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Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

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Page 1: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

inthe

2013

Published by The Journal of the San Juan Islands, Islands’ Sounder and Islands’ Weekly

Page 2: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

One big decision that can be hard to move past the discussion stage in wedding planning is what to serve

the guests. The meal represents a big por-tion of a wedding reception budget, so it is important to be absolutely satisfied with the

food and its presentation.In the San Juans, you’ll find a long list of

caterers and restaurants to choose from, and the islands are quickly earning a reputation for an abundance of locally produced food and for an assortment of prepared culinary

The San Juan Islands are known far and wide for a quintes-sentially laid-back lifestyle and certainly for being casual when it comes to clothing

But when it comes to an impor tant event such as a wed ding, casual may not fly. Be mindful of the tips below when it’s time to select your outfit.

For women, there is one gol den rule: never wear a white dress. The bride should be the only per son to dress in this color; for someo ne else to wear it would show very poor man ners, as if they were trying to steal the show.

Provocative sty les, such as very short, tight dres ses with plun-ging nec kli nes, should also be avoi ded. Dresses made of a silky fabric are clas sics, and a light woven wool is alright, but avoid knits and worn loo king fabrics. Hem li nes should never go too high — a dress cut just above the knee is the most appro pria te choi ce.

For men, a long-slee ved shirt tuc ked insi de the pants with a belt and a tie is a basic cour te sy. Smart pants in a dark color com ple te the out fit. Wearing a sports jac ket or suit jac ket will depend on the type of wed ding you attend. The impor tant thing is to forgo casual clo thing and bright colors, like a flas hy Hawaiian shirt.

Once in a whi le, the bride and groom may spe ci fy a color that they want all their guests to wear. If so, be agre e a ble about it and

fol low their wis hes. It may be that they have a wed ding the me, or that they want to stan dar di ze the pho to graphs in their sou ve nir album. Don’t for get that this is the bride and groom’s day, not an occa sion to try and stand out from the other guests.

Dress code:Golden rules for welcome guests

Contributed photo / Robert S. HarrisonDon’t forget that this is the bride and groom’s day, not an occasion to try and stand out from the other guests.

make yourwedding day a

class act

360-378-7519

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©Ja

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SAN JUAN ISLAND Full wedding Venue: Friday Harbor House 130 West Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (866) 722-7356 [email protected] www.FridayHarborHouse.comRoche Harbor PO Box 4001, Roche Harbor, WA 98250 (800) 451-8910 [email protected] CeRemony & ReCeption FaCilities: san Juan island grange 52 First Street North FH WA 98250 PO BOX 2013 FH WA 98250 (360) 378-6632 [email protected] wedding sHow isle be wed c/o 50-F Malcom Street, #320, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 317-5961 [email protected] www.islebewed.comeVent planning & CateRing: Coho Restaurant 120 Nichols Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-6330 [email protected] CohoRestaurant.comVinny’s Ristorante 165 West Street/PO Box 3335, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 378-1934 www.vinnysfridayharbor.com eQuipment Rentals: Harbor Rental & saw shop 890 Guard St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360-378-2220 www.harborrentalandsaw.comwedding, BiRtHday & speCial oCCasion Cakes: Cakes by Felicitations 50-F Malcom Street, #320 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 (360) 317-5961 [email protected] www.cakesbyfelicitations.comtRanspoRtation: Classic Cab Co. (360) 378-7519 [email protected]: James krall (360) 378-0949 www.sanjuanphotoarts.comkevin meyers photography (503) 880-4692 www.kevinmeyers.net/main.php [email protected] treder photography & the seattle wedding Bureau 1403 N. 42nd Street (206) 380-4000 www.nancytreder.comCHaRteR Boat FH Schooners North 1 Front Street (360) 378-2224 www.schoonersnorth.com info@schoonersnorth

Contributed photo / Kevin MeyersA groom offers up a humorous ‘toast’ at wedding recep-tion and dinner at Roche Harbor Resort.

delights. In fact, the Lonely Planet, pub-lisher of more than 500 travel guides, named the San Juan Islands No. 3 in its Top 10 U.S. Destinations for 2013, and gave the islands a new moniker in doing so, “The Gourmet Archipelago”.

