WRITING YOUR WEDDING VOWS - There is no "right way" to do this....it's all from the heart...

John & Maggie Lahey, Summer of 2007

Beau Lodge, Bow, Washington

Photo: www.fireflyphotos.net - The wonderful Greta!

If you are writing your own wedding vows, I'll make this short and sweet.

Write from the heart.

Wedding vows are less about what you "promise" or what you "will do."

Wedding vows are all about how you will show up in your marriage. What you love, respect, admire and cherish about your Sweetheart. How your relationship supports your growth and healing. How you are blessed to be with your Sweetheart for life.

Consider this simple counsel when "writing your wedding vows." And yes, humor is very good, too!

Creating a "Spiritual Wedding Ceremony" - Often A Challenge For Couples...

Congratulations to Thom & Susie Cosgrove, 2007
DAR House, Seattle, Washington

Photo: www.claremariephotography.com - the Fabulous Clare!

When a couple comes to me, we often work to create a meaningful and poignant wedding ceremony which incorporates different religious/spiritual/secular traditions and beliefs. In this work that I do, my task is to craft and deliver a ceremony which reflects a couple's love story, relationship and gratitude to family/friends - and so much more.

Often, couples who work with me want a "spiritual wedding ceremony" and at times have trouble putting their thoughts into words. Rev. Judith Johnson does this well and I'd like to share the following that she wrote:

"When a couple chooses to be married outside the doctrinal definitions of a particular religion or spiritual path, they have the opportunity to put their signature on the wedding ceremony so that it reflects their individual and combined beliefs and values. Every word, every gesture, can be imbued with a deep significance for the couple."

Judith and I are on the the same page - "a wedding ceremony is a wonderful opportunity for self-expression and a declaration of the power of love!"

Jeff & Lynley Shaw - And The Blue Angels Wedding Fly-Over!!

The Fabulous Jeff & Lynley Shaw

August 4, 2007, DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA

"And The Surprise Roar & Fly-Over Of The Blue Angels!

You can't help but absolutely love Jeff and Lynley Shaw. Not only is this couple lovely in every way (and thank you for the honor of being with both of you on your wedding day!) but with Jeff and Lynley, you never know how things are going to go.

Literally!

And in the middle of Jeff and Lynley's wedding ceremony on August 4th, the Blue Angels did a low fly-over their ceremony location - in Woodinville! Yes, Woodinville! The roar and surprise was an absolute delight and such an amazing moment for all of us.

So, yes, it's true. When it comes to an actual wedding ceremony, you never know what - or who - is actually going to show up!

Photo Credit: The Fabulous Carmen Chan of Carmen Chan Photography: www.carmenchanphotography.com

KELSEY & PETER

July 21, 2007, Tarboo Bay, Washington

I was so delighted to bea part of Kelsey and Peter's wedding ceremony this summer at Tarboo Bay on the Olympic Peninsula. It was a rainy weekend and the drops didn't diminish the joy of the 200 people present to surround this wonderful couple with love, support and wonderful memories. Kelsey and Peter planted a beautiful tree at the place they were married as a wonderful and living memento of their day. Congratulations, Kelsey & Peter!

Handsome Henry (Rescued Blind & Sight Restored in One Eye) Needs Loving & Forever Home...

HANDSOME HENRY SEEKS LOVING GUARDIAN(S)!

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While my wedding work is wonderful and fulfilling, I am also involved in rescuing neglected and abandoned dogs throughout the Puget Sound area.

One of my rescue groups recently rescued 3-year-old cocker spaniel Henry from a kill shelter, the day before he was to be killed. Henry was blind since birth and we found out that one of his eyes was a candidate for surgery.

So, this wonderful rescue group (http://www.vipp.org/) raised the funds for this very important surgery (not cheap!) and Henry's eyesight was restored in one of his eyes. And this little guy's life has changed dramatically. He plays, he trys to catch cookies, he loves sleeping on the bed and being close, he thinks car rides are very fun and he's a wonderful companion.

Because of Henry's special needs (needs eye drops every day for the rest of his life) and because so many volunteer hours and funds went into this dog, our rescue group is seeking a most fabulous and life-long home for Handsome Henry.

If you or somebody you know would like to consider adding Henry to your family as a full-fledged family member, please email me at anne@annemariejuhlian.com. Henry is healthy overall, neutered and up-to-date on all his shots. A $200 re-homing fee to the non-profit rescue group, application and home visit are requested.

