Vintage Look for Andrew and Sheila's Wedding

Andrew and Sheila were atop the world on Saturday!

Style - Sheila and Andrew certainly have it.  They value family and friends, wanted everyone to feel comfortable and to have fun, and looked for ways to express themselves.

So, here are the basic choices they made:

*  Ceremony and Reception Site - Court in the Square 

    Menu:  Taco bar, popcorn and cotton candy stations

*  Rehearsal Site - Central Cinema to view "Dirty Dancing" (Sheila swoons over Patrick Swayze -  she once created a Christmas tree decorated entirely with his photos) where we savored pigs in a blanket and munched popcorn, doughnuts and classic candies

*  Coordinator:  Sheena Kalso, The Invisible Hostess

*  Cake: Morfey's Cakes

*  Cupcakes: Vegan - Bouteloua Bakery

*  DJ:  DJ Tecumseh (Isaac Dyckhoff) and JoJo Dyckhoff of Bamboo Beats

*  Florist:  Teressa Johnson, Cashmere Designs

*  Photographer:  Ben and Whitney Harms, Brighten Photography (professional photos to follow)

*  Super 8 Cinematographer:  Rebecca Bolte

Ok!  Here's some pics of the experience.

Let's begin with the invites.  They were Harlequin romance novels with new covers featuring "Sheila and Andrew -- living in sin ... no longer. There were an ill-sorted pair ..."

They purchased a bunch of them, a friend redesigned the cover, a library pocket was glued to the front cover and a library check-out slip was the invite.  How creative is that!

Guests were greeted by this amazing display.

The dresser was covered with wedding photos of parents and grandparents, a guest book which featured Andrew and Sheila, schoolhouse signs and books, plus a bowl of all-time favorite chewing gums: Clove, Beemans and Black Jack.

The ceremony took place on the inside stairs:  the guys in tailored grey suits, the lades in navy blue dresses of their choice.  Three sets of couples framed the bride and groom.  (Thanks, Sheena, for the photo.)

 

Sheila's bouquet had a locket containing the wedding photos of her mother and her grandmother. 

What a view!

After the ceremony, family photos were taken in front of the Court in the Square and then, the couple went to the rooftop for their pictures. The Sounders were playing (they won!!!) so there were celebratory explosions for dual reasons.

(Jackie was the the couple's main contact at Court in the Square that evening -- you couldn't have asked for a more wonderful person.)

And, don't forget the shoes ... Sheila loved that the bottoms of her shoes were red! She said she bought them because of the color.

 Then, the grand entrance of Mr. and Mrs! 

Aren't these classic?

Sheila collected 100 vintage handkerchiefs -- they decorated all the tables.

Cake and vegan cupcakes were available so everyone could satisfy their sweet tooth (along with cotton candy and sugar sticks).

(I ate one of the vegan cupcakes before I realized it was vegan.  Very, very yummy!)

My Harlequin romance novel ends with the following words:

"Marti, you're some kind of wonderful creature. ... The next thing I want to hear you say is that you love me.  She closed her eyes.  She felt her heart hammering again.  "I love you, Stephen, I love you. I love you."  Happy ending.

Sheila and Andrew -- a happy ending to you too.  Many, many kisses, so much happiness, a love everlasting!

For just the perfect ceremony to launch you on your "happily ever after," contact us at 206.789.9788 or through our website: www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

Matt and Leticia -- You're Off to Great Places

A "dreams and castles" wedding.

What an amazing wedding all around!

Matt and Leticia are living in Germany but decided to wed at Thornewood Castle in Lakewood.  We planned their ceremony and completed premarital preparation via Skype (woo hoo technology!).

So when we actually met (a week before the ceremony), it felt like we already knew each other and we were greeting long-lost friends.

The ceremony was a combination of traditional, funny, and poignant.  Traditional words, Dr. Seuss vows, sci-fi playfulness.  It was so them.

Both heartwarming and lighthearted.

Matt is full of surprises.  He wrote a love letter to Leticia and had is best man, Bobak, delivered it just before the ceremony.  A very sweet moment.

The day was perfect -- a little overcast so it was great for photographs -- yet warm enough for comfort.

Since it was a destination wedding, most of the guests travels from the East Coast and beyond to be there.  One of the friendliest and most fun gathering of people we have met.

Leather bound  and a true treasure.

A very special addition to the ceremony was the Krutar family bible.  VERY OLD and so amazing.

Another unforgetable moment was the song performed by Katie and Beatrice, both opera singers.

 

After the ceremony, everyone was jumping for joy!

Isn't this a great group of people?  

It is the time machine.  I think these two will go far.

Then it was time for cake!  Yes, they are Doctor Who fans!

Wishing Mr. and Mrs. a marvelous life together!!!

Hats off to all the wedding professionals who helped make the day special:

Deanna Robinson and the staff at Thornewood Castle

12 Baskets Catering

Sounds Unlimited with Travis as the MC

Visions of Romance Photography

To create a ceremony that is truly unique to you, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or email us at www.aheavenlyceremony.com and check out other ceremonies by clicking "Like Us" at www.facebook.com/aheavenlyceremony.com.

