Sunday, February 5, 2012

Vener + Alicia = Wedding at Gas Works Park

Love was apparent when Alicia and Vener wed!

Kent and I truly enjoyed meeting this wonderful couple.  I had a chance to get to know them better through our premarital sessions and to help them create their ceremony, while Kent had the honor of officiating for them.





All was in readiness!  From the flower girls and ring bearers ...












... to the lovely ladies.









The wedding party was joyous.  It was a day to celebrate.   Playful photos were taken 




... and so were more formal ones.






Then, the ceremony began!

Does Vener look happy or what?






There were touching moments.



And moments of down right laughter!












The couple honored both of their heritages.  Vener is Filipino so three traditions were included in the ceremony.  First, was the arras or 13 coins to reflect financial prosperity and well being for the couple.

Then, the placing of the veil to represent both blessings and protection.
The moms were delighted to have this role in the ceremony.



Finally, the placing of "the cord" over their shoulders, symbolizing their union. 







There was also a time to include Sasha, their adopted daughter and center of their family.
Isn't she adorable?

I love how the broom can be
decorated in the colors of the wedding.



After being pronounced Mr. and Mrs, the two "jumped the broom," as a nod to Alicia's cultural history.








 








Then, it was time to celebrate.
Sasha was enjoying herself,
along with her parents!




On to the Blue Ribbon Cooking School for the reception and fun.










Dancing, of course!













Such a fun photo!



Love this photo of Vener and the "money dance."  It is the first time I saw the money crown.


I think everyone had fun with it.











And, you can't forget the cake!  It was created by the Blue Ribbon Cooking School, along with the flowers, catering, linens, place setting and day-of-coordination.

Wishing Alicia and Vener the very best in their life as husband and wife and as parents!

We know there will always be joy and love in their lives!

Thanks to Jenn Ireland for the photographers.  Hats off to the staff at the Blue Ribbon Cooking School, who set up and took down the ceremony seating at Gas Works Park and took care of all of the details of the reception. 

DJ A.S.I.A. kept the reception hopping and guests enjoyed the Aura Photo Booth  too!

To create a ceremony that reflects you and your cultural heritage, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or contact us through our website at www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

The Sanctuary at Admiral Hosts Michael and Andrea's Wedding






I was so taken with Andrea when I first saw her in her wedding dress.  She had selected a Grecian-type wedding dress and then coiffed her hair to match.  The overall look was stunning.  It is wonderful to see brides find their own style.

 


OK ... Michael looked great too!!!

The couple married at the Sanctuary at Admiral (which will be having an open house on January 26th).  It is an historic setting and fit the size of the couple's wedding perfectly.

Looking forward to sharing more photos from their wedding. It was one to remember!!

I saw Michael and Andrea a few months after their wedding and they were still beaming with love.  Wishing them a lifetime of happiness.







Monday, November 21, 2011

Randy and Erin's Wedding Ceremony at Novelty Hill/Januik Winery

The bride and groom really wanted an outdoor wedding.  Even though it was mid-October,  the skies were partially clear and the rain held off so the ceremony took place on the stylish Novelty Hill/Januik Winery grounds.  (Every time I see the bocci courts, I smile.  My sisters and brother and I have participated in a tournament or two.  We're not very good but it sure is fun.)


L
ights were strung on the trees just in time for the early evening ceremony.  There was magic in the air. 

M
ost of the wedding photographs were taken before the ceremony.  I think that is such a great idea.  Erin and Randy had a "reveal" and could actually talk and hug and kiss.  A sweet moment.  Then, there were some formal photographs.  Ladies first! 


Then, the "guys!"  So good to see that couples are choosing people from both genders who are important to them.  In this case, Randy's sister.
 All together!

Something borrowed, something blue.
Time for the ceremony to begin. Erin was stunning in a gown by Priscilla.  And, her dad was bursting with pride.


There were serious words, loving words, and a few light-hearted words too.




Frank, one of the groomsman, presented a reading on friendship.

It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round. However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel.





After the vows and exchange of rings, the mothers presented the wines for the unity wine ceremony.  What would be more appropriate for a wedding at a winery.




It was "crush" time at the winery.  The smell of grapes and juice was intoxicating!

 
Then, it was time for some "bride and groom" photos.  The lighting was very interesting, making for striking images.





The cake was as delicious as it looked.



The reception and and the first dance.  The night was lively and fun.

Wishing Erin and Randy a great life together!!






