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!