wedding ceremony which incorporates different religious/spiritual/secular traditions and beliefs. In this work that I do, my task is to craft and deliver a ceremony which reflects a couple's love story, relationship and gratitude to family/friends - and so much more.

Often, couples who work with me want a "spiritual wedding ceremony" and at times have trouble putting their thoughts into words. Rev. Judith Johnson does this well and I'd like to share the following that she wrote:

"When a couple chooses to be married outside the doctrinal definitions of a particular religion or spiritual path, they have the opportunity to put their signature on the wedding ceremony so that it reflects their individual and combined beliefs and values. Every word, every gesture, can be imbued with a deep significance for the couple."

Judith and I are on the the same page - "a wedding ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression and a declaration of the power of love!"

Jeff & Lynley Shaw - And The Blue Angels Wedding Fly-Over!!

The Fabulous Jeff & Lynley Shaw

August 4, 2007, DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA

"And The Surprise Roar & Fly-Over Of The Blue Angels!

You can't help but absolutely love Jeff and Lynley Shaw. Not only is this couple lovely in every way (and thank you for the honor of being with both of you on your wedding day!) but with Jeff and Lynley, you never know how things are going to go.

Literally!

And in the middle of Jeff and Lynley's wedding ceremony on August 4th, the Blue Angels did a low fly-over their ceremony location - in Woodinville! Yes, Woodinville! The roar and surprise was an absolute delight and such an amazing moment for all of us.

So, yes, it's true. When it comes to an actual wedding ceremony, you never know what - or who - is actually going to show up!

Photo Credit: The Fabulous Carmen Chan of Carmen Chan Photography: www.carmenchanphotography.com

KELSEY & PETER

July 21, 2007, Tarboo Bay, Washington

I was so delighted to bea part of Kelsey and Peter's wedding ceremony this summer at Tarboo Bay on the Olympic Peninsula. It was a rainy weekend and the drops didn't diminish the joy of the 200 people present to surround this wonderful couple with love, support and wonderful memories. Kelsey and Peter planted a beautiful tree at the place they were married as a wonderful and living memento of their day. Congratulations, Kelsey & Peter!

Handsome Henry (Rescued Blind & Sight Restored in One Eye) Needs Loving & Forever Home...

HANDSOME HENRY SEEKS LOVING GUARDIAN(S)!

_____________________________________

While my wedding work is wonderful and fulfilling, I am also involved in rescuing neglected and abandoned dogs throughout the Puget Sound area.

One of my rescue groups recently rescued 3-year-old cocker spaniel Henry from a kill shelter, the day before he was to be killed. Henry was blind since birth and we found out that one of his eyes was a candidate for surgery.

So, this wonderful rescue group (http://www.vipp.org/) raised the funds for this very important surgery (not cheap!) and Henry's eyesight was restored in one of his eyes. And this little guy's life has changed dramatically. He plays, he trys to catch cookies, he loves sleeping on the bed and being close, he thinks car rides are very fun and he's a wonderful companion.

Because of Henry's special needs (needs eye drops every day for the rest of his life) and because so many volunteer hours and funds went into this dog, our rescue group is seeking a most fabulous and life-long home for Handsome Henry.

If you or somebody you know would like to consider adding Henry to your family as a full-fledged family member, please email me at anne@annemariejuhlian.com. Henry is healthy overall, neutered and up-to-date on all his shots. A $200 re-homing fee to the non-profit rescue group, application and home visit are requested.

Isn't Henry so very handsome?!

OH DEAR! I-5 Lane Closures Start Tomorrow - Send A Special Note To Guests...

Edward & Nichole Thornton

July 19, 2007, Chinese Room/Smith Tower, Seattle

________________________

If you are having your wedding between August 11th and August 30th, and if you are in the area particularly affected by the I-5 lane closures (I-5 North from Spokane Street to I-90), let your guests know what is going on - ASAP!

Send a group email, send a written note or create a phone tree and let guests know about I-5 and to plan on creating extra travel time to reach your wedding ceremony on time.

I always allow plenty of time between two weddings on a day and what may take 10 minutes from South Seattle to downtown Seattle may now take over an hour or more. Talk about getting to the chapel on time!

What Makes For A Wonderful And Authentic Wedding Ceremony? Imperfection...

John & Rebecca Ibsen, Married on July 5, 2007

Kiana Lodge, Poulsbo, WA

**Photo Courtesy of the wonderful Clare Marie:

www.claremariephotography.com

_______________________________________

May I be blunt? In this work that I do, I see a lot of "behind the scenes stuff." And truly, what appears to be "true" in those perfect wedding magazines, usually isn't so. And who wants a perfect wedding day anyway?

