Getting Hitched This Holiday Season. Your Tiny & Intimate Wedding Ceremony

Each year, I get such a kick out of officiating a number of last minute and very fun tiny weddings around the holidays.

If you are seeking to get married over the next two weeks, I invite your call at 425.922.1325 or go here for more info: www.elopeseattlestyle.com

Many couples often make a last minute decision to get married before the end of the year. Sometimes romantic, sometimes for other reasons.

No matter what your reason, I'm here to offer you any support, ideas or assistance to make a tiny ceremony a lifetime moment.

Get The Officiant Outta There! A Picture Perfect Kiss.

That's right - for a kiss at the end of a ceremony, your Officiant needs to be outta there!

Nothing makes me more crazy than looking at photo after photo of an Officiant front and center in a couple's kiss at the end of a ceremony.

In this work that I do, I always move to the side as I am introducing a couple at an end of ceremony - this holds for a large/formal ceremony like Jeff and Rida had at The Woodmark Hotel in June (a perfect kiss in this long range photo!) or a kiss after a sweet and intimate elopement.

To take a peek at most gorgeous photos by Loren of Alante Photography and view a beautiful video produced by Laura and Chris at Edit 1 Media, go to: http://tinyurl.com/74sormx
Jeff & Rida - I was reminded after viewing your photos and video how much fun you are a couple. Much continued joy to you!

Celebrating Eric & Deborah: Greetings from Seattle to Malaysia!

It was such a pleasure to marry Eric and Deborah on a Summer Sunday at Shilshole Bay Beach Club.

Eric is a tall, handsome and very kind guy.

His wife, Deborah, is a beautiful and petite woman with a huge heart and captivating smile.

And soon after they were married, they left for Malaysia to pursue their career opportunities.

I love this photo taken a week before their ceremony during an intimate moment at Seattle's Olympic Sculpture Park.

Eric & Deborah - wishing you much joy and opportunity on your Malaysian adventure!

Woof! Including Your Beloved Canine Family Member In Your Wedding Ceremony...

As I look back 2011, I smile as I remember the "wedding dogs" who were a part of many wedding ceremonies.

If you want to include your beloved pooch in your ceremony, here are a few tips that I offer having worked with many canine ring bearers and canine petal girls:

1) A Wedding Dog Can't Do Anything Wrong. A dog only adds more joy to a processional and/or ceremony. So, don't worry about what your pooch is going to do or not doing to do. On a wedding day, dogs bring pure happiness to a ceremony moment and guests love this.

2) Appoint A Wedding Day Guardian. Find a friend or acquaintance to be your dog's wedding day guardian - this way, your dog has a companion for the ceremony and possibly cocktail hour and can be taken home once reception starts.

3) Wedding Wear! I think it's adorable for a dog to have a wreath of flowers or bow tie on as "wedding wear." Couples love to get their picture with their dog and having a dog in festive wear only adds more fun to the day.

This photo features Diane and Fred Lee's beloved dogs who stole the show at their July ceremony at SODO Park!

Anna & Jason - A Few Years Later With Much Life & Love Lived...

A few years ago, I remember meeting Anna and Jason at a coffee shop in Tacoma. Their wedding was in a few weeks and they needed an Officiant.

Happily, I had the privilege of officiating their waterside ceremony along Hood Canal on a very hot May afternoon.

Anna was very pregnant at the time and I have this crystal memory of sitting on a bed writing out the marriage license paperwork with her.

I also have this sweet memory of walking across the grass with Jason to the ceremony area to get this wonderful couple married.

We fast forward to today - Jason & Anna are happy and well with their sweet son. I pulled this photo from Anna's Facebook page - it's beautiful, it's sweet and it has devotion, perseverance, joy, and change written all over it!

I Heart Dan & Robin: So Truly A Couple Together For All Of The Best Reasons!

Yikes!

I arrived at Columbia Winery for Dan & Robin's Fall wedding ceremony and music was blasting from an outdoor event near door at the Redhook Brewery!

I soon learned that the Brewery was going to "shutdown" the music promptly at 6:30 for a number of weddings in surrounding venues.

Ah, the unexpected twists and turns of a wedding day!

I so loved the opportunity to marry Dan and Robin in fine style in front of 100+ family and friends. Robin is a family and marriage therapist and Dan is an artist going big-time after his dream. Everything about this couple is remarkable - from their graciousness, sense of humor to how they are absolutely devoted to one another after so many wonderful years together.

Dan & Robin - to living your dreams! Congratulations!

A Wedding At Columbia Winery With Southern Charm! Congratulations to Mary Catherine & Randy...

One very happy and devoted couple.

An absolutely glorious bride. Proud and handsome groom.

Held at Columbia Winery, Woodinville.

100+ thrilled family & friends.

One amazing Grandmother in the most beautiful outfit.

Cloudy and no raindrops - yeah!

Laughs. Tears. Giggles. A bride so thrilled she kissed her groom after walking down the aisle. A couple so gracious, loving, devoted and kind.

And with the help of wedding planner extraordinare, Megan Keller, of Akurant Events, a loving, intimate and memorable ceremony moment.

Randy & Mary Catherine - thank you for the grand opportunity to know you and to be a part of your wedding day. Southern charm rocks!

Akurant Events: http://www.akurantevents.com/

My Excuse Is A Contest! So Happy To Re-Connect With Couples I've Married...

Daddy & Max!

