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!

Clock Theme For Shanon and Kris's Wedding -- and Their Engagement Photos

When I met Kris and Shanon, I was so excited to hear about their wedding plans (more on that to come).

Since they chose a clock theme for their celebration, this engagement photo is so perfect for them.

Sean Hoyt of Affinity Photography has posed a challenge to see if anyone knows where it was taken.  Hint:  somewhere in Seattle.

Wishing this creative and inventive couple the best in their life together.

If you are planning a unique wedding and want an officiant to work along with you, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website.

Gluten Free Cakes Can Look Good and Taste Good!

Photo by Rebecca Ellison

Last week I was talking with my neighbor, Lachlan, who knows I prefer to eat gluten free.  He explained that he shops at the Ballard Farmers Market and that he met Phebe Ross, the founder of nuflours, a gluten free bakery, there.  He raved about the cakes and other baked goods.

Being Lachlan, the consummate networker, he offered to introduce us.  Within a few days, Phebe stopped by with a tasting box.  (All of a sudden, I found that Kent was very interested in GF cakes!)

Being a chocolate lover, the brownies and "oreos" called his name.  Thankfully, I got a taste before they were all gone.  The box also included chocolate cake, lemon poppy cake and carrot cake.






It is wonderful that there are more choices in GF wedding cakes.  And, such pretty ones!  
 

You might want to check out nuflours.  Give them a call at 206.395.4623.  And, if you are at the Farmers Market, enjoy a taste!

Wet, Wild, Wonderful Wedding at Long Beach

 

OK ... these aren't traditional wedding photos ... but this wasn't a traditional wedding.

 


 
Nick and Alyssa really, really, really wanted to be wed on the beach.  The major moments in their relationship seemed to happen there so it would be the perfect place to exchange their vows.

As you can see, the weather was quite variable and the wind quite gusty.  The guys tried to make a protective barrier for Alyssa.

When the wind blow the canopy over, it was a sign to move things inside.

By then umbrellas were turned inside out and everyone was pretty wet.  Even so, Alyssa and Nick are so in love, spirits remained high!

In another post, I'll share photos of the ceremony indoors!





Kent and I arrived a bit early for the wedding, so we braved the weather and walked the boardwalk.  We both love oysters so we also stopped at Slaters in Raymond for really good grilled ones.  All in all a wonderful day!




If your planning a wedding at your favorite spot and need an officiant, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Two Great Places for Engagement Photos in Seattle

Engagement sessions can be quite fun!  Johnny and Christina selected Marissa and Eric of Cicarelli Photography to capture this special moment in their lives.

Two locations were selected for the photos:  Green Lake (we are located quite near and think it is a great place) and Pike Place Market (what's more Seattle than that?).

At the lake, there are so many wonderful nooks and crannies ... and a variety of habitats plus the lake itself.  You're sure to find a spot that is just yours.








And then there is the Market.  What a vibrant place that is!




In springtime the flowers are so amazing!








And what about Johnny and Christina?  The two met online while Johnny was in Afghanistan. They talked for hours at a time over Skype when Christina was off work and Johnny had down time. 

It soon became apparent that they shared something special and wanted to pursue a relationship. A first date was scheduled for the very day Johnny returned to Washington. Long before the proposal in November, the two knew they were going to get married. 

Christina and Johnny are planning to wed in July at the Washington Athletic Club.  They excited about the wedding and eager to begin the next chapter in our lives together.




Thanks to Cicarelli Photography for the photos!

If you are planning to wed and looking for an officiant for your ceremony, give us a call at 206.789.9788206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

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Jon and Juanita to Wed at The Canal This Fall

OK ... aren't they a happy couple!  How can you not smile when you see them together?

We are delighted to be helping them in creating their wedding ceremony.  





And, since they live on the East Coast, we'll be communicating and planning via Skype.  (Isn't technology great!)

Here's to a very happy engagement ... and an amazing wedding day! 

If you've just become engaged and need an officiant for your wedding ceremony, give us a call or contact us through our email.

Michael and Liana Plan to Wed at the Woodmark Hotel

Engagement photo by Arlene Chambers

This couple - Liana and Michael -- are Northwest natives.  They both grew up in the area and both attended Western Washington University.  It wasn't until after college that they met, when the time was right for them.  

 

Liana and Michael have been together since 2011 and became engaged in February 2013 while on vacation in Hawaii.  The two recently bought their first house and are excited to start their lives there. 

Kent and I are very much looking forward to co-creating an amazing wedding ceremony with Liana and Michael.  

If you recently became engaged and are looking for an officiant for your wedding, call us at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website to schedule a free consultation.

What Do Officiants Wear to a Wedding? It's Your Choice!

This is Kent and I in our "Regency look."  We wanted to be very much a part of the Jane Austen era.  (Kent's top hat is actually from the 1800's -- there is quite a story attached to it.  Ask him about it the next time you see him.)  Oh, and you can't see his short pants with the ruffles on the hem and his long white stockings.  Not too many guys feel comfortable with the look but he handled it with aplomb.

You probably will remember that I was working on our outfits early last week in preparation for the open house at the Sanctuary on Admiral.  We were quite pleased with the results.

Many thanks to Red Fish Blue Fish and Studio-on-the-Go for the photo.  I know we'll hold on to this one for quite some time.

And, of course, we had a fabulous time at the open house.