Bride's Shoes on Grass

In Seattle's summer, everyone wants an outdoor wedding ceremony. Our summers are so amazing!

One consideration is walking on grass in high heels. Yes, you can walk on your toes down the aisle so the heels don't sink into the ground but standing on your toes for even 15 minutes can be a challenge. Think "wedge-heeled" shoes for grass, "dancing shoes" for indoors. And be comfortable, as well as stylish!

Check out this need - I just posted an answer to this question on MiNeeds!

Bryan and Kari Discovered Bhy Kracke Park is a Queen Anne Hidden Treasure for Celebrating A Wedding Ceremony

Bhy Kracke offers great views --
plus it is conveniently located.

Kent and I had the distinct pleasure of meeting two wonderful mothers - Bryan's mother and Kari's mother - at the Seattle Wedding Expo.  We enjoyed each other's company.  Since our booth was right next to the dresses, we had great fun watching the young ladies find their perfect dress.

 

The park is tucked into a quiet neighborhood and looks out over Lake Union.  Kari and Bryan had the chance to share their vows on a perfect summer day.

Kari and Bryan gave roses to their mothers as a gesture of appreciation.

The park is perfectly situated for a late afternoon wedding.  The guests appreciate the shade.

MARRIED!

 

Kari and Bryan's choice of a wedding site also offered photo opportunities at nearby Kerry Park, with spectacular views of downtown Seattle.

Is there anyone happier than newlyweds?

 

Just look at the smiles on Mr. and Mrs!

 

Then, on to the Blue Ribbon Cooking School for signing the marriage certificate.

 

Yup, they're married and they have the papers to prove it!

How many people can fit into the 321 Foto Booth?  Lots!

Good food, good friends, good fun!  Everyone enjoyed themselves.

The couple cut their cake ... and then "cut a rug."  The celebration continued.

Wishing Kari and Bryan the absolute greatest marriage and years of happiness.


Wedding professionals who helped make the day included:
Blue Ribbon Cooking School 
Bhy Kracke Park 
Niki Desautels of NJD Photography
321 Foto

What I remember best about Kari and Bryan is how much joy they shared.  If you would like to celebrate your marriage with a ceremony that is filled with the happiness you have found, please give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website. 

The Great Hall at Green Lake -- Another Gem in North Seattle for Weddings

This is the view of the Ballroom facing south to Green Lake.
One of the many possible ways to situate the ceremony.

Several months ago, Kent and I were participating in a wedding show and I heard two brides talking about this "new" venue in Green Lake.  That's all I could gather from my "eavesdropping" and inquiries but I have been curious about exactly where and what the mysterious Green Lake venue is.  (We are located in this area so were keenly interested in it.)

Last week, out of the blue, Shelby Sewell of Foodz Catering and Acalia introduced me to Nelda Danz, explaining she was a co-owner and facility coordinator for The Great Hall at Green Lake!  (I love it when things like this happen.  So we quickly made arrangements to meet at the hall.)

OK ... where is it?  7220 Woodlawn Avenue NE, Seattle 98115.  It's on the same street as Rosita's (love their chile colorado) and Mockingbird Books (a children's bookstore), just a block north of Green Lake and the Green Lake Library.  It is a three-story brick building that was originally a church so it has a stately grace.  Over the last few years, it has been restored and is ready for celebrating. 

Looking from the Fireside Room to the Stage in the Ballroom

The Ballroom (2,000 square feet) is spacious and can hold up to 286 people, while contiguous Fireside Room (700 square feet) is cozy for a more intimate wedding, providing a space for any size occasion.  I loved the high ceilings, the great chandeliers, the airiness and the light.  There is also a stage, which could be used for the ceremony.  There are really a number of options possible.

The Fireside Room set for a ceremony!

There is also a comfortable "bride's room," which is also a bonus (available for a small additional fee).  

A small kitchen is available so you can bring in your catering company of choice.

To schedule your tour, contact Nelda at 206.854.6025 or at neldadanz@gmail.com.  (You'll love her as much as we did!)

And we would be delighted to officiate there!!!  Give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

John and Chris Found a Unique Place to Wed in Bonney Lake

Kent and I have often officiated in the Bonney Lake area.  Last weekend I learned about a place "new" to us but an established part of the area:  the Swiss Sportsmen's Club. 

Chris and John live nearby but they weren't aware of it either.  Thankfully, a friend, who is also a realtor, shared his find.  The couple needed a space to accommodate about 200 and to do so on a budget.  The Sportsmen's Club was perfect.

It is large enough, has its own kitchen (John's mom and friends catered the rehearsal dinner using it), a bar area (which served a beer John himself brewed), a large bride's room and plenty of parking.

Lovely Other Dragons do love to shop,
especially for shoes as cute as these!

The ceremony was poignant and touching.  John's sister, Angie, presented a reading entitled "Maybe ... " and Chris's fourth grade teacher, Nancy, read an excerpt from Edward Monkton's A Lovely Love Story.

