Wednesday, October 28, 2009

"Funny" How Things Work Out



Kirsten & Adam are a couple that I served this last April. They had an intimate elopment-style wedding ceremony at Arlington's River Rock Inn (www.riverrockinnbnb.com). I am a lover of stories and did the rings that Kirsten and Adam have tell a story!

Kirsten and Adam had decided that they wanted to have an old-fashioned, elopement -- the kind where you take off onto an adventure and get married in front of God, a minister and two witnesses. The innkeepers, Bob and Lisa, stood in as the witnesses and I, of course, as the minister.

I had the chance to work with Kirsten and Adam via email, as we planned the details for their celebration. I had asked whether or not Kirsten and Adam had decided about whether they would exchange wedding rings. Since they were planning on having a family celebration in the future, they were unsure. As wedding day approached, Kirsten informed me that they did get rings and that they would be exchanging them during the ceremony. (At the time, I didn't know that there was a story behind the rings. Was I in for a suprise!!) With vows and ring exchange wording selected, I was ready to meet this LMP and deputy district attorney in person.

On a beautiful spring day, I performed their ceremony in the picturesque, woodsy property that the River Rock Inn is nestled in. The peaceful setting, the melodic sounds of birds in the backround surely set the mood. After a brief ceremony, it was official -- and Adam kissed his bride!

When we moved from the back patio to the inside of the lodge, I prepared their paperwork. I can't remember who started telling me the story but it is one that I won't ever forget.

Adam and Kirsten explained to me that the night prior to them checking in for their honeymoon weekend at the River Rock Inn, they had gone to visit Adam's mom. Before leaving, she had presented them with wedding rings that had belonged to his grandmother and great-grandmother. Now, keep in mind, no one knew of their plans for the next day.....Even more amazing, both fit perfectly onto both Adam and Kirsten's fingers! Need proof? See the picture of these rings on their hand above.

Some may say it's a coincidence. Others may say that it was meant to be. What do you think??

"Best of Western WA" wedding officiant contest



Every year, KING 5's Evening Magazine has what they've dubbed "Best of Western Washington" contest, open to different industries and businesses throughout Western Washington. This year, I had the honor of not only being nominated but also running against 20 wedding officiants in the same category.

The polls closed after about a month and the winners were announced on October 26th. Guess what?? Tiffani, The Upbeat Wedding Officiant placed 3rd! This was very exciting for me. I was up against some very long term wedding officiants, pastors and celebrants. There was about a week and a half where I did get to enjoy first place. As the contest progressed colleagues of mine who have been in the wedding business fought for first and second places.

Here's the link to my page:

http://best.king5.com/winners/best-of-western-washington/4749/weddings/officiant?place=3

Congratulations to all of you! A special, BIG THANKS to all of my clients, their family and friends who supported me during this run with your kind words, positive feedback and votes!

Hope Haven Photography


pictured: Denise Lee, owner of Hope Haven Photography, and her husband, Steven

In the wedding industry, I have met many people. Every once in awhile, I get to meet another wedding professional whose philosophy and personalities mesh very well with my own. Denise Lee, owner of Hope Haven Photography, happens to be one of those people.

I first worked with Denise a few years ago, on a wedding for a couple we both served. Tony & Ashley Hoggard held their ceremony and reception at the Edmonds Senior Center in Edmonds, WA. When I had checked in onsite, I met Denise and her daughter, Alex, who serves as her assistant. Denise and Alex took pre-ceremony (sometimes referred to as the "getting ready" photos) of the bride & groom getting ready and some of the behind-the-scene helpers. I still try not to smile too much when there's photos of me being taken talking to my couples. :)

I loved how Denise arrived early & prepared, with suggestions and ideas. I really liked how Denise did some things that were above and beyond that of a photographer. Denise even has a bridal emergency kit, complete with things from water to bandaids to everything in between!

Since then, Denise and I have had the chance to work with each other at least once if not twice a year. I have had the joy of getting to know her on a more personal level as well as her family. There are some wedding professionals that I get to work with that I like to refer to as "the dream team". Denise, Steven and Alex are amongst that group of people!

In addition to wedding photography, Denise also does family portraits and other life events. I am also deeply touched by the volunteering she does giving of her time and talents to causes such as animal adoption events, working with high school seniors, mentoring up-and-coming photographers and even free Halloween portraits to kids both big and small on Halloween.

To see her work, please visit her website at www.hope-haven.net or follow her blog at http://hopehavenphotography.blogspot.com/.

The End of Another Busy Wedding Season


My "peak" wedding season runs from February through September. I have been blessed with wonderful bridal couples once again. Thanks to the following bridal couples that I served during this time:
John & Deb
Beth & Charlie
Melissa & Eddy
Vu & Jessica
Araceli & Edgar
Brian & Linda
Jennifer & Michael
Jim & Carlette
Mike & Maria
Stephany & Derrick
Justin & Tana
Nikki & Frank
Edd & Wendy
Brandi & Jeff
Jenny & Anthony
Jim & Juvy
Holley & Chris
Jim & Debbie
Jasmine & Nathan
Dennis & Eva
Abdoulaye & Reine
Yolanda & Jamaal
Tina & Andy
Ron & Stephanie
Jamie & Juan
Joy & Jason
Nora & Richard
Jason & Jeannette
Alex & Aimee
Thao & Armand
Vicky & James
Chad & Blanca
Tracy & Rafael
Brandy & Adam
Jennifer & Ivan
Paula & Steven
Becky & Chad
Laura & Roland
Linda & Eric
Darren & Tina
Diane & Paul
Mitchell & Melissa
Marlon & Leah
Vince & Anita
Elaine & Marcel
Jessica & TJ
Holly & Frank
Trina & James
Laurren & Andy
John & Nicole
Angelica & Josh
Chris & Laura
Dean & Ming
Miranda & Spencer
Natasha & Lance
Scott & Carol
Christopher & Mariette
Launa & Vic
Brenna & Jesse
Scott & Tina
April & Damien
Holly & Keven
Billierose & Preston
Cheryl & Sal
Tammy & Curtis
Tasha & Steven
Tyffani & Damon
Dave & Jaime
Karen & Jose
Cindy & Ryan
Dani & Kelly
Tina & Leo
Amy & Jason
Jennifer & Phillip
Barbara & Wayne
Donna & TJ
Alex & Joel