Make Each Day A Celebration
“Jane was a perfect officiant for our wedding! She helped figure out the little details of the ceremony. She exudes such a peaceful, loving, and joyful energy that made our ceremony perfect for us. Thank you again Jane! Love, Greta and Neil”
I always appreciate it when newlyweds take the time to send in a review. It really helps other couples make an informed choice … and, of course, it’s a wonderful reminder of why I love this work! Read more reviews on WeddingWire.
Imagine a private wedding ceremony held at a modern yet intimate and inviting art museum. Afterwards, you and your guests enjoy local wine and cuisine amidst the ambiance of contemporary art by Northwest masters. Introducing, MoNA, a small town treasure with big city pizazz. The Museum of Northwest Art in La Conner, WA, provides a perfect venue for a classy wedding that’s easy on the budget as well as the eye. You can rent the entire facility (including rare underground parking) for a fraction of what urban museums charge. Special bonus features: The spiral staircase makes for easy photo styling, you can choose your own caterer, guests have access to the wonderful museum store and best of all – your rental fee helps support the nonprofit’s free admission and educational programs. Lots of lodging options in town from small B&B’s to waterfront rustic to a historic hotel on main street. All within walking distance. Good to know: The museum is open 7 days a week until 5 pm so rental is available for evenings only.
Marriage is all about blending. Ideals, perspectives, personalities, lifestyles … leaning into each other and complimenting each other’s unique attributes. And speaking of blending, I’ve always loved the idea of using special tea blends as wedding favors. It’s easy to create an attractive gift package to place at each setting or display in a “take one home” basket. Caution: Be sure to gift a tea that’s trusted and not from an import warehouse. Lover’s Leap, from Portland favorite, Smith Tea, is a perfect choice. Fragrant rose petals in black Ceylon accented with chamomile and citrus. You get 15 sachets per box individually sealed in a large (4″ x 2.5″), decorative foil lined wrapper. Want to take your wedding tea to the next level? Read my post about having Smith do your packaging and/or custom blend your wedding day tea. Here’s to happy blends everywhere!
“A change of heart is the almost magical force that erases the distress in relationship and gives you a fresh start.” Whether you have been married for two years or twenty, this is a book you’ll want to put on your nightstand. Pransky offers a refreshing and surprisingly simple approach to understanding interpersonal dynamics. If you’re happily in love with your partner, this can take you to a deeper level. If you’ve hit some bumps, The Relationship Handbook can guide you in making the shift to a sweet resolution. If you want to refresh your thinking about people in general, this will do that, too!
Note: Also available in eBook format.
Clouds hid the full moon rising but not the smiles as the couple danced up the aisle. Family and friends gathered from as far as Washington D.C. to witness the wedding of Sandy and Terry last Friday evening in Sedro Woolley, WA. The backyard ceremony featured readings by the bride’s daughter and the groom’s sister; a unity plant ritual and messages of love written and shared by the couple. Afterwards, guests were treated to a large screen presentation crafted by the couple showing their favorite video scenes and top tunes. The backyard reception also featured a buffet of diverse menu items like teriyaki chicken, chili, chicken satay and the groom’s “must-have” cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. The dessert buffet included all kinds of goodies from brownies and cheesecake to cookies and trail mix (gluten free and sugar free options, too). Guests were invited to take home their pick from the large collection of teacups collected by the bride. The couple will enjoy a relaxing visit to Oceanshores, WA before returning to their home in beautiful Skagit Valley. Congratulations, Sand and Terry! May your married life be filled with magical moon beams.
Loved ones gathered under sunny skies last Saturday to witness the wedding of Michelle and Rudy. Friends in Anacortes when they were ten years old, fate took them in different directions until they reunited in 2003. The couple exchanged vows on the gazebo deck of their new home which is nested in a beautiful old growth green space in Mt. Vernon. The bride entered to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March escorted by her twin sons and was presented to the groom by both the boys and the couple’s two daughters. The ceremony featured a tree planting ritual and tribute roses presented to both moms. DJ Keenan provided music for both the ceremony and the reception. Guests enjoyed a backyard banquet topped off by an elaborate wedding cake with fountain and stairs; and hand dipped strawberries. The newlyweds are relaxing at home this week enjoying visiting family from New Mexico. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Diaz! May your married life be filled with health, happiness and all the laughter your hearts can hold.
