Woodmark Open House Premier Took Place Today

 

Why open houses?  

Because they showcase the venue
Because they afford brides and grooms possibilities of vision
Because they bring together a community of wedding professionals
Because they are just plain fun!

 
Today the Woodmark Hotel drew back the curtains and revealed its various rooms.  This sections was so dramatic.  

 The bold colors, the multi-tiered floral arrangement, the contemporary clean lines worked really worked. Hats off to Rented Elegance and Design.

All the printed materials coordinated perfectly, in color and style to each unique place setting.  This was thanks to Ruth Song of Paper Fling.

Check out the variety of linens and table settings.  There is a style for everyone.  The linens were provided by Choice Linens.  Love the single flower on each type of napkin fold.

 

Talk about dramatic ... and classic!

Floral arrangements in this section (the draped tent) and the Marina Room were created by Fena Flowers.
 
The tent drapery around the poles was decorated as well.  I absolutely love these white anemones ...  a flower of the season.
 

This morning I woke up dreaming of yellow -- it is Seattle after all and I'm longing for sunny spring days and bright hues.  So when I saw the yellows in the arrangements, I sighed with pleasure.












Just outside the Marina Room, a wedding ceremony setup with a gorgeous arbor was arranged.  We couldn't resist standing under it!!  (Hee, hee ...)

We also met Lisa and Kira, founders of Hourglass Footwear ... and saw the wares created by their artist collective.  From flats to the highest heels, there is sure to be just the right shoe for you.  As their tag line states:  It's time.  Stand out! 


 







And, of course, there was the food.  Chef Skyler Gemar prepared a range of tasty dishes, from entrees to heavenly potato chips and sauces, plus a range of beverages.  Don't these look yummy!!
 

Oh, an open house just isn't an open house without a photo booth.  We got to talk with Shana Tinsley of 321 Foto and take a series of photos (as we always do)!  We giggle and pose and enjoy it no matter how many times we enter the booth.

Music was provided by Jay Hayes of Mobile Celebrations!

Thanks for inviting us! 

Memory Lane - Chris and Karen Wed at the Skansonia

"What is Love” by Walter Pinder

Love is just not looking at each other and saying "You're wonderful." There are times when we are anything but wonderful.
Love is looking out in the same direction. It is linking our strength to pull a common load. It is pushing together towards the far horizons, hand in hand.
Love is knowing that when our strength falters, we can borrow the strength of someone who cares. Love is a strange awareness that our sorrows will be shared and made lighter by sharing; that joys will be enriched and multiplied by the joy of another.
Love is knowing someone else cares that we are not alone in life.

Chris and Karen selected this reading for their wedding ceremony.  It truly reflects them.  Down-to-earth yet extremely appreciative of each other.

Greg was proud to escort his daughter down the aisle.

It was an absolutely beautiful June day -- yes, June!

As you can see, there were moments of pure love ...

and moments of all out happiness. 

Vows were spoken and rings exchanged.

A kiss was shared ...

  then the two became Mr. and Mrs! 





Two very delighted people!!

We went upstairs on the Skansonia and signed the marriage certificate, making it truly legal.

Chris and Karen were married in 2011 -- it was a joy to get to know them then and a pleasure to know their journey as a married couple continues.

It always warms my heart to take a look back now and then and remember great people and moments like these.

The images are brought to you Luna Bella.  Many thanks for sharing them.  Other professionals who contributed their talents to make Karen and Chris's wedding a reality were the staff at the Skansonia Ferry and Chris at Wave Length Music.

To create wonderful memories of your wedding ceremony, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

Alina and Patrick to Wed at the Seattle Aquarium

There is truly something about two people in "new love" as we call it that is special ... plus Patrick and Alina are themselves individual and interesting.  We are just beginning to learn about each other through their premarital sessions and then we'll create a ceremony together that is as unique as they are.

My husband, Kent, will be officiating for Alina and Patrick at the Seattle Aquarium in June (the wedding month, ours included).  And, Erin Lindeman of Lindeman Weddings is helping them plan a celebration they will forever remember.