When I received a note from Katy proudly sharing this photo of her husband, Matt, and little one, Max, I remembered the rainbow that came out during their wedding ceremony at Alderbrook Resort. Their joy ride continues!

And my fun continues! I have used the excuse to "vote for me" for KING 5's Best of Western WA to re-connect with many of my wonderful couples from the past couple of years.

Fred and Jennie are expecting any day. Ai & Jeff are pregnant with their 2nd child due this December. Karen & Roy are living life big in Olympia. Jordan and Ian couldn't be happier going into year #3 of marriage! Amy and Derek have welcomed Willamina and Adrienne and big sister, Haley, is doing great. Kate & Robert are moving to Denver and Robert is a medical miracle. Alexa wrote that she and Cesar are happy and well and she is grieving the loss of her father.

Life. How blessed I am to do this beautiful work and to have a side seat at the lives of people I so appreciate and admire.

Best of Western WA: www.tinyurl.com/3mq87bq

KING 5 TV's "Best of Western Washington Contest" - My Best Excuse To Re-Connect With Amazing Couples On The Move...

I have been doing an extra happy dance in my heart this past week.

KING 5 TV's "Best of Western WA" contest is in full swing and it's been ultra fun for me to re-connect with many couples from the past couple of years.

Best of Western Wa: http://tinyurl.com/3mq87bq

Amy Ullrich sent me this photo from her May wedding - so delighted to hear she and Kevin are doing so well.

Danny and Emily just celebrated their third anniversary and their little girl, Ruby Jane, has red hair, too!

Christine & Joe are expecting another baby in March and big sister, Olympia, gets a sibling.

Michael and Shannon are pregnant. Christine and Alan are pregnant. Sunrise and Keith are pregnant. Doug and Theresa are pregnant. Babies everywhere...and so many more blessed to be born to such beautiful people.

Emily and Jeff have a new fur kid, Cody. Lydia and Patrick are in full swing with their new business. David & Jess are finally home.

The tapestry of life - I feel so incredibly blessed to do this work.

John & Yanni - Sparkly, Hugely Loving, Gracious, Way Too Funny, Smart - A Favorite!

I love this photo that Photographer Kaylee Eylander took of John and Yanni Robel on their wedding day last Saturday morning at Kirkland's Woodmark Hotel.

John & Yanni...
Gracious
Loving
So Funny
Best Smiles Ever
Devoted
True Companions

I had the honor of officiating two ceremonies in the past year for John and Yanni - their tiny ceremony to get legal last September 10th and their public ceremony last week for 70+ family and friends.

This couple is the true definition of a spiritual partnership and model for their family and friends great devotion, care and inspiration.

Simply put, John and Yanni remind me of why I do this work and inspire me to seek out similar couples who are moving forward in a lifetime commitment.

John and Yanni - from the bottom of my little 'ol heart, thank you.

And thank you Wedding Planner Bobbi Roth for the grand sparkle you brought to this beautiful wedding day! www.bobbirothweddings.com

Kaylee Eylander: www.eylanderphotography.com

The "Kid Wild Card" At Weddings - From An Officiant's Perspective...

This is Blake.

This is Blake's Dad.

Run, Blake, run!

I took this shot at Eric and Charene's wedding at a waterfront home in July.

Time and time again, Blake would run up the driveway incline, somehow captivated by the ascent! And time and time again, Dad would follow.

Might not have been much fun for Blake's father but all of us watching got a great chuckle out of the antics.

Children at a wedding are a wild card. The beauty is they truly can't do "anything wrong."

While many weddings don't include children, many do. And if you are having children at your wedding ceremony, here are a few tips:

1) Seat children in the back or on the "ends" of rows. This allows a fussy child to be taken from a ceremony with little drama or problem.

2) Provide something "new" for children to be entertained with during a ceremony. Some couples provide a basket of books, play toys or whatnot as guests and their children enter a ceremony area.

3) Consult with your Officiant on children in the wedding party. It's important that your Officiant take leadership with the children in your wedding and know their personalities, where to place them after processional and what to do in the event there is hiccup.

"Wind Wishes" For Marie & Sam At Poulsbo's Most Wonderful Farm Kitchen...

Sam and Marie - you are so married!

The moment I spoke to Marie on the phone from Los Angeles, I knew we were a lovely fit to share in her wedding day.

Marie and Sam are a very thoughtful, conscious, loving and very fun couple and their August 6th wedding ceremony at Poulsbo's Farm Kitchen was just that and more.

Marie's Grandmother, Kaj, created "WindWishes" and these beautiful and decorative paper art pieces were gently blowing in the wind from the trees covering the ceremony space. I took one of the windwishes and it's hanging on my office desk lamp with the words, "ceremony" and "clarity."

Sam and Marie - Thank you for the gift of sharing in your wedding day. I wish you much adventure, joy and happiness.

Billy and Desi's Wedding Weekend at Treehouse Point in Preston, Washington!

Treehouse Point in Preston, Washington!

This spectacular place in nature is one of my favorite venues in the Northwest for a wedding ceremony and celebration.

Bily and Desi created such an easy/elegant and fun wedding weekend for their family and friends and exchanged vows on August 13th with grand sunshine, a few tears and lots of laughs.

The couple's beloved cocker spaniel, Romeo, did a stellar job getting down the aisle with the rings. He was a little too vocal during the ceremony so he left the wedding party and went to be with Desi's parents - very fun and joyful in all ways!