While seafood is one the San Juans’ specialties, of course, the islands are also renowned for locally grown lamb, beef, greens, and wines as well.

Being able to see and taste each of the dishes that will be served at your reception is essential. An experienced caterer will be prepared to offer you a tasting, as well as references from prior clients. Think about a menu that includes hors d’oeuvres, an appetizer, a main course, and wedding cake for dessert. A major budget factor is whether your meal will be served buffet style or plated as a sit-down meal.

When deciding on the menu it is impor-tant to provide choices: one for children, one for vegetarians, as well as a general meal for the majority of the other guests.

For the first course, choose season-al products, such as a salad during the summer or a soup in the fall. For the main course, chicken is always good value because it is cooked the same way for every guest. Beef, on the other hand, needs to be offered at a variety of stages of done-ness.

Depending on the timing of your wed-ding, you might also serve a late night snack that includes small pastries, sushi, candies, and tailor-made special coffees.

Page 3: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

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The folks at Roche Harbor Resort know a thing or two about weddings.

After hosting nuptials by the doz-ens year-in and year-out, you might say that by now it’s woven into their DNA. And while the picturesque seaside village, with its historic hotel, inspiring array of flower gardens and bustling sun-splashed marina, isn’t the only sought-after spot for a couple to wed in the San Juans, it remains one of the most popular on San Juan Island.

It also carries high praise from a legion of newlyweds. In fact, in 2012 Roche Harbor was rated as one of Washington state’s top wedding destinations by theknot.com, a leading wedding industry website, for the second year in a row. That distinction is based on the feedback of brides who have been there and by newlywed reviews as well.

“It’s the second year in a row for us and we think that speaks to our consistency, and that we’re not just a flash in the pan,” said Roche Harbor Lodging and Events Director Sam Jacobson.

While Roche Harbor resort is in high demand, Jacobson believes the San Juan Islands are an ideal wedding destination, collectively. The reasons are many.

“I think people who grow up in Washington want to show off their state

and that the San Juans, with the ferries and the water and the natural beauty, are one of

those quintessential scenic locations in the state,” he said. “And the proximity to Seattle is really helpful when you’re planning a wedding where a lot of your guests may be coming from somewhere out of state.”

And there’s more. Like the weather. Situated in the combined rain shadow

of the Olympic Mountains and Vancouver Island, the islands receive about one-third of the average amount of rainfall that Seattle, about 65 miles south as the seaplane flies, typically does in any given year. Still, tem-peratures are generally milder than on the mainland, and most definitely milder than those east of the Cascades, because of the moderating effect from that vast amount of marine water that ebbs and flows across the archipelago.

And when it comes to practical mat-ters, the San Juans are well-stocked in that department as well. Three of the four ferry-served islands, Shaw being the exception, are flush with seasoned professionals – caterers, photographers, musicians, event planners, florists – who make it their business to make certain the business end of every soon-to-be-newlyweds’ very special day is remarkable, memorable and complete.

— Scott Rasmussen

Making wedding plans can be an all-consuming task. But don’t forget about that all-important

license to wed. In the San Juans, the San Juan County

Auditor’s office is the place to go for a marriage license. The folks there are well-schooled in the wedding arena. In fact, 2012 was a banner year at the auditor’s

office, which issued a total of 150 marriage licenses that year. That’s an increase of 15 percent over the 130 applications pro-cessed the year before. Holy matrimony!

Obtaining a marriage license is a fairly quick and straightforward affair, but there are several documents you’ll want to bring along when you submit your application, and a couple of dates and deadlines to keep in mind.

Here’s how it works: The cost is $60, the price of which

includes a single copy of a marriage certif-icate. Additional copies can be purchased for $3.

Applications can be obtained in person at the auditor’s office, located at the county courthouse in Friday Harbor, or ordered by phone, 360-378-2161, or by email or “snail mail” (see below), or online, www.co.san-juan.wa.us.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and present identification with their picture and date of birth. By law, Washington state has a 3-day waiting peri-od after a license is issued, so applications must be made at least three days prior to a wedding ceremony.

