Sunday, March 31, 2013

Three Rings to Celebrate Love


This idea is absolutely fabulous!

When Steve and Janice wed, Steve placed three rings on Janice's left hand.

Here are the words from the ceremony about them.

The ring, a circle, is one of nature's simplest forms. A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe. The stones reflect the beauty and stability of the world and tell a story of your entwined lives.  They are a symbol of perfection and of peace. In these rings is the symbol of unity, so that wherever you go, you will always return to our togetherness. May these rings remind you both of your love, your fidelity, and the vows you have taken here today. 

Then Steve said:
Accept these rings as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. 
They represent each of us as individuals
  and us together as a partnership,
  green is your birthstone,
  purple is my birthstone,
  and aquamarine is the stone for the month of March,
  the anniversary of our togetherness. 
I offer you my hand, and my heart
 as I know they will be safe with you. 
All that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you.

Isn't this wonderful?

Wishing Janice and Steve many more anniversaries together! 

If you are looking for an officiant to celebrate your truly unique ceremony, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Travis and Victoria to Wed in a Garden Ceremony

Kent Buttars, Seattle Wedding Officiant, will officate for Victoria and Travis in August


This photo was taken during the Seattle Snowstorm of 2012 in Travis's parent's yard, which is where the wedding will take place in August.  Much sunnier photos will follow at that time.

Now, Victoria is a woman with passions dear to my heart -- Voodoo doughnuts.

OK ... what does that have to do with anything?  Well, Victoria and Travis along with three other couples traveled to Tumalo Falls, Oregon, over Labor Day weekend 2012.  They stopped for doughnuts in Portland along the way, naturally.  What is amazing about the story is that those three couples had all married on Labor Day weekend.  Can you believe that?  So it was an anniversary weekend for six of the eight people on the trip.  It was about to become a very special anniversary for Victoria and Travis as well.

With the help of all the others (their friends really know how to keep a secret), Travis got a ring,bought a bottle of Prosecco and enlisted one of their friends to bring along a camera.  The perfect spot was found. Travis guided Victoria to a scenic viewpoint, got down on one knee, held her hand and asked her to marry him. 

T
he response was sealed with a kiss.  As described on their wedding website: Mission accomplished, Operation Proposal complete! 



If your Operation Proposal is complete and you are seeking an officiant for your wedding ceremony, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.


Monday, March 25, 2013

Wedding After Party - Food and Fun at Golden Gardens

Todd & Elan at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant

I like how Todd and Elan planned their wedding day.  The ceremony took place about noon, the reception was right after. Next up, photos at Golden Gardens, followed by an After Party.  Now isn't that a great wedding day.

Todd & Elan at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant 


There was time to wade in the water and walk on the beach and take photos in the grove.






Todd & Elan at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant














Everyone was ready to get into comfortable clothes and enjoy the beach.  
The ladies were jumping for joy!
Elan and Friends at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant
 
Elan and Friends at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant



Do you think they were cheerleaders in an earlier life? 






Elan and Friends at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant 


Meanwhile, the guys were showing off their brawn and the lovely bride ...







Elan and Friends at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant


  while others got into volleyball! 











Everywhere you looked, people were having fun.
Wedding After Party at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant
Wedding After Party at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding OfficiantAnd, of course, don't forget the food!

Isn't this a great way to celebrate a marriage?

Hats off to Elan and Todd.  I think the two are going to have a lot of fun together for years to come.

Photos by Mike Kane.

To create a wedding ceremony that is going to be as enjoyable as your wedding after party, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Guest Book Idea That's Just Too Cute for Words

Guestbook with balloon messages posted by Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant
Photo by Mike Kane

Love this idea!  Todd and Elan had this at their wedding on the Skansonia Ferry.

Bride and groom (they look like Elan and Tood) are hugging each other as they stand next to the Space Needle.  (You can see the Space Needle from the Skansonia.)  They are holding onto lines attached to balloons.  The balloons are of different colors and sizes.  Guests wrote messages to the couple and attached them to the canvas.

It is all ready to frame and will be a wonderful reminder of their wedding day!

This can be DIY project and be purchased online from sites like Etsy.


For more wedding ideas, keep checking out this blog or look at our Pinterest Boards!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Insights and Words from Friends are a Gift during Todd and Elan's Wedding Ceremony


Elan and Todd on the deck of the Skansonia Ferry - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant

Guests traveled from every corner of the United States, as well as from Canada and as far away as China, to witness Todd and Elan marry and to celebrate with the bride and groom at the Skansonia Ferry!
 
Todd and Elan Peeking our the door of the Skansonia Ferry - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant 







Todd and Elan Peeking our the door of the Skansonia Ferry - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant

Elan kisses her stepfather before walking down the aisle  - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant


Elan descended the stairs to meet her stepfather, James.  The two walked arm in arm down the aisle.



