Intimate Weddings at Columns on the Park

This past weekend I officiated a wedding celebration for a wonderful couple who first met and became sweethearts during their high school years, but life took them different directions until mid-life brought them back together again.  Their wedding was held at Coumns on the Park in Bellevue.

Columns on the Park is a lovely bed and breakfast with ”Italian Sensibility” situated in the Beautiful Lakeland Hills area of Bellevue, down a quiet residential lane.  Heidi Behrens-Benedict is the Innkeeper and owner since the early 70’s.  The Inn features a lovely Italian architectural exterior, complete with stately columns and lovely gardens that provide a wonderful backdrop for smaller, more intimate outdoor wedding celebrations.  Heidi also provides her own “cake and coffee” receptions straight from her kitchen, and makes the most wonderful tasting cakes!  Columns on the Park would make a great location for not only intimate weddings but busniess meetings and romantic getaways.  Well worth checking into!

Greg

Brand new wedding venue: Moon Mansion

My wife and I, along with a number of other vendors, were treated to touring a brand new wedding venue the other evening that is sure to capture the attention of many brides in the future; Moon Mansion.  Special thanks to the event orgainizer Nelliena Moetului, wedding coordinator at Snoqualimie Ridge Golf and Country Club, and Moon Mansion owners Paul and Heidi Moon.

Situated on a secluded 8 acres in the North Bend countryside, this 7200 square foot luxurious mansion comes complete with a two-story-tall stone pillar porch, a magnificent pillared marble entryway, and an amazing grand double marble and iron staircase (to die for!).  The house features 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and sleeps 20 to 26 people.  Also part of the amenities are a 1000 square foot French Country Kitchen, spacious dining room with huge table, media room with full-size movie screen, and utility room for laundry.  The grounds feature a 1 acre garden in the back of the house that would be perfect for a smaller wedding (the view from there is amazing!), and a small guest house.

Moon Mansion would be an ideal venue for weddings, family reunions, wedding showers, company executives retreat, or time away with friends in the natural beauty of the northwest.  You can find out more by logging on to www.themoonmansion.com.

Greg

Humorous wedding moments

Since weddings are a gathering of people and schedules and equipment, there are many things that can go a little “differently” than planned.  The key is to understand the dynamics of these kinds of things and remain both calm and flexible.  Chances are these “moments” often make for the best memories! 

I remember one wedding when butterflies were to be released, symbolizing something like love taking flight.  It was a great idea, and while doves can be a common animal to release at such ceremonies, it was going to be my first “butterfly release” event.  When the day of the ceremony finally arrived, all was put in place for a lovely back yard ceremony.  The only thing is that the weather didn’t cooperate; it was much colder than anticipated.  And in cold weather butterflies don’t like to move; they go into a kind of “stasis” if you will.  So the decision was made to remove that part of the ceremony…but the only thing is that they didn’t tell me about it!  Well, when the time came for the big “moment,” I started on a wonderful monologue on love and the symbol of what we were going to behold.  Well, out of the corner of my eye I noticed the mother of the bride waving her hands wildly at me and mouthing the words, ”we’re not doing the butterflies!”  Well, needless to say it was somewhat of an embarrasing moment for me as I had to recant what I had just begun to say, while transitioning into the next element.  Oh well…that’s life!

Another funny instance I remember is from a wedding my wife and I were involved in as the “singers.”  We were to present a song during the unity candle.  The day before the ceremony I sliced my hand open and had to have both stitches and a sizeable white bandagde around the whole hand.  When the time for the unity candle arrived, our background music began to play; and as I lifted my microphone to join my wife in song, I noticed she was standing on the cord!  I could only (with my huge white bandage and all) tug gently on the cord until she got the message (I think it took about half the song).  In addition to this going on, we heard the assembled guests expressing muffled giggles – what was happening, in addition to our own challenges with bandages and microphones, was that the bride and groom couldn’t get the unity candle to light!  So eventually the resourceful groom dripped some wax from his candle and simply stuck his smaller candle right in the center of the larger candle – wellah!  All was well, to the amusement of the audience (and us).    

Another humorous instance I recall (although not anything going wrong at all) was when I was performing an outdoor wedding.  The groom and I were standing at the front, all ready for the bride to make her appearance in all of her splendor and glory.  Then the music cranked up…the tune of “don’t worry, be happy.”  When the bride appeared coming down the isle, she was accompanied by the family dog, complete with his own little personal tuxedo!  What a kick that was…and a memory I have clearly in my mind until this day.

