Focal Point

When I see designers scope out a voluminous room and transform it into a warm gathering hub, I find myself in a state of awe.  Recently, on Mercer Island, I watched miracles happen as two of these colossal bouquets were brought in (by very strong men!) and displayed at the “Altar Area” as focal points.  It truly changed the front of the room to a gracious and amiable scene.  This vast collection of stunning flowers and twigs, brightly back-lit by  beautiful April sunshine, brought “ooohs and ahhhs” from all the guests!

The Lovely Elizabeth, Mama of the Bride

It is always such an honor when my dear friends want to involve me in their children’s weddings. ( And a double honor when their children believe me to be equal to the task as well.) Saturday found about 70 family and friends gathering at the Columbia Tower Club to celebrate Elizabeth’s daughter’s wedding.  We were a great team as her daughter Laura and our groom, Matthew are with the US State Department on the other side of the globe.  Elizabeth’s touches were found everywhere.  From Judy Tallant’s (Tallant House) fabulous chocolate cake to Jon Robert Throne’s (Countryside Floral) purple sprays of fresh flowers.  It was all delightful, Lovely Elizabeth!

A note from Elizabeth today:

Mary,  Just wanted to say how much we appreciated your contribution to Laura’s wonderful wedding.  Don’t know how we could have done it without you!

Thanks again for the ceremony–we got many positive comments on how personal and lovely it was! Love you!   Elizabeth

Essence of Intimacy

Warmth was in the air even on this chilly Seattle evening.  Close family and lifetime friends gathered at divine Lake Union Cafe recently to bless and toast Michael and Lisa.  And for good reason.  Caring relationships are essential to their makeup. Thanks to Dann (Miracle Maker/Wedding Angel) for being such a great partner, once again.

A Perfect Day, Relived

I just heard from  Ashley and Bryan, a very special couple that were married last summer.  They sent along a highlight video from Aaron Horton Productions and all of the magical memories from their exceptional day at the Woodmark Hotel floated back.  It is worthy of the peek:

http://ashley-bryan.com/2012/02/19/wedding-highlight-video/

(This photo was taken by the talented Tania from Azzura Photography)

The Calm Bride That She Is…

Here is my darling bride Annie just before her wedding ceremony happily reading to our adorable flower girl, Kate.  Regardless of the implications of snow and travel challenges for her family, Annie held up like Grace Under Fire!  Annie, you are going to do well in life!

Here is a note from Annie’s father Lynn:

Mary,

I just wanted you to know how thrilled we were with the wedding last Saturday.  It’s hard to imagine it was one week ago, yesterday and the honeymooners have returned from Maui. All is good!

You did a wonderful job and really added a special touch to the whole event.  All of us appreciate your comments about family and the relationship we have with our children.  It is nice to hear it validated from someone that has more of a peripheral view.  Thank you for acknowledging it.

Blessings on your day!
Lynn

Danielle – Pure Joy!

I just love this photo of my smiling bride. Danielle’s twinkle is the pure essence of what a wedding day is all about.  JOY.  Pure and simple.  And why not?  She and Chris took great care to select a wonderful team – to whom they happily entrusted the countless details that were so important to them both.  And the ambiance mirrored back to them the essential facets that meant most.  After all the decisions are made and in play – the last piece of the  vision is always the guests.  This truly is a key factor in the synergy of the day.  And on this group, Chris and Danielle’s finely crafted scheme was NOT wasted.  The Bride and Groom brought together a lifetime of jubilant friends to share their divine happiness!  Special thanks to Heather Perera of Paprika Events, Michael Benson and Garden Party.

Water, Laughter, Sun

An ideal recipe for an over the top celebration! Reese and Rachel gathered their good friends and fabulous families at Alderbrook Resort recently.  And the trek to Union, Washington was worth it.  Hood Canal was in it’s glory showing off the sun and majestic beauty of the Pacific Northwest.  Claudine Ursino of La Belle Soiree did an exceptional job bringing it all together in a very remote location.  Here is Rachel just before the wedding, enjoying the magic of the moment.

A note from Rachel’s mother…

Reverend Mary, Thank you for the wonderful ceremony that you performed with Rachel and Reese.  Your sense of command, sense of humor and preparedness helped Rachel breeze through the day!  I’m so pleased they found you.                            Warm Blessings, Peggy

The Gilding of the Sculpture Park!

The Olympic Sculpture Park was Rhea and Justin’s ideal venue – because that is where they met!  In fact, the photo I snapped of these two just before their wedding is the exact spot of their first “Hello”!   The transformation that Jacky Grotle and her Event Success Team accomplished was  breathtaking.  Miles of fabric draping, white furniture staged for private chats, bistro tables for mingling, romantic lighting, touches of Rhea’s signature soft yellow hues were everywhere  … a metamorphose that impressed all the guests!  My favorite aspect of their wedding was the sentimental details they incorporated in memory of Rhea’s father.  I so respect their dedication to honor ALL of their parents.

From Rhea and Justine :

Mary-
Justin & I wanted to take a moment before we leave on our honeymoon to thank you for putting together such a wonderful ceremony for us. Justin & I were completely blown away by the readings & truly touched by all that you said. We had so many comments during the reception from people asking how we found such a great officiant.  It was amazing how you remained composed with every distraction that Belltown could throw at you.  We counted a jet, train, ambulance, heckler, fireworks and even some thunder and you still kept your cool and maintained everyone’s attention.  We cherish everything you have done for us.
Justin & Rhea 

Summer Soiree

It was a fine-tuned production blessed by perfect weather and polished by lively guests.  The ceremony was carefully designed with heartfelt touches that included their families and sprinkled with live music. A harp, trumpet, cello, flute, violin and two talented soloists graced the wedding! Three hundred guests gathered to witness the vows of this long-awaited ceremony.   The fabulous entertainment did not end with the service. Humorous and fervent toasts were followed by a surprise Las Vegas entertainer that charmed all ages with his Neil Diamond repertoire of songs and sing alongs.

L & C:  this was perhaps the best party of the summer!  I was so honored to be a part of your day.

Comfortable Elegance!

This pretty much sums up the theme for Aislinn and Peter’s wedding at Sodo Park.  When we first met last December we discussed a wedding that would honor their guests, be a great time for everyone and most importantly: be comfortable!  Mission Accomplished.  Their parents share over 60 years of steady commitment between them and we had a grandmother join us all the way from Virginia!  Peter and Aislinn adore one another’s siblings – and all were included in the wedding party.  This photo of Aislinn typifies the relaxed feel of the day.  Wishing you two every happiness in your future adventures.  Special thanks to “Wedding Angel” Kristen Pentland of Sodo Park/Herban Feast for her attention to detail and Jeremy, for taking such good care of us!  The food was as amazing as always!!!

A note from Peter’s parents yesterday:  Dear Reverend Mary,  We wanted to Thank You again for such a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony.  You were wonderful and set such a perfect tone.  We enjoyed meeting you!  We wish you the best and Thank You again!  Warm Regards, Cathy & Pete