I was touched to meet Photographer Christopher Nelson at Billy and Desi's wedding. This guy's smile is a mile wide and his heart and spirit shows in how he "works a wedding" as well in his beautiful images, like this one! In this work that I do, I see many photographers in action on a wedding day. Christopher is one of my new favorites!

Billy and Desi - I wish you much happiness as you move forward into this new journey together! I am so touched by your loving relationship - you are inspirational in so many ways!

Christopher Nelson - www.christophernelsonphotography.com

Lake Union Crew - Mark & Stephanie At One Of My Favorite Venues in Seattle, WA!

Look a these smiles!

On a sunny and cloudy Friday evening with Lake Washington in the background, Mark and Stephanie were married surrounded by 100+ of their family and friends at one of my favorite venues here in Seattle - Lake Union Crew on Lake Washington.

This dynamic duo (they are!) met on a 12-hour plane flight to Beijing, China and by the end of their adventure (Stephanie was a tour guide on Mark's adventure), they were in love.

With grand faith, alot of planning and true devotion/commitment, Stephanie left her life in Denver and made her way to be with Mark in Seattle.

Mark and Stephanie - I wish you grand fortune as you embark on your married adventure here in beautiful Seattle!

Take A Page From Justin & Tristin's Wedding Playbook For A Memorable Wedding Day...

Tristin and Justin - gracious, kind, very fun and most of all, inspiring.

I had much fun getting to know this couple long distance and actually didn't meet them until their wedding rehearsal.

And on a beautiful sunny evening, Tristin and Justin celebrated their loving relationship with many of their family and friends during an evening ceremony at Seattle's landmark Edgewater Hotel.

If you are planning your wedding ceremony and day, take a page from Tristin and Justin's playbook - lead with your heart, make a stand for what is important to you as a couple, take a few moments after your ceremony for just the two of you, smile big and enjoy the little things and most of all, remember that giggles during a ceremony are a good thing!

www.wedbyannemarie.com

Kim & Chris At Alderbrook Resort - A Wedding Weekend of Family, Fun and Memories...

I loved every moment of July 24th.

I was out at Alderbrook Resort on this Sunday and had the marvelous opportunity to officiate Chris and Kim's wedding ceremony at this beautiful waterfront Resort on Hood Canal.

Chris and Kim are one of those young couples who you look at and say, "Good For You!"

They share a sweet and loving partnership which has become stronger with the birth of their sweet daughter, Sabrina.

Chris and Kim have been through much in life. And through it all, they have led with love, commitment, perseverance and humor. The world needs more young couples like Chris and Kim. I am eager to see where this family goes in life!

"Hi, Remember Me? You Married My Brother, Terrance...."

Sometimes my job is just so darn great and I can't believe I'm actually paid to do this amazing work.

I had the great good fortune to marry Charene and Eric on July 17th in a beautiful waterfront ceremony in Suquamish, Washington, surrounded by family and friends, hosted by Charene's Mother, Chitra.

Eric and Charene share a very powerful and humbling love story and it was such a pleasure to celebrate their partnership and launch them into their marriage adventure.

Their little one, Kaylani Mya, did a beautiful job with her walk down the aisle and sat on Chitra's lap for the ceremony watching with her big eyes.

I had the pleasure of marrying Charene's brother, Terrance and his wife, Jamie, a few years ago at Newcastle Golf & Country Club. And I also had the profound honor of officiating a Memorial Service for Charene and Terrance's Father, Roger, in 2008.
Today, I am just taking a moment of great gratitude for this couple and family and for including me in the tapestry of their lives.

Jill and Seth Are Moving To Seattle! Creating Friendships For A Lifetime...

I received a wonderful and unexpected email from Jill von Allmen yesterday sharing that she and her new handsome husband (Seth) will be soon moving to the Bellevue/Issaquah area!

I married Jill and Seth earlier this month on 4th of July weekend and over the months before their wedding day, grew to really admire and enjoy this couple and their families.

One of the best parts of this work are the sweet relationships that are created for life.

Jill and Seth - Welcome! You are abolutely going to love your new adventure in the Pacific Northwest!

A Wonderful Ceremony Memento: Setting Up A Successful & Fun Group Photo!

I love this photo!

Wedding Pros Joe + Jill are caught (by me!) working with Kurt and Nicole right after their Summer evening ceremony at DeLille Cellars for a best group photo!

Joe is snapping the shot as Jill encourages the group - very fun!

I love an immediate group photo after a wedding ceremony. It's a one chance to get everyone together for a memento photo and oftentimes is a once-in-lifetime moment as it's so very difficult to get both families together anytime soon.

So, if you have an opportunity for an immediate post-ceremony group photo, go for it. Have your Officiant coordinate all details for an elegant transition and enjoy the moment!

A wonderful photographer: http://www.joejill.com/

Wendy and Steve's Wedding At Seattle's "Foodie" Venue - Blue Ribbon Cooking School

Wendy and Steve were married at one of my favorite "casual and easy" venues here in Seattle - The Blue Ribbon Cooking School.

They exchanged vows before 100+ family and friends waterside on Lake Union and enjoyed a wonderful reception at this location which boasts "one stop shopping" for a couple.

One stop shopping? If you are seeking a venue, and want many of the details covered (linens, place setting, flowers/decorations, all food/beverage, cake, etc.,) Blue Ribbon prides itself on providing a lot of the wedding day detail so a couple doesn't have to do as much planning.

