Seattle Elope ~weddings exactly as you wish~

Ringing in the New Year with a Wedding

2012-01-03T20:37:00.000-08:00

Photo: Joe Dyer, Seattle PI

When I first talked with Bart about their plans to wed, he was so excited about being married at 12:01am January 1, 2012. As things evolved, the couple finalized room reservations at the Pan Pacific with a great view of the Seattle Space Needle and the fireworks from their room.

Amber flew in from Italy, where she is stationed in the military. Family members gathered early and prepared for the "big occasion."

Everyone was expectant and happy.

We began the ceremony before midnight. It was a simple affair with a unity candle lighting and personal words from the groom.

Bart is an early riser and he wrote Amber a "love" email at 5:30am. The events of the day filled every moment so he decided to share his email (from his phone) during the ceremony.

The rings were held by them both after the ring had been "warmed" by the blessings and well wishes of everyone present.

The couple was pronounced Mr. and Mrs. just after the fireworks began. How can you top that!

Wishing the two a bright and joyful marriage, spectacular in every way!

Photo: Seattle PI

Photo: Joshua Trujilla, Seattle PI

To schedule your amazing ceremony, call us at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website: www.seattleelope.com.

Emma and Guy Wed on the Last Day of 2011

2012-01-02T18:26:00.000-08:00

Walking to the Woodland Garden via the Wilcox Bridge

The bride and groom were truly blessed with a sunny day on December 31st! Guy and Emma decided to wed in the Arboretum at a place where Guy's mother and he visited on her recent trip to Seattle. Since she couldn't actually attend the ceremony, the choice of the Woodland Garden brought a sense of family to the occasion.

And, I learned about the Wilcox Bridge. I've driven under it a zillion times but this was the first time I walked it. Love learning new things!

Emma and Guy each carried, and then wore, a red rose. They were beautiful and added both a touch of color and expressed their commitment in the language of flowers.

The two were very conscious of the wording of their ceremony. (We encourage couples to have words said that are important and meaningful to them.) I loved their vows. Here's one part of them:

Do you pledge
·    to help each other to developyour hearts and minds, cultivating compassion, generosity, ethics, patience,enthusiasm, concentration and wisdom as you age,
·   to together undergo the variousups and downs of life
·   and totransform them into the path of love, joy and equanimity?
Guy and Emma: We do.

Emma's friend, Jill, read a letter to the couple written by Guy's brother, Jeremy. It was funny and sweet and poignant and loving ... and it touched everyone's hearts.

Jill did a great job of presenting.

All in all, a wonderful experience! What a way to conclude one year and to begin life together as a married couple in the new year.

Being curious what marriage in 2012 will be like, it seems it will be a year blessed with harmony, virtue, riches, fulfillment and ongevity. Guy and Emma, may all these qualities be yours!

Do you have a special place where you would like to exchange your wedding vows? Give us a call or contact us through our website: www.seattleelope.com.

Chicago Couple Weds in the Olympics

2011-12-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

Two chefs creating their own unique wedding!

There is so much to love about weddings. Today, I ventured out to the Port Angeles area, about 80 miles from Seattle. There I met Dylan and Dana, a great couple from Chicago. (That's where Kent and I met!) They selected their wedding location based on the culinary signature of the area and beautiful scenery. They decided on the greater Seattle area since they hadn't visited here yet, stopped by Pike Place Market to pick up the makings for a dinner or two, then traveled to their destination -- a cabin east of Port Angeles with a magnificent view of the Olympics. (Plus it has a heated pool, jacuzzi, gazebo and its own pond.)

Dana and I immediately started talking about "field to table" dinners, preserving small, local farms, sustainable agriculture. These are passionate interests for her ... and for me. Dana even wanted her dress to be more of a person-to-person experience so she went online to Etsy and found one that was unique and perfectly suited her.

Both the bride and the groom wanted to be wed with the mountains behind them. The Olympics were visible at the start of the day but a cloud bank moved in as the morning progressed and the two were losing hope. Then, just before the wedding ceremony, the clouds shifted a bit and there were the mountains. Perfect!

