Dan and Kellie's Wedding Day At The Arctic Club Hotel - Seattle

Dan and Kellie Cocoran

The Arctic Club Hotel - September 27, 2008

Dan and Kellie Corcoran's beautiful wedding ceremony and evening celebration at the Arctic Club Hotel at the end of September was a marvelous and memorable event. Dan and Kellie were married in the remodeled hotel's historic "dome room" and the evening candle lit ceremony was attended by 130 family and friends.

This was a wedding that I not only officiated but also served as "day of coordinator," as I do this for a handful of my couples each year. Kate McElwee of www.katemcelweephotography.com captured the day with beautiful photos including the one above and the hotel's catering coordinator, Carmen del Rosario, was truly delightful to work with - the hotel staff went above and beyond for Dan and Kellie on their wedding day.

******

Dan and Kellie, I wish you a blessed married life together!

Annemarie

Wedding Dogs Are A Perfect Complement to A Wedding Ceremony!

Brian & Andrea's Wedding Dogs, "Riggs" and "Dog"

Lord Hills Farm, September 6, 2008

Brian and Andrea Britton-Simmons wedding ceremony was a favorite of mine this Summer. Their beautiful wedding ceremony was held outdoors at a magnificent venue in Snohomish and three canine ring bearers stole the show! Riggs and Dog (pictured above) did double duty as "ring dogs" and tiny wedding dog, Ms. Bella, pranced down the aisle with her big brothers.

I absolutely love incorporating a couple's beloved dog(s) into a wedding ceremony. Dogs can do nothing wrong at a wedding and they bring such joy to family and friends!

Venues That Are High In The Sky, i.e., Elevators = Allow Time For Guests!

The Very Wonderful Cesar and Alexa Juarez

Seattle Harbor Club, September 20, 2008

**beautiful photo by Jennifer Guzman, www.f7photography.com

I was so happy to share in Cesar and Alexa's wedding day a few weeks ago. This is a marvelous and elegant couple and their wedding ceremony was both traditional and contemporary in tone, elements and rituals.

And riding up the elevator at the Seattle Harbor Club reminds me that weddings which are "high in the sky" are more elegant when a couple allows for extra time due to elevators. Cesar and Alexa put a 6:00 p.m. start time on their invitation (we planned on starting at 6:15 p.m. or so and did) and this served this couple very well as guests were elegantly greeted/seated and time was allowed for downtown parking and the elevator.

So, "high in the sky" = allow for extra time and "wiggle room" for your family and friends!

The Rykels-Wilson Wedding: September 13, 2008 - Beautiful In All Ways...

David & Jessie Wilson

September 13, 2008, Court in The Square/Seattle

marvelous photo: www.photoelan.com

Congratulations to David and Jessie Wilson!

David and Jessie were married in front of 200 of their family and friends at the marvelous Court in the Square venue in Pioneer Square. It was a beautiful Saturday evening a few weeks ago and what I absolutely loved about this couple was their generosity, endearing commitment to one another, and how we worked together to create a ceremony that was part traditional, part contemporary and with a dash or two of humor, creativity and spunk!

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

Bill and Tiffany Janes

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

wonderful photo by Photographer Jeremy Phipps

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

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

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

Love Those Smiles! Derrick & Liz

August, 2008 ~ Ed Hume Seeds Company

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

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

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

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

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

Jay and Sarah Montgomery

August 18, 2008, SAFECO FIELD

beautiful photo: www.kylemillerphoto.com

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

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

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

Your Officiant and Friend, Annemarie

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

The Very Wonderful Jason and Jennie Melton!

August 3, 2008, The Edgewater Hotel

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

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

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

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

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

Congratulations to MacKenzie and Eric - and Sweet Baby Kennedy!

MacKenzie & Eric and Baby Kennedy

Summer, 2008

Throughout the year, I get unexpected and wonderful emails from couples whom I have married, often with marvelous news to share.

Today, I got an email from MacKenzie and Eric and it made my day. MacKenzie and Eric were married on a very rainy and blustery July day in 2006 at the wonderful Kiana Lodge on Agate Pass. And this couple didn't let a few rain drops or a complete change in ceremony plans alter their kindness, passion or understanding of what a "wedding day" really is - i.e., the very first step on a long marriage journey!

Sam & Melanie's Wedding Day - and Wedding Dog Bailey's Day, too!