A license is valid for 60 days from the date it’s issued. (Additional rules apply for anyone 17 or younger; visit the auditor’s homepage, www.co.san-juan.wa.us/auditor/default.aspx, and click on the “licensing” tab for more about these requirements).

Goin’ to the chapel? Don’t forget that license to wed

Contributed photo / Courtesy of Redstone PicturesNewlylweds take timeout for a kiss during a wedding along the waterfront at Roche Harbor Resort.

Contributed photo

Newlyweds Amanda and Nathan strike a tri-umph pose on Friday Harbor’s Spring Street.

Contact info for San Juan County Auditor: Phone: 360-378-2161Email: [email protected]: SJC Auditor, P.O. Box 638, F.H., WA

98250; Online: www.co.san-juan.wa.us/audi-tor/default.aspx

Page 4: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

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What do you do with a one-of-a-kind type of show following its successful debut?

Naturally, you head out on the road. That’s precisely what the folks heading up the San Juans

one-and-only wedding show, Isle Be Wed, have in store. A year ago, a long list of San Juan Island-based wedding-

related vendors joined forces to launch the inaugural Isle Be Wed, celebrating island wedding fare available to brides and grooms throughout the islands, and beyond.

This year, the show will take place at three different locations, simultaneously, on Orcas and San Juan islands. Isle Be Wed Coordinator Felicity Milne, of Cakes by Felicitations, is delight-ed by both the interest in the show and how it’s expanding.

“Because of the overwhelming growth of destination weddings in the San Juan Islands we literally ran out of room,” she said.

Mark Saturday, March 9, on your calendar. Isle Be Wed will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following venues: San Juan Island Yacht Club, in Friday Harbor, 273 Front Street (378-3434); the Orcas Hotel, in Orcas Village, 8 Orcas Hill Road (376-4300); the Outlook Inn, in Eastsound, Orcas, 171 Main Street (376-2200).

The show offers a forum wherein brides, grooms, plan-ners, family and close friends can meet and interact with nearly 40 different vendors covering everything that a couple would need to make their destination wedding a dream come true, Milne says.

This year’s assembly of vendors includes a long list of local caterers, photographers, musicians, lodging establish-ments, wedding venues, transportation providers, equip-ment rental companies and more. Individual vendors are listed below. For more info, visit Isle Be Wed’s Facebook page at, www.facebook.com/IsleBeWed, or, www.visitsan-juans.com/islebewed, or at www.islebewed.com. Vendors:

Lodging: The Island Inn at 123 West, Wanderlust Hospitality, Lakedale Resort, Friday Harbor House, Longhouse B&B, West Beach Resort, Orcas Island Lodgings, Orcas Hotel and Outlook Inn

Venues: Pelindaba Lavender Farm, San Juan Vineyards, San Juan Island Yacht Club and Red Rabbit Farm

Photography: Tim Dustrude Photography, Satya Curcio Photography, Steve Horn Photography, Weddings San Juan Video

Catering: Cask and Schooner Restaurant, Happy Place Sushi, Deb Nolan Custom Catering, Deer Harbor Inn, Vinny’s Ristorante

Music: Mary WillAllen – harp, San Juan Jazz Quintet, A San Juan DJ

Transportation: S chooners North, Eclipse Charters, Orcas Island Classic Cars and Event Transportation

Everything Else: Archie Brooks, Orcas Event Rentals, San Juan Island Chamber of Commerce, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, Event Success

There’s good reason why thousands of visitors make their way to San Juan Island every year. Natural beauty aside, the island is a veritable wonderland of outdoor activity, along with its small town charm, and home to a whale-watching fleet, top-notch golf course, numerous parks, myriad hiking trails, a zip-line, scores of fabulous restaurants and art galleries, and much, much more.

So, your wedding guests will have plenty options for entertain-ment to chose from. Below are a few favorites.

— Rent a kayak or bring your own for a self-paddled cruise out of Friday Harbor to Turn Island, or out of Roche Harbor to English Camp or Mitchell Bay. All are easy to get to and fun to explore, especially at low tide. If you want to take up a whole morning or afternoon, you can check out any number of places nearby.