The weather was also surprisingly warm. Dana was delighted she was almost comfortable outside without a coat. (Brave woman.)

The vows were exchanged, the papers signed and the couple are now Mr. and Mrs! It was a great experience all around. Wishing the two a lifetime of happiness and health and an infinite number of absolutely great meals.

To be wed at your dream location in the area, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website: www.seattleelope.com.

Brian and Maggie Wed at Salish Lodge

2011-10-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

Don't they look happy!

Today is the 15th anniversary of Maggie and Brian's first date. It is obvious the two are in love -- you can see it in their eyes. So marriage is the next step.

It was a beautiful autumn day and a gorgeous eve. (As I was driving to the Salish Lodge and Spa, it had just finished raining and there was a rainbow across the entire northern sky.)

The newlyweds are enjoying their corner room
with a terrace right next to the Falls.

The lucky couple invited two close friends -- Janis and Harold -- to witness the ceremony and to celebrate with them. Their friends are a married couple and were asked to hold the rings while I spoke about them during the ceremony. It was a touching moment for everyone.

Afterwards, the guys shared a beer ...

and the ladies clinked their glasses!

I meet the nicest people.

Just heard fromMaggie and Brian:

SO GLAD you wereour officiant. We really enjoyed meeting you and having you be part ofour ceremony. You and the services you offer are wonderful, no,actually SPECTACULAR!

As anadministrative person myself, I truly appreciate your immediate follow up aswell. I will make sure that I recommend you to everyone that I knowthat will be getting married. You helped make ourevening....well....perfect. :-)

Wishing Brian and Maggie many wonderful years together!

The Salish Lodge and Spa offers a great elopement option called "Elope Atop the Falls." It includes:

one of the river side rooms
rose petals and sparkling wine in room upon arrival
Salish keepsake champagne flutes
personal wedding cake for two with the bride and groom's initials
petite floral bouquet
Salish keepsake picture frame
Table 5 in the Dining Room with a four-course tasting menu
breakfast for two featuring the four-course country breakfast
plus they have a spa!!!

Simple, elegant and easy. It is a popular choice.
If you are planning an intimate ceremony, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website: www.seattleelope.com.

James and Mona - Love Blooms in Magnolia

2011-03-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

The happy couple!

Persian New Year

First Day of Spring

Ebrahim's Birthday (the bride's father) ...and a wedding!

Talk about significance in the day!!

Mona and James decided to wed in their home among family and the closest of friends. Mona's parents traveled from Montana to witness the wedding ceremony.

Basad, Ebrahim and Mona - Family

It was fun taking photos.

And sharing well wishes!

Mona, James and the wedding guests

It was great to Tyson and Anna (the couple on the left). They are celebrating two years of marriage. My husband, Kent, officiated for them and we met for premarital preparation sessions. The two shared our names with James and Mona. Thank you Anna! Thank you Tyson!

The ceremony included one of my favorite sections from Gifts of the Sea about dancing together as a metaphor for love.

Both James and Mona were absolutely glowing. Mona is a radiant bride. She decided on orchids for her bouquet and often wears a single orchid in her hair. This bridal bouquet was fashioned by Metropolitan Market. Mona was delighted with it.

There's a phase in the I Ching that speaks of "words as sweet as the fragrance of orchids." May Mona and James enjoy a relationship characterized by sweet words and sweet times together.

For a ceremony that speaks of your love and devotion, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our email www.seattleelope.com.

Candy and Gordon Elope to the Alexis Hotel in Seattle

2011-03-07T21:55:00.000-08:00

Yes, Seattle is a wonderful destination for a wedding. Candy called us the week of their wedding and things moved into place so very quickly!

Since we accept Paypal, we received their reservation fee instantly and immediately sent them a collection of sample wordings for their ceremony. Gordon and Candy were drawn to one that suited them perfectly.

The two arrived in town on Friday night, then visited Pike Place Market on Saturday morning, prepared for their ceremony that afternoon and then enjoyed a night on the town. A great wedding weekend.

They stayed at the Alexis Hotel and enjoyed complimentary champagne. Russell, on staff at the hotel, volunteered to be a witness, along with my husband, Kent.

