The View from my Window

Danielle – Pure Joy!

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:50:11 +0000

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.

Worlds Apart…

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 19:28:31 +0000

Christine resides in Texas right now and works as a nurse. Forrest’s engineering occupation has him clocking long hours in Saudi Arabia – and they truly are living “worlds apart”. They joined me for lunch during one of Forrest’s sabbaticals that allowed enough time to meet in Seattle to take care of wedding details. As we enjoyed a yummy homemade dinner it was delightful to hear about their families and friends that will be traveling from all over Washington and Colorado State to be a part of their wedding next July! I just can’t wait to meet them all.

Water, Laughter, Sun

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:42:58 +0000

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

Heavenly Celeste

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:22:14 +0000

To try to capture this ethereal creation through a camera lens is almost senseless! It was a such a joy to be able to have this vast sculpture gracing the altar area at a recent wedding at Sodo Park. Celeste Cooning is the talented artist that created this canopy reminiscent of angel wings! I love how the light danced through the slits of cut paper and cast shapes on the floor. Find Celeste by clicking on her name!

A Child’s Window…

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:53:24 +0000

This was a recent gift to me from the artist Josie Buckingham, age 7. It is a depiction of a wedding featuring the bride and groom kissing (“girl and boy”) with hearts ascending. I am standing with them (“Mimi) as their minister. Notice the ring bearer and his pillow complete with bling! Josie thoughtfully drew chairs for the guests and decorations for the celebration. I adore the attentive cloud and sun looking on! Children’s art is so delightfully pure! Thank you Josie – I will treasure this always!

The Gilding of the Sculpture Park!

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:07:56 +0000

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

A Note From Jill and Marty …

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:13:32 +0000

Mary, We wanted to send along a big “THANK You”. Your attention to our wants and needs for our special day made everything that much more special. Everyone was impressed with your service and your good natured approach. You set the mood for our weekend right from the start for Jill and I with our visit to your home. We cannot thank you enough for all you helped with in getting us through the day. We hope to stay in touch over the years and look forward to our paths crossing again soon. Take care and thank you again.

Love, Jill and Marty

A note to J & M… I adored working with you too as well!

Summer Soiree

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:24:03 +0000

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!

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 17:02:27 +0000

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

Time for Ease…

Rev. Mary Calhoun — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:38:25 +0000

Soo and Jin’s wedding week was full of surprises… and not necessarily the good kind! Soo’s work load tripled but she handled it with grace and humor. W Hotel’s Catering Sales Manager, Mike Beroza was a calming influence that led us through the busy weekend. Here we are signing the legal paperwork and laughing about the very looooong pause that Jin took with the “I Do” response of his wedding vows! All is well.