2013 King 5/Evening News Best Officiant Poll - Vote for A Heavenly Ceremony!

Yes, we (yours truly, Patricia Stimac, and my dear husband, Kent Buttars) have been nominated once again in the Best Officiant of Western Washington category and would sincerely appreciate your vote.

Here's the link:
Vote for A Heavenly Ceremony

It's easy.  It's fun.  It would make our day.

And, let us know when you cast your vote ... we would definitely like to thank you!

Finally, please share this information with your spouse, your children, your parents, your friends, your workmates, your ????  Every vote is a treasure.

Thank you one and all!

Three Days to Vote for Best Officiant - King 5 and Marriage Tip of the Day

Today, we heard from people who just voted for us.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!  It is nearing the close of another wonderful wedding season and it is a great time to hear words of appreciation.  If you are so inclined, cast your vote!  It would fill our "cup of appreciation" even more.

Kent and I were busy with "office work" this morning and then did some exterior painting this afternoon.  Kent did most of the trim work on the house, which involved moving the ladder a lot and he painted two colors at a time.  (I was impressed.  When I do that, the colors always run together.)

A few hours into painting -- after he had completed the trim on the part of the house we were focusing on -- he let me know he was tired and was stopping for the day.  He went into the kitchen and popped the chicken into the oven so when I had reached my point of personal completion, there was a warm meal waiting for me. :)

When we talked about it later, Kent said that he had reached a point where it just wasn't much fun: he was tired and cold and hungry.  He noticed that (huge personal awareness step) and decided to do the rest tomorrow.

We both felt good.  I did what I wanted, Kent did too and we are making good progress on our project.  It makes sense to be aware of individual needs, to communicate about them, and to take care of ourselves.

To explore your relationship, check out our Premarital Sessions.

Three Days Left to Vote in the King 5 Best Officiant Poll and Marriage Tip of the Day

Yes, there are just a few days to cast your very precious vote for A Heavenly Ceremony in the Best Officiant of Western Washington Poll.  Just click here.  You do need to register -- sorry about that.  But then you can vote for many other businesses you value. 

And, now on the Marriage Musing (Kent pointed out it isn't really a Tip) of the Day.  Over the weekend I officiated for Alex and Nina at Kiana Lodge.  Nina was so lucky that both of her grandmothers were there to witness her exchange of vows. 

While Jeff Schmitt was photographing family members, I chatted with one of the Nina's aunts. (Surely, more photos will come.) She explained that one of the grandmothers (on the left) was wearing the dress she wore at her wedding.  I guess I looked confused, calculating in my head her approximate age and the dress styles of that time.

Her aunt explained:  it was her second wedding.  Evidently, the first marriage lasted 45 years and the second 25! I don't know what impressed me most:  the longevity of the marriages or the fact that she married happily twice.  Evidently, she was 65 when she wed the second time.

Love was still available.  Love may be different or it may change but it will still be good.  Have faith in it.  (Kent says "Now it's a tip!)

It got me thinking about time and how it affects marriage.  Each year seems to pass more quickly and each year seems more precious.  When I step back just a bit from my daily pursuits, the change in perspective helps me get perspective on our marriage.  I remember how thankful I am for all of Kent's skills - he is very proficient in a number of areas and he is more interesting and intriguing as well.  Perhaps reflecting on relationship provides a means of acknowledging what has grown and matured, what remains a challenge, what possibilities tomorrow will bring.  

If you are looking for an officiant for your wedding -- the early stage of your journey of love -- please contact us at 206-789-9788 or through our website:  www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

8 Days to Vote for Best Officiant in the King 5 Poll and Marriage Tip of the Day

Kent and I participated in the open house at The Sanctuary on Admiral.  I was feeling a bit under the weather before we left (nothing serious  --  no worries).  But the thought of not going was too sad!!  We always have such a good time.  Davi Sobotta, the Venue Manager, makes things fun!


On arrival, we were stunned by The Flower Lab's visual treat of fall foliage.  Wow!! 

Then we were greeted by the sound of live music.  There were two bands.  Gertrude's Hearse played upstairs. 




Here's a review from The Stranger on them.  

