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/