This team - Elliott and Barbara - is Going All the Way to the Finals!

A January wedding is in the plans for Barbara and Elliott at the Woodmark Hotel.

Don't the two look so very happy!  (Sure part of that is because of their recent engagement and perhaps another part is due to the Seahawks winning on the day the photo was taken?)

The two invited Kent and I to officiate as a couple, which we love to do (when our schedules permit).

This is going to be so much fun.

Looking forward to co-creating a wonderful ceremony together.  So glad Elliott and Barbara found each other.

If you are recently engaged and looking for a wedding officiant for your ceremony, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Watson, Beloved Pet, Announces Engagement!

Isn't Watson doing a great job of letting Erin and Brian's families and friends know of their upcoming wedding?  Thought this is an adorable "save the date" announcement.

Obviously, Watson is a integral part of the family.

Congrats, of course, to Brian and Erin!  We recently met to plan their ceremony and had a great time.  Looking forward to April.

Thanks to Carol Harrold for the engagement photo.

2014 The Best Officiant of Western Washington - Moving Up!

Woohoo!  

In the 2014 The Best Officiant of Western Washington poll, we came in second.  

Thank you all for your support.

Every vote is appreciated.


 You help us pursue the love of our life!

Wedding Shoes: As Varied As the Couples Who Wed

Niki Desautels

I was out in the garden today and wore my insulated short rubber boots.  They were so comfortable and warm.  Unlike my tall rubber boots which are ever so much fashionable - navy blue with white polka dots - and so easy to put on, these were a bit difficult.  I actually had to sit down and slow work them over my heels.

The experience brought to mind this photo:  yes, it is obviously taken in Seattle and is just such a fun photo!

Heather Lamkin

Of course, wedding shoes can be elegantly beautiful

OR

dramatically colorful.

Sarah Brooke Photography

Erin Lodi

You get to pick the shoe that best fits your personality.





Or the boot ...

Jen and Jody Photography

Nani  Oei Photography

(Yup ... boots and gowns do go together! )

Curt Nakon

Can you guess this was an intimate ceremony on the shore of the Puget Sound?





 






It's not just brides who are making a statement with their shoes.

Converse are quite a popular choice,

  

as well as more polished footwear.

J Koe Photography

Guys, don't forget to select the perfect pair of socks, too!

In any case, whatever you choose, have fun.

If you have your shoe and sock choice all sorted out and would like some interesting footwork in your ceremony, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Jett and Desiree to Wed in March

Jonathan, PS Photography & Video

Here's an engagement photo of Desiree and Jett 

The two plan to wed in March at The Edgewater Hotel.

As their wedding website explains, the two were introduced on a sunny spring Sunday at Green Lake, through Des's friend and then-roommate Jamie.

(Since we live in the Green Lake area, we are partial to couples enjoying a first meeting at the park, getting married near the lake, enjoying a romantic walk ... it is truly a lovely and loving area.)

After eating an afternoon breakfast and sharing a bottle of hard cider at a classy establishment called Duck Island (hmmm ... others have described it as divey, low key, laid back, kind of rustic, funky).  In any case, it became clear that the two were on the road to "Twue Wuv."

Or, you know, maybe it would just be fun to get together again to grab some cheesecake and play pool.



So happy and excited to be officiating for Desiree and Jett!  We're getting together soon to begin planning a ceremony perfect for them.

If your planning your wedding ceremony and looking for an officiant, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Robert and Kate Wed in A Private Adventure Wedding Ceremony

This week was a great one!  On Tuesday Robert and Kate, Lena Peterson, their photographer, Kent and I drove to the Mukilteo Ferry, then to South Whidbey State Park.

The bride and groom traveled from Ohio to wed in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Actually, Robert planned this out as a surprise for Kate ... she was delighted!

As you may recall the day before the wedding was a stormy one and we were prepared for another blustery, rainy day:  raincoats, umbrellas, hiking boots ...

So what happened?  The rain stopped for a bit and the sun actually came out.  Woohoo!

We walked the 1/2 mile trail to the beach, stopping every once in awhile to take some photos. 




 

The leaves were vibrant!

Kate and Robert are of bold spirit, willing to take off their jackets and simply be warmed by their excitement and joy of the moment.

 




 


When we reached the water, there was a magnificent driftwood log.  A perfect setting for some dramatic photos.




 




It was here that we held the ceremony.  Robert and Kate shared personal vows that had some truly humorous moments. 













 
Isn't this absolutely fabulous!

We could see shafts of sunlight and sheets of rain in the distance.  Very dramatic.

 

And, of course, it was important to take some time and to share hugs and kisses.

 





A perfectly beautiful end to a perfectly beautiful day!

Wishing Robert and Kate a lifetime of happiness.  So glad we could share this very special time of their lives with them.

The photos are a collection of those Lena took, we took and Kate and Robert took.

If you're planning an wilderness elopement and looking for an officiant who is willing to hike to your favorite location, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

An Organic Apple A Day -- The Perfect Wedding Favor

Rafe and Jamie recently celebrated their wedding vows at the Golden Gardens Park Bathhouse.