When we dress for a wedding that we're officiating, we like be in style with the bride and groom and the rest of the bridal party.  Kent has a wide selection of suits, a tuxedo, his kilts and his barong; I have a variety of dresses.

If you looking for some nattily dressed officiants, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or through our website.

Why is Kissing so very Healthy?

Dr. Mercola posted an article on the health benefits of kissing.  Isn't that good news!!

Here's the "Story at-a-Glance."

• Kissing has been shown to boost your immune system and reduce allergic responses in people with skin or nasal allergies

• Kissing may also reduce blood pressure, relieve headache pain, increase feelings of well-being and self-esteem, and strengthen your relationship
  
• People who kissed more often reported significant decreases in their levels of stress and greater relationship satisfaction
  
• Whether sex, kissing, or even hugging, these forms of affection have primal, biological roots that impact our bodies, typically beneficially, even in the modern-day 

To read the entire story, click here.  And remember to give your sweetheart a kiss today!

 

If you have found that someone you love to kiss and you loves to kiss you and you're planning to tie the knot soon, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

 

Where to Propose in Winter? At White Pass, of course!

Derek and Kayla has an interesting proposal story:  on the three-year anniversary of their first date, they went snowboarding with two of their friends.  Around 4:00pm, it was time to warm up and they decided to go to the bar at the lodge.  The four were not exactly looking their best.  They were soaked to the bone and their hair was standing up in all directions.

Derek's friend knew what was about to happen.  He yelled out: "Ladies and Gentlemen! May I have your attention please!? My buddy Derek has something to say to his Lady Friend!!" 

As quiet settled, Derek got down on one knee.  He explained how much he loves Kayla, how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and how nothing would make him happier than if Kayla would become his wife.   

He then opened a little box and asked, "Kayla will you please marry me?" 

Kayla remembers thinking, "YES YES YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!" 

But for some reason her voice was not working. Finally, she got out the "yes" and the place erupted with loud applause, whistles and cheers while the two kissed! 

Wow ... what a moment.  It was a lot to take in.  The two were engaged!!  

OK ... time to enjoy the free drinks and then back to the mountain.  Kayla, of course was very conscious of the ring on her finger.  What a great day.

The two intend to make it legal and to celebrate their good fortune at the Monte Cristo Ballroom early next year.

Congratulations!!!

If you've just said "Yes" and are looking for an officiant for your wedding ceremony, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

We're Giving You a Hug ...

Many thanks to all those who voted for us in Evening Magazine's "The Best of Western Washington!"  Because of you we placed in the top 5 and were a finalist for the fifth straight year.  Over that time, 377 of you left reviews, which is more than any of the other officiants received.  What can we say but that we are joyful to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

On Saturday, I officiated for Jenn and Matt at Cama Beach State Park.  Jenn's father, Joe, gave one of the toasts.  He spoke of the qualities of love and told a story about how his grandson came up to Joe one day and threw his arms around him.  Then he said, "I'm giving you a hug that will be in your body for a whole three days ... and a billion years ... and this much more!" as he threw his arms open wide.

We couldn't say it any better.  

We're giving you all a hug that will be in your bodies for a whole three days

 ... and a billion years ... and this much more!

With appreciation and gratitude from the bottom of our hearts!!!

Love "Save The Date" Cards with Lots of Photos!

Just received this great "Save the Date" card from Jo and Neil.  Doesn't it capture who they are and make you want to be there when they tie the knot?

Love photo cards like this.  They go up on our refrigerator immediately.

What a great way to share the anticipation of the wedding day!   Let's hear it for "Save the Date" cards.

If you've "saved your date" and are ready to place a great wedding ceremony, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

Vintage Bridal Happy Hour at The Kelley Farm on April 3rd

This is going to be fun!  The Kelly Farm on April 3rd from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.  You have the opportunity to enjoy espresso and drinks and food and music and meet a lot of wonderful wedding professionals. 

See you there!!


Paisley Petals
The Meaningful Details
Hello Cupcakes
White Stole
Celebrity Cake Studio
Shutterspeed Photo Booth
Varietypack Band
Fleur de Lace
Country Wagon
Black Tie Espresso
Valerie's Invites
Shafer's Bar and Grill
Absolute Music
Alicia Clifford Photo Art
Kimmi Designs
Bella by Amber
Vintage Dish Company
Plus Just In Time Events and us - A Heavenly Ceremony

Seattle Bride Magazine - Best of 2013 - Thank You!

Kent Buttars & Patricia Stimac
Organic Seattle Wedding Officiants

Last night we learned we were one of the top five in the Seattle Bride Magazine Best of 2013 officiants category -- all thanks to you!!!

We are beginning our 18th season of officiating all types of ceremonies - weddings, vow renewals, baby blessings and celebrations of life.  It is a true gift to us:  it keeps us in touch with people from all over the world and with all types of beliefs.  It makes us happy -- all the way to our organic toes!

We appreciate your continued support and caring.  Thank you!!

The Garden Song (performed by Peter, Paul and Mary, Pete Seeger and many others) is one of my favorites.  It so reflects the era we grew up in.  Here's our version:

Inch by inch, row by row

  we're gonna make this garden grow.

All it takes is a rake and a hoe

  and a piece of fertile ground.

Hour by hour, day by day,

  its the same with marriage they say.

We can start you on your way

  where love and joy abound!