Candy and Gordon decided on a more religious ceremony which included the "cord of three strands" and a hand washing ritual as a way of preparing for their marriage. It was a very touching and lovely ceremony.

And, of course, they sealed their vows with a kiss.

Wishing the two a lifetime of happiness!!!

"Thank you so much for all that you did to help with our ceremony. We are very grateful, we feel very blessed to have found you and your husband to be part of our very special day. "
~ Candy and Gordon

Kent and I enjoyed meeting Gordon and Candy ... and celebrating their wedding. If you're planning a destination wedding, consider Seattle and consider us. You can reach us at 206.789.9788 or through our website.

"I Do" - Angela and Matthew Finally Affirm Their Vows

2011-02-19T21:21:00.000-08:00

"I do" - two words Angela and Matthew have wanted to say for years!

O'Dell Center in Kent had an open house today. We were happy to be invited to the event and to learn about a venue that is new to us. Kent was our representative.

The highlight of the afternoon was his meeting up with Matthew and Angela. The two happened to be at the open house with their friends who were getting married.

Angela and Matthew married a few years ago. They had met with us and at the time thought our fee was a bit over their budget. They decided to go with another officiant.

When they saw Kent, they recognized him immediately and couldn't wait to share their "wedding ceremony story" with him. In hindsight, the two wished they had chosen one of us to officiate for them.

Here is what they said. Their wedding day was going very well ... until the ceremony. The officiant had a "melt down" and in the confusion, skipped pages of the ceremony. Angela noticed and pointed this out to the officiant several times. When all was said and done, the couple had never actually said, "I do." They regretted not saying these two very important words to each other.

Angela wanted to make it right and asked Kent if they could do so on the spot. Kent was overjoyed to oblige. The couple joined hands, Kent asked if they would take each other as husband and wife, they jubilantly responded, "I do," and kissed.

Satisfaction at last!

Kent asked for a photo and permission to share their story, which was happily given. Matthew and Angela look forward to seeing this blog post.

The end! (Not really. It's the continuation of a very happy marriage!!!)

Valentine's Wedding of Betsy and Kojo

2011-02-15T21:23:00.000-08:00

I was very fortunate to begin Valentine's Day by officiating for Kojo and Betsy. They are so in love and so full of good nature. Cupid certainly was true of aim when he brought these two together. I smiled the rest of the day thinking of them.

Betsy's sister, Gay, and Kojo's friend, Kevin, did the honors of maid of honor and best man.

The guys, two of whom were already married, congratulated Kojo on his transition to a very happy life!

Dear friends also attended the ceremony. Everyone was so happy for the bride and groom.

And, of course, there were plenty of opportunities to share a kiss or two.

"There are no words to express how grateful Kojo and I are for the magnificent wedding you created for us and for which you officiated. We both felt that you were very much a part of our friends and family who were present.

You have our appreciation also for making our rather short-notice ceremony as easy as it could possibly have been considering the time element. Your organization and ability to communicate to us what needed to be completed – and when – were welcome and comforting guidelines that allowed us to do our part in the most expeditious manner.

We can't imagine anyone creating a better experience!"

Wishing the sweethearts a life time of happiness and health!

If you would like to wed on a special day, be sure to check with us. Give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website.

Brent and Leah Join in Wedlock in the Pacfic Northwest

2011-01-23T20:45:00.000-08:00

I know I've written about this before but intimate weddings are so great!!!

Leah and Brent recently arrived here. It is a time of beginnings in their lives: they are living in a new part of the country, are setting up a new home, are starting a new life together as a married couple.

They like the area ... and they are delighted and grateful to have found each other. And, I enjoyed just watching them.

The bride looked stunning! OK, Brent looked pretty dashing himself.

Leah loves Brent. Brent loves Leah.

It was obvious they are in love. (I'm learning about photo editing and I just couldn't resist creating a heart for them.

Christina and Alex join in the celebration!

New friends came together to witness their vows ...

and to celebrate Brent and Leah's good fortune!

Everyone is pretty happy!

I appreciated the black, white and red color theme!

