Chris and Ashley Wed At Golden Gardens

Real love is like two strong trees standing side by side supporting and sheltering one another, with their branches and roots so entwined that, in the end, we find that they are one tree—not two—and it is inconceivable that they could ever part.


When you see Ashley and Chris together, it is inconceivable that they could ever part. They are a couple!






And where else would they wed than Golden Gardens: it was where they first met and where Chris proposed. The day was perfect. The site wonderfully prepared by Amy of Blue Ribbon Cooking School (where the reception took place).


Photos were taken before the ceremony at both the Ballard Locks and at the beach. Niki Desautels of NJD Photography made the most of the scenic nearby settings.



Ashley and Chris decided on very classic colors for their wedding. Nature contributed a blue sky, green grass and trees and sparkling water.








The wedding ceremony had a family feel. Ashley's brother, Jeff, walked her down the aisle.
Her grandfather, Tim, and Chris's parents, Frank and Kathy, each presented a heartfelt reading. Both sets of parents offered their blessings to the couple.








The vows touched everyone's heart and brought a tear to many an eye.
Mr. and Mrs. Marino set off in style!

Many happy sunrises and sunsets ... and many more happy moments at Golden Gardens.

For help finding just the right words for your ceremony, please contact us and enjoy looking at our idea-filled Resource Guide!

Planning a Wedding at the Woodland Park Rose Garden and Zoo

Kent and I live near the Woodland Park Rose Garden and Zoo so we are always delighted to officiate there. Last week the Assocoation of Bridal Consultants (an organization we belong to)meeting was hosted by the Zoo.

There was a tour of the numerous places to wed on the grounds. On course, there is the classic wedding in the Rose Garden with the magnificent grand entrance from the gate around the fountain to the Gazebo. And the intimate Butterflies and Blooms or Jaguar Cove celebrations.


The Beech Grove offers an expansive lawn shaded from beech trees. We've also officiated at the Taiga Viewing Shelter and near the eagles, as well.


We are looking forward to officiating at several of the other sites: the exotic African and Thai Villages, the serene Elk Overlook and the Tundra Center. For more specifics, check out http://www.zoo.org/catering/pdf_bin/weddings/wedding_packet.pdf or contact Katie and/or Carol at (206)548-2590. They are both wonderful to work with!

The ABC meeting was also an introduction to Lancer Catering, and we were so impressed. Such an improvement in food quality and service. It was a great evening!

Chris & Beth Wed Aboard the DeAnza III

Life experiences ... memories to mark the years of life ... that is what Chris and Beth wanted for their marriage.







Both love the water and were delighted to discover the DeAnza III, a 65-foot classic motor yacht. The boat's varnished mahogany interior/exterior is spectacular -- the perfect setting for an intimate wedding.







Alexis, Beth's daughter, was the flowergirl, of course. She strewed petals to prepare for her mother's grand entrance, a radiant bride! Morning cloudiness gave way to an absolutely perfect day. Time was leisurely spent, enjoying each other's company, sampling the delicious collection of cheese, toasting the bride and groom and just relaxing and enjoying the moment.

Under the watchful eye of Captain Steve, Alexis took her turn at the wheel!

When we reached Lake Washington, we had a visitor. A heliocopter arrived to photograph us. It was great fun.

Everyone went on deck and waved, then various combinations of people assembled for photos.

"Thank you again for being a part of our awesome day! It was everything we hoped it would be and you were a big part of that! I've already recommended you to someone else. Thanks much!"

--The Novaks (I love saying that)

It was a memorable, wonderful, warm, incredible day. I'm certain Chris and Beth will always remember their wedding.

Aaron & Beth Wed At Laurel Creek Manor

June 21st was an amazing weather day. Kent and I set off from Seattle in sunshine, drove through Kent Valley in pounding rain, arrived at Laurel Creek Manor as things lightened up, and officiated Aaron and Beth's wedding ceremony during a sun break.

Beth and Aaron had their hearts set on an outdoor ceremony. Laurel and Kirsten had everything ready at the Manor for changes in the weather. As soon as the rain let up, the chairs were wiped dry, the table for signing the certificate was set up, and the music began. The guests were in high spirits!

After the story of "Seatown Guy" and "Greenlake Girl" was told, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, touching the hearts of all there. Lyla Ross, their sister-in-law, presented a poem by e e cummings, one of the couple's favorite poets, and Dawn Isaac read "Love is Friendship Caught on Fire." Aaron and Beth were then blessed by their friends and family.

The porch was the favorite place to hang out during the evening. A great place to relax and take in the fresh air.

And there were so many romantic places to exchange a kiss!

The evening was mild, the perfect temperature to dance the night away!

A rose petal shower saw the bride and groom off to their wedding night. Smiles everywhere.