Isn't Henry so very handsome?!

OH DEAR! I-5 Lane Closures Start Tomorrow - Send A Special Note To Guests...

Edward & Nichole Thornton

July 19, 2007, Chinese Room/Smith Tower, Seattle

________________________

If you are having your wedding between August 11th and August 30th, and if you are in the area particularly affected by the I-5 lane closures (I-5 North from Spokane Street to I-90), let your guests know what is going on - ASAP!

Send a group email, send a written note or create a phone tree and let guests know about I-5 and to plan on creating extra travel time to reach your wedding ceremony on time.

I always allow plenty of time between two weddings on a day and what may take 10 minutes from South Seattle to downtown Seattle may now take over an hour or more. Talk about getting to the chapel on time!

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

_______________________________________

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

_________________________

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.

____________________________

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.

What I Know For Sure About Weddings With a Big, Large (Grande!) Guest List!

Shawn & Nicola, 2007

Grand Hilton Hotel, Seattle, WA

photo courtesy: www.jenandjody.com

I had the honor of marrying the very delightful Nicola and handsome Shawn in a wedding ceremony before a packed room of family and friends at the Grand Hilton Hotel this Spring.

Nicola and Shawn had quite the troop of family and friends - a very large gathering of people who were so happy about the marriage of this very delightful couple.

If you are planning a wedding with a large guest list, here are a three things I know for sure - tips I've picked up from "working behind the scenes" at many a wedding:

- If you have a large guest list, please consider my :30 minute rule - i.e., if you're having a 4:00 p.m. wedding, put 3:30 p.m. on your invites. This gives you more room to elegantly welcome people and fudge time if there are traffic snafus, etc.

- If you can squeeze it into the budget (delete other things!), hire a "day of" coordinator to help be your "air traffic controller" on your wedding day. In my opinion, there isn't better money spent. And if you'd like a referral, please let me know.

- Give guests a "job" and/or directions. Before your pronouncement in your wedding ceremony and/or in your ceremony program, give guests directions on "what to do next" once the ceremony is concluded. People like knowing what's going on and if they have have a strong sense of "what to do next," your reception starts in a smoother manner.

Making Your Wedding Processional Uniquely Your Own...Beginning your Wedding Ceremony...

Lauren & Steven

May 12, 2007, Whidbey Island, WA

On Saturday, May 12th, I had the honor of marrying Lauren and Steve at the Whidbey Institute on Whidbey Island.

Lauren and Steven made the opening of their ceremony uniquely their own. A large bell was rung to signal the beginning start of their ceremony. Beautiful harp music then began and the wedding party entered. For their entrance, Lauren and Steven together walked down a high dirt path outside of the ceremony area and took their time - enjoying the two minutes or so that it took them to make their way to the ceremony area. And when they entered, there were smiles all the way around.

As you work to create your ceremony start or "processional," look for elements to add that make it unique and special for the two of you. You don't have to do the "same 'ol, same 'ol" when it comes to a processional. Today, couples are shaking up ritual so that a wedding ceremony reflects a couple's tastes, interests, relationship and elegantly includes family and friends.

Wedding Ceremony Weather - Rainy, Cool, Very Hot - A Few Important Planning Tips...

Ryan and Jennifer Bolz *

May 27, 2007, Parsons Garden, Seattle

"and the sun shined through...

I officiate at many outdoor wedding ceremonies.

And there is this thing called "Northwest weather."

In planning your outdoor ceremony here are a few ideas and thoughts to consider if you need to go to "Plan B" on your wedding day:

On the morning of your wedding ceremony: Don't wait until an hour or two before your ceremony to make a decision about the rainy or cloudy weather. To make things easier and more elegant your wedding day, make your best decision as early as possible as to the location of your wedding ceremony and stick with it.

Create a "weather team" - Yes, if a week or so before your wedding the weather forecast is looking iffy, assign a couple of people jobs and tasks if you need to go to "Plan B." This way, there is a plan in place with specific people to move the ceremony indoors, call a list of guests, etc., change venues, etc. And if the weather is looking iffy and you still want to hold your ceremony outdoors, reserve and rent a tent for the occasion.

"Rain" is one thing - "Heat" is another - In this work that I do, I've officiated in the cold and rain and more often than this, in the blazing heat. And here is what I know for sure: many of my couples get married in the hot summer months and being married in 90' degree sun isn't comfortable. If you are being married outdoors and on a very hot summer day, consider being married in the shade (makes for better pictures!) or under some cover so that you and your family/friends aren't melting.

