Hello readers, its time for another sweet wedding story. As I wrote in my entry last week, after so many years as Curtis Rhodes Photography, Curtis Rhodes Weddings and A Perfect Little Wedding and so many years as a wedding photographer and a Seattle Wedding Officiate, and a California Wedding Officiate, I have scads of stories.
Last week's story reminded me of a very small wedding we photographed. It was just the Bride and Groom and the Bride's sister and her husband. As it was the couples second marriages and because the rest of her family, including her parents, lived in Florida, they felt that a small wedding that didn't ask anyone to spend a lot of money to fly to Seattle was appropriate. And so it was, if just a bit a bit sadly, the couple headed off to the chapel after we had finished our photos at their beautiful home in Issaquah. The Bride didn't say anything but was secretly wishing they had asked her parents to be a part of their celebration.
They were married at a tiny little chapel...just them, the witnesses, the minister and the little girl from the candy store next door who pushed the button on the boom box. (and the photographers!) The Groom and the witnesses took their places and the Bride stood, all alone at the doorway...when her parents quietly stepped up and stood on either side of her.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Wedding Stories
After so many years and so many thousands (literally!) of weddings Vickie and I have participated in, everyone asks what are some of our favorite wedding stories. Now, of course, its A Perfect Little Wedding and Curtis Rhodes Weddings where we primarily Officiate and occasionally photograph. Before that, however, we were Curtis Rhodes Photography and before that I was the lead photographer at the old Otto Motal Studio. Lots of stories!
I have been Ordained as a Non-Denominational minister since 1969 but didn't begin Officiating at weddings until the mid 1990s. At that time we began offering packages similar to what we do now, but with larger photo packages. I did, however, also just Officiate at weddings. Here is one of my favorite Officiating stories. As a matter of fact, its the same story I told when we were interviewed on the radio last spring.
We were asked to Officiate at a couple's condo complex, in the recreation room. They asked that I come casually dressed and that they were going to introduce me as an Uncle, because they didn't want anyone to know they were getting married! It was Valentines Day and they had asked a number of friends over for a pizza party. They also had a few bottles of champagne and they wanted to toast their friends. When they were done with their toast, I spoke up.
"I'd like to propose a toast," I said, "to love. And to our hosts, John and Marissa." (I think their names were.) "You love Marissa very much, don't you, John?"
"Yes," he said, looking lovingly at Marissa.
"And you love John very much, don't you, Marissa?"
"Yes, I do," Marissa nodded.
"You should have rings to wear that acknowledge this love."
At this point people started wondering what the heck was going on!
John and Marissa pulled rings out of their pockets and slipped them on each other's hands then gave each other a kiss.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Washington, I hereby pronounce you Husband and Wife!"
People gasped! What!! Is this real??!!!
"That it is," I said as we signed the license.
I have been Ordained as a Non-Denominational minister since 1969 but didn't begin Officiating at weddings until the mid 1990s. At that time we began offering packages similar to what we do now, but with larger photo packages. I did, however, also just Officiate at weddings. Here is one of my favorite Officiating stories. As a matter of fact, its the same story I told when we were interviewed on the radio last spring.
We were asked to Officiate at a couple's condo complex, in the recreation room. They asked that I come casually dressed and that they were going to introduce me as an Uncle, because they didn't want anyone to know they were getting married! It was Valentines Day and they had asked a number of friends over for a pizza party. They also had a few bottles of champagne and they wanted to toast their friends. When they were done with their toast, I spoke up.
"I'd like to propose a toast," I said, "to love. And to our hosts, John and Marissa." (I think their names were.) "You love Marissa very much, don't you, John?"
"Yes," he said, looking lovingly at Marissa.
"And you love John very much, don't you, Marissa?"
"Yes, I do," Marissa nodded.
"You should have rings to wear that acknowledge this love."
At this point people started wondering what the heck was going on!
John and Marissa pulled rings out of their pockets and slipped them on each other's hands then gave each other a kiss.
"By the power vested in me by the State of Washington, I hereby pronounce you Husband and Wife!"
People gasped! What!! Is this real??!!!
"That it is," I said as we signed the license.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
One.Eleven.Eleven
Brenda and Wendell celebrated their wedding last night in our living room that was aglow with the light from our Glassybaby candles and the warmth of our fireplace. We still have Christmas lights ringing our deck that overlooks Lake Washington and Kirkland and the effect was absolutely beautiful. Vickie and our daughter Jennifer acted as witnesses so it truly was a Perfect Little Wedding. I love Officiating at these intimate events and if this wasn't the most beautiful spot in all of Washington, I would be amazed! Curtis Rhodes
PS...Brenda and Wendell met online through EHarmony.com as so many of our couples have.
PS...Brenda and Wendell met online through EHarmony.com as so many of our couples have.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Here we are at the beginning of a new, exciting year. We are looking forward to meeting (and marrying!) many wonderful couples. It was a delightful 2010... Curtis Rhodes Weddings and A Perfect Little Wedding performed over 40 ceremonies! Here are a few photos of some of the weddings we participated in...from Semi-ah-moo to Thornewood Castle!
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