After having Pat officiate such an intimate ceremony celebrating our love story, it's hard to believe she was a stranger to us just eight months ago!

Pat graciously came into our lives, eager to know our story, and understand our unique wishes for our wedding day.

We couldn't have asked for someone more graceful, professional and patient to walk us through the process of planning our ceremony, and ultimately oversee our becoming husband and wife.

Just days after our wedding I had an engaged friend ask me how to get ahold of Pat to see if Pat might officiate her wedding. Pat and Kent both have such passion and heart for what they do - we offer the most esteemed recommendation for their services.

Beth and Aaron, wishing you all the joys of married life!!!

Many thanks to Jennifer and Scott of Red Fish Blue Fish for these wonderful photographs, to Bamboo Beats for keeping the evening alive with music and to Laurel Creek Manor for hosting such a great start of summer!

Creating a ceremony that acknowledges special days - the summer and winter solstice, the spring and fall equinox, national holidays and personal anniversaries - adds another dimension to the wedding day. Contact us at http://www.aheavenlyceremony.com/ to start planning your special day!

Christies Exchange Wedding Vows In 14th Ceremony

Weddings are dear to our hearts and each year we are privileged to officiate for couples beginning their journey of married life. The experience is one of joy and hope.

Not as often, we are honored to officiate for couples who wish to renew their marriage vows. The experience is one of inspiration and celebration.

On July 8, 2009, Doug and Jackie Christie renewed their vows at the Chinese Room in Smith Tower. Each of the 14 years they have been married, they have chosen to do so. What I find so delightful is that these are two people who understand both the tensions and the joys of marriage, who have dealth with not only the private issues, but the public concerns, of being a couple in the limelight, and who still have found their marriage to be the center of their lives.

This year they invited couples from the gay and lesbian community to join them. The Christies believe that when two people love each other and are in a long-term relationship, they should have the right to marry.

It was a memorable evening. Catering was provided by A Grand Affaire, photography by John & Joseph, and dj services by Adam Tiegs.

Eric & Jessica Wed At the Hollywood Schoolhouse

Yes, the bride and groom are so very happy ... and so are all their friends! It was a beautiful day in April ... yes, April in Seattle (well, Woodinville, actually) ... to exchange wedding vows and celebrate love.

Kent officiated and he was grinning ear to ear when he told me about the wedding. All went well: gorgeous flowers and decor, good music, and as always the staff at the Hollywood Schoolhouse were their professional best. Add family and friends and you have the making of a great celebration.


Of course, the kiss was the highlight of the ceremony. As you can see from the expressions on bridesmaids' faces, it was a kiss to remember!

After the ceremony, there is this amazing glow. It is a great time to schedule some "you" time. Just looking at these photos, you can feel the love Eric and Jessica share.

"We wanted to take the time to thank you both for everything.
Our complete experience with meeting you both,
the preparation sessions, writing the ceremony,
our story and finally the wedding.
You both made our special day the best we could have ever asked for.
We loved every minute!
Thank you so much!"

Jessica and Eric prepared not only for their wedding but for their marriage with our premarital preparation. Here's what Jessica had to say about the experience:

"To be honest, I loved all the sessions.
We learned so much from each one
but in the communication and finances ones,
we learned the most about each other. "

For more information about the sessions, check out our website.

Many thanks to JFK for the photos. Jenna and John are always great to work with!

Going to the Chapel - Wedding at St. Paul's

"We can't thank you enough fo what you did. It was such a relief to have someone who knew what they were doing. The ceremony was amazing, as are you two. Best wishes for many years to come." ~ Sean and Jennifer

St. Paul's Chapel in Pt. Gamble was the perfect site to "tie the knot." Jennifer and Sean wanted to celebrate their wedding ceremony in a sacred space: one that is warm and welcoming, with a sense of history. The simplicity of the setting showcased the couple beautifully. Kent was smiling happily as the two sealed their marriage vows with their first kiss as a married couple.

After the ceremony is the perfect time to share a private moment or two. The "glow" that occurs after the exchange of vows is a very special time, one to be savored.

What can be better than giving yourself as the bride and groom some time to enjoy the experience. It will be a memory to treasure for a lifetime.

Any non-rainy wedding day in the Pacific Northwest is a gift. Sean and Jennifer were so lucky to even have some sun breaks in April, which is even more amazing. It allowed Tasha Owen to capture these outdoor images.

Tasha told us, "As always when either you or Kent are the officiant it is a beautiful ceremony. I told Kent how lovely I thought it was and he told me you had written it. Just beautiful. "

Love the dreaminess of the infrared.

Best wishes, Jennifer and Sean!!!

For more ideas on where to celebrate your wedding, check out the venues at http://www.aheavenlyceremony.com/.