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

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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

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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.

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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.