Posts Tagged ‘annemarie juhlian’

What Makes Me Nuts About A Wedding Day? It’s Not What You Think!

Sunday, May 13th, 2012

You might think that a stressed out bride would make me nuts.  Nope.

How about a well-intentioned wedding party member who tries to take over a rehearsal? 

Nope.

It’s organization. 

Okay, no organization.

Each year, I have the delight of working with couples who are hugely organized.  So many couples are a dream to work with, much like Rick and Clare, who were married on a very sunny morning, April 26th, at their favorite spot on the Kirkland waterfront.

Some fall into the “middle of the road” organized category.”  And then there are the handful who are wildly dis-organized – the total opposite of my lovely couple to the right.

Really?  Admit this?  Yes.

And this really isn’t surprising.  For all of us who work with brides and grooms, we are often known for our respect, patience, kindness and sense of humor.  And each year, I get several couples who push things to the last minute.  They are truly dis-organized and make many people around them nuts.  See, it isn’t just about me!

My work around for this?  A wedding planner – full service or for the day.  In my opinion, there is no better money a couple can spend for a wedding of any size than to hire a planner for the entire event or just the day of. 

A wedding is an event.  And it’s an emotional event.   I appreciate a well-intentioned couple who desires to focus on both the wedding and the marriage and uses the services of a planning professional to assist them in stream-lining their planning process and wedding day.

www.marriedbyannemarie.com

A Beautiful, Devoted & Most Colorful Couple On A Gorgeous Spring Day in Seattle!

Thursday, April 19th, 2012

I caught this photo at left of Larry and Christy immediately after their ceremony this past Sunday, April 15th at the DAR House on Seattle’s Capital Hill.

I absolutely adore Larry and Christy.  This is one of those couples who have “it” – whatever that intangible “it” may be.  They are gracious, loving, compassionate and true and have a story that is inspiring in it’s perseverance, endurance and devotion.

With 75 family and friends gathered at 1:00 p.m., Larry and Christy shared in a colorful ceremony that celebrated their loving relationship and welcomed and engaged their beautiful group family and friends.

I left Larry and Christy with such a happy step in my walk.  This is a couple who reminds me why I do this work – over and over again.

Larry and Christy – I wish you must joy, much love and so much grand adventure in this next phase of your 6+ year loving relationship!

Annemarie Juhlian

www.marriedbyannemarie.com

You’ve Gotta Love Christopher & Christina: Creativity & Planning For A Beautiful Wedding Day At Seattle’s Alexis Hotel

Wednesday, April 11th, 2012

Christopher and Christina.

A small and intimate wedding ceremony and celebration surrounded by their closest family and friends.

Great attention and detail given to their ceremony, including the sharing of honey from Christina’s Greek tradition.

When I first met this couple on a rainy and Winter evening in Silverdale, I just immediately liked them.  Christina is one of those brides I absolutely love and treasure – she is on top of things, “on it” and with a great eye for detail.  I think this must come from her artistic and professional creative side!

And on one fine day – March 24, 2012 – at the high hour of 6:00 p.m. (prompt!), Christina walked beautifully down the aisle to her Sweetheart.  Some things are just meant to be.

What To “Forget” When Including Your Beloved Canine Family Members In Your Ceremony…

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Look at this joy!

One of my most wonderful couples – Dr. Fred and Diane Lee – are dog lovers and this wonderful wedding day photo illustrates the joy a dog brings to a wedding day.

How do I put this delicately?  I LOVE dogs.  My husband and I care-take special needs dogs at our home on Bainbridge Island and whenever I can officiate a ceremony with a dog or perhaps a dynamic canine duo (like at the left), I am that much happier.

Here is one of my best tips for weaving in your canine friend(s) into your wedding ceremony.

Get over any angst that including your beloved dog in your ceremony will be “too much.” 

Dogs are all about exuberance and there is nothing that brings more joy, laughter and peace/comfort to the beginning of a ceremony than a four-legged ring bearer or flower girl going down the aisle – prancing, running, taking a detour, sniffing a guest.

As a dog teaches us, it’s all about being in the moment. Including your family member(s), which today often means your beloved companion animal, raises the joy bar on a wedding day.  Woof!

Fabulous Photo:  www.joejill.com

Nick and Nicola – Sunshine, Joy And A Post-Ceremony Swing Set Ride!

Wednesday, March 28th, 2012

Last Friday was a spectacular March day.  Sunny, warm and just perfect.

It was also Nick and Nicola’s wedding day at Golden Gardens Park in Seattle.

With more than 100+ family and friends gathered around for their late afternoon ceremony, we shared in this sunny day as Nick and Nicola exchanged their vows during a sweet and poignant ceremony that celebrated their relationship.

We incorporated a very special blessing around their rings and they each created a sand memento with sand taken from Golden Gardens and Lummi Island – special places to both Nick and Nicola.

And for a finishing touch, I followed Nick and Nicola outside after their ceremony for a ride on a nearby swing set with their photographer, Jenny Goldberg-George. 

I have this memory of clutching my wedding binder – watching this duo swing with glee – laughing at Jenny as she encouraged Nick and Nicola to be silly – and reveling in the sunshine.

Nick and Nicola – congratulations!