— Go swimming. There’s water everywhere, including a number of freshwater lakes. A shorty wetsuit will make it comfortable, and fins and a mask will make it adventurous.

— Go fishing or cruising. Small boat rentals and fishing guides are available in Friday Harbor. Friday Harbor Marine has a variety of boats for fishing or just sightseeing.

— In summer, spring or fall, go whale watching out of either Friday Harbor or Roche Harbor. Or make your way to Lime Kiln Park: the whales come in close at this picturesque spot on the west side. Whales also come by South Beach, near American Camp (also a good place to visit).

— Go hiking or biking. Lots of open space and lots of good biking roads. Mount Finlayson offers some great hikes, and there are others. The Afterglow Drive Mausoleum at Roche Harbor is a nice, cool hike with a broken column colonnade and stone chairs for meditating.

— Check out the Island Museum of Art and the half-dozen art galleries in Friday Harbor. Plus, the sculpture garden at the entrance to Roche Harbor is exceptional - and it’s close to the Afterglow Drive mausoleum.

— Walk the docks in Friday Harbor. Lots of boats, including some big boats in summer, at the Port of Friday Harbor docks.

That’s enough to keep you (and your kids) busy for a week. And there’s more: go to www.visitsanjuans.com/.

— Steve Wehrly

San Juan: An ‘Isle’ of endless entertainment

ContributorsPublishers: Roxanne Angel, Colleen Smith ArmstrongEditor: Scott RasmussenWriters: Cali Bagby, Scott Rasmussen, Steve WehrlyAdvertising Sales: Roxanne Angel, Colleen Smith Armstrong, Dubi Izakson, Howard SchonbergerGraphic Artists: Scott Herning, Kathryn Sherman Cover Photo: Contributed photos

Publication Information The Journal of the San Juans 640 Mullis St.,

Friday Harbor, WA 98250. P: 360‑378‑5696, F: 360‑378‑5128 ‑ www.sanjuanjournal.com

The Islands’ Sounder 217 Main Street,

Eastsound, WA 98245. P: 360‑376‑4500, F: 360‑376‑4501 ‑ www.islandssounder.com

The Islands’ Weekly 217 Main Street, Eastsound,

WA 98245. P: 360‑468‑4242, F: 360‑376‑4501 ‑ www.islandsweekly.com

Contributed photo / Kevin MeyersNewlyweds Evan and Mandy celebrate their marriage with a kiss and, to underscore the occasion, with a banner of their very own.

Page 5: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

The photographer snaps a picture of you in a flowing white dress and your beloved in a black tux.

Behind you still blue waters and gentle peaks from surrounding islands gleam in the sunlight. It’s just one possible stunning image you can add to your scrapbook if you choose to have a wed-ding on Orcas Island.

The “Emerald Isle,” as locals call it, offers a wide expanse of pastoral beauty, pebbly shorelines and bucol-ic farmland. The island’s 56.9 square miles are dotted with small hamlets offering world-class restaurants, bou-tique shopping and a wealth of activ-ity tours. Scattered among the forests and along the pristine shores are a variety of quaint and lovely bed and breakfasts and hotels. Your guests might enjoy browsing the artisan pottery, jewelry or art at the island’s many galleries. Family and friends visiting for a wedding weekend can also take some free time to explore the many beaches and trails on this small, but lively island.

Professional Orcas Island wedding plan-ners are at your service to guide you as you select a venue; experienced wedding pho-tographers; talented local musicians; wed-ding officiant; or salons offering personal-ized hair, skin and makeup services.

Activities for guestsRight off of the boat, the Orcas ferry

landing hosts a gourmet grocery and deli,

post office, a few small shops, a public dock, boat rentals, whale watching, water taxi, car and moped rentals, and a taxi ser-vice. To the east lies a woodsy residential area along Killebrew Lake Road; to the northwest, Orcas Road winds through grassy meadows toward the island’s cen-ter, Eastsound.

Eastsound is home to an array of charming shops, restaurants and spe-cialty shops. You’ll find a public library, a historical museum, grocery stores, a pharmacy, restaurants and more. Along its north and south shorelines are three public parks, and Buck Park with skate park, playground and soccer fields. Orcas Center hosts a lively variety of musical, theatre and artistic offerings throughout each season.