Despite misty, grey skies, Saturday’s wedding in Oceanside, OR was all smiles and happy hearts. Greta and Neil exchanged vows in front of friends and family with ocean waves providing a stunning backdrop. The bride’s father walked her down the sandy aisle accompanied by live string music. The couple’s son, Oliver – age 8, was the dutiful ring bearer and their daughter, Ruby – age 4, the princess flower girl. The ceremony featured a unity salt ritual and a gratitude rose exchange for the moms. Guests and family traveling from as far as MN enjoyed oceanfront lodging and, following the ceremony, dinner at a local cafe. The newlyweds spent a relaxing weekend at the coast before returning to their home in SW Portland. Congratulations, Greta and Neil! May your marriage be filled with waves of heartfelt laughter and flavored with sweet memories of your joyful wedding celebration.
From the invites to the centerpieces; from the gold painted signage to the 7 dozen chocolate chip, lemon and coconut biscotti she baked for guest favors; this bride’s attention to detail was a wonder to behold. The groom agreed citing her “magic touch” that made it all happen. And what fun for everyone! Nona and Jeromie chose McMenamins Edgefield Estate for their destination wedding held yesterday in Portland. Family and friends from HI, WI, TX and GA were on hand to enjoy the weekend celebration, many of them staying on site. The garden setting was perfect for the ‘Northwest country meets tropical isle’ theme. The palette carried out in straw fans; shades of peach, pink and coral for the bridesmaids and floral bouquets; and the men in tan linen suits. Vintage Hawaiian postcards were placed in a fishing basket after guests wrote their well wishes. Bubble guns and mini-bubbles for the guests added smiles to the ceremony as did the tree planting ritual. Guitarist and DJ, Michael Blake (a local favorite), provided the music for the event. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and brews in the courtyard (along with a cigar bar) followed by a lavish buffet dinner featuring barbequed chicken and coffee barbequed brisket. Reception highlights included a serenade of At Last by the bride’s cousin and the newlyweds showing off their dance moves (those classes really do work). The couple will honeymoon in Maui before returning to their new home in Seattle where Nona starts nursing school in the fall and Jeromie is a surveyor for the State of Washington (squeezing in flying lessons when possible). Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Hunter. May the sweetness of your wedding day remain in your hearts forever. Mahalo!
Yesterday’s record breaking heat did nothing to wilt the joyful wedding of Megan and George at The Old Church Concert Hall in downtown PDX. Family and friends from NY, MA, CT and ID gathered to witness the Coast Guard Lieutenant marry his sweetheart. The ceremony featured the elegant strings of Duo con Brio, a unity glass ritual and readings by close friends. The military arch of swords was conducted by fellow officers with the “kiss to pass” command called out loud and clear. It was truly a goose bumps moment for all. Following the ceremony, guests were shuttled to the World Forestry Center for the evening reception. The couple, who met in grad school at Oregon State, are both engineers who share a love of family and winning smiles. They’ll also be sharing a lot of car time as they take their honeymoon road trip this week. The newlyweds are moving from Miami to their new home in Port Angeles, WA where George will report to the oldest consistently operating Coast Guard Air Station. The tradition of the bride and groom walking through the arch of swords is meant to ensure the couple’s safe passage into their new life together. I can’t think of a better start for you, Mr. & Mrs. Hall. Congratulations! Smooth sailing, safe travels and always love and laughter in your hearts.
Morgan and Steven picked the perfect venue, mid-century colonial The Colony in St. Johns, to celebrate their wedding yesterday. The wedding party had the entire second floor including two apartments and a full kitchen to gather and relax in. Downstairs, the venue provided ample space for the 130+ guests who attended the ceremony and the lavish reception that followed. Vintage romance was the theme with blush being the predominate color for the gorgeous flowers and bridesmaids gowns. The ceremony included a unity candle ritual (vanilla scented as requested by the groom) and vows written by the couple. The bride and her father walked down the aisle to the sweet strands of Pachelbel’s Canon played by guitarist and DJ, Michael Blake. And speaking of sweet, a star feature of the decor was the heirloom cake topper first used by the bride’s great grandmother. Chefstable (Ox, Lardo and Philippe’s) worked their magic and created a Northwest feast starting with passed hors d’oeuvres of grilled mushroom sliders and Dungeness crab cakes. The dinner menu featured seared ahi tuna, grilled leg of lamb and lemon thyme roasted chicken. Yum! The newlyweds will honeymoon next month in Greece and Italy before returning to Portland where Morgan is a registered nurse and Steven is a visual designer. Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. Davison! May the smiles that graced your wedding day remain in your hearts always.
A FESTIVE HEART 