Annemarie Juhlian's Blog » seattle wedding officiant http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog Annemarie Juhlian Wedding Officiant Minister Celebrant Seattle Tacoma Washington Mon, 14 May 2012 04:29:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Launched Today: My New Wedding Website for 2012! http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2012/02/launced-today-my-new-wedding-website-for-2012/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2012/02/launced-today-my-new-wedding-website-for-2012/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:58:44 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=2070 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

]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2012/02/launced-today-my-new-wedding-website-for-2012/feed/ 0 Wedding Cat Pish Pish – The Feline “In Residence” At Beautiful Kiana Lodge… http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/05/wedding-cat-pish-pish-the-feline-in-residence-at-beautiful-kiana-lodge/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/05/wedding-cat-pish-pish-the-feline-in-residence-at-beautiful-kiana-lodge/#comments Mon, 09 May 2011 23:04:00 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1526

Paul and Kim - April 23, 2011 - Kiana Lodge

There are some things in life that are just “perfect.” 

Weddings as a whole are seldom perfect.  There are moments within each wedding that are “perfect.”

Take a look above at this wonderful photo taken by Photographer Kurt Smith immediately after Paul and Kim’s wedding ceremony at Kiana Lodge.

As I was setting up this photo with Kurt, Kiana Lodge’s “Feline in Residence” – the infamous “Pish Pish” decided he wanted to be in the photo, too.

What is extra funny is that Pish Pish was sitting on a chair on Kim’s side just before the ceremony began!

In my years officiating at Kiana Lodge, I have been in many photos with Pish Pish.  Nancy, Pam and the Kiana Lodge staff love this cat and it’s truly unbelievable how he visits every wedding…and quite possibly every event at “his place!” 

Thank you, Kurt, for capturing this most memorable photo! 

For more on my colleague and friend, Photographer Kurt Smith, please visit:   www.kurtsmithphotography.com

]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/05/wedding-cat-pish-pish-the-feline-in-residence-at-beautiful-kiana-lodge/feed/ 0 3 Tips For A Flawless Trip Down The Aisle…. http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/03/3-tips-for-a-flawless-trip-down-the-aisle/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/03/3-tips-for-a-flawless-trip-down-the-aisle/#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 17:17:39 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1339
Peter & Hannah – February ’11

           February 20, 2011

Some trips “down the aisle” are easier than others.  Peter and Hannah navigated the “aisle” at The Canal on their wedding day and made it to each other with style!
Like many wedding venues in Seattle, The Canal has unique challenges for a wedding party and family – including an elevated platform, steps and a short aisle (for a ceremony inside).
Here are three tips for a flawless trip down the aisle (well, as flawless as you are going to get!)
Just Do It:  Rehearsal - Most often a processional can get sticky because a couple decides against a wedding rehearsal. A rehearsal is a easy opportunity to practice a processional and it helps to insure a couple is more present and at ease on their wedding day.  Why?  Because a rehearsal “grounds” a couple and makes them comfortable in their bodies – they know what to do to get elegantly down the wedding aisle.
Music Cues – Get It Right – Insure you have a person in charge who cues in members of your wedding party and who has also worked with your DJ or live music group to get the cues right.  Also, if you can budget for it, live music for a wedding ceremony is exquisite and sweet and most musicians can seamlessly orchestrate music transitions for a wedding party. 
Take Advantage of The “Kid Factor” – Children bring such joy to a ceremony.  Also, most children never make it fully down the aisle without a “moment” or a hiccup and this only creates more happiness and joy on a wedding  day.

]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/03/3-tips-for-a-flawless-trip-down-the-aisle/feed/ 0 Brian and Maggie’s Weekend Wedding Celebration At Islandwood On Bainbridge Island http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/brian-and-maggies-weekend-wedding-celebration-at-islandwood-on-bainbridge-island/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/brian-and-maggies-weekend-wedding-celebration-at-islandwood-on-bainbridge-island/#comments Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:09:19 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1281

Brian and Maggie Anthoney '11

Brian and Maggie’s Wedding…
Here are some goodies that I took away from this wonderful couple and their day that remind us what a wedding is all about:
~ Graciousness:  I noticed that Brian and Maggie were extremely warm and welcoming to all of their family and friends.  Maggie’s Mother, Jaime, went out of her way, with grace and ease, to insure a myriad of details were attended to.
~ Easy, Easy….Easy.  There was just an “ease” surrounding this wedding day and weekend that put everyone at ease.  No pomp.  No crazy.  Just an ease and joy that comes from understanding that at a wedding, less is truly more.
~ Humor! Brian and Maggie had a big wedding party.  Their guys and gals were true fun and we had lots of humor, particularly at rehearsal!
~ Everyone Pitched In: A great wedding day or weekend is inclusive.  Brian and Maggie were fortunate to have the help and support of family and friends.  Giving people a “job” on a wedding day creates an atmosphere of full participation and people love to be included.
]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/brian-and-maggies-weekend-wedding-celebration-at-islandwood-on-bainbridge-island/feed/ 0 Valentine’s Day 2011 – 2 Things I Know For Sure About Seattle Weddings… http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/valentines-day-2011-2-things-i-know-for-sure-about-seattle-weddings/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/valentines-day-2011-2-things-i-know-for-sure-about-seattle-weddings/#comments Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:20:25 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1239

Valentine’s Day!  Over the years, I’ve had many wonderful, amazing and “cocktail chatter” experiences around weddings on this day. As I look back, here are 2 things I know for sure about a Seattle wedding on Valentine’s Day:

- Small Is BIG!  Yes, most weddings on Valentine’s Day are small and intimate affairs.  This may be because couples are sensitive that this is a special day for other couples or because venues tend to increase prices on this popular “going out” day. 