Just thoughts for this cloudy Monday morning...

*** Beautiful photo by Sean Werner, Werner's Photography, www.weddingphotog.com

Welcoming & Seating Your Guests For An Elegant Start To Your Ceremony

Scott & Pamela Faulkner

May 20, 2007

Hollywood Schoolhouse

I had a surprise a week ago at Scott & Pamela's wedding!

Scott and Pamela had a fairly large community of family and friends at their mid-afternoon wedding ceremony - and not only did the group seat themselves without any prompting, but they were the most "on time" group of people I have seen in a long time!

Welcoming Guests: To elegantly welcome your guests, have two people at the door to greet people as they walk in. This gives guests an idea of what is going on - when things are starting, where to put a coat, where the restroom is, etc.
Seating Guests: Having been to more weddings than most, I can tell you that most guests like to seat themselves. While ushers are a nice touch and appreciated by some people, the majority of people tend to want direction on seating but prefer not to be ushered and formally seated. Considering this, have two people as "seating directors," offering seats to people so that the aisles are filled first and the seats in the front are also filled just before the ceremony starts.

** photo by Kate McElwee: www.katemcelweephotography.wordpress.com

Your Wedding Rehearsal - 3 Top Rehearsal Tips To Insure An Elegant Ceremony...

Ryan and Erin Bowles,

Married May 19, 2007, Tyee Yacht Club

Go Team Bowles!

In this work that I do, I've been to many rehearsals. And rehearsal parties come in many shapes and sizes: big and small, organized and chaotic, emotional and stressed, fun/festive and uptight/concerned, full of humor and a tad more serious.

A wedding brings up all sorts of emotions. It's a ritual of transition and transformation - from one stage of life to another. So, given that emotions are often all over the map at rehearsal and on a wedding day, here are three top tips to consider when planning your wedding rehearsal:

1) 30 MINUTE RULE. Often, people are late to rehearsal. So, to keep any dinner or afternoon/evening engagements and appointments, tell everyone to arrive at 5:00 p.m. if your rehearsal is at 5:30 p.m. By having everyone arrive "30 minutes early," you give people a chance to mix and mingle, take a breath and everyone is then unknowingly on schedule.

2) BRING YOUR MARRIAGE LICENSE. I request that my couples bring their marriage license to rehearsal. This insures that I have the license for the wedding day and it's one last thing for you to worry about.

3) GET CREATIVE. When you are at your wedding venue for rehearsal, talk to your Officiant/Minister about 'staging,' i.e., creative placement of wedding party, how your Officiant may move around in the ceremony, etc. Often, your Officiant has ideas for making a ceremony more fluid and interesting once they get a sense of the venue and your best wishes for your ceremony. For instance, many of my couples now choose to face their family and friends instead of each other or me. This gives family/friends and opportunity to more fully experience a wedding ceremony and also makes for some very beautiful pictures.

Handsome Henry - A Rescue "Miracle" - From Blind to Sight...

HANDSOME HENRY, Blind & Neglected, Rescued 2/13/07

Eye Sight Restored in Left Eye, March 2007

Adopted to Loving & Forever Home, April 2007

While I love my ceremony work - and do this work full-time - another huge part of who I am is all about rescuing and rehabilitating abused and neglected companion animals.

Please indulge me - I'd like to share a little joy. No, alot of joy!

Working with two of my dedicated rescue pals, Barbara and Carl, we rescued a nameless blind cocker spaniel from certain death in mid-February. We named this furball "Handsome Henry" and under a ton of mats and hair, we found the most beautiful cocker spaniel.

Working with Barbara's small and mightly animal rescue organization, www.vipp.org, and through the generosity of several benefactors, Handsome Henry's eye sight was restored in one of his eyes on March 6th. He endured four weeks in an elizabethan collar (no fun for a dog) and repeated visits to and from the doggie eye doctor to insure the healing of his fixed eye.

And now, Henry can see!

He's gone from blind to catching biscuits and watching everyone and everything. It was amazing journey for us to be with a dog who was born blind and then one day woke up and saw the world around him.

And in keeping with Handsome Henry's good fortune, he has been adopted by a wonderful lady and now lives in the lap of luxury in a nice house with his choice of bedrooms!