People who helped make the celebration wonderful:
Emily Pollock from Januik Winery

For help in finding the perfect words for your ceremony, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website: www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Liz and Ray's Home Wedding

After the ceremony, we made our way outside for a group photo.
There are many reasons I was delighted to meet Ray and Liz.  
First, they are a wonderful couple.  
Second, we live just blocks from each other.  
Third, they are "word" people who were very engaged in creating a ceremony that perfectly fit them.
Fourth, they decided on a "jeans" wedding theme.  
Fifth, they raise chickens (I'm toying with the thought of raising them also).

Since it was a late morning wedding,
some java was appreciated.


The two decided to wed in an intimate ceremony at their home.  So they "spiffed" their place up, invited their family and very close friends over and were married in their living room.  It gave them a chance to enjoy a cup of morning coffee and greet everyone as they arrived. 




It was a sunny, autumn day.  The room was filled with warm light and warm hearts.






Oh, you can't see them very well but we were also wearing handmade socks.  Liz had knit hers and Ray's.  I had made mine.


Mine is on the right.

Here's a close-up.



Everyone ... and every critter was very attentive.





Small touches made the day special.  Liz had a vintage handkerchief in her back pocket.










Two readings were presented:  one by Ray's father, Les ...












 



and another by their good friend, Adrienne.  Both had strong emotional impact.

What a great way to begin the day ... 
and a great way to begin a life together!


Liz and Ray said - 
We really enjoyed you doing our ceremony. It was a lot of fun! We had compliments from everyone who attended.  All in all, it was a very special day, and we had a great time.
Thank you!


Wishing Ray and Liz the very best!!

Thanks to Tasha Owen for the great photos.

To plan your unique and wonderful celebration, give us a call at (206)789-9788 or through our website www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Rylan's Baby Blessing

Isn't she cute!
In 2009 I was honored to officiate for Chris and Sandy.  Last weekend, I was fortunate to officiate for their daughter's baby blessing.  And a true blessing she is.  Rylan is an adorable child and her family is delighted she is in their lives.

Her parents wanted to have a ceremony to celebrate her arrival in the world, to acknowledge their love and commitment to her, to recognize the support Rylan has from her grandparents and to name her godparents.

 
We gathered at their home for the blessing.  Rylan was wearing a baptismal dress that has been in Chris's family for several generations.  It was a perfect symbol of Rylan being the reflection of a new generation yet connected to her lineage.



Sandy and Chris selected the wording for the ceremony from some of the sample ceremonies provided.  They wanted Rylan to be anointed with sacred oils and water.  The oil was selected for its qualities of protection and safety.  The water for its sense of tranquility and peacefulness.






Everyone was happy!  Sandy sent me an email with these words:

"Pat created such a meaningful ceremony for our baby blessing- it was unique and very personal.  Our entire family felt included in the celebration. "   
~ Sandy and Chris

Wishing Rylan the very best in her life:  may she be loved as the gift she is and may she experience a long and fulfilling time on earth.  And may Chris and Sandy enjoy every moment with her!

There are many moments in life that are special and that can be celebrated through ceremony.  If there is a particular event you would like to specially recognize and celebrate ... be it the birth of a child, a certain birthday, a life passage or ... give us a call at (206)789-9788 or contact us through our website: www.aheavenlyceremony.com.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Bryan Loves Kelly, Kelly Loves Bryan!




Very happy to share a photo montage of this wonderful wedding at Bear Creek Country Club.  Many thanks to Red Fish Blue Fish Photography for the photos!!!







The guys were looking quite dashing, from the ring bearer to the groom.










The gals were all decked out and ready to celebrate a wedding.


The two ladies are one of my favorite photos.
Idyllic.



Time for the ceremony -- the ring bearer and flower girl did so well.  Aren't they the best?



Tents with draping make a wedding so romantic!


Bear Creek Country Club has a beautiful tent and is a sweet place to wed.







Everyone was so happy ... Kelly and Bryan's love was apparent!





The ceremony was very lovely and included a unity sand ceremony.







Love butterfly releases. 
Such a natural way to celebrate love.

This was followed by a butterfly release!  This is so much fun.  It is a ceremony element that remains forever hopeful.  Just the idea of the butterflies carrying the wishes for the bride and groom's happiness and love to the heavens is a sweet one.



At the reception, the Candy Bar was a big hit!









Kelly and Bryan, along with their guests, danced the night away to the music DJ'd by Sounds Unlimited.  Wishing them a lifetime of great softball games (that's how they met), great dancing, and a great love.


The wedding ceremony was personal to the couple, with words about their initial meeting, what they loved about each other, what they were looking forward to in their life together, a unity celebration they liked and, of course, the butterfly release that was so dear to Kelly's heart.  For help in creating your "dream wedding ceremony," please call us at (206)789-9788 or email us at www.aheavenlyceremony.com.