Dustin and Erin's Wedding Ceremony On An October Sunday At Alderbrook Resort!

Dustin Zerr & Erin Kross

Alderbrook Resort ~ October, 2009

I captured this sweet photo of Dustin and Erin immediately after their wedding ceremony last weekend at Alderbrook Resort. What a beautiful couple ~ what a beautiful wedding day!

Dustin and Erin exchanged their vows in a waterside tent surrounded by their family and friends. We had hankie moments, we had giggles, we had sacred moments and so much more.

Alderbrook Resort is a magnificent property for a wedding ceremony and celebration. Julie Noise, Mark Phelan and the team there is exceptional in every way!

Dustin and Erin - you must return to Alderbrook for every anniversary and celebrate your grand fortune in having found each other!

Brian and Marjan Disler's Inter-Faith Wedding Ceremony At Seattle's Rainier Club...

Brian and Marjan Disler

The Rainier Club

Brian and Marjan's beautiful Inter-faith wedding ceremony at The Rainier Club wove together tradition and ritual from the Jewish and Perisan traditions. Brian and Marjan worked with me to create a robust wedding ceremony that celebrated Marjan's Persian heritage and Brian's Jewish background.

Jen and Jody - www.jenandjody.com - were shooting family photos when I arrived to coordinate all pre-ceremony details. I fumbled for my camera in my bag and took this photo - and I like it! It shows Jen and Jody doing what they do so well and captured my happiness in the moment to be a part of such a magnificent ritual!

Giving Family and Friends "Elegant Jobs" At A Ceremony Sets The Stage For A Wonderful Celebration...

Dion & Jamie Spina ~ Pan Pacific Hotel

photo: http://www.mkippen.com/

I love many things about Dion and Jamie. One of the things that stood out for me on this couple's wedding day is how Dion and Jamie elegantly involved many of their family and friends into the pre-ceremony part of their wedding day.

For instance, they had young boys handing out programs at two doors and at the elevators.

A greeter was staged at the back of the ceremony area, welcoming guests.

The Bride's Father was an absolutely fabulous pre-ceremony coordinator - and probably a wedding planner in a previous life!

I could go on and on - and what is true is that people LOVED being a part of this couple's wedding day. When family and friends have appropriate jobs/tasks, they feel a true connection to the day.

A Very Fun And Uplifting Ceremony On A Sunny Friday Evening at Bothell's Monte Villa Farmhouse...

The "Funsy" Alan & Christina Garvin

Monte Villa Farmhouse '09

Okay, sometimes in this work, you've just gotta smile BIG. And smile I did on Alan and Christina's wedding day. Alan and Christina were married on a Friday evening at the Monte Villa Farmhouse - an idyllic evening in all ways.

What I truly appreciate about this couple is their generous and appreciative natures and how we worked to create a very fun and uplifting wedding ceremony - one that set the tone for the evening's celebration.

Alan and Christina - I wish you much, much happiness. I left your wedding with such a happy feeling in my heart... isn't the Monte Villa Farmhouse the most lovely venue in such a crazy "corporate" park?!

Krista and Derek's September Wedding Ceremony at Seattle's Volunteer Park...

Derek Murrah & Krista Greene Murrah

Volunteer Park, September 2009

The huge old true directly behind the Asian Art Museum will never be the same! Derek and Krista were married under this beautiful tree surrounded by their family and friends on a sunny and warm September '09 afternoon at the high hour of 3:00 p.m.

With personalized vows - sweet touches of humor - gratitude to family and friends and so much more, Derek and Krista celebrated their 10+ year relationship with elegance and simple style.

Derek and Krista - I am wishing that your marriage be as joyful as your 10+ year courtship!

website: http://www.wedbyannemarie.com/

phone: 425 922 1325

Roger and Kelly Huggins and Family! A Monte Villa Farmhouse Wedding...

Roger & Kelly Huggins And Girls!

I loved getting to know Roger and Kelly and working with them to create a sweet and memorable ceremony on one warm Thursday evening a few weeks ago at the marvelous Monte Villa Farmhouse in Bothell.

And take a look at their girls! The young lady on the left is Kelly's beautiful daughter (with a huge sense of style!) and on the right is the couple's sweet little one. Picture perfect!

Roger and Kelly - You are an inspiration for all of us and I wish you much love and happiness.

Get The Officiant "Outta There!" - Keeping The Focus On The Couple and NOT the Officiant!

Graham and Chrystal Comley

Snoqualmie Golf & Country Club, 2009

Okay, here is one of my pet peeves. A couple ties a bow around their wedding ceremony with a beautiful pronouncement and memorable kiss and the Officiant is crowding their special photo!

In this work that I do, I move around - sometimes a little, sometimes a lot - during a ceremony to keep the focus on the couple and their family and friends.

And one of the places you'll never see me is smack in the middle of a kiss. I love a pronouncement where the focus is fully on the couple, like the amazing photo of Graham and Chrystal above, without the Officiant in the photo.

I love being in wedding photos - just some more than others!

The wonderful photo above was taken by Paul Isop of www.studio6now.com

Your "Group Photo" - A Treasured Memento To Take From Your Wedding Ceremony...