Handsome Henry - and all the dogs that I work with in this rescue work that I do - help keep me in the present. The courage of these dogs who have endured so much suffering and abuse is an inspiration in all that I do. While I deeply love my ceremony work, nothing brings me as much true personal joy as helping to relieve a companion animal of suffering. Well, okay, perhaps watching a "wedding dog" walk down the aisle in pure delight, celebrating the wedding of his/her guardians!

Creating A "Gratitude Surprise" Within Your Wedding Ceremony

Brad & Leann Weiss, Lake Wilderness Lodge, Maple Valley, WA

Saturday, April 21, 2007 photo by: www.weddingphotog.com

A week ago, I had the honor of marrying Brad and Leann at the beautiful Lake Wilderness Lodge in Maple Valley. Within their ceremony, Brad and Leann chose to present surprise roses to Leann's Mother, Jean, and her Aunt Julie.

Creating and delivering a "surprise" of any sort within a wedding ceremony takes sensitivity and care. I occasionally suggest a surprise to a bride or groom and when it comes together, it's usually more poignant and memorable than we both thought it would be.

And a "surprise" can be anything you'd like to make your ceremony uniquely yours and memorable. For instance, in the past I've had:

- A groom get down on one knee and propose to his bride (he did not formally propose) and she was overcome with gratitude and tears.

- A bride flew in a "surprise guest" for her groom - a best buddy from the groom's recent days in Iraq.

- A couple "surprised" the bride's parents with a trip to Poland - a place they have always wanted to go in appreciation for unique help/support given to the couple in the past year.

So, consider a "surprise" in your ceremony. If it "feels right, " in my experience it usually is.

**My thanks to Sean Werner of Werner's Photography for this beautiful picture of Brad & Leann!

The Farm Kitchen: A Wonderful Venue For Your Wedding Celebration..

The Farm Kitchen, Poulsbo, Washington

www.farmkitchen.com

One of my very favorite places for a wedding ceremony and reception/celebration in Kitsap County and Poulsbo, Washington is a wonderful hidden gem: The Farm Kitchen.

Hollis Fay, Anna Joe and their wonderful wedding staff assist a couple in creating a memorable wedding celebration at their unique venue that exudes comfort, warmth and puts out some of the most fabulous food in Kitsap County.

So, if you're seeking to have your wedding celebration in Poulsbo (ferry rides are good!), you must make a personal visit to The Farm Kitchen. Oh, and they also have the most fabulous breakfast on the first Saturday of every month - their cinnamon rolls are to die for!

Isaiah and Mercedes Paradise - March 24, 2007, The Sorrento Hotel

Isaiah and Mercedes Paradise, March 24, 2007

Sorrento Hotel, Seattle, WA
Photo: Photo Elan www.photoelan.com

The Sorrento Hotel is one of my favorite places in Seattle for a small or medium size wedding. And on March 24th, I married Isaish and Mercedes in an intimate and sweet ceremony before 60 of their family and close friends. Jennfer and Brian Hartman from Photo Elan took some amazing photos of Isaiah and Mercedes and you can take a peak at the work of this creative and artistic couple at their blog: www.photoelan.com/blog. Congratulations, Isaiah and Mercedes!

Planning A Very Small & Intimate Wedding Ceremony? If So, Here Are Some Tips To Create A More Beautiful Moment...

On St. Patrick's Day afternoon of this year, I was honored to marry Darren and Julie in a small and intimate ceremony in the Penthouse Suite of The Sorrento Hotel.

Darren and Julie did everything right. We worked together to create a ceremony that fully included their children - one that appropriately recognized the beloved young adults in their lives and at the same time a ceremony that celebrated their unique partnership and bond.

If you are planning a small and intimate wedding ceremony, here are a few tips to consider:

• 1) Consider being married on an "off day." Plan your wedding on a day early in the week - you'll have more choices for a venue and you'll also save money.
• 2) Use your ceremony as a ritual of celebration and joy. Yes, this is true for hopefully all wedding ceremonies. However, with a small gathering, there is more opportunity for personal recognition of all gathered for the moment.
• 3) Enjoy a fabulous meal afterwards. In lieu of a wedding reception or larger party, I married a couple today at The Willows Lodge who took their 15 guests across the street for a marvelous and memorable evening dinner fest at The Herbfarm. So, whether it's brunch or dinner, and in lieu of a larger party, splurge on a fabulous meal and fully enjoy the experience.