Wendy and Steve - I wish you so much happiness together!

Blue Ribbon Cooking School: www.blueribboncooking.com

My Road Trip To Semiahmoo Resort for Roger and Megan's Waterside Ceremony...

I am so grateful to Jesse and Travis of True Colors Events for introducing me to Roger and Megan.

Within minutes of meeting this wonderful couple over coffee, I knew we were a beautiful fit to share in their wedding ceremony/day.

And fortunately, they felt the same.

I joined Roger and Megan on a Sunday June evening after a full weekend of festivities for 50+ family and friends at the wonderful Semiahmoo Resort.

Jesse and Travis created a most romantic and stunning design for Roger and Megan's ceremony area and reception tent and DJ Chris Graves was on hand to get their party started and going!

Roger and Megan - I wish you much happiness on your adventure "in this lifetime."

True Colors Events: http://www.truecolorsevents.com/

Your Handy Dandy Marriage License - Signing Options And What I Prefer...

You marriage license.

I can't marry you without it!

Couples are "split" on when to sign the marriage license and everyone has a personal preference. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to do this - it's totally up to you as a couple.

Like Jeff and Jessica to the right, they signed their license and legal paperwork immediately after their wedding ceremony a few weeks ago at the Hall at Fauntleroy.

Other couples prefer to sign documents at rehearsal or before a ceremony so that they have private/personal time together "after they are hitched."

Signing the documents at rehearsal is my personal preference.

I request that a couple brings their marriage license to rehearsal (so I have it - no forgetting on the wedding day) and if they like, we get appropriate signatures.

I do not sign anything until after a ceremony is fully officiated and witnessed. And of course, I file all appropriate legal paperwork so a couple doesn't have to hassle with this!

The Case Of The Missing Rings - You've Gotta Love A Wedding Ceremony

I checked and double-checked. Wedding planner, Rebecca, did the same.

And the best man still forgot the rings!

So, we all had a good laugh while the best guy ran to the lobby to pull the rings from a hiding place and raced back to Darrell and Irlanda's wedding ceremony at The Canal in Seattle, WA.

You've just gotta love a wedding ceremony!

And there was so much joy and laughter in the room to accompany this "snafu."

Truth? I roll with wedding snafus. They make a ceremony real and authentic and create lifetime moments to remember.

Photo: www.alantephotography.com

A Cirque Du Soleil Wedding Celebration for Matt and Jenna At The Pickering Barn!

Matt & Jenna - May 29, 2011 - Pickering Barn/Issaquah, WA

Look at these happy faces minutes after saying "I Do!" and walking down the aisle.

Matt and Jenna designed and created some very fun and lovely elements to heighten the joy on their wedding day.

Guests sat down at the ceremony to find caramel corn and bubble bottles on their chairs. For the ceremony, there were so many fun elements including a "cirque du soleil" feel with acrobats and aerialists!

And if you knew Matt and Jenna, you would know this was all "so Matt & Jenna!"

Matt and Jenna ~ I loved every moment of knowing you. Thank you the happiness I feel in knowing we shared in a most beautiful (and fun!) ceremony!

A Beautiful Wedding At Clise Mansion (Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA) - And With Wedding Dog "Wookie," Too!

Erik and Karen ~ Clise Mansion ~ May 2011

The weather didn't hold up as planned for Erik and Karen's Sunday mid-day wedding ~ and no matter! The event was moved indoors at Clise Mansion at Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington and all was beautiful.

Even more special was that the couple's most beloved pooch, Wookie, who was allowed indoors for the ceremony so he could prance "down the aisle" and present the rings.

Erik and Karen had been working for weeks with Wookie to walk (okay, prance!) down the aisle outside on the lawn. And when the weather didn't cooperate, they got a special okay for Wookie to participate inside the Mansion.

Wookie did his job beautifully...prancing down the aisle and "presenting the rings" at the appropriate moment.

Erik and Karen - my very best to you!

Yes, I Will Marry You - Rain Or Shine! You've Gotta Love A Wedding In The Rain...

Where are all of the people?! Sometimes, you've just gotta love a wedding!

I'd love to share all details but to keep things short and sweet, here you go.

Jeremy and Heidi very much wanted to be married on the deck of the Skansonia Ferry Boat - it was very important to them in a most personal way.

They bet that the rain would hold out and lost their bet. We sent their 100+ guests up to the 2nd deck of the boat to watch from above and with their wedding party and parents, started down the aisle - in the pouring rain!

So, huddling under umbrellas with lots of rain drops and great fun, Jeremy and Heidi exchanged vows and personal words.

Yes, I'll marry you in the rain - even in the hail! And I draw the line at falling out of a plane, showing up naked or in a fish tank (trust me, I've had invitations for all three!)

photo credit: Chris Sollart - www.chrissollart.com

William and Patricia's Wedding Ceremony At Sahalee Country Club, Sammamish...

William & Patricia Banks - April 30, 2011

Sahalee Country Club is a gorgeous setting for a wedding ceremony.

It's situated in a private community on the Sammamish Plateau. This venue suits a couple who wants a more formal and traditional approach to their wedding ceremony and celebration and at the same time, Sahalee offers contemporary elements for today's bride and groom.

Event Manager (Colleen) is amazing in the dedication and heart she brings to couples and their wedding day. If anyone is "on it," when it comes to details big and small around a wedding, it's Colleen!

