I loved every moment of knowing and working with Maple and Tim as we worked together to create and deliver their wedding ceremony.

On Sunday, October 2nd, Tim and Maple exchanged vows in front of a wonderful group of thrilled family and friends – there was just so much joy in the Woodmark tent on this beautiful October morning!

As I fondly recall Maple and Tim’s ceremony, I remember these things:

1) Maple’s beautiful and glowing smile as she walked down the aisle to Tim.

2) Laughter. This was both a traditional and contemporary ceremony – and lightness worked at times.

3) Parent Remembrance: Maple’s Mother, Lily, and Tim’s Father, Bell – we created a sweet ritual within the ceremony to remember these beloved parents who have passed on.

4) In honor of Maple and Tim’s Chinese culture, we designed “8″ blessings around the ring exchange…it worked perfectly!

Maple & Tim: You lead with joy, laughter, grateful hearts and much kindness. It is such a joy to know you.

I was so the most under-dressed person at John and Tressa’s wedding last night!

I walked into Georgetown Ballroom to find all guests dressed up in their best Halloween garb. 

John, Tressa and their wedding party were in gorgeous wedding attire and it was a hoot to officiate this fun couple’s ceremony with 100+ people in the most fun costume and outfits.

I immediately found the lighting was a bit too low in the ceremony area.  Thankfully, wedding planner Megan Keller scrambled at the last moment to get some light for my 50-year-old eyes and to insure that photographer Barbie Hull would get her best shots. 

I further fussed with a few elements in the ceremony area for best effect and with a live band to accompany elements of their ceremony, John and Tressa exchanged vows during a “tears and giggles” kind of ceremony that was perfect in all ways.

John and Tressa – you truly out-did yourselves last night. You created a wedding day that truly brought out the best of who you are as a couple and a family.  Kudos to you!

(Photographer) Barbie Hull:  www.barbiehull.com

(Wedding Planner) Megan Keller:  www.akurantevent.com

I had such a lovely weekend.  Congratulations to Scott and Tonya (Sorrento Hotel) and Dave & Katie (Clise Mansion) – married in style over this glorious Fall weekend.

Okay, here’s a tiny tip and most important to those of you who have yet to print your wedding invitations.

TIP: If you are planning for a 5:00 p.m. ceremony, put 4:30 p.m or 4:45 p.m. on your wedding invitation.

I am a big fan of a prompt start to a ceremony – or within 5-10 minutes of the appointed hour.  Not only is this respectful to the couple, their family and wedding party but it keeps a wedding day on track. 

So, depending on your venue, travel considerations, weekend events and road closures, consider putting an earlier start time on your invite.  This insures your ceremony will start elegantly and promptly and gives your Officiant and/or Planner “fudge time” to insure everyone and everything is taken care of.

Smooch!

Just look at this face.  Welcome to the world, Sylvia Helene!  I married your Mommy and Daddy (Guido and Carrie) and I happily remember their fun-filled and sweet wedding day at The Corson Building in Seattle.  You are one lucky girl to have such wonderful parents and your two big sisters!

Using the excuse to “vote for me” via KING 5′s Best of Western contest, I’ve been reaching out to my couples from the past year or two and loving the stories and updates.

Jen & Keith are new parents to Clare Madeline.  Kelly and Jason are thrilled to celebrate their 1st anniversary in December.  Luke and Amanda shared they were at one of my weddings 2 weeks ago.  LeeAnn and Brad are enjoying their new home in Phoenix.  Annie & Ethan have a new little one. 

Jean & Larry are happy and well on Bainbridge Island.  Jackie and Andrew are working together and loving their daughter, Nichola.  Jen and Craig are lucky parents to Mitchell.  Brian & McAulay are “still giddy in love.”  Kristin & Max have two sons now!  Scott & Sarah just celebrated their 4th anniversary with a special meal.  John & Jennifer are busy and finally at home. 

Isaiah and Mercedes are living happily in Sammamish with their two daughters. Steve and Gabe are over the moon for their son, Connor.  Fred and Jennie are about to have a baby.  Katy’s husband, Matt, is deployed and she is home with their son, Max.  Alexa is happy to report that she and Cesar are happy and living in Issaquah and she is grieving the loss of her Father.  Jeff and Ai welcome their 2nd child this December.

Call me a most lucky gal to be a huge and happy part of this wonderful, chaotic, joyful, challenging and sweet tapestry of life!