Stan & Samantha (Lynnwood, WA)

I've said this time and time again, each couple has their own story and memories. Stan and Samantha (also known as Sam) are no exception!

It seems like the talk of the town has been our record breaking snow fall. Stan and Sam married just this last Sunday, December 21st amidst the snow. You couldn't tell from the smiles on their faces how cold it really was outside or how much snow was accumulating on the ground because inside it was warm! The excitement on wedding day, the enthusiasm that this couple has, the friendly family and friends in attendance and of course the Christmas trees and decorations that lined the halls also attributed to this feeling.

Stan and Sam are such a wonderful couple -- you can't help but smile when you're around them! All throughout the day, family members and their friends shared with me how happy they were that "this day is here!" and "how they are just so right for each other" as well as personal stories that I had the chance to hear about. And you know, they were so right!


The ceremony and reception were held at the Lynnwood Convention Center (www.lynnwoodcc.com). The staff there was fantastic and quick to be of assistance. I was greeted with Stan & Sam's names on the reader board outside which was fun! It was easy to access from the freeway and parking was ample. Another great idea to consider for a great wedding venue.

Party Favor Idea #1: Custom Fortune Cookies

My job as an officiant sometimes crosses over into other duties, such as offering suggestions to couples who come to me with questions and in search of ideas. I am asked if I know of different vendors such as a caterer, a musician or items to decorate or feature at their reception. Often, people assume that as an officiant, I attend a lot of receptions. This isn't true, much to popular belief. On occasion, an invite is extended to me to stay to enjoy a meal with the bride and groom's family and friends.

I worked with two different couples this summer, who I found out after they had booked me, knew each other. Tyler & Ashley of Edmonds, WA and Lisa & Bill of Kingston, WA were planning on having their wedding in the same location.....in Tyler & Lisa's grandmother's backyard. (I found out that Tyler and Lisa were cousins -- small world!) An invite was extended to me to stay for both receptions.

Tyler and Ashley married in August; Lisa & Bill in September just a few weeks later. Both sets of couples had these great party favors for their guests -- made to order, custom fortune cookies by Linda & Mike's Fortune Cookies! These are not your typcial, small, run-of-the-mill fortune cookies that you get at your local Chinese food restaurant. These yummy cookies are a larger, more decorative version complete with a message of your choice found inside each cookie.

I took home a business card to find more information about these unique party favors. I found that they are very affordable and are high quality little goodies. Here's their website if you'd like to check them out for your celebration:

www.LMfortunecookies.com


"Good Luck!"

~ Rev. Tiffani

Vendor Review: Bagpiper Don

Don Scoby (also known as Bagpiper Don) is a very talented musician. He plays the Highland Bagpipes and is an up and coming Seattle star!

I first met Don about a year ago. I've always been a fan of bagpipes and through Don, I've been able to learn that the term "bagpipes" is a very loose term. Did you know that there are all different types? I didn't! Don also is an instructor, so if you are interested in learning more or have always visualized yourself playing and tooting your horn look no further!

I've listened to Don's music on his myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/bagpiperdon). I have a few personal favorites, including "Blackbird Air-reel", "Battle of Waterloo", and my #1 pick is "Remi Rawks CPNW"! The sounds are so beautiful; the music makes me envision green pastures, Celtic women and of course, the infamous kilt. Speaking of kilts, Don will show up to your event in full garb. It's great!

Personality-wise, Don is warm, friendly and professional. Standing 6'4" he carries into a room a strong presence. He's confident in what he does without being cocky. He's very easy to talk with as well as easy to work with. Don is open to answering any questions you might have and, from experience, no question is a bad question.

I'm far from a music critic and my words can't begin to describe the talent that this man has.
Don has a wealth of information on his website; please visit him at http://www.bagpiperdon.com to listen to samples of his work.

John & Michelle Whelan

John and Michelle are a couple that I had the privilege of working with, and bringing into marriage, on Saturday, 10-4-08. Their ceremony was held at Golden Gardens Bath House in Seattle. This is a terrific venue with a wonderful view of Shilshole Bay!