Beautiful Photo: Chris Sollart www.chrissollart.com

Two Handsome Children + Great Joy + Love/Devotion = Kim and Paul

I loved every moment of Paul and Kim's wedding ceremony at Kiana Lodge in Kitsap County on April 23rd....

- For the first time in months, the sun broke out big for an outdoor wedding.

- Kim's twin boys were so handsome as they "processed" down the aisle and took in their surprise gifts during the ceremony with with great peace and calm.

- I remember Paul's face and emotions during his vows to Kim. You know when everything is right with the world? It was that kind of moment.

- Laughter. Lots of laughter.

- And a group photo with Photographer Kurt Smith, who captured Kiana Lodge's resident feline "Pish Pish" smack in the middle of the photo!

Kurt Smith: http://www.kurtsmithphotography.com/

Darrin and Christy's Wedding Day at Laurel Creek Manor ~ A Love Story Of Devotion, Challenge, Resilience and Triumph

Darrin and Christy - 4/30/11

I won't say much here.

I'll let you read between the lines.

Darrin and Christy are inspiring in all ways.

They first met in high school and went their separate ways. They came together many years later and rekindled a friendship and ultimately fell in love as circumstances of life swirled around them - blessings, huge challenges.

Darrin and Christy - thank you for giving me the beautiful opportunity to celebrate with you what is really true about life - that love is the 'marrow' of all that we know. You both know this much more poignantly than many...

A Sunrise Seattle Wedding Ceremony On Alki Beach For Alan And Karla!

Alan and Karla did it "simple and sweet" for their small ceremony on Alki yesterday morning, April 23rd (8 a.m.!) They exchanged vows on a dock near Salty's on one of the most beautiful days of this year so far. It was a sweet moment with close family and friends and then it was off to Salty's for an early first-seating celebration Brunch.

I love the big weddings. And the small ones are super sweet, too.

Get Married in Sequim, WA! Be Like Ben & Sarah And Create An Intimate And Sweet Lifetime Moment...

Road Trip! What a fun drive I had to Sequim on Monday, April 4th to marry Ben and Sarah waterside at a romantic bed and breakfast overlooking Puget Sound. Ben and Sarah flew in from Michigan to make their way to Sequim for their ceremony - and this was truly all about them. Under black and white umbrellas with grey skies and raindrops, Ben and Sarah exchanged vows near the water - with lots of joy and laughter. I am smiling big this morning as I look at some of the photos of this wedding day sent to me by Mitzi and Kier at Firstlight Photography. These images capture what Ben and Sarah desired for their day: an intimate, fun and personal ceremony to create a life time moment. Ben and Sarah ~ I hope your planned adventures after your wedding day during your time here in Seattle/Puget sound were hugely fun and memorable! So delighted to know you both!

*****

Firstlight Photography: http://www.firstlightphotography.com/

So, Annemarie - What Are You Doing On Sunday, April 10th?

When I got a call from Patricia asking me if I was game for a road trip to Ilwaco, Washington for a wedding in a Lighthouse, the "drama queen" in me immediately said, "sign me up!" Arriving at the North Head Lighthouse on Sunday afternoon after a four hour drive, I was so happy to find Vincent and Patricia's two photographers in the Lighthouse Parking lot, getting ready for the quarter-mile trek in wind and rain to the Lighthouse. Finding an old coat and boots in my trunk, I joined the parade and in a short while, Vincent and Patricia blew in - literally! There was 50 mph guests and with the rain, it made for a windy arrival! Vincent and Patricia were married at the top of the Lighthouse in the Lantern Room. With the wind and rain whipping around them, they exchanged vows in the gentle shadow of the Lighthouse's Lantern. As I drove home that night, I was just so happy to be a part of such a special moment and wedding day...complete with a Lighthouse, lovely couple, two wonderful photographers, and more than enough rain and wind!

Your Wedding Recessional: It's So Bright You Gotta Wear Shades!

Forgot a boring wedding recessional!

As you are planning your wedding ceremony, take a little time to consider how to jazz up your walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

Here are four tips on how to add some "kick" to your wedding recessional for a fun and memorable "we're just married' walk down the aisle - not only for you but for your wedding party, too!

1) Surprise Roses & Note Cards for Mothers or Parents: Creating authentic and loving memorable moments within a wedding ceremony just doesn't happen. Most of the time, such moments are planned and orchestrated with a bit of planning and heart.

One nice touch for your recessional is to have your Officiant or Minister hand you both note cards and roses at the end of your ceremony (after the kiss and pronouncement, of course!).

Before you take your sweetie's hand and walk down the aisle, you both give your mothers or parents surprises roses and note cards as an "end of ceremony flourish!" This touch is especially special for a bride and groom who are especially close to their mothers or parents and makes for a sweet memory for a couple and their parents.

2) Parade of Children: This is a nice end of ceremony touch, especially if you have a lot of children at your wedding. Seat and group children together with their parents. At the end of the ceremony, the children pick up their small instruments which may be placed under their chairs (horns, kazoos, small drums, etc) and they become the "recessional music" and lead the bride and groom out for recessional.

You would need to put someone in charge of all of this. To create extra joy in the room, you may have your Officiant mention what is going on so everyone can fully participate and appreciate the chaos and joy of a children's parade. And what is true? A wedding is about authenticity and giving children a big and unusual job in a ceremony creates a lifetime moment.