Sam & Melanie Chamaty

Robinswood House, August 10, 2008

Wonderful Photo by: www.weddingsbyaziel.com

This Summer season, I have had such wonderful couples. Couples who embrace a conscious, connected and adventurous sense of marriage partnership.

And this goes for Sam and Melanie Chamaty - married under a beautiful Chuppah at Robinswood House in Bellevue at high Noon on Sunday, August 10th.

Sam and Melanie's interfaith ceremony was a wonderful affair - complete with different traditions, humor and joy and topping things off was "Wedding Dog" Bailey and his "canine email" and "bearing of the rings."

Congratulations, Sam and Melanie!

With Gratitude and Friendship,
Annemarie

No Matter What Faith Or Tradition, Elegant Humor In A Ceremony Always Works....

The New Mr. and Mrs. Jeff & Anita Mortaloni!

The Salish Lodge, Summer, 2008

Jeff and Anita's wedding ceremony was a marvelous experience. It contained traditional elements, contemporary pieces and well-placed humor and lots of joy.

No matter what faith or tradition, appropriate humor - especially in the first few minutes of a ceremony - relaxes everyone. If written and delivered well, humof helps to ground a couple and morefully engages the participation of family and friends.

So, as you create your ceremony, add humor as is comfortable for you. And consider breaking out of the mold and kicking it up a bit. Ritual is beautiful, comfortable and familiar - and humor just adds a contemporary lift that creates beautiful memories.

Seafair Weekend and "Wedding Mania!" - Plan and Be Extra Ready For This Weekend!

Happy One Year Anniversary to Andy and Kristen!

Sumner, Washington

If you are getting married this coming weekend in Seattle, I invite you to be "Seafair aware!"

The bridges will be closed mid-day starting Thursday thru Sunday which can create chaos with some wedding guests who don't plan on this - and end up arriving late. This can also include key members of the wedding party and immediate family.

So, if you're attending a wedding or it's your wonderful wedding, put out a "Wedding 911" to "get across the bridge in time!"

Bring On Those Cute and Remarkable "Ring Bearers" and "Petal Girls"...

Congratulations to Nora and Moe and their beautiful family!

June, 2008 - Tacoma, Washington

Within a wedding ceremony, children bring such joy.

Whether it's walking down an aisle and going the wrong way, sitting down in the middle of the aisle for a "moment" or perhaps freezing up in the middle of throwing rose petals, at a wedding it is all good!

Children love weddings. They love the feeling of having a "big job" on a "big day." And children guarantee that a wedding ceremony will often be unpredictable or imperfect. In this work that I love so much (and I see so much), I admire couples for giving little ones a big moment to shine. So, give children important things to do within a processional or ceremony and let the joy and smiles just unfold.

The Big Question: After The Ceremony is Over, "Then What?"

John and Rebecca, Kiana Lodge, Poulsbo

"A Few Moments Alone After The Ceremony"

I'm not a big fan of wedding receiving lines. This goes for casual or formal weddings, small or large guest lists. I'm also not a big fan of having a couple immediately greet family and friends immediately after their ceremony.

Why?

A wedding ceremony is a vulnerable and emotional life experience. I encourage each of my couples to take a few moments of private time - whether it's a few minutes or 15-20 minutes - to just "be" together. Most of my couples take advantage of this and use the time to be alone, put their feet up, take a walk or just snuggle and take in the first moments of "Gosh, we are really married!"

This also gives your family and friends a few minutes to get up, get something to drink and mix and mingle a bit. A wedding day goes so fast - capture and create "defining moments" and allow your post ceremony "quiet time" to be one of them.

Planning A Small and Intimate Wedding Ceremony? My Three Top Tips For A Memorable Experience...

Congratulations to David & Lisa!

"On their wonderful wedding day, West Seattle..."

____________________________________________

My husband, Greg and I, were married five years ago this week in a small ceremony in our backyard with two couples we love and our Officiant - oh yes, and our four dogs! A party and honeymoon cruise followed but when we look back on our ceremony, we have such wonderful memories - for us, it was perfect.

And having done this wonderful work now with many couples of different wants/needs, I offer you three of my favorite "top tips" for a marvelous and memorable "small ceremony experience."

1. 2-25 family/friends is a perfect "guest count" for a small wedding experience. Create a personalized wedding ceremony and involve each of your guests for an 'inclusive' and loving experience.