When I arrived onsite for my 6pm check in, I was greeted by the groom, John. Since their ceremony start time was based around the scheduled sunset of 642pm, I didn't think much of it when the sun was setting through the windows of the bath house and there were no lights on. John had asked me if my voice was strong and if I would be able to perform their ceremony without the help of a microphone. Since the acoustics of the building are fabulous and my voice being able to carry to the ears of sixty-five to seventy-five guests, I didn't see any problems. It wasn't until he mentioned the power being out that I realized the nature of his question.

After dismissing myself with John, I went to find John's bride, Michelle. She was in a side room with her bridal attendants and some other close friends. She looked beautiful! She explained to me what I had already heard from her husband-to-be and I quickly assured her that things would all work out and that she'd have her sunset!

Their ceremony start time of 630pm came and I helped get the bridal party in place. Lined up in the hallway, their dj was able to gather enough battery power on his laptop to play their processional song -- Louis Armstrong's "A Kiss To Build A Dream On". The ceremony was underway!

Michelle and John's ceremony went fabulous! When Michelle made her procession to the ceremony site, both she and her husband were struck with emotion during the first few minutes of their ceremony. I whispered to Michelle to every once in a while to look over my shoulder at her beautiful sunset that shone through the windows of their site. There was laughter from their guests and myself when Michelle jumped up and down, laughing with her famous laugh (as her husband told me, "echos off of buildings") when John spoke his "I do" during the vows. The tenderness that Michelle showed during the ceremony when she wiped her husband's tears from his face was something that their guests witnessed and smiled at during different points of their celebration.

Many might have reacted at the discovery of no power for their wedding and reception site. Michelle and John were anything but! Despite the music that couldn't be ran or the food that wasn't ready to be served the night was a success. The laughter and the talking of their family and friends made it difficult to focus on the fact that they were standing in a room with candlelight as their source of light. This couple definitely showed grace under fire. I can only hope for couples in the future that are just as wonderful.

Congratulations again, Mr & Mrs Whelan!

When "Should" You Hire Your Officiant?

This is a question that I often am asked, either in an email, on the phone or during a consultation with a couple. From the couples that I've met and had the opportunity to serve, I've been hired months in advance to just short notice. I've been told that some wedding planning books suggest waiting only a month or two before your ceremony!
So, what's my take on it, you ask? I feel that it's always best to leave yourself enough time to be able to have a choice of *who* you'd like to have officiate your ceremony. Does anyone really like to be "stuck" with the "leftovers"? I think we can all agree that it's nice to have a choice. Officiants are as different as wedding venues and wedding dresses -- we all have different views, different belief systems and different ways that we work with couples. Some of us custom-make ceremonies while other allow you to choose from pre-created ceremonies. Some of us are more hands-on than others; consultations may be offered in person or by phone or even email while others will meet a couple for the first time at the rehearsal or wedding day.
Overall, I encourage my couples to find an officiant that is a good "match" for their personalities and their beliefs. Have some ideas written out that you, as a couple, have complied together and then begin your search. When looking for an officiant, keep in mind:
* What does the officiant's services include?
* What is the officiant's belief system? Will any of his/her beliefs interfere with your beliefs or wants for your ceremony?
* How accessible will the officiant be to you? Are you limited to how many times you can meet or call?
* How well does the officiant interact with you and your fiance? How much time has an officiant invested in the initial contact with you?
* How up front is the officiant with his/her fees? Are there any "hidden fees" or are things such as travel fee(s), long distance phone charges, etc are presented up front, either during your initial consult or on their website? Is the officiant's fee average or more expensive than other officiants? If more than, what is the officiant's reasoning?<

These are a good set of questions to help you get going as you begin your early stages of searching for an officiant. Please keep in mind that there is the right match for you out there -- don't be afraid to go out and get the one that you want!

(For more information on her services or to contact Tiffani, please visit her website at http://www.upbeatweddingofficiant.com)

Welcome!

I have had many couples (and wedding professionals that I have had the privilege of working with) who have asked me if I had a blog. I do have a blog on my website, www.upbeatweddingofficiant.com and have found this great blog site as well.

If you are an engaged couple looking for an officiant who will give you a ceremony that reflects your love, your relationship and what is important to the two of you as a couple let's chat!