Greg

Canlis in Seattle – great wedding venue

One of the “side benefits” of doing weddings is that they take me to some great venues and locations that offer excellent food, great views, and interesting people to meet.  I really enjoy taking road trips (I love to drive and explore new places) and seeing the countryside; I’m constantly discovering new areas of the northwest that I never knew existed or have heard of but not yet visited.

Canlis restaurant in Seattle is one such place – I just came back from an evening wedding event there.  I had heard of the place before but had not been a guest until today.  The room that the ceremony was held in was a smaller, very comfortable space for a table of about 25 (complete with fireplace), featuring an excellent view eastward over the northern portion of Lake Union toward Gasworks Park and beyond.  I felt like I was being pampered from the moment I arrived (valet parking, of course!), and there were waiters and attendents waiting to take your every request, and they took drink orders as we arrived.    I did not stay for dinner after the ceremony, but as I was walking out a waiter offered me a crab puff appetizer (yum!) and I saw some juicy looking steaks sizzling on a grill. 

I had a great time at Canlis and will hopefully return in the near future to either perform another ceremony there or be a dinner guest myself – probably one of those “special” places for birthdays and anniversaries.  I recommend you visit as well.

Greg

Wedding Open House

I was a vendor at a wedding open house at Maplewood Greens in Renton on Saturday.  I had a wonderful time!  It was an opportunity for me to meet quite a few brides (and their moms, fiance’s, and friends) and let them hear about what I do as a wedding celebrant.  Since I like being around and meeting people, it was an afternoon well spent.  Sara and her staff did an excellent job organizing the event – kudos!

My display table

On the left you’ll note my display table…it was fun to be able to have a table all to myself and meet not only the brides-to-be, but also the various vendors.  I was joined at this event by business people from the community; photographers, florists, decorators, caterers, a bakery, a hair stylist, and wine supplier.  All great people and very talented in their craft.

Another “benefit” of participating in this open house was the fact that there were exceptional “goodies” to taste.  My table happened to be located strategically next to the Maplewood catering staff displays, and I was more than happy to provide them with a test subject.  I was also close to the CJ’s Bakery cake sampling station…so I was well set for the afternoon.  I even gave suggestions to some of the folks passing by as to which of the items on the buffet line were my particular favorites.

All in all, a great afternoon…I highly encourage brides and their fiances to check out wedding open houses and events like them in their area; what great ways for you to discover what’s available in a whole range of venders and suppliers, as well as get some cool ideas as to how to put on your ideal wedding!

 

Best Spot in the House

As I stood in my “spot” today at a wedding I performed, it ocurred to me once again that I get the absolute best view in the house to observe all that’s going on, and I love it.

When you stand in the center of the “action” on wedding game day, you get a chance to observe things that the average “guest” does not see.  First of all and most exciting is being at arms-length from the  bride and groom.  Being that “up close and personal” with them is an amazing thing; witnessing the excitement, nervousness, and the relief of finally having all that planning come together for the ceremony is something to behold. 

I enjoy watching the bridal party as they file in from back to front, and taking their places on the stage area around me.  The colors of the dresses and tuxedos are always so stunning and gorgeous.

I also get a kick out of observing the assembled guests themselves.  That’s right, while they are observing the wedding party up front, I’m looking the crowd over and enjoying the “people watching” exercise.  Sometimes it can be quite amusing watching people when they don’t expect anyone will be watching them!

From my vantage point I can also see the coordinator hurrying around at the back of the room unseen by the guests who are seated facing forward,  lining up those that will be participating in the ceremony, cueing the music, etc.

But by far the best part of participating in these ceremonies is the privilege I have in pronouncing the couple husband and wife and introducing them for the first time, seeing the smiles on their faces, witnessing the reaction from the overjoyed crowd - wow, what a blast.

Life is great, especially when you get to observe it from the best spot in the house!

Be sure to choose a coordinator

With the myriad of details to take care of and the decisions a bride must make, often the role of the wedding coordinator is overlooked.  I want to take a moment to emphasize the importance of this member of your wedding planning team as well as the characteristics of the one you should select, as this person will be a game-changer in preparing for your special day.  When I meet with couples in the introductory meeting and we begin the planning process, I always very strongly recommend a coordinator, whether the venue requires it or not, and whether the wedding is to be small or large.