Relationship Tip: Zero Negativity

I came across an article by Harville Hendricks, a very well known relationship expert.  In an article, he invited couples to make a Zero Negativity pledge to one another.  No hurtful words, no hurtful looks, no hurtful gestures.

He says that "Whether criticism is phrased in a gentle way or a cruel way, it comes from the same place of judgment."  While at the same time "a relationship without dialogue, without one person being able to express a concern, is also an unhealthy place. Suppressed thoughts and feelings lead to passive-aggressive behavior, or to the gradual dissolution of affection for one another."

Hendricks suggests "The path out of this relational trap is to first take on an approach of zero negativity: for both parties to commit absolutely to refraining from put downs, negative comments and behaviors. ...  Not just temporarily, but always."

OK ... so here's an example of how it works. 

"... start with a statement like "I'm having a hard time with something, and I want to share it with you. Is now a good time to talk?" 

He goes on to say "If it's not a good time for the other person to hear this, the requester must accept it. But the other person must in turn offer a time he or she would be more open to hearing your concerns. Knowing that you are going to express something critical takes away the element of surprise and defensiveness in the other person, and allows you to state your concern in a thought out, gentle way. It makes it much more likely that they will be willing to compromise and come closer to your side of the fence."

I really like this ... and, I'm going to give it a try.  Maybe you will too!

Click here to read the full article.

If you are interested in premarital preparation sessions, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.

Darcie and Neal Wed in Style in at Seattle's Sunset Club

This was a FUN wedding ... and a wedding to remember!  Darcie and Neal married at the Sunset Club.  Talk about having a unique celebration that reflects your personality.  This is a shining example of that.





 
Darcie was inspired and designed a collection of balloons with streamers made from various types of ribbons, lace and material.  So playful.

They were used to decorate the reception hall.

Neal is a professional actor, which is evident in this preceremony pose.

Darcie is studying premed and is also an artist.  She also has a streak of originality to her.  Check out her website.

Darcie's gown is an Elizabeth Dye creation.  It suited her perfectly!


An heirloom locket from Darcie's grandmother was attached to the waist of her dress, a very special "something old."









The dress was matched with these very comfortable yet highly stylish shoes.

The wedding party assembled before the ceremony to complete the formal photos.

 

 

 

 

Lenora is holding B-Bear, Darcie's stuffed bear from childhood and the bearer of the rings.

There were a few moments for Neal and Darcie to enjoy some time together.

 

Then it was time for the ceremony to begin. The grandparents, parents and wedding party gathered in the upper foyer.  We made our entrance down the stairs to the ceremony hall.












After the welcome, words of appreciation were expressed to Neal and Darcie's parents.

The bride and groom invited two of their best friends to offer perspective and words of wisdom during their ceremony.  The first was Patrina, who selected a reading by Thomas Kempis entitled "On Love," followed by more personal words.

A bit later, Thom, presented passages from Sandol Stoddard Warburg's very humorous "I Like You."  He too is an actor -- he did a great job.

Personal vows were then changed.

Darcie expressed she would always be on Neal's team and how through finding common ground regarding their differences they have strengthened their love.






Neal's words ending with "Todo para ti, Amore!" brought a tear to Darcie's eyes.

When it was time to exchange the rings,  Lenora did a great job of bringing B-Bear forward.  I loved how the rings were attached with velcro  -- so easy to remove.

With this ring, I join my life to yours.

And so, the marriage was made and the vows were sealed with a kiss.

It was an evening of joy and an evening of emotion.  A time to remember the past and rejoice in the future.

And, it was a time to dance!

Wishing this very special couple a very special life together!

Many thanks to the wedding professionals who were the supporting cast in Neal and Darcie's wedding day.

 

DJ:  Bamboo Beats

Florist:  Patty Tronquet of Pocket full O'Posies

Nails: eN Salon Yoko

Photographer:  Julie Harmsen  Thank you for sharing your great photos!!!

String Duo: Seattle Modern Strings

To plan a ceremony as unique as the two of you, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website.