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!
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