Stuart and Nicole Roy

Novelty Hill Januik Winery

I can almost guarantee this group photo taken immediately after Stuart and Nicole's wedding ceremony at the marvelous Novelty Hill Januik Winery will become a treasured memento from their wedding day. This lovely image was taken by the fabulous duo team, John and Jenna, of http://www.jfkweddings.com/

I absolutely LOVE suggesting a group photo following a wedding ceremony. It gathers everyone around the couple and is a fun "first event" that sets a festive tone for the reception/celebration!

Bill and Lindy's Wonderful "I Do!" Wedding Ceremony At Kiana Lodge...

Bill & Lindy Fitting

August 30, 2009 ~ Kiana Lodge

"I Do!" How I love this couple!

Bill and Lindy were married in front of their family and friends in a late morning ceremony at Kiana Lodge this past Sunday. Yes, it was quite the morning, which included the Bainbridge - Seattle ferry crashing into Coleman dock! Thankfully, all of Bill and Lindy's guests were already at Kiana Lodge.

What I treasured about Lindy's participation in her wedding ceremony was her absolute joy in joining her life to Bill's. When Lindy replied, "I Do" - it was a festive, fun and drew alot of elegant laughter and smiles.

Joyful Photo: As you can tell from the marvelous and poignant photo above, captured by Wedding Photographer Extraordinaire, Kurt Smith (www.kurtsmithphotography.com), Lindy's "I Do" moment perfectly framed a beautiful and memorable ceremony!

Stuart and Nicole's Memorable Wedding Day At Novelty Hill Januik Winery...

Stuart and Nicole Roy

August 22, 2009 - Novelty Hill Januik Winery

You've gotta love Stuart and Nicole Roy! Not only is the couple meant to be together, they know how to throw a party! Stuart and Nicole celebrated their partnership with marriage this past Saturday evening at one of the newest and finest venues on the Eastside, Novelty Hill Januik Winery in Woodinville - www.noveltyhilljanuik.com

On-Site Event Manager, Emily, did a smashing job in helping me coordinate an elegant start to this couple's wedding ceremony and from what I could see of the reception set-up, it was definitely an evening for lifetime memories.

Stuart and Nicole, I agree - I hope we meet again, some place, some time!

Chris and Ann's Sweet Wedding Ceremony At The Magnificent Parson's Garden on Queen Anne Hill, Seattle...

Chris Hearne and Ann Pallesen

August 16, 2009 ~ Parson's Garden, Seattle

Wedding Photographer Sharlane Chase put it best to me on Chris and Ann's wedding day - what an elegant couple, what style!

I had the lovely opportunity to share in Chris and Ann's wedding ceremony at Parsons Garden's on Queen Anne Hill (one of my favorite places for a wedding ceremony in Seattle!) and on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at the hour of 2:00 p.m., Chris and Ann exchanged vows to the delight of their family and friends.

What did I take away from Chris and Ann? That the small touches in a wedding day are the big things - and they don't have to be expensive. For instance, you can't see it fully from the photo, but Ann's bouquet and flowers were stunning - simple, gorgeous and soft - I'm calling you, Ann, to get the name of your florist!

Celebrating Sean's Magnificent Spirit - Seattle Celebrant Sean Patrick O'Reilly

Sean's Last Wedding Ceremony ~ July 18, 2009

photo by: http://www.carolharroldphotography.com/

One of Seattle's finest Celebrants, Sean Patrick O'Reilly, unexpectedly passed away on July 22nd. When I got the call, I absolutely could not believe it. I was without words.

In so many ways, I looked up to Sean. I remember lunches and meetings in his offices where we shared "ceremony" stories and giggles (Sean was so full of joy). Sean created and delivered a wedding ceremony with the upmost care, spirit and personal touches.

As I work thru August, I am dedicating each wedding ceremony to Sean. Today, I am off to marry the marvelous Weston and Tanya at Gasworks Park and then will be at Parsons Garden for Ann and Chris's wedding ceremony.

Thank you, Sean. For giving me the opportunity to sit on the couch with you and share stories, to be inspired by the magic of your craft and for the laughter.

Graham and Chrystal's Wedding Ceremony - Bubbles, Bubbles And More Bubbles!

Graham and Chrystal Comley

Snoqualmie Golf & Country Club ~ August 7, 2009

Talk about kindred souls! Graham and Chrystal are one of those 'forever' couples that an Officiant remembers - gracious, deeply in love, grounded yet very fun and deeply appreciative of everyone and everything around them.

Graham and Chrystal were married this past Friday evening under a cloudy sky at the marvelous Snoqualmie Golf & Country Club. They capped off their wedding ceremony with an explosion of bubbles - i.e., bubbles everywhere at processional! I can't wait to see the processional photo from their wedding ceremony. Bubbles might be a simple "thing" but they are so festive, inexpensive and bring great joy as a couple moves into their reception.

A Wonderful Friday Evening Wedding At DeLille Cellars - Kudos to Scott and Heather!