In this very funny and cute love story, the main characters are a fierce male dragon and a lovely female dragon.

Wedding dresses can help keep the bride WARM!

Thankfully, there were some dry, but chilly moments when formal outside photographs were taken.

And, to just take in the fact that John and Chris are married!!!

I loved how the couple had so much support in making their day special:  everyone chipped in to decorate the hall, Chris's Aunt Janice handpainted signs for the cupcakes, for the piano and for the "Mr. and Mrs," plus Janice and Nancy painted all the lanterns used for the table centerpieces.  It truly was a community event.

The bride and groom decided to make their wedding memorable with food and beverage favorites:  brick oven pizza from Inferno Catering, pickles put up by John's mother as part of an antipasto plate, cupcakes from Hello Cupcake and beer (both John's brew and three selections of Rocky Coulee beer made in Chris's home town of Odessa).  The guests were all smiling.
 








So the Dragon and the Lovely Other Dragon sealed the deal with one more kiss and became Mr. and Mrs!

Wishing the two a life-time of happiness!!!

" Thank you so much for being at the wedding. We had such a great time, and in the midst of all the craziness, it wonderful to have someone as calm as you.  We had tons of compliments about you (even from people from Odessa, who are hard to impress!)"                                   

~ Chris and John

John and Chris had very good things to say about all the wedding professionals who helped make their day special.  When the wedding needed to be rescheduled because Chris's mom passed away just days before their scheduled celebration, the wedding professionals were very supportive in adjusting to the new date.  "They are such great reminders that there are still wonderful people in the world!"

Kudos to Eric Ross of ECR Photography (for letting me tag along and snap these pics).  Chris has known Eric and his family since she was young.  She used to babysit for his children!  She described him as "great," a true professional.

Jennifer Iovanne played the piano during the ceremony.  I enjoyed meeting her and Chris said she was so lucky to find her -- she is both incredibly nice and a great pianist too!

The DJ  was Chris Curtis from South Bay Sounds. John and Chris found him through a friend and they were very pleased.  They said "he plays great music for all ages and knows when to play what."


Floral arrangements were by Windmill Garden, who the couple said was amazing to work with.  Even though they had already ordered the flowers for the first wedding, they didn't charge John and Chris for them!  Very nice, indeed! 

The beer was from Rocky Coulee.  The owners' son is a good friend of John's from high school and Chris's mom was a member of the "backroom girls," who meet on Fridays for a beer, to play a few games and to enjoy some conversation.  The bride and groom have reserved some of their wedding "pint" glasses to contribute to the group as a tribute to Chris's mom.


Once you have found your perfect den to celebrate your Dragon and Other Lovely Dragon wedding, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website. 

Home in Normandy Park is a Perfect Place for Ryan and Khanitha to Celebrate Their Wedding Ceremony

The garden was perfect for classic wedding photos!

I feel so fortunate!  Kent and I often officiate at wedding ceremonies that are held in absolutely beautiful and/or unique wedding venues.  It feels like we are honored guests in so many places ... and we are very grateful.

We also are invited into homes - both grand and simple - to celebrate wedding ceremonies among an intimate circle of family and very close friends.  This weekend I was delighted to be a part of Khanitha and Ryan's wedding at his parent's home. 

Family members got together the day before the wedding and as a team decorated the living room (it was used for the ceremony and then reset for the reception dinner).  Loved the chair decor!

And this is how it looked at the dinner.

Since Khanitha is from Thailand, the couple selected Thai Siam to cater the event.  The bride and groom sampled food at various restaurants in the area and judged this restaurant (located to close to me in Ballard) to be the most authentic.  (During the cocktail hour, the chicken skewers with peanut sauce were my favorite - they were tender, had a rich, creamy taste without the sauce and were truly yummy when both were combined.  Can't wait to bring Kent there!)

Upon entering, guests were greeted by this site.  Ryan explained how he and Khanitha visited a bridal area in Thailand, where you can select clothing and have your photo taken in a wedding-like setting.

Hair pieces are so popular now. 
I like how this one gives the impression of being a veil.

Khanitha is both beautiful and warm-hearted.  We had a chance to talk just before the ceremony and she was rehearsing the words she wanted to share with Ryan during the ceremony.

Here's the whole gang! Asked everyone to just be creative in their expressions.  They were very nice about it. 

Family is obviously so important to the two.  The younger men found ways to amuse themselves and to enjoy just being around each other.

After the formal photos, Khanitha and Ryan were determining who was going to be the "boss" in their relationship.  (They were actually just being playful.)






The two are obviously looking forward to their life together!  What better thing is there than to find that person to share life with?  Wishing them long life, continued happiness and unbounded love!!

Sheena Kalso of The Invisible Hostess made sure everything ran smoothly and that the dinner settings looked gorgeous.
Food for the cocktail hour and the reception was provided by Thai Siam.


If you're hosting your wedding ceremony at your home and would like to have a truly wonderful wedding ceremony, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.