"Gertrude’s Hearse is a band hailing from Skagit Valley, Washington. The band consists of Raymond John, Yusuf Kilgore, Matt Clausen, Keith Stone, Tim Daniels and numerous special guest musicians. In just a five year period, they have built an outstanding repertoire of music ranging from folk, country, and rock, to bluegrass, R&B, and punk. No one else has their style, their energy, or their theme. Gertrude’s Hearse has the flexibility and versatility to perform with some or all of its members, catering readily to the more intimate as an acoustic-style duo/trio or elaborate with an all-out rock & roll 7+ piece grandstand-style band."  

Their tag line is "++rock n' roll undertakers putting the fun back in FUNeral."  I think there is a theme emerging.

Meanwhile, Rob and Friends performed in the Speakeasy.  (Sorry, no review here except I really enjoyed listening to and singing along with them -- it's ok, we were encouraged to join in.)  It was a lot of fun.

The live music really made the event.  And when you couple that with some the best caterers in Seattle (Foodz, Herban Feast, Portage Bay Cafe, Ravishing Radish and Skillet) plus High 5 Pies and cakes by Baked, I was feeling great.

Katie and Joshua Studios provided cinematography, Blue Door Foto was also there, along with Fun Frames Photo Booth.  Grand Event provided the rentals and linens. 

When Kent and I were talking about the topic for the Marriage Tip for the Day, Kent suggested "relax and enjoy."  So that's it.  There is so much happiness around us and when Kent and I open ourselves to relaxation, we have a good time!   Thank you, Davi, and thank you, everyone, who made tonight great fun!

Oh, it certainly would make our day even more enjoyable if you sashayed over to the King 5 website and cast a vote for your very favorite wedding officiants.  Just click here!  Many thanks.

9 Days to Vote for A Heavenly Ceremony in the King 5 Best Officiant of Western Washington Poll and Tip of the Day for a Great Marriage

Photo by Voir

Happy to say that we have moved into third place.  Thank you one and all for casting your votes for us.  And, there are still nine days to go.  If you haven't voted, please click here to mosey on over and cast your vote!

As for the tip of the day, I really like the concept of an "inspired" marriage.  I get goose bumps just hearing the words together. Of course, I headed right to the dictionary to check out the meanings.  Various references provided a number of definitions.  Here are a few:

*  To be aroused, animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural or divine influence
*  To fill with enlivening or exalting emotion
*  To be the cause or source of; to bring about
*  To be outstanding or brilliant in a way or to a degree suggestive of the divine 

All of these bring to mind the act of creation.  To have vision and intent, to be willing to invest the time and resources to create, to revel in the process of marriage. 

Revel in  marriage.  Let your imagination and inspiration take wing!

Premarital preparation is available at A Heavenly Ceremony.  Give us a call or contact us through our website.

10 Days to Vote for A Heavenly Ceremony as Best Officiant of Western Washington and Marriage Tip of the Day

Vince Lombardi:  "Winning is not a sometime thing; its an all the time thing. You don't win once in a while; you don't do things right once in a while; you do them right all the time. Winning is a habit."

Vince, you really got it right with this one! 

And, as for the marriage tip of the day, you could just as easily substitute the word "Love" for "Winning."

"Love is not a sometime thing; its an all the time thing.  

You don't love once in a while; 

you don't do things right once in a while; 

you do them right all the time. 

 Love is a habit."

Kent and I joke about this all the time.  We are reaching the age when a person thinks about their future years.  Our brains and bodies are still working pretty well, we are very happy with our work and live active lives, our relationship is getting better and better.  We would to ensure that we continue to live independently, healthfully, happily.  We believe good habits can help, big time.

Kim and Colin love the ocean
so they spend as much time there as possible.
They even decided to wed on a beach.

So if Kent is driving and cuts a turn a bit closer than kosher or I try to juggle too many things at once, we simply say "Good habits!" Generally, we both laugh and modify our actions because we want to continue to improve ourselves and the quality of our lives.

When you think about what good habit would make your life and the life the one you love even better, what would that be?  What could you do today?

One good habit is to act as a fan for those you value.  If you were pleased with your wedding ceremony and are ready to vote for Best Officiant of Western Washington, click here and cast your very valued and appreciated vote!

(Premarital preparation is available through A Heavenly Ceremony.  Call 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website:  www.aheavenlyceremony.com.) 

11 Days to Vote for A Heavenly Ceremony as Best Officiant in Western Washington, the King 5 Poll

11 days to go in The Best Officiant of Western Washington Poll. Yes, yes, yes … please be one of those 200+ who will vote for us and receive our gratitude and thanks and appreciation and all the good thoughts we can possibly think of!