3) The Interactive Recessional: Flowers and Kudos: As guests are seated, a hand-picked group of ladies are seated on one side of the aisle on the end and gentlemen line the other side of the aisle on the end seat. As the couple walks down the aisle after they are married, the ladies hand the bride flowers which become her "recessional bouquet."

The guys can "high 5" the groom, shake hands or conduct other fun "male bonding activities" as the couple creates an interactive recessional. The guys and gals lining the aisles are in on this surprise and if well orchestrated, makes for a great recessional moment!

4) It's So Bright You've Gotta Wear Shades! I was just at a wedding last year where as the bride and groom shared a kiss and were pronounced as husband and wife they turned around, pulled bright sunglasses from their pockets and danced down the aisle with their shades on! This moment created so much joy in the room.

To top it off, the wedding party then pulled shades from their pockets and danced down the aisle, too!

Getting Dumped By Your Wedding Officiant - What To Do When Your Officiant Cancels Or Is A "No Show"

As I was leaving Ryan and Angel's wedding ceremony at Volunteer Park yesterday, I checked my phone messages.

*****

A groom named Larry left a message saying their Officiant was a "no show" on this afternoon and they were in a panic to find someone to marry them. Fortunately, I was able to zip down to Pike Place market and marry them last night, in front of 40+ friends and family.

So, what do you do when your Officiant cancels at the last minute or is a no show? During the high season (March - October), finding an Officiant at the last moment is most often about "luck" or "good fortune" as many Officiants are booked. Sorry, no easy answer here. My best advice is to get on the phone and start dialing. Or as "insurance," make sure you have a copy of your ceremony and get a friend/family member ordained on-line so they can step up in an emergency. This is especially important when it comes to a destination wedding.

Seattle Wedding Nightmares: 4 Important Things To "Know" As You Plan Your Wedding Day in Seattle, Washington...

Weddings are a beautiful thing. Especially in Seattle, Washington during the popular summer months.

And, on the way to a wedding day in Seattle, there are "local/regional planning situations" that can create added wedding day anxiety, stress and the occasional wedding planning nightmare.

As you plan your Seattle wedding this summer, I invite you to consider these 4 planning tips if you want to want to move into your wedding day with more grace and ease:

1) Seattle's Seafair Weekend - Traffic! Each Summer, Seattle goes crazy for its annual Seafair celebration. This culminates on the first week-end of August (check the calendar for exact dates) with a 3-day weekend extravaganza which includes hydroplanes and aerial acrobatics by the Navy's Blue Angels. Due to hydro practices and Blue Angel practices, the two bridges over Lake Washington are closed for periods of time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, creating traffic chaos in Seattle.

If you have other dates to work with before confirming a wedding date, I encourage you to select another weekend. If you already have your date planned, consider putting an earlier ceremony start time on your invitation as people are often delayed/late because of traffic. Also, depending on where your ceremony is located, you may have engine noise from overhead as the Blue Angels fly over!

2) The Seattle Mariners/Seattle Seahawks/Seattle Sounds (August/September traffic nightmare combo) - Again, this is a well-known event cocktail that can create serious local traffic snafus, particularly if a wedding is located in downtown Seattle. Each August and September, the Seattle Mariners, Sounders and Seahawks schedule a game on the same day - and as both sports facilities are only a block or so apart, this create monumental traffic jams in and out of Seattle.

If you can, check ahead and see when the Mariners, Sounders and Seahawks are scheduled and adjust your wedding start time as needed. If you have already booked your wedding date and both teams are playing, alert your guests and suggest they arrive early to enjoy a complimentary cocktail!

3) Be Careful About Booking Your Wedding At The Seattle Center Space Needle On Bumbershoot Weekend - Bumbershoot is a huge and very fun music festival hosted at Seattle's Seattle Center each Labor Day Weekend. If you are looking at The Space Needle for your wedding ceremony and celebration (a very cool place!), talk to staff about logistics and parking because of the high auto and foot traffic all over The Seattle Center grounds.

Also, beware that if you do hold your wedding high in the sky in The Space Needle, you may hear music from the bands playing below. For most couples, this only adds to the color of their wedding!

4) Timing It Right And Don't Get Left Behind: Catching A Ferry to Kitsap County In The Summer Months - Each year, hundreds of weddings are held across the Sound from downtown Seattle in the beautiful area of Kitsap County. From Seattle, you can drive to Kitsap County and it's most convenient to take a ferry from downtown Seattle to either Bainbridge Island or Bremerton.

If you are planning your wedding on a popular Summer Seattle day, beware that the Washington State Ferries are packed with autos and people and oftentimes, family and friends have to wait one or two ferries before they can get on.

To make things more convenient for your guests, consider having them walk-on the ferry and then plan to have a bus or shuttle on the other side to get them to your wedding venue. This way, your family and friends can just park on the "Seattle side" and enjoy a ferry ride with curbside service to your wedding!

Marriage License: How To Apply For A Marriage License in Seattle, WA/King County...

Okay, there isn't the most romantic of topics and here you go!

To be married in Seattle, Washington, you need a valid marriage license. Whether you are being married in three days, next week or next month, here are easy steps to obtain and use your license in Seattle.

If you are being married in Seattle, Washington, you need a valid marriage license issued by King County (or any County in Washington State).

To do this, you and your partner will visit a Marriage Licensing office in Seattle/King County during regular business hours. The cost for the license is $64, cash or debit/credit card. No blood test is required and both of you must at least 18 years of age.