Jenny Goldberg-Georgewww.jennygg.com

Annemarie Juhlian - www.marriedbyannemarie.com


Bernel & Gloria’s Festive, Romantic and Love-Filled Wedding Ceremony – An Inter-faith Persian/Jewish Celebration!

Wednesday, February 29th, 2012

Gloria & Bernel's Sofrey

Bernel and Gloria’s wedding ceremony was not only a celebration of their loving partnership, their children and family but it was a glorious and colorful tribute to their Persian and Jewish traditions.

It was such a privilege and happy oppportunity for me to share in Bernel and Gloria’s ceremony which wove together rituals and elements from both the Persian and Jewish side. 

With 150+ happy family and friends gathered around the gorgeous and elaborate Sofrey (the marriage spread in the Persian tradition) created by Gloria’s Mother and family, we celebrated the long and winding path that brought Bernel and Gloria to this beautiful moment.

As you can see from the photo above, the Sofrey is a centerpiece of a Persian wedding, filled with great symbolism.  I especially loved the vibrant color of this Sofrey and how much love and intention was woven into every detail.

Creating, crafting and delivering a more elaborate and ritual-heavy inter-faith wedding ceremony is such a delight for me.  Bernel and Gloria – thank you for trusting me with the “centerpiece” of your wedding day.  I wish you a glorious marriage adventure!

What You Don’t See In The Perfect Wedding Magazines – A Hungry Groom!

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Pre-Ceremony Snack!

I arrived a bit early for Sean and Daria’s Saturday evening wedding ceremony at the Space Needle.  And what did I find?  A very happy couple and a very hungry groom!

Sean shared with me that he hadn’t eaten much that day.  Can I have a hungry groom walking down the aisle?  I don’t think so!

I grabbed Sean’s hand and took him to the kitchen where I found his Banquet Manager, Judy, and relayed my concern.  Within minutes, her staff whisked out a tray of fruit, crackers and fruit and Sean was a happy boy.

This is one of the reasons I LOVE working at The Space Needle.  Event Manager Eric Rommen and staff are just exceptional at what they do.  Time after time, I watch them take great care of a couple on a wedding day and their quick response to Sean’s request was kind, gracious and “on it.”  And you’ve got to love the smug photo above and that grin!

Sean – you made it down the aisle in style to marry the most magnificant woman!  My very best to you and Daria…

Michael & Angela’s Winter Candlelight Ceremony At The Edgewater Hotel…

Wednesday, February 8th, 2012

Michael and Angela could not have asked for a  more gorgeous wedding day.

February 4, 2012

Sunshine, sunshine and more sunshine.

When I arrived at The Edgewater Hotel for their evening ceremony, Angela’s Mother was in awe of the sunset over Puget Sound from the reception room’s veranda. 

I was a bit early and took the time to make a few best modifications to the room set-up for the ceremony.  After meeting everyone and a few group appetizers and drinks, Michael and Angela’s family and friends gathered for the big moment.

We celebrated Michael and Angela’s loving and inspiring partnership – how they overcame the challenges of a long-distance relationship – their move to Alaska – their new home (bought just last week!) and so much more. 

Michael and Angela – Safe journey to your new home in Wasilla…much joy and adventure to you!

Launched Today: My New Wedding Website for 2012!

Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

After months of creative endeavor and a moderate amount of creative angst, I am delighted to announce the launch of my new wedding website:

www.marriedbyannemarie.com

My great appreciation goes to my Web Goddess/Designer, Min, for all of her amazing creative skill, technical knowledge, wise counsel and patience as we created this website from that very first day last September to this day.

To the wonderful and amazing local wedding photographers who contributed gorgeous photos of my couples from last year and past years – my deep gratitude.  Special kudos go to Jenny Goldberg-George, Kier and Mitzi Smith and Paul Dudley – to this fabulous three-some, you make me look so darn good and to heck with the touch-up!

As I move into 2012, I am excited for the many opportunities I will have to work with highly committed and excited couples to create beautiful moments within a wedding ceremony. 

And most of all, to Charlotte Eulette – Sweetie, I am because of you.  Thank you for bringing the art of Celebrancy to the United States – this is the most amazing work I have ever done.

My wedding running shoes laced up for 2012 and I’m ready to run! 

Photo:  www.firstlight-photography.com

Kiana Lodge: One Of My Most Favorite Pacific Northwest Wedding Venues!

Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

Dolly & Matt Vielbig, Kiana Lodge

I had so much fun at Kiana Lodge’s OPEN HOUSE yesterday!
Hundreds of people attended this annual January event – brides/grooms, wedding party and family members –  to tour the grounds and to enjoy an amazing tasting of food and beverages.
Each year, Event Managers, Pam Weatherill and Nancy Gelose, go above and beyond to showcase the property and all of the possibilities it holds for a most memorable wedding ceremony and celebration.
As they did for Matt and Dolly Vielbig and their inter-faith wedding ceremony and reception, Pam and Nancy are the best in what they do for couples and custom-creating a wedding day.  For me, officiating at Kiana Lodge is always a highlight – there is just something so sweet about this property and space. 
If you are considering a venue for your wedding, Kiana Lodge is a “must see.”  Take a peek: www.kianalodge.com
As I write this, I look forward to several of the weddings I have on my calendar for Kiana Lodge in 2012!

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