Perfect in Every Way

Under the seasoned guidance of Stephanie Solomon, (Solomon Events) and Gerald Lim, (Four Seasons Hotel) it all came together in such a graceful fashion.  Joy was in the air as Scott and Debbie pledged their vows surrounded by oodles of  their high school friends and adoring families.  Guests gathered in Seattle from all over the world to honor these two… all with the same thought in mind.  Scott and Debbie – such a PERFECT match!  The plated dinner began with sweet potato and chestnut soup – and only became more wondrous with each course!  We had a great time in the photo booth – and taking home Fran’s chocolate salted caramels!  I have SO loved being part of your story, Debbie and Scott!  Thank you.

It won’t be long now…

We’re counting the days until we all meet up again for the rehearsal but everything seems ready to go!  Lori’s beautiful dress is altered and Mike’s Dress Blues are pressed.  Their scheme for their wedding is just to have fun… with overtones of reunion and goodbyes.  Mike is a Green Beret and will be deployed again two weeks following their wedding.  But in the meantime we’ll make the best of our time with him.  I loved that he arrived with a large assortment of cheesecake when we they came for dinner Tuesday evening!  Stay tuned… Mike has promised me that he and the other Green Berets (all in their Dress Blues) will pose with little cupcakes for me at the wedding.  This just makes me smile thinking of it!!!

Romance is in the Air!

The Salish Lodge is ALWAYS an ideal choice for the TRULY romantic!  Teri and Kevin have journeyed to this hide-away for years.  This is where Kevin popped the question and this is where their nearest and dearest gathered recently to witness their sweet vows.  Teri attached her grandmother’s brooch to her bouquet, her sons Ryan and Joey escorted Teri down the aisle and Kevin  brought in his darling mother, Chris.  Our handsome groom just couldn’t keep his eyes off his beautiful bride.  (It seems to me the most romantic among my clients get married near Valentine’s Day!)  The feast that followed was a foodie’s heaven!  Thanks you two for allowing me the honor of sharing this most wonderful day with you.

Reverend Mary ~ Just wanted to thank you again.  We received so many compliments on your service.    You are very special to us, and I hope that we can continue to keep in touch with you.

I will send you a couple pictures as soon as we get them.

Thank you again, Teri and Kevin

 

 

Two Fishermen… uh…Fisherpersons…

They have met their match.  While working in the fishing industry, they first crossed paths when Megan wanted to purchase Wayne’s boat.  A few fishing seasons later and here we are at their rehearsal.  Easy, comfortable and enjoying their family and friends… their shared vision for this wedding celebration.  Something tells me it will be like falling off a log!

Recently from this darling couple:

We both feel so blessed to know you. Looking forward to deepening our friendship in the years to come. Please, come visit us in Alaska!!!!!

Love you Mary,

Megan & Wayne

A Posh Tree House

Isn’t that why we all adore the elegant Canlis? It sits high above Lake Union amidst the trees, boasting delicious food and a caring staff.  Such a luxurious setting for an exceptional wedding.   Ahhhh!

Almost there!

And now I’m busy updating my mailing lists, attaching the printed piece onto the card stock and hand writing my messages.  This project is running a little late this year as I have been so busy with clients and weddings.

As hundreds of Valentines are being assembled, I organize them in groups of tens.  Every flat surface in my home is quickly filling up with these cards!

It is a Labor of Love…a gift of inspiration, a reminder that this is what life is about – the affinity we foster for one another!

Bundles of Love

These little bundles represent untold hours of care and patience.  This part of the Valentine consists of handmade paper from Korea.  I was delighted that my new Lexmark printer would gently guide them through its rollers with such control.  To my surprise my original artwork was laid down perfectly.  The odd sizes of paper were sent through in very small runs as I was constantly adjusting the feeding tray and layout page.  Then each tiny page was hand cut, each of the four edges of the design was hand dipped in water and rolled into submission for the curled edge effect.  This photo represents about half of the rolled edge/printed part of the Valentine.

The Season of Affinity!

Every year I make hundreds of handmade Valentines Cards, (I heart Valentine’s Day!) and mail them all over the world to my  wonderful clients and to special vendors.  I usually start in October designing the prototype.  I shop for paper, root through my idea file, sketch several designs and search for this year’s quote.  I then take the prototype to the post office where they weigh it, measure it and help me determine the mailing fees.  This year it will take a little extra because of the hand made paper envelopes.  But it is worth it!

Sometimes I treat myself to new toys. Here is my new scoring tool that helps me create the perfect  crease so the thick stock paper that I purchased can be folded cleanly.  Great tool:  Scor-it-All, purchased at Paper Zone for about $30.00.

Denisa + Jeff @ the Market

Have you ever noticed that it is always SPRING at the Market?   Add the electric, fun energy of the place, blend well with your talented and diverse group of friends – and why not just sign the legal docs on the back of the pig statue?  Merriment – pure and simple.  Of course you have to have festive cocktails, ooooodles of cupcakes and great music.  Throw in some very happy parents and that just about sums up this very unique, OH SO joyous gathering.

“Mary – Thank you for making our wedding ceremony SO special!   Best, Jeff + Denisa”

Mama DiPietro

It was an intimate affair…a family affair.   And I fell in love with Joseph’s mama.  She was our “Ring Bearer” because our bride, Rosalia, had never laid eyes on her ring and we had to keep it “secret”.  Josephine’s children love her – and she adores her children.  The kind of REAL Italian mama that we have seen in the movies – amazing cook, dedicated wife and loving woman.  Isn’t she darling?

No wonder her son Joseph will make such a devoted husband to the beautiful and graceful Rosalia.  And yes, it was a magical celebration.

(These are the little snippets of life that I so cherish.  Here she is holding the beautiful rings for me.)