- A “2 For 1 Celebration Day!”  Couples I talk to LOVE the idea of celebrating two things on a day:  Valentine’s Day AND their wedding day. 

Congratulations to Erik and Sabrina, married at Salty’s on Alki and to Troy and Jessica who exchanged vows mid-afternoon in a beautiful living room with the most happy group of family and friends!

Gratitude to my friend and wedding biz colleague, Jenny Goldberg-George for the fabulous photo above:  www.jennygg.com

]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/valentines-day-2011-2-things-i-know-for-sure-about-seattle-weddings/feed/ 0 Forget the Standard “Reception Line!” Take A Page From David and Rachel… http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/forget-the-standard-reception-line-take-a-page-from-david-and-rachel/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/forget-the-standard-reception-line-take-a-page-from-david-and-rachel/#comments Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:13:23 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1222 David and Rachel.

What can I say?

Just too much fun.  Very, very wonderful.

I had the remarkable opportunity to marry this couple in front of so many family and friends on a blustery Fall day in Olympia in early November.

And what I love most about David and Rachel is their heart and creativity – especially when it comes to their relationship and how their personalities shined on their wedding day.

For instance, instead of a traditional reception line or greeting immediately after their ceremony, they opted to jump in a waiting car and zipped away for a planned 45 minute adventure, known only to them. 

Fun. Creative.  Heartfelt. 

Beautiful Photo:  Tasha Owen at www.tashaowen.com

]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/02/forget-the-standard-reception-line-take-a-page-from-david-and-rachel/feed/ 0 Jason and Kelly’s “Winter Wonderland” Wedding Celebration At The Salish Lodge… http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/jason-and-kellys-winter-wonderland-wedding-celebration-at-the-salish-lodge/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/jason-and-kellys-winter-wonderland-wedding-celebration-at-the-salish-lodge/#comments Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:44:21 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1148

Jason and Kelly ~ The Salish Lodge

Jason and Kelly took full advantage of the holiday season and the ambience of the beautiful Salish Lodge to create a truly one-of-a-kind wedding day.

Designer Kevin Bradford pulled out all of the stops to create a “winter wonderland” design for both the ceremony space and reception area.  Yes, the attention to detail was outstanding but what really stood out to me were Jason and Kelly.

Jason and Kelly have built a remarkable relationship that is inspiring to all who know them.  I am in awe of a young couple who consciously and courageously takes on the huge task of loving each other for life ~ one who takes the time to not only plan a wedding but dedicates time during an engagement to deepen a relationship/bond and plan a marriage.

Jason and Kelly ~ I walked away from your ceremony in the twinkling holiday lights of The Salish Lodge with such gratitude for the opportunity to know you and to be a part of your wedding day.  Thank you.

Gorgeous Photo by Tania at Azzura Photography:  www.azzuraphotography.com

Kevin Bradford:  www.kevinbradford.com

]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/jason-and-kellys-winter-wonderland-wedding-celebration-at-the-salish-lodge/feed/ 0 So Much Love. A Sweet & Poignant Wedding Ceremony (Bedside) at the Univ. of WA Medical Center, Seattle… http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/so-much-love-a-sweet-poignant-wedding-ceremony-bedside-at-the-univ-of-wa-medical-center/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/so-much-love-a-sweet-poignant-wedding-ceremony-bedside-at-the-univ-of-wa-medical-center/#comments Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:57:53 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1094
Wishing Comfort & Peace…
There are days in this work that touch my heart deeply. 
Today is one of those days. 
It’s late afternoon and I’m back at my home office after a wedding ceremony at the University of Washington Medical Center ~ bedside.
You see, Richard loves Felicia.  Felicia loves Richard. They are deeply in love and were planning their marriage and life together.  And then life happened.  Felicia’s Father was diagnosed with cancer. The disease has progressed and today, Richard and Felicia exchanged beautiful vows and heartfelt words at the bedside of her Father. 
Richard’s parents flew in for the last minute wedding. The hospital room at the Univ. of WA Medical Center may have been tiny but the space was bursting with big love.  Felicia’s Father stood proudly for the entire ceremony and with a few tears and many smiles, both parents looked on with great joy as their children pledged their commitment for life.
I honor Felicia’s Father with this post and wish him comfort and peace.  Richard and Felicia ~ you inspire me with your compassion, kindness and heart.  Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your day.
]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/so-much-love-a-sweet-poignant-wedding-ceremony-bedside-at-the-univ-of-wa-medical-center/feed/ 0 It’s January Crazy Time for Seattle Wedding Planning ~ Strive To Become a Remarkable and Bonafide Bridechilla & Groomchilla! http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/its-january-craziness-time-for-seattle-wedding-planning-strive-to-become-a-remarkable-and-bonafide-bridechilla-groomchilla/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/its-january-craziness-time-for-seattle-wedding-planning-strive-to-become-a-remarkable-and-bonafide-bridechilla-groomchilla/#comments Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:37:20 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1045