On the southwestern prong of Orcas

Island, West Sound features a cafe, a pub-lic dock and a marina, while sunny Deer Harbor offers lodging, a restaurant, and two marinas where kayak, boat and whale watching tours embark.

Southeast of Eastsound, Olga Road leads to 5,200-acre Moran State Park. Drive. Hike or cycle to the top of 2,400-foot Mount Constitution, where you can take in breath-taking 360-degree views of the outlying islands and, on clear days, the Cascade Mountain range. Trails provide easy walks or rigorous, hilly climbs that intersect and add on with one another. You can spend all day exploring the island’s treasured state

park. Afterward, you might enjoy picnick-ing at Cascade Lake’s popular sun-warmed swimming area, with a playground, barbe-cues and picnic tables - fun for the whole family.

Beyond the park lies Olga, with its eclec-tic art co-op and restaurant; past it you’ll find secluded Obstruction Pass State Park, with hike-in campgrounds along a lovely pebbled beach. Point Lawrence Road leads to the hamlet of Doe Bay, with a great view of gentle waters, a historic resort complete with a delicious restaurant, a sundries shop and hot tubs.

Wherever you go on this island whether you are tying the knot or visiting as a guest you will find beauty, tranquility and a sense of escape from the busy world.

— Cali Bagby

Creating beautiful � oralarrangements for hundreds of happy couples is our business.

Local, fresh Orcas Island � owers. Visit our website wedding album.

Contact us for a free estimate.

360.376.5208www.orcasisland� owers.com© Laurel McConnell Photography © Robert S. Harrison Photography

ORCAS ISLAND Wedding Reception Facilities: West Beach Resort 190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA 98245 (360) 376-2240, (877) 937-8224 www.westbeachresort.com [email protected] diRectoRY: orcas island chamber of commerce (360) 376-2273 www.OrcasIslandChamber.com [email protected]

Vocalist: cali Bagby [email protected] www.orcassoprano.com

cateReRs: deer Harbor inn Restaurant PO Box 151, Deer Harbor, WA 98243 (360) 376-1040 [email protected]

eVent Rentals: Veronica san Martin 434 Prune Alley, P.O, Box 1685, Eastsound WA 98245 (360) 376.8376 [email protected]

FloRal design: peace & plenty Flower Farm (360) 376-5208 [email protected] www.orcasislandflowers.com

New bride and groom sharing a special moment near Odd Fellows Hall, Orcas.

Contributed photo / Robert S. Harrison

Page 6: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

At your wedding cer-emony, “I do” are not the only words you’ll

have to say. Not to put any pressure on

you, but your vows are the reason for your union and should be chosen and spoken with care. If you have opted for a religious ceremony, many priests or pastors will provide you with traditional vows. If that is the case, you won’t have to think too hard.

On the other hand, if you have decided on a more unconventional route, writing

your own vows is a wonder-fully romantic idea.

But what if you can’t quite get your thoughts and feel-ings down on the page? What if you find yourself stuck in front of a blank page for hours on end? Here are a few sug-gestions for expressing your love without sounding overly sentimental.

Start by asking yourself the right questions. How did you fall in love with your future spouse? What does commit-ment mean to you? And mar-riage? Your answers are the best material to use, as they come straight from your heart.

Keep your vows simple and concise so they will be memo-

rable and interesting. There is nothing wrong with draw-ing inspiration from a favorite poet or a line from a movie.

Most of all, you don’t want your guests’ eyelids getting heavy, so a good rule to fol-low is to make the vows about the same length as traditional vows, which are between 30 to 40 seconds long when spoken.

You won’t make a mistake if you are speaking from the heart. Once you have your vows down on paper, prac-tice them until you have them memorized perfectly. It wouldn’t hurt to have a copy tucked into your sleeve, just in case your nerves play with your memory.

360-376-2240 or 877-937-8224www.westbeachresort.com

190 Waterfront Way, Eastsound, WA 98245

West Beach ResortWaterfront site facing due west. Amazing sunsets!

Available year round. Beachfront cottages for your guests!