When you leave the government office, you'll walk away with a packet of legal paperwork which you will give to your Officiant or Minister on your wedding day. The person who marries you must review this paperwork before your ceremony takes place and he or she will then get required signatures (both of yours and two witnesses) and return your signed legal document back to the County for processing/certification.

Note: There is a 3-day waiting period from the date your marriage license is issued. What this means is that from the date your license is issued, you must wait 3 full days before you can be legally married. Also, most people who reside in the Seattle area secure their marriage license in Seattle. If by chance you are being married in any other County in Washington State, the license you secure in Seattle/King County is valid in all Counties in Washington State.

For more information, please visit the King County Marriage License website at: http://www.kingcounty.gov/courts/marriage.aspx or call (206) 296 4021. All particulars are on this website (including office locations) and while most couples do apply for a license in person, you may initiate the process via phone and regular mail.

Once you have your valid license in hand and have exhausted the three-day waiting period, you can get married!

On Your Wedding Day, Take A Break To Create Sweet Personal Moments...

My wedding day was a blur.

I don't remember much.

What the heck happened?

I wish I could have relaxed more.

In working with couples, I often take pre-emptive action around the ceremony portion of a wedding day so a couple has some private time or quiet time immediately after their ceremony.

Yes, a wedding day is a huge/big experience. A smart couple consciously creates "moments" during a day where they are alone, quiet and can just "be."

As you consider "what to do" immediately after your ceremony, consider this possibility - take "quiet/private time" right after you walk away from your "we're married" moment.

Instead of a receiving line or turning around to greet family and friends, take 15-20 minutes alone together. You will never again have your "just married" moment so take advantage of this time to sit together, go for a short walk with your photographer or share some champagne and appetizers.

Also, while the words of your ceremony are very important, work with your Officiant around the "feeling" of your ceremony. This will help create moments within your ceremony that you will remember. Oftentimes, a couple doesn't really remember many of the words from a ceremony (really!). In other words, it's the feeling one remembers more than the words.

The key to sweet personal moments on a wedding day? Set them up - don't expect them just to happen.

Beautiful Photo: David & Rachel - http://www.tashaowen.com/

February ~ Many Couples Are Now Planning Their Wedding Celebrations In The "Off Season" of February. Why?

What a sweet kiss!

Moments after Peter and Hannah walked down the aisle, I managed to capture this intimate moment before they turned to greet family and friends.

At rehearsal, we weren't sure what was going to happen on Sunday, February 20th - snow, sleet, rain, sunshine.

And remarkably, Peter and Hannah got a cold and crisp day with lots of beautiful sunshine for their wedding ceremony at The Canal in Seattle.

More and more couples, like Peter and Hannah are being married during the month of February in Seattle. The weather is a tad more predictable than January - venue costs are value priced for couples - and couples find that family and friends love a celebration in this month as it brightens up a grey time of year.

A Soldier's Gift To His Sweetheart: A Planned Wedding Day...

A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from a soldier named Zach.

I quickly understood that Zach was taking it upon himself to coordinate a sweet and simple ceremony and celebration for February 20th, a gift to his sweetheart, Meghan.

We talked a bit and before you know it, Zach decided on treating a dozen family and friends to a celebration dinner at The Bark Frog in Woodinville, which is on-site at The Willows Lodge.

Of course, Zach would have to get married first.

And Zach's wedding wish came true. He exchanged vows in a park-like alcove at the Willows Lodge to the delight of a small group of family.

Photographer Ron Shaw from http://www.aaaamazingphotography.com captured the weight and seriousness of this moment in the photo above.

Zach and Megan ~ much happiness to you!

What Ruled On Valentine's Day 2011? Tiny Weddings that Were Big/Huge!

In the years that I have been doing this work, I've only had two weddings with big guest lists on Valentine's Day.

In my experience, most weddings on Valentine's Day are small in size and big in heart.

Erik and Sabrina dashed through the pouring rain for cover inside Salty's on Alki yesterday to exchange vows overlooking the water and Puget Sound.

The guest list was small, including Erik's parents from Sacramento, and the love in the room was BIG!

Photo: The Fabulous Jenny at http://www.jennygg.com/

Getting Married Outside Of The Seattle, WA Area? 3 Tips For Your "Destination Wedding!"

Each year, I travel to wonderful places all over Puget Sound and Washington State for wedding ceremonies - big and small.

And over this time, I've had many experiences on the way to a destination wedding day. If you are planning your wedding outside of the Seattle area, here are three tips to help insure an easy and comfortable wedding ceremony:

1) Get Real About Timing Issues. If you are planning your wedding at a destination site that involves travel by car or ferry, your family and friends will appreciate sensitivity around the scheduling of your wedding day.

During a Northwest Summer, traffic and increased tourists can mess things up. As you work on a timeline for your wedding day (no matter if your guest list is 2 or 200), be overly generous with timing out the events of your wedding day so that you allow for traffic snafus, lost guests (or vendor), etc.

2) Shop Local For Vendors. Many couples hire wonderful wedding professionals out of Seattle/Tacoma and immediate areas for their destination wedding. And at the same time, don't forget to "look local" for vendors who may live in the immediate area. This can save your considerable money on travel fees and you have peace of mind that one or more of your wedding day vendors are "nearby!"