It's the wedding day imperfections that are often the "icing on the cake" - literally! I work work with couples who are charming and laid-back, confident in their planning and who allow others to step in and take care of them for a day or weekend.

I also work with couples who micro-manage details and who are so over concerned about "getting things right" that they often miss out on the joy of an imperfect day - and the laughter and gleeful memories that accompany imperfection.

So, on a wedding day, embrace imperfection. Know that some details may not come together and that's darn okay.

This past weekend, I had six wonderful weddings with couples who were all truly marvelous. Cheers to: Andrea and Brandon, Reza and Jessica, Aubree and Kurt, Susie and Thom, Kimberly and Paul and my long-distance couple (the drive was worth it!) - John and Maggie!

The Wedding Weekend of "Rain" - Tents, Tents, Tent...and More Tents!

The Fabulous Andy & Kristin Pfandler

Married July 14, 2007, Laurel Manor, Sumner, WA

Last weekend, I married Andy and Kristin and you couldn't find enough shade or get enough to drink - it was that hot!

Well, this past weekend was another story.

Rain, rain rain - and on one of the most reliable wedding weekends of the summer.

Edward and Nichole beat the rain by being married at the Smith Tower on the sunny Thursday before all of this weather chaos. Terry and Tara beat the rain on Friday evening at the Woodlake Park Rose Garden, only to be blessed by raindrops as they were pronounced husband and wife (very fun!).

Now, Saturday. I was in Sammamish at Beaver Lake Park and married Martin and Dee Dee - they had good weather but I'm still wondering what the rest of the afternoon was like for them. And then it was on to Tarboo Bay on the Olympic Peninsula for the festive and remarkable wedding of Peter and Kelsey - where we broke out the umbrellas and 200+ guests were good-hearted about Mother Nature.

And after hearing that yesterday (Sunday) was supposed to be the "rain of all rains," the day was remarkably subdued. Nicholas and Katherine were married under tents (smart couple!) in Bellevue and Brian and Suzanne shared their commitment in front of family and friends at Kiana Lodge, Poulsbo.

So, here's to a wedding weekend that will be remembered for years go come!

** Photo courtesy of the wonderful Amy Parsons: www.amyparsons.com

Your Wedding License - Bring It, Pack It - Whatever It Takes To Have It With You On Your Wedding Day!

The Wonderful Muraari and Erin Vasudevan...

Married June 29, 2007, Washington Park Arboretum

I'm supposed to be taking the day off so I'll make this short and sweet - and good!

The Wedding License. What is all the hoopla?

Well, if you don't have one, an Officiant can't marry you. It's as simple and as complicated as that. While I gently remind each of my couples several times to bring/carry/pack their license, once or twice a year there is a snafu (like on 7/7/07 for me this year) and things get complicated.

1. If you are having a rehearsal, bring your wedding license to rehearsal.
2. If you don't have a rehearsal or forget to bring your license to rehearsal, pack your license and double-check before leaving the house for your wedding ceremony.

Please remember, there is a three-day waiting period from the date you apply for/pick-up your license - i.e., you need to build in three days of "wait time" before you can be married.

Good Luck, Synchronicity - Whatever You Call It, 7/7/07 Is One Of The Biggest Wedding Days Of This Decade...

Luke and Amanda Krupski, Delille Cellars

June 21, 2007

"I officiated Luke and Amanda's wonderful ceremony on a gorgeous Thursday evening, with one of the largest and most fun wedding parties I have worked with in a long time Congratulations, Luke and Amanda!

photo courtesy of the wonderful Ron Shaw at www.alwaysfocusedonyou.com

_________________________

As I write this, I am heading into a full work weekend and everyone I know who works within the world of weddings, is feeling a bit maxed/overloaded and "over-the-top."

You see, it's 7/7/07.

Huh?

Apparently, this marvelous combination of numbers has a meaning of "good luck" and many couples have chosen this day to be married. To be truthful, I've probably turned down over 100 couples for this day alone. And an Officiant friend of mine in Las Vegas says they are starting weddings on the :15 minute increment and going thru 2:00 a.m.

____________________________

So, here is to all of the couples who will be married on 7/7/07....And to the five wonderful couples I am marrying: Suzi and Scott, Sarah and David, Barrett and Lisa, Nancy and Tim, Sharlene and Jacob.