~ Wedding Reception Catering ~O� Site Locations ~ Mobile Kitchen ~ Full Bar

Paci� c Seafood ~ Passed Appetizers ~ Wood Fired PizzasBudget Conscious Pricing!

[email protected] • 360-376-1040 • www.deerharborinn.com/weddings-catering

Online at: www.OrcasIslandChamber.com& www.MyOrcasIslandWedding.comFacebook: “Orcas Island Weddings”

360.376.2273 P.O. Box 252, Eastsound, WA 98245

By Amelia Palmer

My husband and I grew up in the Puget Sound area but had recently

moved to Eastern Washington when we got engaged. We knew we wanted to get married some-where that would feel like “home” to us but that would also be a fun destination for our guests. We hoped the weekend would be an experience that everyone would remember.

Orcas was the first place we traveled as a couple and it was an easy location for our families and guests to travel to, so it quickly became our first choice. There were tons of lodging options for couples as well as large groups or families and the local vendors made planning a wedding from six hours away extremely easy.

Our guests made the most of Orcas as well. Because we had an early evening ceremony, they had time to kayak, swim, hike, shop, and explore before heading out to the main festivities. The weekend was a success and we aren’t the only ones planning a return trip!

Contibuted photo / Oona CopperhillAmelia and Blair Palmer on the day of their wedding.

Testimonial:Orcas Island: A place like ‘home’

A few hints on how to get past writer’s block

As you peruse the silver-covered magazines, it may seem hard to believe in the possibility of a

simple but inspired wedding. But with a

few ideas, a bit of initia-tive, and the cooperation of family and friends, you can arrange an inexpen-sive wed-ding that will delight bride, groom, and guests.

If you don’t have a big budget, plan on taking advan-tage of the abilities of those around you. Your best friend’s boyfriend is a pho-tographer? You have a cousin who’s a florist or an auntie who has an im mense flower garden? Invite them to contribute their expertise and resources as a wed-ding gift.

Use a computer to design and print your own invitations. Be aware that winter weddings are generally less

expensive, with the prices of reception halls often dropping by 20 to 40 per-cent between November and March. Church ladies’ committees are often in

the business of catering, and church halls are s o m e t i m e s available for wedding par-ties. If you opt for that, make sure you know their policies r e g a r d i n g music and dancing!

If it’s okay with the manager of the space you’re renting, consider re cruiting extended family to cater the meal by contributing two or three dishes each; the approach is close in spirit to a pot-luck but with all the class of a catered buffet table. This, too, would make a valued wedding gift alternative.

All you need is a bit of imagination and willing friends to make your wed-ding the special occasion it ought to be.

Page 7: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

I am honored to facilitate and of� ciate your special custom wedding ceremony. Together, you, your partner and I can design the ceremony of your dreams, one with heart and meaning for you both. I am calm, � exible, and organized and will help you tend to all of the licensing details after the ceremony. Call or email me for more information.

Susie Teague, Minister of Walking Prayer360-468-0550whispersofnature@gmail.comwww.whispersofnatureherbs.com

will be doin’ some cookin’ this season

at Vita’s!Ask us about catering

your next event.

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LOPEZ ISLANDWedding Reception Facilities: Woodmen Hall (360) 468-3537 (360) 468-2421lopez island Vineyards & Winery 724 Fisherman Bay Road, Lopez Island WA 98261 (360) 468.3644 winery; (360) 468.4888 tasting room [email protected] www.lopezislandvineyards.comcateRing: lopez island catering Chef Peter Neal (360) 468-3949 [email protected] www.lopezislandcatering.comVita’s Wildly delicious (360) 468-4268 [email protected] www.vitaswildlydelicious.comWedding oFFiciant: susie teague, Minister of Walking prayer (360) 468-0550 [email protected] www.whispersofnatureherbs.compHotogRapHeR: Robert s. Harrison photography www.rsharrison.com [email protected]

With rolling green hills, many splen-

did beaches and waters gently lapping at pristine shores, Lopez Island’s backdrop is an ideal set-ting to start the first day of life-long vows.