So what are they drinking? I'm glad you asked. It's Sierra Nevada Celebrations (one of Sierra Nevada's holiday brews) and a favorite of the couple. (And, yes, I couldn't restrain myself ... the little hearts just help reflect their LUV!)

If there are hearts and LUV in your life and a wedding in your future, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website.

David and Amber's Wedding at the Salish Lodge

2011-01-17T20:42:00.000-08:00


Love in the Library

As you know, in the summer many cruise ships depart from Seattle and make their way along the coast to Alaska. People from all over the country, as well as the world, travel here. Which is what this bride and groom decided to do. Imagine this: flying from Texas, arriving in Seattle, enjoying a night at the iconic Salish Lodge (can you get more Pacific Northwest than that), experiencing a sweet wedding near Snoqualmie Falls, boarding the cruise ship and honeymooning while touring some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

There are many paths to enjoy near the Falls.

Having just experienced my first cruise, all I can say is "Wow!" I don't think I've relaxed more in my entire life. What a great way to begin married life!!

Not only are the Falls amazing, the grounds around it are too. So we met near the Lodge, then strolled to the meadow near the Falls and decided it was the perfect place for the wedding ceremony to take place. The mist from the Falls keeps the surrounding area truly "green" and fresh.

It was a sweet and simple ceremony.

The couple selected Why Marriage by Mari Nichols-Haining as part of the ceremony wording:

... Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night
With someone who thanks God for me,
With someone I feel blessed to hold...
Because marriage means opportunity
To grow in love in friendship...

The vows were sealed with a kiss (of course)!

And, then it was time for another kiss! (There's always time for a kiss, you know.)

"A Heavenly Ceremony absolutely made our wedding experience wonderful. Pat was so easy to speak with. She is very personable, timely and understanding of our wants. She offered great ideas and lots of resources so you can have the ceremony you want.

During the service, Pat makes the moment more special. By the energy and passion she puts into it, you can tell she is just as happy for you as you are. She is a wonderful officiant and we'll always remember her!"

Oh ... what can I say. It was a great wedding! I truly enjoyed officiating for David and Amber and wish them a marriage as beautiful, meaningful and engaging as their ceremony!

Many thanks to Cory Parris for these incredible photographs.

If you are planning to wed before taking a cruise to Alaska or while you are vacationing in the area, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website. Seattle has some very scenic places to exchange your wedding vows.

Andrew and Chanele -- A Sweet Wedding Ceremony on Alki Beach in West Seattle

2011-01-08T21:24:00.000-08:00

Luna Park Cafe -- A West Seattle Institution

This time of the year, I like to warm myself with thoughts of summer weddings. So I was delighted to receive these images from Chanele and Andrew's wedding ceremony that were taken by Barbie Hull.

Andrew and Chanele exchanged vows at the scenic Alki Beach. It was a crystal clear day and the Seattle skyline was looking its best.

He looks good in black.

The couple invited their closest friends along with their fur baby (all dressed up in his finest) and made quite the day of it.

Not quite sure who the "star" of the day was!!!

Andrew and Chanele shared personal words before exchanging more traditional vows. I really like that!

And so the two are now Mr. and Mrs!

Wishing Andrew and Chanele many, many, many sunny days and clear skies.

Thanks to Barbie Hull for these great photographs.

Planning your sweet and simple wedding in Seattle or on the Sound? Give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website.

Mark and Cynthia -- A Very Ducky Wedding

2011-01-05T15:58:00.000-08:00

Cynthia and Mark are a great couple. The bride shared her wedding blog with us that tracked their decision to "re-marry," the planning process, the wedding, the reception and the post-reception celebration. And being a somewhat private person, she selected two ducks and a collection of ducklets to represent all involved.

Meet the Re-Dux

On her site, Cynthia wrote:

"Wikipedia defines redux as meaning "brought back, restored," so it quite captures this moment of remarriage. But the concept is best illustrated above, as in, Re: ducks.

Yes, here we are, two lucky ducks ... Suffice it to say this ducky bride and groom were a timely contribution to an already extensive rubber duck collection, which started with our baby in the tub almost 27 years ago.

And now we were about to have a second chance at matrimonial bliss."

So an intimate gathering convened at the Sorrento Hotel, the vows exchanged and the papers signed (yes, both they and their accountant are quite happy).