2. Enjoy a dinner or evening out immediately afterwards with your family and friends at a venue that can easily take care of all celebration details - i.e., Palisade Restaurant, The Space Needle, The Woodmark Hotel, the Herbfarm, etc. Taking your celebration to a restaurant or fancy hotel/resort takes any stress off of planning a celebration at a private residence - many less details to worry about!

3. Enjoy and take (don't put it off) a marvelous honeymoon - whether it is staying local for a few days or perhaps a cruise to Alaska (so easy from the Seattle waterfront!). We took our first cruise as our honeymoon and are taking our sixth cruise this Winter - it's become one of our favorite indulgences and brings back those "first married memories" every time.

Okay, What's With the "Traditional Guest Book?"

Congratulations to Al and Laurene Stappenbeck!

June 7, 2008, Cedarbrook Center

photo courtesy of Brian & Jennifer Hartman www.photoelan.com

Truth? I've been to many weddings.

And if I may be bold on this sunny Monday morning as I think about what works and what doesn't work at a wedding, I offer this thought: what is with the guest book?

All couples know who is attending their wedding so having guests sign their names seems to me to be a bit redundant. Not only does this often create an unwelcoming "long line" as guests arrive at your wedding, it doesn't offer a very elegant initial experience.

If you're thinking about a guest book, consider "nixing it" and going with something that may be ultimately more meaningful to you:

- a framed photo mat for personal written messages.

- a wishing tree for special notes to be opened on your first anniversary.

- a special welcoming drink with a fortune attached.

A guest book is a traditional piece to a wedding - think about what you truly want your guests to experience when they arrive at your ceremony and take it from there!

Invest with Confidence: A "Day Of" Wedding Coordinator Is Money Well Spent...

Luke and Amanda, DeLille Cellars, Woodinville, WA
"A Wonderful Early Summer Weekday Wedding"

In this marvelous work that I do, I work with a number of exceptional and highly respected Wedding Planners and Consultants. If you want to fully enjoy your day without worrying about details (small and big), consider hiring a Day Of Coordinator.

Yes, slice money from the favors and the flowers - go a bit "lighter" on the wedding cake and take the extra cash and put it toward somebody who can assist you with making your day extra wonderful.

This past weekend, I worked with Stephanie Wilson of Every Last Detail - www.eldweddings.net. Stephanie is a marvelous Wedding Planner and Consultant and like some of her peers, she works with weddings of all sizes and budgets. Take a peak at Stephanie's website for more information.

FAQ - "How Long Is A Wedding Ceremony?"

Congratulations to Randy and Megan Loctor!

Tacoma Museum of Glass 5.24.08

photo by: the marvelous Cheryl Jones www.inaframe.com

One of my frequent questions from a couple is simple and upfront: "How long is a wedding ceremony?"

Yes, the length of a ceremony is important. If it's too short, it feels "weird." And if it's too long, it can make a couple feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

For me, length is about "how a ceremony" feels - not only to the couple but to family and friends. If a ceremony is well-written and well crafted, it will go by very quickly. You know that feeling you get when you're seeing a really good movie and you can't believe it's over? That kind of feeling.

And to answer this question: ceremony length depends on the specific couple as every situation is unique. And most often for me, a wedding ceremony ranges from 18-28 minutes in length.

Wonderful Resource For Readings, Verse & Poetry

Luke & Amanda, Delille Cellars, Woodinville WA

"leaving their wedding ceremony"

If you are looking for a tiny book full of poignant, unique and memorable readings/verse and poetry, find: "The Language of Marriage" by Gary Morris, Blue Mountain Arts.

"The arithmetic of love is unique:

two halves do not make a whole,

only two wholes make a whole."

- Jo Coudert

An Invisible Act of Courage and Resolve...

Marcus and Lana Steele, April, 2008

Bastyr Chapel, Kenmore, Washington

Fabulous Photo: www.aprilgreer.com

Tonight, I got an unexpected email from a favorite couple of mine: they are cancelling their July wedding ceremony and celebration. And my heart is with this couple as they both make their way through this week of "cancelling this" and "cancelling that."

And here is what I hold as true: nobody knows what truly goes on within a loving relationship except the two people involved. To cancel is to step up and take a courageous stand - it's a powerful choice that, while exceedingly difficult and heart-breaking, is a visible and invisible act of courage.