The importance of the coordinator.  The coordinator will be the person selected by the bride to take care of all the details pertaining to the running of a smooth wedding, including running the rehearsal, the ceremony itself, and sometimes the reception.  He or she will work closely with the bride to carry out her wishes on all details so that the bride will have as little stress as possible going into the big event.  I always tell couples that this person is “worth their weight in gold” and that they should give careful consideration as to whom they choose.  An example of the importance of the coordinator’s work is ever so illustrated at the rehearsal.  An experienced coordinator knows exactly what the bride wants and works undauntingly toward this end, guiding rehearsal and ceremony with almost military precision and making sure everyone’s time is honored.  On the other end of the spectrum I’ve witnessed very uncoordinated and stress-filled rehearsals because either there was no coordinator or the one selected really had no clue as to how to put into action the bride’s plans.  

Choose the right coordinator.  By far the best move is to hire a professional coordinator, as there is no substitute for their skill and experience.  You’ll be glad you paid for this valuable service.  Many churches and wedding facilities will require that you hire their own coordinators, as they will know the facility the best.  Another option is to ask a friend with some experience in coordinating to take over this role for you (although by far the professional is preferred).  If you choose this avenue, please bear in mind that this individual will need to possess the people skills necessary to give directives to a group and be able to stay on-task and focused (organized) on what you desire.  Make sure you as the bride feel comfortable that this person can put your plans into action.  If you have any doubts whatsoever, you’ll want to step back and rethink your choice.

I have worked with many coordinators through the years, and can attest to indispensability of their service.  When your rehearsal and ceremony go off without a hitch and your day is carefree, you will be glad you spent a little extra money to ensure that this vital role has been properly addressed!

Out of the mouths of babes…

I wanted to share with you some kid’s sayings about love that I have quoted in a number of my wedding ceremonies through the years.  They are priceless, and some of these give some great insights…even though these kids were only in the 4 to 8 year-old category;

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore.  So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too.  That’s love.” – Rebecca, age 8

“When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.  You know that your name is safe in their mouth.”  Billy, age 4

“Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other.”  Karl, age 5

“Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French Fries without making them give you any of theirs.”  Chrissy, age 6

“Love is what makes you smile when you are tired.”  Terri, age 4

“Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.”  Danny, age 7

“Love is what’s in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.”  Bobby, age 5  (wow, very insightful!)

Enjoy!

It’s not the size of the wedding that matters

I just returned this evening from performing a wedding in a house; actually an apartment.  That’s right, an apartment.  Seems like an unlikely place, doesn’t it?  Instead of in a wedding chapel or country club or church setting, there we were in a modest first-floor apartment with a few family and friends assembled.  It was definately a low budget affair for sure.  My ceremony was short and sweet; the bride and groom exchanged vows and rings, I pronounced them husband and wife, and we signed the marriage license.  All in all pretty simple.

But it brings up a good point – the main thing was that there was love in the room; a man a woman making forever commitments to one another through tear-filled eyes.  It doesn’t get any better that this.  All the fancy weddings that I’ve had the honor of participating in couldn’t top the emotion that was present this evening.  You don’t need to have a fancy wedding with all the trimmings to have love and commitment – you can have modest ceremonies and still experience the best wedding ever because it comes from the overflow of love from the heart.

First Meeting…

Hello there!

One of the things I have enjoyed immensely in my 25 years of pastoral ministry experience is performing weddings.  I love being part of that special day with all of its pageantry; the beautiful gowns and tuxedos, the music, the cute little kids who in their “unpredictabilily” create unque moments.  Most of all I love observing the families and especially the happy couple before me repeating their vows and making public their commitment to each other.  Truly a defining moment in time.

My journey with these couples usually begins when I hold my first meeting together with them.  I had such a meeting yesterday with a couple at an area Starbucks.  I love asking people how they met; while the dynamics of two people becoming friends then falling in love have certain similarities, each couples story is different.  It’s always interesting to me to hear how the feelings of love are ignited and determine their dreams and goals for the future.   

I would love to meet and talk with you and hear your story.  For complete information about me and the services that I offer – please visit my wedding website listed to the right.

 

God Bless!