Meet the Ducks. There's RoboDuck, and Devil Duck, and Devil-May-Care Duck; the Triplet Ducks, and Flirty Duck; Wanna-Be Duck (check out that fish) and Coy Duck and several Mama Ducks; there's Punk Duck and (Too) Sweet Duck; there's Hapless Duck and Mutant Duck and Miss Congeniality Duck; there's the Wedding Party Ducks with Children in the front, and, of course, there's Karma (the dog) pretending to be a duck.

Then, a waddling (ok, I could have said flock but what's the fun in that) of ducks gathered to celebrate at Salvatore's, their favorite restaurant in Ravenna. Aren't they an adorable group?!

And we were delighted by Cynthia's words about us:

"Well, Google came through again by offering a considerably better option than Irish Moonservices Housecleaning/Wedding Officiants/Front for the Mafia (for all we know): A Heavenly Ceremony, voted "Best Officiant Finalist" by Seattle Bride Magazine. The Reverends Kent Buttars and Pat Stimac, married for 34 years and as charming and helpful and kind a couple as you'd ever want to meet, offered their services. They were available so at last we had a "when.""

Oh ... swoon ... or is that swan. We were transformed!

Sending sweet thoughts and loving wishes to the re-dux!

If marriage is in your flight plan, swoop over to your phone and give us a call at 206.789.9788 or flutter over to our website www.seattleelope.com.

New Year's Wedding of Nick and Mary Warms a Cold Eve

2011-01-02T21:20:00.000-08:00

Mary loves Nick -- Nick Loves Mary

The nicest people find their way to us!

Nick and Mary are from Texas and decided to marry while in Seattle. (Yes, they cook great BBQ together and I did ask for the recipe ... but you have to go to Texas to enjoy it. Even Nick's mother doesn't know the recipe!)

Because their families weren't with them, Mary called her folks so they could listen in. (Aren't speakerphones wonderful?)

What can you do but smile!

New Year's Eve was quite frosty and cold outside but toasty and warm inside.

The ceremony took place in front of the fireplace

Smiles, laughter, love filled our home. What a wonderful way to end one year and begin a new one.

We are so Happy to have married in Seattle. Thanks for making our day so very special.
~ Mary & Nick

And we all were happy for the Mr. and Mrs! May their life together be incredible!!!

CeCe, Mary, Nick and Sarah -- a happy group!

If you are planning an intimate wedding, please give us a call at 206.789.9788 or contact us through our website www.seattleelope.com.

Christmas Eve Wedding of Jordan and Jessica

2010-12-26T21:00:00.000-08:00

Our home/office was graced this wonderful day by Jessica and Jordan sharing their wedding vows. They are a lovely couple and we felt honored to meet them.

The two had gone through the sample wordings we emailed to them and selected just the "right" words for them. The bride and groom invited friends to witness their vows and it turned out that they too had married on December 24th and were celebrating their 11th anniversary. Wow!!

It was so fun to watch their excitement, delight and happiness.

After sealing their promises with a kiss, they were heading off to the Salish Lodge for a massage and an overnight stay.

And so there was much joy in our home/office on this special day. One couple rejoicing in their years of love and another just beginning their married life!!!

If you are looking for a "homey," warm place to exchange your words of love and affection, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website www.SeattleElope.com.

Kimmie and Ricky - Dreaming of a Beach Wedding, Celebrating Their Love

2010-11-14T20:37:00.000-08:00

The bride and groom were so looking forward to a wedding in Hawaii: feeling the warm sand underfoot, the sun on their backs, the sweet-scented breezes and the other wonders of being in an island paradise.

Life, however, happened and the wedding funds were needed elsewhere. So the two created a lovely celebration at their parent's home with an Hawaiian theme. In fact, a small section of sand was at the foot of the arbor so a bit of the beach spirit was there.

The two exchanged personal vows. Both were so touching -- listening, it was evident how much the couple is in love.

Wishing Rick and Kimmie a journey together that is endlessly loving and that brings them to the islands soon!!! Aloha!