Elan kisses her stepfather before walking down the aisle  - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant






 The view from the ferry is spectacular!
You can see all the way down Lake Union to the Space Needle.
Overview of Todd and Elan's wedding at the Skansonia Ferry - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant


Todd and Elan's Wedding Ceremony on the  Skansonia Ferry - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant


Elan and Todd asked me to interview several of their friends and present their stories and reflections as a surprise to them during the ceremony.  It was a wonderful experience and all the guests loved it.





Todd, Elan & Wedding Party - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant
 
Todd and Elan Kiss to Seal Their Wedding Vows - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant 

Everyone was totally happy for the newlyweds!










A very happy Todd and Elan!
Todd and Elan jubilant to be wed - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant
Todd and Elan's wedding rings - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding OfficiantWhen I see this picture of their wedding rings, the words Todd and Elan spoke as they exchanged rings came to mind:

"Let this ring remind you of the connection between us and the love we share."
 
Wishing Elan and Todd the very best in their life together ... I'm sure it will be an interesting adventure!

Thanks to Mike Kane for the photographs, Karaoke Kurt Entertainment Company for music to dance to and sing with, and the staff at the Skansonia Ferry.

To plan a wedding ceremony that brings together your community of family and friends from near and from far, please give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Relationship Tip - One Thing You Can Do Today!

This is such an important concept.  We all want our needs met.  Sometimes our partner can help us out, sometimes not.  

As you may have guessed, I'm a fan of Harville Hendrix and his wife, Helen.  They say that behind every frustration we have with our partner is a "wish." So the one thing you can do today is to pick a frustration and figure out what your "wish" is behind it, before you try to talk to your partner.

For instance, Harville described how Helen is always running late.  In this case, his "wish" was that she will let him know when she is going to be late. Then he knows how to handle his time AND he also asks her that when she does finally arrive . . . to throw her arms around him and give him a big hug and a kiss!


So rather than criticize his wife for being late, he expresses it as a wish.  Isn't that a great idea?

I've been going around all week, thinking about wishes.  Some I've shared with Kent.  Somehow it feels like I have a Fairy God Mother.  (Having a sense of humor also helps!)

Try it out ... and let me know what you think.

To explore your "wishes," you may wish to enroll in our Premarital Preparation sessions.  If so, call 206-789-9788 or contact me through our website.www.aheavenlyceremony.com

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Where To Have a Beach Wedding in Seattle? Golden Gardens!!



Alisha and Drew at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant
Alisha and Drew are a couple with creative natures.  They live near Golden Gardens and wanted a relaxed wedding ceremony on the beach. 

Drew looked dapper in his linen suit and hat.  Alisha was beautiful in her wedding dress and bouquet of stargazer lilies.
Alisha with a bouquet of stargazer lilies - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant





It was a spectacular September day ... perfect for spending on the sand and near the Sound.








Alisha selected colors of the sea and shore for the ladies' gowns.  I love these hues.



Alisha and her gals - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant









Drew and his "guys" - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding OfficiantDrew and his attendants were relaxed and having fun.  All were confident it would be a memorable wedding ceremony ... and it was!





The entire wedding party entered from along the shore.  The guests could see the couples approach from quite a distance.  It was a beautiful setting.



Alisha walks on the beach with her father - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant
"Warming" of the wedding rings - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant




It was very important that everyone was included in the ceremony so Drew and Alisha decided to have their wedding rings "warmed" by the love of their family and friends.




Wedding ceremony at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant


As you can see, there was quite a breeze that day so although we were in the midday sun, everyone was quite comfortable.  Alisha and Drew are dedicated to sharing a life in a conscious and loving way.  Their commitment shone through.



There were so many touching moments.  Love was shared -- it radiated from the two!



Alisha looks at Drew with love - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant


Loving hearts, loving hands - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant


All was done with care and mindfulness.  It is apparent in the simplicity and gentleness of each gesture.

Drew and Alisha exchange rings at Golden Gardens - Patricia Stimac,Seattle Wedding Officiant




Words were felt in a profound way.  Here is just one snippet:

If just being in the presence of the other you feel suddenly happy, just being together you feel ecstatic, just the very presence of the other fulfills something deep in your heart…







And so Drew and Alisha became Mr. and Mrs!


Married at Golden Gardens- Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant

Drew & Alisha - Married - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant


All the thinking and dreaming and planning lead to this moment ... and it was time to walk the path of husband and wife, the path of a married couple.

Wishing Alisha and Drew a lifetime of harmony and bliss.

Drew & Alisha at Golden Gates - Patricia Stimac, Seattle Wedding Officiant








Thanks to Drew's brother, Jeff Baker, for sharing his photographs; to Madre's Catering and all the family and friends who helped make the couple's wedding day one to remember.


To create your beach wedding, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or through our website.