Acalia Open House

The buffet station was beautiful!

Kent and I were fortunate to be invited to Acalia's Open House, which is always a great time.  The space is so bright and airy, even on a cloudy winter day.  It just feels good to be in the atrium.

There were several food presentations.  The "spring" fare featuring the braised ribs (my favorite entree) was at the buffet, the "summer fare" which was served at several tables and included chicken, the gyros at a separate station.  Plus, there were passed specialties.

This is the hanging appetizer station

I love appetizers ... and Foodz Catering had some very good one.  My fave was the cured salmon on a shrimp chip (please forgive me if I named the base incorrectly).  It tastes great.

There was popcorn with truffle oil, shrimp on coconut rice and duck on endive.  All good.

Zack and Kristine kept us "on beat."

We caught up with old friends, Kristine, and her son, Zack, of  Wave Link Music, Inc, who were the DJs.

Victorian Cake from New Renaissance Cakes

Scott Eklund of red box pictures and Bonnie Lyons of New Renaissance Cakes were also there.   I realize that Bonnie's cakes are as pretty as a picture but I really enjoyed tasting all the flavors.  I lean toward the Belgium Chocolate, the Hazelnut, the Poppyseed, and the Carrot Cake.  Kent was chocolate down the line:  Belgium Chocolate, Chocolate Espresso and Chocolate Orange.

The floral displays were by Dogwood Designs

We also made new friends:  Katie Cunningham of Dogwood Designs Floral Studio and Cindy Dovinh, Sales and Marketing Manager of the MarQueen Hotel and Inn at Queen Anne.

And I apologize to Shelby Sewell, Chef and Owner Acalia Event Space and Foodz Catering.  We did talk with her but I didn't take out my camera until afterward.

Here's where the officiant stands.
Photo by Scott Eklund
red box pictures

If you're planning a wedding at Acalia and need an officiant, give us a call or contact us through our website.  We would be very happy to assist you!!

Photo Booths

What a group!

Last night while Kent and I were talking with a couple who were planning their wedding, the topic of doing something fun and unusual during the reception came up ... and I remembered what a great time we always have with photo booths.

At the Seattle Wedding Expo last weekend, there were two variations.  The Aura Photo Booth is actually a draped space that allows quite a few people to be included in the photo.  The photos to the right include one officiant (me), four photographers and a facility coordinator.  We are a fine looking group, aren't we? 

The advantages of this booth is that there is room for a number of people to be included in the photo, they do provide props for fun photos and each person receives a copy of the images. 

Other booths we recently have had tried out are 321 Photo and Robert Riner Studios.

The other possibility was offered by Vivid Images Photography.  Kimberly Halinen had a red curtain set up and a number of wooden signs and props.  She had flash on stands and personally took the photos.

What I liked about this booth was the interaction with Kimberly, the playfulness of the signs and glasses and more, the ability to take a number of photos and the quality of the images.

Jennifer and Scott of Red Fish Blue Fish also offer such a booth called Studio-On-The-Go.  

What a great idea all around.  Thanks everyone for the possibilities of great memories.

Yes, we to attend a lot of weddings, receptions, shows and open houses so we have a chance to experiment and try things.  For ideas, please contact us at 206.789.9788 or through our website.

Hotel 1000 Hosts Wedding Celebration of David and Vickie

One of the most interesting and playful parts of officiating is hearing how couples meet and "fall in love."  For David and Vickie their story began at the Karma Lounge.  Isn't that just too perfect!!!

They wanted a ceremony that would acknowledge family, have some traditional elements yet be genuine and heartfelt. 

 
The ceremony and reception both took place at the Hotel 100, right in the heart of downtown Seattle.  The light in the atrium was "heavenly."


Dave's son and daughter sat in the front row.  The couple wanted to recognize what a huge part their children play in their lives and how proud they are of both of them.  (Weddings are such a great time to show appreciation for those we love.)

There was so much to be happy about.  Good feelings and joy permeated the service.  Isn't that great?

"Thanks Pat. You did a wonderful job and we had MANY compliments on how great you were.  We agree!

Again thank you for taking part in our special day. We loved you!"
~Vickie and David

A toast to love found and love lived!  May Vickie and David be ever happy!!