Marriage Tip of Day 11.  Laugh together and enjoy each others' sense of humor.

According to Kent, one of the best parts of our days together is when we laugh together.  I agree.  It is a wonderful gift. It reduces stress, lifts your spirits, makes your brain happy and improves your health.

Look for the humor in your day, share something funny, think of situation you both experienced that had you in stitches, watch a comedy together …

If you can laugh at yourselves or at your situation, things seem sunnier and there is more hope and happiness in life.

OK, we are smiling and chuckling, thinking how delighted we are that you are casting your vote for us now!  What a pleasant thought!!

Day 14 in the King 5 Best Officiant Poll - Teamwork in Marriage

Photo by Cher

My grandfather used to say that a good marriage was as valuable as a well matched pair of draft horses!  (No, when I knew my grandfather, he didn’t live on a farm – rather, in the same small town as I did – but he was a gardener and grew up on a vineyard in Italy so he probably knew what he was talking about.) 

   

His reasoning was that the two horses were a great team:  they could effectively pull in the same direction because they were matched in their personalities, they had similar yet not identical strengths and were able to make up for each others' weaknesses, they were familiar with each other’s habits and understood what needed to happen with each step they took, they were with each other every day of their lives and were life companions, they could cooperate with each other to meet a common goal.  

OK … people aren’t horses yoked together … but that analogy has some folk wisdom in it.  When getting together and planning the wording of the ceremony with the brides and grooms, one of my favorite statements is when couples describe themselves as great teams.  It always makes me smile and know it is a couple whose marriage will likely be healthy and happy and successful in all ways.

Kent and I are "pulling together" in the King 5 - Best Officiant Poll - to invite you and yours to caste your vote for us at  http://best.king5.com/a-heavenly-ceremony/biz/122855.  We are so grateful to everyone who casts a vote for us.  Thank you!

15 Days to Go -- Make Your Relationship/Your Marriage a Priority

Today, many thanks to Elizabeth for casting your vote for us.  It takes time to do that ... and you made it a priority.  We can assure you that it makes us feel warm and glowing and cared for.  Ummm...like it.  Thank you.

 

When thinking about the priorities in life, I often think of Carolyn Myss.  She uses the example of each of us receiving $100 energy dollars each day.  Then, we spend those dollars:  some we spend in a way that contributes to our health, to our happiness, to our prosperity, to our well-being.  When you chart your energy dollar expenditure, how many do you invest in your primary relationship?  Today, is the perfect time to invest a few more dollars in a creative and fun way.  Enjoy!

If you have a dollar or so to invest in voting for the Best Officiant in the King 5 poll, we would love it.  http://best.king5.com/a-heavenly-ceremony/biz/122855

17 Days of King 5 Best Officiant Voting - 17 Tips for a Healthier and Happier Relationship

David and Kristen were married this summer.
Wishing them decades of happiness together!

Time together, both quality and quantity. Love this story. One woman, married 47 years before her husband passed away, disclosed her secret to lifelong love. Every night, when her husband came home from work, they went up to their bedroom and hung a sign on the door that read “Do Not Disturb: Marriage In Progress.” For the following fifteen minutes they’d focus all their attention on one another. No phones, no pets, no distractions; even the kids knew that mom and dad were not to be bothered. When asked what they did in their bedroom, she laughed and said she’d leave that to our imaginations. That was probably best anyway. (Matthew Boggs, Marriage Masters)

Kristen, Lolo and David

We are thankful to be nominated for
Best Officiant in the King 5 Best of Western Washington Poll. It seems we need several hundred votes to place in the top five and more to place first. Currently, we are in sixth place.  Each and every vote is important.  We realize you need to invest your time wisely so please spend some quality time with those you love today ... and if you have a moment after that, we would appreciate your vote.

King 5 - 2011 Best of Western Washington Finalist - A Heavenly Ceremony

MANY THANKS!

In 2009, the first year that the officiant category was included in King 5's "The Best of Western Washington" poll, you voted A Heavenly Ceremony #1.

In 2010, we were fortunate to place #3.

This year, 2011, your votes landed us in 2nd place!!! Woo hoo. 

Three years we were nominated and placed in the top three.  We feel loved and appreciated.  Thank you for your continued support.   Wishing you continued health, happiness and, of course, love!