If you're planning an intimate wedding ceremony in the greater Seattle, give us a call at 206.789.9788 or through our website www.seattleelope.com.

Mike & Kari Elope to Manresa Castle

2010-10-23T21:01:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful fall day! Mike and Kari decided to wed at Manresa Castle.

Kari entered the garden and Mike saw her for the first time. I do believe she took his breath away.

Words of love touch the heart in every ceremony!

Finding just the right words to say makes the moment a special one.

Carly Anderson Photography

As I officiated, I watched Mike and Kari beam with love. What a delight.

Kari and Mike had the good fortune of meeting Mr. and Mrs. M, who were celebrating their 29th anniversary at Manresa Castle. This wonderful couple witnessed the ceremony. What a blessing for both couples.

Kent and I find that every time we officiate, it is like renewing our wedding vows. I think that was the case here too!

And the lucky couple begins to celebrate their marriage. Wishing Kari and Mike the very best!

Carly Anderson Photography

If you are planning to elope to the Pacific Northwest or the greater Seattle area, contact us at 206.789.9788 or through our website www.seattleelope.com.

David & Elizabeth Elope to Alexander's Country Inn near Mt. Rainier

2010-09-10T21:59:00.000-07:00

Elizabeth and David traveled from San Francisco in order to exchange their wedding vows near Mt. Rainier. It was a typical autumn day: overcast with some drizzle and a few sun breaks. The two selected Alexander's Country Inn as the place to wed.

The Inn offers a number of elopement options. They chose the one that included their room, a champagne toast, a bridal bouquet, a boutonniere and a romantic dinner for two. Just what David and Elizabeth were looking for.

The bride and groom actually went to the same school in Peru, reconnected in San Francisco and married here in the Pacific Northwest. An intercontinental romance for a wonderful couple!

To plan your unique elopement ceremony, give us a call at (206)789-9788 or through our website: www.seattleelope.com.

Wedding Ceremony of Aaron and Kristin Held on Mt. Rainier

2010-06-14T19:43:00.000-07:00

Smiles all around when the wedding vows were exchanged.

This very amazing couple decided to exchange their marriage vows at Ricksecker Point. It was a holiday weekend. Family and friends flew in from all over the country to converge in Ashford. They were adventurous folk who shared the weekend together at Dancing Bear Lodge. Everyone pitched in, got to know each other and generally had a good time. Then, on the wedding they ventured forth in the rain into Mt. Rainier National Park wearing a mix of dress clothes and hiking shoes/boots.

Although we only caught glimpses of the mountain, Kristin and Aaron's love warmed everyone's heart. The umbrellas lent a festival touch to the celebration and there was a sense of connection created by the mist.

Oh, and the air was absolutely delicious!!! So cool and clean. I couldn't breathe in enough of it.

After the nuptials, the bride and groom headed off for a short hike. We hope they enjoy endless trails together!! So fun. Meanwhile we indulged in wonderful marionberry pie from Copper Creek Inn.

Thanks to Russ, Aaron's uncle, for the photo!

Jason and Monica Renew Vows on Their First Anniversary

2010-05-29T21:30:00.000-07:00

Why marriage?

Because to the depths of me,
I long to love one person,
with all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body ....
--Mari Nichols-Haining

Jason and Monica feel blessed to be married and wanted to celebrate their first anniversary by renewing their vows and then going out to dinner. We met at Green Lake, at a spot they especially selected. Holding hands and speaking words of love a few tears were shed. Witnessing the two, I was deeply moved.

The couple asked me to write the ceremony for them. Here is what Monica said:

I wanted to take a peek but decided to stop reading because what you've put together is super pretty and elegant and is making me cry. Be sure to be ready for waterworks. And thank you so much! This is absolutely what I was hoping for.

Wishing Monica and Jason many more happy years together!!!

To celebrate your anniversary, give us a call at (206)789-9788 or check out www.SeattleElope.com.

Gary & Delaine Celebrate Their Second Anniversary

2010-05-19T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today, Kent and I received an email from Delaine and Gary. I officiated for them in an intimate ceremony.

Family remains very important to them (in the center - Delaine is in the front and Gary is right behind her). They plan on getting in touch with us each year to let us know at least one couple we officiated for ise still going strong!