Studio Joe + Jill captured the spirit of the day. 
Flowers were provided by Melissa of Terra Bella Flowers.  (I love this connection too.  David frequently buys Vickie flowers at Terra Bella, which is an organic florist.  Melissa naturally created the flowers for their wedding.)

And Jubilee Cupcakes and Vintage Candy added the icing on the cake, so to speak.


There are marvelous hotel wedding venues in Seattle.  We are located nearby in Green Lake and always enjoy going "downtown."  So if you have decided on one of these locations for your special day, please give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

A Heavenly Ceremony is Named to the 2011 Wedding Professional Hot List

Woohoo!  We just received this notice ... and we're delighted!!!

MomentVille.com, one of the world's leading wedding websites, just announced that A Heavenly Ceremony has been selected for the 2011 Wedding Professional Hot List.

The annual Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes excellence within the wedding industry, as determined by reviews from tens of thousands of brides and grooms.  A Heavenly Ceremony was among the best reviewed vendors in their area in the past year.

"The Wedding Professional Hot List recognizes best of class wedding professionals," said Geoff Evason, MomentVille's CEO. "Highlighting the success of the top wedding professionals is an exciting way to spread the word and help newly engaged couples find the right professionals for their weddings."

Romantic Wedding Ceremony of David and Amber at the Salish Lodge

Love in the Library

As you know, in the summer many cruise ships depart from Seattle and make their way along the coast to Alaska.  People from all over the country, as well as the world, travel here.  Which is what this bride and groom decided to do.  Imagine this: flying from Texas, arriving in Seattle, enjoying a night at the iconic Salish Lodge (can you get more Pacific Northwest than that), experiencing a sweet wedding near Snoqualmie Falls, boarding the cruise ship and honeymooning while touring some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.  

There are many paths to enjoy near the Falls.

Having just experienced my first cruise, all I can say is "Wow!"

We met near the Lodge, then strolled to the meadow near the Falls and decided it was the perfect place for the wedding ceremony to take place.

It was a sweet and simple ceremony.

The couple selected Why Marriage by Mari Nichols-Haining as part of the ceremony wording:

...  Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold...
Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship...

The vows were sealed with a kiss (of course)! 

And, then it was time for another kiss! (There's always time for a kiss, you know.) 

"A Heavenly Ceremony absolutely made our wedding experience wonderful.  Pat is so easy to speak with.  She is very personable, timely and understanding of our wants.  She offered great ideas and lots of resources so you can have the ceremony you want.

During the service, Pat makes the moment more special.  By the energy and passion she puts into it, you can tell she is just as happy for you as you are.  She is a wonderful officiant and we'll always remember her!"

Oh ... what a great wedding!  I truly enjoyed officiating for  David and Amber and wish them a marriage as beautiful, meaningful and engaging as their ceremony!

Many thanks to Cory Parris for these incredible photographs.

If you are planning to wed before taking a cruise to Alaska, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website.  Seattle has some very scenic place to exchange your wedding vows.

Geoff and Jen Make it Official at the Liberty Theater

Aren't they an adorable family?

Kent and I had so much fun assisting Jen and Geoff create a ceremony that was just right for them.  A bit of tradition, a bit of whimsy -- it all came together. 

Geoff and his "guys" were dressed and ready.  Looking "cool" and "hot" in their shades.

While the ladies were looking their best ... and enjoying themselves.

Love the historic quality of the theater.

Everyone gathered at the Theater. Jennifer explained that when she was young, The Liberty Theater was a state-of-the art movie theater.  Her mother and father would take her and her sister to see the latest releases.  She remembers everyone waiting outside, eager to find their favorite seats when the doors opened.  Since she usually fell asleep during the movie, she would be dressed in her pajamas.  She and Geoff continue to share a passion for movies.  There is nothing better than to snuggle together, share a bowl of popcorn and watch a movie. 

Of course, everyone got ready in their own way.

Young photo talent is hard to find!

Then the ceremony began!

Excitement filled the Theater.  (Darling flower girl!)

There were moments of seriousness ...

and moments of levity.

Oh ... the kiss, the pronouncement of Mr. and Mrs., the recession.  Love this part.

And I love cake too.  Isn't this a beauty.

Wishing Jen and Geoff (and the little dude) a picture perfect life together.

Many thanks to Dewey Tann of Soleil Studios.

If you are celebrating your family and want a wedding ceremony to reflect your joy, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website www.aheavenlyceremony.com.