They selected these beauties - Arkansas Black apples - as their favors, which I absolutely loved. Besides, we are located in Washington State, a state known for its apples.

Jamie is allergic to most apples, but not the Arkansas Blacks.  She wanted to share her find with everyone.

And, they are beautiful, scrumptious apples ...  intensely red colored, solid textured, sweet/sour taste.  (I had one with breakfast today -- a bit of cinnamon, some kefir, walnuts and apple -- delish!)  Plus, they are organic.  (Since apples have more pesticide residue than any other food -- residue that doesn't wash off -- this is a very big deal.)

I'm sure you can see my very happy feet dancing all around our living room.

If you are planning a wedding ceremony as unique as these Arkansas Black apples, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Children - Cuteness - Wedding Ceremony - Some Tips

Kent officiated for Jeff and Lisa at A Chapel on Swans Trail this summer.  They included four young people in the wedding ceremony procession:  these were the two youngest.




 


Children can certainly add an element of sweetness and life to the proceedings.

And they are just so very cute!

Here are some things we've learned to make things go well.

We invite the youngsters to the rehearsal and encourage them to "practice" with their parents. 

It is generally most workable when one parent or person the child feels comfortable with is there at the lineup and another is upfront to "call" them forward.

If the child gets "stuck" somewhere coming down the aisle, it is a good idea to have someone be the designated "swooper" to help them along. (The aisle is special but an adult other than those in the wedding party can step into if needed.)

Lots of sugary treats before the actual ceremony are not a great idea. Other options might include some quiet time, a short nap, reading a story together, playing with a favorite toy, having an adult just sitting with the young one and talking about what is happening ...

If you're planning a celebration and can include a child or two, it is always a good idea!

Many thanks to Rick + Anna Photography!

And if you're planning a great wedding with amazing cuteness, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Erin and Julia Wed At Parsons Garden

Meet the brides: Julia and Erin! 
The two met in college and fell in love.  

They discovered they share a similar life perspective: they both want a life of exploration and this fall took a huge step  and relocated to Dublin, Ireland. 

Their wedding was the first formal step in their journey in life together.  It was a very special moment as they joined hands and walked together to where their family and friends were waiting.

Since it was an afternoon wedding, the cocktail length dresses and stylish heels were so perfect.  

The wording was simple and suited Julia and Erin perfectly.

The brides decided to honor their mothers with bouquets of flowers. (Doesn't this almost look like a dance move?)

Wishing this very wonderful couple a lifetime of amazing adventures!

Many thanks to Jennifer Boyle Penny for these photographs.

Planning your personal life journey and want to begin with a marvelous ceremony?  Give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us at our website.

2014 Best Officiant - Evening Magazine's The Best of Western Washington

Can you believe the King 5 "Best of Western Washington" voting is almost at a close? Just three days to go (October 24th).

The two of us are so very grateful to be nominated once again in the 2014 Best Officiant category.  We were in the top five when the standings were blanked out ... and would love to stay there.

If you haven't had a chance to cast your vote, we certainly would love it if you took a moment.

THANK YOU!

Hugs on Wedding Day -- Nothing Better!

Kent and I are so fortunate to get to meet and to know couples as they prepare to wed.  And, then to share the joy of the moment whey they exchange their wedding vows: vows that will shape the rest of their lives.

It touches us deeply ... and we are so very grateful.  

Thank you to all of you who have allowed us into your lives!

Thank you Wallflower Photography for capturing this very special moment.

Regency-Themed Wedding for Laura and Evan

Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice  Mansfield Park, Emma -- these works of Jane Austen -- plus the clothing of her era inspired this lovely wedding.

I watched as Laura had her hair done.  Minute by minute she moved from this decade back in time.  Then, she and Evan left to get dressed.

 









The procession began with Laura's niece, dressed in an adorable matching outfit was adorable!

Then, Laura and Evan emerged.  Fantastic! 

The wedding was an intimate occasion of family and the closest of friends.  It was held at the Angle Lake home of Laura's mother.  The bride and groom wished to marry near the lake but rain moved things indoors.

Even so, the setting was cozy and completely fitting.









It was a joy to be included in the ceremony, which was a blend of contemporary and history. 
 









The ring pillow made for Laura's grandfather while he was recovering from a war injury in Europe.  His nurse created this for him ... and it is a treasured family heirloom.



 


Laura and Evan adapted a version of the "seven blessings" into their wording and had a beautiful document created as a keepsake.




 
Here is one of them:

May we be best friends and work together to build a relationship of substance and quality. May our sense of humor and playful spirit continue to enliven our relationship.  May we respect each other’s individual personality and perspective, and give each other room to grow in fulfilling our dreams. 

Afterwards, all gathered round the table to feast and celebrate Evan and Laura's good fortune.

In the words of Miss Austin, do not you think the two deserve to enjoy a terrific, dear time together! 

Many thanks to Wallflower Photography for these wonderful images.

Planning a Regency era wedding and need an officiant?  Give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.