Colin & Andrea's Wedding Day Extravaganza - Golden Gardens Park, Seattle, WA

 As engaged couples move into 2011, many are sitting down with pen and pencil and making real their wishes, dreams and expectations for their wedding ceremony and wedding day.

Having been to more than a few wedding ceremonies and weddings, I invite a prospective bride and groom to consider the following:
1)  It’s just one day.  Yes, it’s a huge day AND it is one day.  I am very taken with a couple who is focused on planning their wedding AND planning their marriage.  As one plans a wedding, use the engagement period to deepen the relationship so a walk down the aisle comes with comfort, ease and grace.
2)  A Pre-Wedding Freak-Out Is To Be Expected.  Many years ago, I freaked out before my wedding to my husband, Greg, and we now laugh about it.  Most brides and grooms do freak out before a wedding day.  A wedding is big/huge and a momentous ritual of transition.  If and when you freak out, hang on to your partner – have the intimate talks – chat up girlfriends and guy friends and be brave and look at what really is going on.
3)  Challenge Yourself To Stay On Budget.  Each year, I work with many wonderful couples.  The happiest couples I see are the ones who create a wedding day budget and stick with out.  Work to insure you don’t create post-wedding sticker shock.
4)  Be Brave And Create A United Front.  Sit down together and decide together what you want and what you don’t want for your wedding day.  Keep a united front with family and friends.  If things come up, deal with them…together.  Navigate the choppy and joyful waters of wedding planning with joint intention.
5)  A Wedding Is SO NOT About Perfection.  It’s about imperfection.  Most wedding days are imperfectly perfect and full of last minute juggling, snafus, funsy moments and unexpected surprises.  And in the end, I often find it is the imperfect moments that create a perfect wedding day.
6)  Bottom Line?  Strive To Become a Bridechilla and Groomchilla!  I was at a wedding last night at Willows Lodge and was chatting with band leader Michael Benson.  He was at a wedding last month where the bride was toasted as a “Bridechilla” – happy, peaceful, calm and with a “roll with it attitude.”  Here is to all of my Bridechillas and Groomchillas in 2011!
Fabulous Photo Collage:  www.jennygg.com
]]> http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2011/01/its-january-craziness-time-for-seattle-wedding-planning-strive-to-become-a-remarkable-and-bonafide-bridechilla-groomchilla/feed/ 0 Slowing Down For The Holidays ~ Stepping Into Days Of Reflection, Gratitude and Giggles… http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2010/12/slowing-down-for-the-holiday-stepping-into-days-of-reflection-gratitude-and-giggles/ http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/2010/12/slowing-down-for-the-holiday-stepping-into-days-of-reflection-gratitude-and-giggles/#comments Wed, 22 Dec 2010 02:21:05 +0000 Annemarie Juhlian http://wedbyannemarie.com/blog/?p=1024

Steve & Gabe ~ Islandwood/Bainbridge Island 2010

December 2010 ~ I’m going into slow mode for the next 10 days before stepping back into “all things wedding” for Keith and Sunrise’s wedding ceremony on New Year’s Day.

As I take a breath and a few steps backward, I am full of gratitude for an extraordinary and heartfelt wedding year filled with love, craziness, anticipation, a few “Dear God!” moments, huge amounts of over-planning, lots of laughs and a few big giggles.

Weddings are just so much fun.  Yes, they are a huge ritual of transition and are full of emotional challenge, great risk, eternal hope and lots of planning or little planning.

As I look back on this year, I smile BIG when I think of:

~ Wedding Dog Charlie walking down the aisle in style with his “doggie backpack” for Daniel and Amber’s wedding at Kiana Lodge.

~ Guido and Carrie’s “Skype wedding” and the computer that kept on turning off during the ceremony!

~ Tim and Christina – a remarkable couple with huge hearts who reminded me in this work that I don’t know everything…(darn!)

~ Clint’s remarkable recovery from near death (truly) to join his sweetheart Karen for their romantic and very fun ceremony at Thornewood Castle.

~  Little “Wake” ~ Michael and Lindy’s son who escaped a front few during the ceremony at St. Paul’s Church in Port Gamble and streaked down the aisle mid-vows into the arms of his parents!

~ Joining Juanita and Mark in the chill and mist at 9 a.m. (yes, 9 a.m.!) on a Monday morning in August at Ruby Beach/Washington Coast…and yes, everyone was dressed up!

~ The surprise “visitor” at Colton and Catrina’s wedding ceremony known only to Catrina…hankies all around.

Photo Credit:  Andrea Latham

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