We love hearing from the couples we marry. Very joyous. Delaine and Gary, wishing you both many years of happiness!!!

To begin your journey of marriage, give us a call at 206-789-9788 or check out our website: www.seattleelope.com.

Reagan & Kim Wed aboard the Kitsap Ferry

2010-02-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Kim and Reagan are a fun-loving, happy couple who planned their marriage ceremony while enroute to Bremerton aboard the ferry. About 20 of their friends with their children rendevoused on the main deck: some guests arrived by car, some were foot passengers.

The day was fickle, alternating from rainy and windy (the kind of wind that turns umbrellas inside out) with sun and clear skies. Love brings out the best, even in the weather. The ceremony began, the sun shone, hearts warmed.

Some of the ladies prepared for this special day with henna designs. Aren't they beautiful!Everyone was delighted!

"Thank you for your calm, kind and professional presence at our wedding. We are so glad Emily and Gregory suggested you! (Their best man and matron of honor!)"

Happy sailings, Reagan and Kim!! Wishing you smooth seas and a steady wind at your backs.

To celebrate your intimate ceremony at one of the many amazing sites in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, check out Seattle Elope and contact us at (206)789-9788.

John and Debbie Wed at Pt. Townsend

2009-12-30T21:48:00.001-08:00

As Kent and I looked into the sky on our way to the ferry after the wedding, we noticed the moon: a blue moon! It was spectacular.

So was the ceremony of Debbie and John. Joined by very dear friends, the couple exchanged their vows in their "spirit" hut. Cedar filled the air, love filled our hearts and joy shone through.

With Ellie Mae leading the way, the ladies arrived, all dressed in purple (by chance, not planning ... isn't that synchronistic!).

The vows were heartfelt, with Debbie and John speaking of what each means to the other.

The couple decided to finalize their vows by "jumping the broom." John ordered two brooms from Hensen Broom Shop and General Store, an Amish business.

The brooms are hand made and beautiful. Each of us wrote our wishes for the couple on ribbons that were attached to the broom. The guys were responsible for getting that ready.

Thank you so much for presiding over our small ceremony. You are both so warm and friendly, it felt like we were being married by old friends. You made our day perfect. If you are ever in our area, please let us know, we would love to see you again. ~ Debbie & John

The day was magical! We are grateful for the gracious way we were invited into John and Debbie's home and into their lives. It truly was a wonderful gift. We wish them the very best in their life together.

P.S. This is what the sky looked like at the end of this very special day.

We would be honored to officiate for you on your wedding day. Please check out our website at www.aheavenlyceremony.com or call to schedule a free consult.

Tony and Michelle Renew Their Vows At the Space Needle

2009-12-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

When love is sparked, it’s an event to be celebrated.
When love is sparked, it's an event to be celebrated.
When love grows, it’s an occasion to rejoice.

Tony and Michelle traveled from California to visit relatives in the area. Since it was their anniversary, they also decided to celebrate their years as a married couple by renewing their vows at the Seattle Space Needle.

We helped them find just the right words and Kent met them and a few relatives on the Observation Deck. It happened to be a typical cloudy winter day and very few people were there because there was no view. As soon as the two renewed their vows, the clouds lifted and the sun shone upon them and the beautiful city!!!! What a blessing.

Thank you so much for officiating our wedding ceremony on top of the Seattle Space Needle. We had lots of fun and appreciate everything you did. Thank you again and have a Merry Christmas!

To renew your vows, please contact us at 206-789-9788 or learn more about us at our website: Seattle Elope.

Ray and Melody Celebrate Their Third Wedding Anniversary

2009-12-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

We are so very happy, the Lord is so gracious and merciful to have brought us together as soulmates! We have now been married almost 9 mos., and couldn't be happier! Thank you so much for your services!! ~Melody and Ray

And now it is over three years later ... and we just received a Christmas card from the happily married couple. (We always enjoy hearing how things are going for the those we can been fortunate to officiate for.)

The bride and groom planned a very intimate ceremony aboard the historic brunch/dinner train that used to travel from Renton to the Columbia Winery in Woodinville. It was a simple, gracious ceremony.

