The Perfect Wedding? No. Let's Go For Those Unexpected And Beautiful Moments Instead....

Bill and Tiffany Janes

Center for Wooden Boats, Lake Union 9/5/08

wonderful photo by Photographer Jeremy Phipps

Bill and Tiffany were married on a marvelous Friday afternoon at the Center for Wooden Boats on Lake Union. What I loved about this couple was how they "sailed away!" As we completed their waterside ceremony, and to the cheers of family and friends, Bill and Tiffany boarded a gorgeous sail boat at the nearby dock and "sailed away" for a few moments alone.

As I watched Bill and Tiffany move from the dock, I was struck with how beautiful the actual moment was. It just was. Sometimes poignant and unexpected moments within a wedding day catch you by surprise - for me, this was one of them.

Planning Your 2009 Wedding - A Few Tips From "Behind The Scenes..."

Love Those Smiles! Derrick & Liz

August, 2008 ~ Ed Hume Seeds Company

As I meet with couples this month and throughout the Fall for 2009, I'd like to share a few tips for your ceremony that will help you save money:

- Plan Your Ceremony For Mid-Day and Enjoy Brunch or Lunch: You'll save money by getting married in the late morning or early afternoon - enjoy a celebration lunch or brunch instead of a more formal or lavish dinner.

- Plan a Weekday Wedding, i.e., Monday-Friday: That's right! More of my couples are getting married on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening and save on all vendor categories. In addition, these couples are getting a significant discount from their venue/reception site for booking space that "is just sitting there."

- Stay "Local" - You'll save money by staying "local" and will avoid some of the hidden expenses of destination weddings, i.e., more hotel nights, transportation expenses for vendors, etc.

JAY AND SARAH'S WEDDING AT SAFECO FIELD - They met there, they married there!

Jay and Sarah Montgomery

August 18, 2008, SAFECO FIELD

beautiful photo: www.kylemillerphoto.com

What a fun and fabulous afternoon! Congratulations to Jay and Sarah Montgomery who were married on August 18th at homeplate, SAFECO FIELD.

Jay and Sarah met at SAFECO FIELD and celebrated their wedding among close family and friends on a wonderful Monday afternoon.

Jay and Sarah, I wish you much happiness and joy as you move into your married life together!

Your Officiant and Friend, Annemarie

A Wedding Can Be Chaotic OR It Can Be A Peaceful And Joyful Experience...

The Very Wonderful Jason and Jennie Melton!

August 3, 2008, The Edgewater Hotel

** beautiful photo by www.redfishphoto.com and Scott & Jennifer Matsuda

LABOR DAY WEDDING WEEKEND IS OVER - Now, I can breathe. Over the years, I find more couples are being married on "holiday weekends," to take advantage of the extra days for guest travel and time with family and friends.

This past weekend, I had marvelous weddings - weddings which were peaceful, oganized and at ease and two in particular that were chaotic, unorganized and frenetic. In one case, when I arrived Sunday evening at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. ceremony, I found a reception room still being set-up, flowers were waiting in boxes to be made into complex centerpieces and the wedding party was spread all over a venue complex, making things extra difficult to pull the event together.

Being the organizer that I am, I got to work on setting up the tables and place settings for this lovely couple because I just couldn't stand to the side and "watch things." In the end, everything went off beautifully - AND - it could have been easier.

What is the key to a peaceful wedding day? Recognizing that weddings "just don't happen" or "magically come together." Consider investing in the talents of a day-of wedding coordinator or engage two or three friends (not family) who will take specific planning parts of the day so the bride/groom and family can fully experience the day's moments.