Scott and Heather Neal

DeLille Cellars ~ July 31, 2009

Our Heather Neal is a true fashionista! You can't see the full effect from the wonderful photo above but Heather's wedding dress ensemble and accessories were absolutely smashing for her wedding day! Even Jen and Jody, our couple's wonderful photographers agreed with me and they have a "true eye" when it comes to beauty.

Not only did Heather walk down the aisle in grace and beauty, but I was touched by how Scott and Heather included Scott's daughter, Heather, into their wedding ceremony. Yes, it was "hot afternoon" and you could sweetly feel the warmth of love and joy among this couple's family and friends.

Congratulations to Parker and Amy Haley - Yes, Amy....Fairytales Do Come True!

Parker and Amy Haley ~ Custer, WA

August 1, 2009

Well, as I'm now fond of saying, Custer, Washington will never be the same after Parker and Amy's "Happily Ever After" Wedding Weekend Extravaganza this past Saturday, August 1st.

*****

Wedding Planner Stacy Kvam did an extraordinary job in bringing this couple's dream wedding to life. DJ Brian Dale was on hand to help insure the celebration was a resounding success.

And most of all, Parker and Amy's wedding ceremony was sweet, poignant and fun - including a "bee" up Amy's veil during the ceremony!

Parker and Amy - I wish you a blessed life together, wonderful adventures as you embark on your medical careers and my thought for you: "that on your wedding day, this is a day that you loved each other the least!"

Fred and Diane's "Same Day Edit" From the Fabulous Laura and Her Crew at Edit 1 Media!

Congratulations to Fred & Diane!

July 25, 2009 - Herban Feast, Seattle, WA

Take a peak at this fantastic "same day edit" shown at their ceremony during the evening....

www.edit1media.com/blog

PJ and Maegan's Memorable Destination Wedding Celebration At Kiana Lodge...

PJ and Maegan Wilkinson

Kiana Lodge ~ July 18, 2009

PJ drove 12 hours in treacherous Mid-west Winter weather to ask Maegan's parents for her hand in marriage. What I loved about PJ and Maegan is how they sweetly tied together the traditional and the contemporary to create a beautiful wedding ceremony and celebration at one of my favorite places on earth, Kiana Lodge.

As you can see from the photo taken by the wonderful Kurt Smith (www.kurtsmithphotography.com) moments after they began walking down the aisle, PJ and Maegan were elated to begin the new phase of their journey together as partners, buddies and loving husband and wife.

Congratulations PJ and Maegan!

Chris and Malia's Seattle Wedding Ceremony - The Gift of Generosity & Graciousness

Chris and Malia Pima

The Skansonia Ferry Boat

I was deeply touched to share in Chris and Malia's wedding ceremony. It was a marvelous 7:30 p.m. ceremony on board the historic Skanskonia Ferry Boat.

Simply put, Chris and Malia set the tone for their wedding day with generosity and graciousness. Chris was amazing in all ways as he took charge of so many day-of planning details for his Sweetheart. Malia's beautiful smile and generous nature welcomed guests and made each person around her feel that they were indeed one of the most important pieces of this wedding day.

Chris and Malia - thank you for giving me the lovely opportunity to know you and share in a part of your beautiful wedding day.

Annemarie

Rahn and Dawn's Seattle Wedding Extravaganza at Golden Gardens Park!

Rahn and Dawn Stolworthy

July 19, 2009 ~ Golden Gardens Park

Well, if there ever was a very fun and memorable ceremony, I put Rahn and Dawn's marvelous wedding at Golden Gardens Park at the top of my short list! And this remarkable couple took everything in stride with grace and humor - you've gotta love that!

******

So, let's see...what were some of the elements and unexpected surprises to the Stolworthy's ceremony?

- lots of wind which made things very blustery and fun
- a train in the middle of the ceremony (toot! toot!)
- a microphone that wouldn't behave properly and finally did
- gorgeous wedding vows
- fabulous family and friends who took everything in stride
- no parking. Na da. Guests walked in from all over - it was a packed day for people at the park. And no complaints were heard.

The most wonderful Cheryl Jones from www.inaframe.com took this beautiful photo of Rahn and Dawn and captured yesterday's festivities.

Rahn and Dawn - I suggest a picnic at Golden Gardens every year on your anniversary and wish you much happiness together....

Tips for Planning a Large or Small Waterside Wedding Ceremony...

Jason and Anna's Wedding Ceremony ~ Hood Canal

photo: http://www.barbiehull.com/

If you are planning to have your wedding ceremony on a beach or very near the water, I invite you to take a few pointers from Jason and Anna's wedding ceremony...

- Not to short, not too long. Many waterside weddings have the grand fortune of good weather and like Jason and Anna, a very hot day. Work with your Officiant to insure the ceremony is just the right length so people are not baking in the sun!

- Pre-ceremony refreshments. Yes, your guests will hugely appreciate some lemonade or punch before the ceremony, particularly on a very hot day.

- Standing position. Work with your Officiant on how/where you will stand as a couple during your ceremony. This allowed Jason and Anna's photographer, Barbie Hull, to get some great photos and as usual, I moved around so the focus was truly on this couple.

- Use the beach/waterfront for a grand group photo. A waterside group photo is a marvelous "thank you" to include in your post-wedding note to guests.