It was so fun too! We needed two witnesses and I asked a young couple waiting to board the train if they would be willing to do that. They were overjoyed. It turned out that they were from out of town and were celebrating their wedding anniversary. How incredible is that. It was a joyous day. We are so happy for Melody and ray and wish them many blessings for years to come!!!

If you have a special place you would like to "tie the knot," give us a call at (206)789-9788 or check out our website www.seattleelope.com. I'm sure we can help you create a wedding ceremony that is as special as the two of you.

Jordi and Jennifer Wed At Our Place

2009-12-10T20:00:00.000-08:00

Some times it takes a bit of time for things to work out for a wedding. Jennifer contacted us over a year before she actually wed her Spanish boyfriend, Jordi. Their long distance relationship involves traveling between Seattle and Europe.

Jennifer really liked when Kent officiated the wedding of her friends. So when the two were together in Seattle and had three full days to actually apply for their marriage license before their wedding day, their ceremony became a reality.

You couldn't find two more happy individuals ... or a more delighted couple.

If you would like to elope to Seattle and enjoy a meaningful ceremony, be sure to check out our services at www.seattleelope.com.

Bill & Linda Wed at Discovery Park

2009-12-08T20:03:00.000-08:00

It was a beautiful July day ... the perfect day to celebrate a wedding near the lighthouse at Discovery Park.

Linda called and explained she and Bill wanted a very simple ceremony witnessed by their children and just a few friends/family members. They searched nearby parks until they found just the right place.

There is very limited parking (yup, just a few spots but we got a permit at the Visitor's Desk) and car pooled to the Lighthouse.

We strolled down to the beach to find just the right spot, where vows were exchanged and photos taken.

Bill and Linda had this to say about their wedding:

"It was a pleasure to have you at our ceremony. The day was glorious day and the ceremony was just as we’d hoped for."

Just the kind of wonderful ceremony that is possible in Seattle. To plan you elopment, refer to www.seattleelope.com or email us at elope@seattleelope.com.

Enrique & Manami Wed in Seattle

2009-12-06T21:12:00.000-08:00

Kent and I are privileged to meet the nicest people!!

Manami and Enrique wanted to marry ... and decided to elope. Of course, they wanted their parents to witness their vows. So they made an appointment to come over and enjoyed a simple, charming ceremony. Smiles all around.

For a meaningful ceremony in a warm environment, please contact us at (206)789-9788 or learn more at our website: www.seattleelope.com.

Brett & Meredith - Love & Marriage at the Waterfront Grill

2009-12-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

Meredith and Brett live in Arizona but wanted to marry in Seattle in an intimate ceremony - just immediate family and a few close friends.

Meredith is very interested in wedding traditions and was in the process of writing a book on marriage when she contacted us about her own wedding.

It was very important that she and Brett have creative license in terms of the wording of their wedding ceremony ... and it was great fun co-creating with them. Although the planning took place long distance, it was certainly a warm and personal experience with great results!

There were definitely some traditions that were important to the couple. One was the father of the bride presenting the groom with his daughter's old shoes (Meredith's favorite boots, in this case). This ancient tradition reflects the bride is no longer in her parent's care.

Next, Meredith elected to present her beloved with a flower, reminiscent of the tradition of a Lady giving the Knight she favored with a token of her esteem. Knight Brett wore the flower with pride, displaying his Lady’s colors and making it known to all his love for her is true.

Vows were spoken, rings were exchanged, Brett and Meredith were delighted to be married. The group of us then walked to the water, took a pebble, placed our wishes for the couple's happiness into the stones and all together tossed them into Puget Sound. The ripples of each stone intermingled, reflecting the couple's love twining with each important person in their lives.

Bride & groom, best woman Cathy and man of honor Michael enjoy the air after the wedding ceremony, umbrellas in hand ... it is Seattle after all!

Jody and Jen, Jen & Jody Photography, captured the day with their images. Here's a slide show they prepared on the celebration.

We help couples easily plan for their wedding day, whether near or far. For help with your elopement, check out our website -- www.seattleelope.com -- or email us at elope@seattleelop.com.