Aaron & Beth Wed At Laurel Creek Manor

June 21st was an amazing weather day. Kent and I set off from Seattle in sunshine, drove through Kent Valley in pounding rain, arrived at Laurel Creek Manor as things lightened up, and officiated Aaron and Beth's wedding ceremony during a sun break.

Beth and Aaron had their hearts set on an outdoor ceremony. Laurel and Kirsten had everything ready at the Manor for changes in the weather. As soon as the rain let up, the chairs were wiped dry, the table for signing the certificate was set up, and the music began. The guests were in high spirits!

After the story of "Seatown Guy" and "Greenlake Girl" was told, the couple exchanged heartfelt vows, touching the hearts of all there. Lyla Ross, their sister-in-law, presented a poem by e e cummings, one of the couple's favorite poets, and Dawn Isaac read "Love is Friendship Caught on Fire." Aaron and Beth were then blessed by their friends and family.

The porch was the favorite place to hang out during the evening. A great place to relax and take in the fresh air.

And there were so many romantic places to exchange a kiss!

The evening was mild, the perfect temperature to dance the night away!

A rose petal shower saw the bride and groom off to their wedding night. Smiles everywhere.

After having Pat officiate such an intimate ceremony celebrating our love story, it's hard to believe she was a stranger to us just eight months ago!

Pat graciously came into our lives, eager to know our story, and understand our unique wishes for our wedding day.

We couldn't have asked for someone more graceful, professional and patient to walk us through the process of planning our ceremony, and ultimately oversee our becoming husband and wife.

Just days after our wedding I had an engaged friend ask me how to get ahold of Pat to see if Pat might officiate her wedding. Pat and Kent both have such passion and heart for what they do - we offer the most esteemed recommendation for their services.

Beth and Aaron, wishing you all the joys of married life!!!

Many thanks to Jennifer and Scott of Red Fish Blue Fish for these wonderful photographs, to Bamboo Beats for keeping the evening alive with music and to Laurel Creek Manor for hosting such a great start of summer!

Creating a ceremony that acknowledges special days - the summer and winter solstice, the spring and fall equinox, national holidays and personal anniversaries - adds another dimension to the wedding day. Contact us at http://www.aheavenlyceremony.com/ to start planning your special day!

Christies Exchange Wedding Vows In 14th Ceremony

Weddings are dear to our hearts and each year we are privileged to officiate for couples beginning their journey of married life. The experience is one of joy and hope.

Not as often, we are honored to officiate for couples who wish to renew their marriage vows. The experience is one of inspiration and celebration.

On July 8, 2009, Doug and Jackie Christie renewed their vows at the Chinese Room in Smith Tower. Each of the 14 years they have been married, they have chosen to do so. What I find so delightful is that these are two people who understand both the tensions and the joys of marriage, who have dealth with not only the private issues, but the public concerns, of being a couple in the limelight, and who still have found their marriage to be the center of their lives.

This year they invited couples from the gay and lesbian community to join them. The Christies believe that when two people love each other and are in a long-term relationship, they should have the right to marry.

It was a memorable evening. Catering was provided by A Grand Affaire, photography by John & Joseph, and dj services by Adam Tiegs.