3) Be Extra Generous To Family and Friends. Don't underestimate the effort and expense it often costs to travel to a destination wedding - hotel, car, ferry fees, etc. If you are hosting a destination wedding, what a lovely thing it would be to throw a special party, dinner or barbeque for your guests who have travelled far or delight people who have made great effort to be a part of your wedding day with a special surprise or welcomed gift.

Fabulous Photo/Alderbrook Resort (Dustin & Erin) by www.jennygg.com

Canlis Restaurant: A Sweet And Intimate Seattle Favorite For a Seattle Wedding Ceremony And Celebration...

I love driving my car up to the valet at Canlis Restaurant. It's such a fancy place and in all of the right ways.

And for a small and intimate wedding ceremony, it's such a perfect venue with city and lake views.

Last night, I indeed did drive my car up to the Canlis valet for Christian and Kristen's wedding ceremony. It was small and sweet Seattle elopement - just the two of them and their witnesses.

The paradox of life plays out at a wedding ceremony: what is small is really big and what is big is really small. Last night, Christian and Kristen did something very big in a elegant and small way.

Jason and Kelly's Winter Wedding Day At The Salish Lodge ~ Snoqualmie Falls...

Jason and Kelly did The Salish Lodge proud!

With their wedding designer and planner, Kevin Bradford, Jason and Kelly created a winter wonderland for their ceremony and celebration.

Yes, the wedding ceremony was beautiful and the reception was spectacular.

Yet, most inspirational is the love, commitment and devotion shared by Jason and Kelly and the intention they brought to their wedding day.

For Jason and Kelly, December 17th was all about their wedding day and this celebration was also about consciously envisioning their marriage.

In the chaos of planning a wedding, planning a marriage can get lost among the chaos and gentle tension of all things wedding. One of the gifts a couple can give themselves on the way to a wedding day are "time-outs" to focus on partnership, marriage covenants and opportunities to explore/expand intimacy and trust.

Beautiful Photo: www.azzuraphotography.com

Jonmark and Emilie's Wedding Ceremony ~ At A Hidden & Little Known Park In The Center Of The Seattle Universe ~ Fremont!

It was a grey January morning last week and an email popped up on my screen.

I was delighted to see the note was from Jonmark and Emilie, a couple I married in the most wonderful and obscure park in Fremont last Summer!

Like Jonmark and Emilie, if you are looking for a hidden gem of a Seattle park for an intimate wedding ceremony, take a peek at the Fremont Peak Park ~ it's quaint with a lovely view and being a neighborhood park, it doesn't have alot of foot traffic.

Fremont Peak Park: http://www.fremontpeakpark.org/

"Annemarie - Six months in and the wedding seems a bit far in the past but the joy, laughter and warmth of the day are still very present. Thank you again for making the ceremony cheerful, simple and authentic to us." ~ Emilie and Jonmark

***

Photo: Sacha Blue at http://www.sachablue.com/

A Fall/Winter Wedding Full of Style: Ryan and Karin's Wedding at Hidden Meadows, Snohomish...

Fall and Winter weddings have a much different feeling to me than weddings in the Spring or Summer months ~ particularly if a wedding falls close to a holiday.

There is something about the glow of candles in the darkness ~ the anticipation of the holidays ~ the cozy feeling to a warm indoor space~ and how wedding attire is different in style in the colder months ~ that wraps a beautiful bow around a Fall or Winter wedding date.

And better yet, oftentimes a couple can get more value and/or a preferred rate on venue/services in the off-season!

With this said, Ryan and Karin were married this past Thanksgiving weekend at Hidden Meadows in Snohomish.

Planner Erin Lindeman took her signature black and white motif and crafted a beautiful design for the ceremony and reception areas, capturing Ryan and Karin's contemporary style.

Photographer Kristen Honeycutt didn't let Ryan and Karin down on their wedding day. In fact, she went over the top! In addition to gorgeous images from this wedding day, Kristen also created lifetime momentos with funsy and eclectic photos from her "crazy cam" photo booth at the reception.

Ryan and Karin ~ I wish you much happiness in this new year - and bring on those "love trips" to Costco!

Erin Lindeman: http://www.lindemanweddings.com/

Kristen Honeycutt: http://www.kristenhoneycutt.com/

Life Of A Seattle Wedding Officiant: Why I Would Love To Marry You And Why I Say "Check Others" Out...

Getting married - getting hitched - is a big huge deal.

When I meet with a couple, you won't find me "pitching a package" ~ i.e., the emerald package, the gold package, the pearl deal.

Instead, most often, when I meet with an engaged couple who is seeking an Officiant, I suggest that they meet with a number of Wedding Officiants.

Yes, I love this work that I do. And I love booking a couple for a wedding - especially one I am crazy about. Yet at the same time, I know one thing for sure. I'm the right Officiant for many couples and not the best choice for others.

Selecting an Officiant for a ceremony is a very personal decision and often a daunting decision for engaged guy and gal. When I meet with a couple, I don't arrogantly assume I'm the "right choice." I want a couple to talk or meet with a number of Officiants and to do their "selection homework." Then, when I am happily the best choice, I know that I have a couple who truly appreciates my personality, approach to this work and my heart and spunk. And I fully get that I am the best choice for them.

My thanks to Ann Pallesen for the gorgeous photo of her on her wedding day with a vintage camera. Photographer Sharlane Chase took this photo and it's one of my favorites - it's sweet, mystical and so very unique.