The island, known as the “Friendly Isle” is a peaceful place, but is also a top destination for visitors to the San Juans. Don’t be surprised if fel-low motorists wave to you and your guests - it’s the island way. Lopez is also the closest of the ferry-served islands to Anacortes, making it a quick and convenient trip for bride and groom and all their friends and family. Plus visitors will get the thrill of surveying the view of other islands in the San Juan archipelago as they cruise on to Lopez via the ferry.

Although Lopez Island’s population is small, around 2,400 peo-ple, it has a wide variety of music concerts, community-inspired events, art shows and cultural events. You’ll find talented wedding and creative photographers and an eclectic group of musicians to add a unique touch to your special ceremony. Most of the island’s businesses are located in Lopez Village. On Saturday mornings in the summer, you’ll find shoppers perusing fresh vegetables at the Farmers Market, and children playing in Lopez Village Park.

Wedding venues: The island offers a selection of potential cer-emony venues like the Lopez Center for Community and the Arts with its wood floors, large windows and outdoor performance pavilion; Woodmen Hall offers a one-of-a-kind venue, recently renovated to reflect its historical character; Lopez Island Vineyards

offers beautifully land-scaped winery gardens for an intimate outdoor wedding location; Lopez Islander Resort is located on charming Fisherman Bay and includes water-front hotel rooms and restaurant; The Galley truly offers a family-friendly environment on Fisherman Bay; the Edenwild Inn with pre-mium accommodations nestled in the heart of Lopez Village. There are also several quaint and beautiful churches for tying the knot includ-ing Center Church and Grace Episcopal Church.

Activities for guests: What makes Lopez such a romantic setting is its vast expanses of spectacular beaches, vistas and stunning wildlife. It’s common to see great blue herons and osprey fly into the distance behind you. Take a trip to Odlin County Park and Spencer Spit State Park and your wedding guests may also catch a bald eagle soaring overhead or spy a killer whale sighting in the waters below. The Lopez Village, which has a grocery stores, two coffee shops, several boutiques, restaurants, a bookstore, and a bakery, provides the essentials and any last minute items for your time on the island. If your guests are in need a place to stay there are plenty of accommodations on the island including a motel, bed and breakfasts, vacation home rentals and three campgrounds.

A wedding on Lopez not only gives you breathtaking scenery, but a place to take a deep breath and simply revel in the rustic charm and friendly people of the island.

— Cali Bagby

Contributed photo / Robert S. HarrisonLopez offers unique and picturesque locations to make your wedding memories last a lifetime.

The natural beauty of the San Juans Islands has long served as an inspiration for photographers of all stripes: professional, amateur, novice and now, for just about anyone carrying a

cell-phone. But when it comes to a wedding, it’s the skilled, polished profes-

sional you’ll want to seek out and trust to capture the mood and the moments, and to help create the memories of that special day. You’ll find many to chose from in the San Juans.

It’s a crucial choice indeed, as the photograph album is always a precious souvenir. Looking for a photographer is a little like finding your future partner; you need to discover that rare pearl, the one just right for your style and your personality.

It is vital, therefore, to organize a first, informal meeting where general questions can be discussed regarding the photographer’s methods and how he or she intends to recreate your special day in pictures.

Some offer eccentric, modified or sepia photographs, others will talk about a photographic wedding story while some will offer to take the photographs when the light is ideal... even when this is not on the day of your wedding!

Whatever is suggested, if it captures your interest always ask to see examples of the photographer’s work, although any professional would have taken care to bring a portfolio to the meeting.

This promotional tool should be able to speak for itself: no fake expressions, an atmosphere faithfully captured, natu-ral colours.

It’s always a bad sign if, from the first encounter, the photographer spends a lot of time trying to sell you a package deal in an insistent manner. In the end, it would be best in this instance to think about quality rather than economy.

Finding the perfect photographer...

Contributed photo An outdoor wedding in August on Waldron Island proved ideal for newly-weds Rachel Sorensen and Galen Boydston.

