Open House at the Skansonia

Love open houses: meeting brides and grooms in the setting where they will marry, reconnecting with fellow wedding service providers, enjoying good food ... and leaving with a sense of optimism. (And, it didn't rain until the end of the afternoon!)

Shauna Wu, Skansonia's Catering Manager and Event Coordinator, organized things and did a great job!

Yes, that's me standing where I usually do when I officiate, surrounded by floral pomanders created by Darleen Chinn, owner of Darleen's Creations.

Guests were greeted by a two seahorses crafted from ice, enjoyed mimosas and espresso (compliments of Music Man), were entertained by live music performed by J&J Music (piano and trumpet) and sampled delicious cake (Decadence Custom Cakes, Morfey's Cakes, and Look Cupcake) plus canapes served by Skansonia staff.

It was great to see Starr (Starr Photography), her husband, Steve, and new baby, Luke! Obviously a couple in love ... and delighted to be new parents.

Paper Fling's owner, Ruth Song, was there too! Great place to find just the right save-the-date cards, invites, place cards and more. Ruth as about to become a parent too ... in perhaps a few weeks???

Curt Nakon of C&N Photography was also there. Besides being the professional that he is, Curt has a wonderful sense of humor and keeps me in smiles whenever I'm around him. (You may notice that my pics are no competition to the professionals around me!)

Liz of L&M was explaining to me how the popularity of chair covers has grown over the past few years. Once you see how "chic" your chairs can look and the elegance they lend to your reception, it is hard to resist not selecting just the right look for you.

If you are checking out DJs for your wedding, consider Seattle Parties. Sean and his wife, Leslie, are two people we worked with last season and both Kent and I enjoyed it. Think you will too!

Stationed across from me was Amoreena, owner of Midnight Blossom Floral Design. Her work is creative, original and I truly enjoyed meeting her!

The Skansonia is so photogenic. All brides and grooms will shine here!

For more ideas of where to celebrate your wedding, check out www.AHeavenlyCeremony.com at the bottom of the home page.