Recently Engaged? How to Find an Officiant!

Mike Veitenhans

OK!  Kent and I aren't newly engaged.  (You know that we've been married for 35 years.)  But we do remember that very special moment - the proposal.

The excitement of planning your wedding day is tangible.  And the task of planning now begins.

So how do you find the right officiant for the two of you?

There are a number of considerations to explore with possible officiants: 

First, of course, is the person available?

Is the person experienced in officiating, in writing, in providing overall guidance while encouraging your personalities to shine through?

Is he or she someone you feel comfortable with? 

Is there a mutual understanding and willingness on what type of ceremony (religious, spiritual, humanist, cultural, interfaith, intercultural and more) you would like?

Is there a openness to work with you to co-create wording you will love to hear on your wedding day?

Is there help available in writing your own vows? 

Is premarital preparation available?

Is it possible to see a video of the officiant performing a ceremony?

And, if friends have recently wed and they have recommendations, this would be a good place to begin!

Kent and I offer free consultations and welcome meeting with you.  Give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

August Wedding Planned at the DAR

Devi and Jason with one of their two beloved pets: Max and Egypt.

Jason and Devi are going to be so fun to officiate for.  They described their community of family and friends as a very eclectic bunch of artists and designers, techies and comic book nerds.  Sounds like Seattle, doesn't it?  People we are sure to feel comfortable with.

It is very important to them that their guests feel connected to the ceremony and share in the event.  They also want to write their own vows.  We like that too.

As for their proposal, it was simple and to the point.  The two bought a ring and Jason popped the question.  

So looking forward to co-creating just the perfect ceremony with them!

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

Travis and Victoria to Wed in a Garden Ceremony

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. 

The 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.

Engagement Stories - Love Them!

There are so many "love stories" ... and I enjoy hearing every one of them (which is a very good thing considering my choice of vocation!)

Meet Nate and JoAnn.  They will wed in September at The Sanctuary at Admiral.  When I asked about their engagement, here's what JoAnn said:

We met eight years ago at work (a market research company).  We began working more together so we became friends and talked to each other throughout almost all of the shift. I tell him the thing that really drew me to him was how comfortable he made me feel when we would talk. I could be myself and not worry what he was thinking or whatever. Eventually we went on a date and then the rest is history, I guess you could say :)

Our engagement! I love this story :) One day, Nate and I decided to go to Coulon Park (it's a park in Renton) to watch the sunset. Honestly, it wasn't out the norm to me because we've done that so many times in the past.  I would bring my camera to take pictures so it was always good practice for me. 

We like going there because we had our first kiss there and it's a nice park too. That night, when we got there, we had to wait for "our spot" to open up.  I didn't know why he wanted to wait so badly because this was in February, so it was cold (haha). 

Finally, the people leave and our spot opens up.  We sit down and we face the sunset. 

Our conversation is as follows:

Nate: Will you sit here with me, 50 years from now to watch the sunset?

Me: 50? Why not 49 years, or 60 years? (lol, we joke around like that normally so that's why I said that)

Nate: I might not live that long...

Me: Oh... Well of course I will!

Nate: But we'd have to be married first.

Me: Yeah, we do.

Nate: And we'd have to be engaged first.

Me: Yeah, that would help.

At this point he gets down on one knee.  In my head, all I can think is 'He's TOTALLY joking!' 

He sticks his hand in his pocket, and I'm still thinking he's joking, but then he brings out the box, shows me the ring and proposes! :)

This is a good proposal story, isn't it!  

If you would like to share your engagement story, send it along with your photo or photos to me at ahc@aheavenlyceremony.com.  And for information about creating a wedding ceremony as unique as your engagement, call us at 206.789.9788 or through our website:  www.aheavenlyceremony.com.