Page 8: Weddings - Weddings in the San Juans 2013

The environmental ethos runs deep in the San Juan Islands. And weddings are no exception. Here are a few sug-

gestions for an eco-friendly day. For the bride’s bouquet choose local wild

flowers, such as irises, daisies, or lavender. For boutineers and corsages, some leafy greenery will add a touch of originality to your bridal procession and advertise your commitment to being green. You could also replace the traditional table centerpieces with displays of freshly picked apples from a neighboring orchard — perfect if you’re getting married in September.

Have your invitations printed on FSC-certified 100% recycled paper. For your thank-you cards, choose stationery made

from paper in which wild flower are embed-ded; this kind of paper is available in many garden centers. For your ceremony and reception, choose locations that are eas-ily accessible in order to cut down on car engine emissions.

Brides who love their mother’s or grand-mother’s wedding gowns can have them altered by a seamstress. Buying a beautiful, recycled wedding band in gold or silver is another great way to be green. The rings can be personalized in the same way as traditional rings. Wedding rings that belonged to family members are also a meaningful option — after all, the Duchess of Cambridge was quite happy to accept Princess Diana’s engagement ring.

Th e perfect venue for your wedding reception.Beautiful, warm inviting space, all the amenities you need for that special day: stage, new sound and lighting systems, table settings,

professional kitchen, all add to the Hall’s charms.Please call Woodmen Hall

(360) 468-3092or Angie, our experienced Events Coordinator

(360) 468-4056

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I do…want a ‘green’ wedding

He has finally proposed? Then your top priority is to do a bit of bragging and tell everyone the good news!

Once your initial excitement has calmed down a touch, though, you’ll have to take time to do some serious thinking. There are so many details to plan, a budget to draw up, and deadlines to be met: it can seem over-whelming.

If you are finding it hard to get some trac-tion in launching your wedding planning, here are nine tips to give you some direction and help you get moving:

1. Establish your budget per guest. In fact, this is the perfect time to draw up your guest list.

2. Order your invitations, being careful to include your names, the date, time, and place of the wedding and reception, as well as the date by which you need to receive replies. Being clear about this will help you save a lot of precious time and money. Be sure to include stamped, addressed envelopes if you can.

3. The reception hall is often one of the biggest expenses, so be sure to reserve one as quickly as possible. If you want to keep expenses down, think about holding the recep-tion at a family home or in a garden.

5. Make up or order wedding favors for your guests. These are put with their place setting or offered at the end of the reception. Let your imagination run wild: you could offer small homemade soaps, candles, local produce in mini format, bath pearls, or small boxes of candies. It can also be fun to have a “retro” favor, such as a pack of matches with the bride and groom’s names embossed on the matchbook cover.

6. Give yourself enough time to find a wedding gown that really suits your personal-ity. It is also possible to rent a dress for the occasion, much as your beloved can buy or rent his tuxedo.

7. Book your hair, make-up, esthetician, and manicure appointments several weeks before the wedding. If possible, plan a test run.

8. Put all your heart into writing down the vows that you would like to make during the marriage ceremony. If you plan to make a speech at the reception, be sure to get that down in writing as well.

9. Plan the reception down to the last detail: create the atmosphere you like with suitable music, entertainment, and a décor that matches your personality. (Don’t forget to decorate the bathrooms, a place everyone will see at some point!)

10. Organize your honeymoon so that you can celebrate your new life together.

And while we’re talking weddings, here are a few other tips to keep in mind:

• Avoid giving important jobs to the parents of the bride and groom — unless they really want to be involved that way. Instead, let them enjoy being with the guests.

• If you intend to create a gift list, be sure to put it on the Internet so that it will be easily accessible to everyone.

• If small children will be at the reception, plan to have a space available where they can play and a quiet room where they can sleep.

• Take photographs of your hair and make-up test runs so you can choose the perfect

combination when you’re well rested. Prepare a make-up kit for any touch-up jobs on your big day.

• Leave a guest book at the entrance of the reception hall. It’s a great souvenir to keep, along with your photo album.

• Leave a disposable camera on every table so that guests can record magical moments during the reception.

Contributed photo / Robert S. HarrisonWith weddings plan intact and special day at hand, a bride leads a procession with an escort of color-coordinated bridesmaids by her side.

Contributed photo / Kevin MeyersNewlyweds Chris and Jennifer share a quiet moment together along the waterfront.