Groomsman - Neil Christensen

I am happy to officially announce our latest addition to the bridal party. Neil has joined on as one of Mark's groomsmen.

Mark and Neil met at school and he quickly become a regular at our get-togethers. It didn't take long for him to become close friends with the bridal party.

A good guy with a big heart, Neil is no stranger to wearing a tux. He is a trained french horn player and master of all things Star Wars.

Thank you, Neil for sharing in our day.

"The Family Engagement Photos Slide Show"

I am happy to share with you our engagement slide show of the family. Thank you to Shelley Mauss for sharing her talents with us. We love you, Shelley!!!

http://www.shelleymaussphotography.com/slideshows/marieandmark/

Here She Goes Again....

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have a hard time making decisions. I am the type of person that needs to know EVERYTHING before I can make a decision. It's an annoying trait that I have. When you combine that with my need to please everyone, you can say wedding planning has been a bit of a challenge. Someone asked me if I really need the input from Mark and my 2 best friend to make decisions. I said "of, course! This way if anything goes wrong then I can blame them." Yes, yes...I am joking!

So, we have decided to move the reception to a new location. Our new location is beautiful and more relaxed like us. There will be eating, drinking and dancing al fresco. Mark and the children were so excited when they saw it for the first time. Plenty of room for all the kids to enjoy. And, I know the food will be great. A friend of mine (An Affair to Remember Catering) will be making us a wonderful meal fit for a great celebration.

I have always loved outdoor weddings but knew that I couldn't have one (Catholic Church requires ceremony/sacraments to be held in a church) I was lucky to find a beautiful location that is close to the church and available on our date! We are sure that you will love it as much as we do. Pray for beautiful weather!

Here are some pictures of the location:

Gazebo with a Wrought Iron Chandelier & Candelabra

Garden Fire Pit and Benches surrounded by garden beds -

Ladies, I suggest you bring an extra pair of flats or low heel shoes for the reception.

The Garden with Grecian Pool - no you can't go swimming in it.

Introduction:

The Victorian Garden House was built in 1888 as a private residence on 80 acres of deeded land when Washington was just a Territory of the United States. Larry and Diane Kiel purchased the property in 1974 to raise their family. The home became the first Bed and Breakfast facility in Kent, Washington in 1993. Located on two and a half acres, only twenty minutes from either downtown Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma and minutes from SeaTac Airport.

Engagement Photos - Sneak Peek

How exciting was that?!?! Today we spent one glorious hour with the fabulous Miss Shelley Marie Mauss extraordinaire. None of us have ever had a professional photo shoot so we had no idea what to expect. But, we all had faith that Shelley would make it fun experience. It was a such a wonderful experience to watch her with the kids. To see how excited they were to have their picture taken by a professional. I just knew that deep inside they felt special. A priceless feeling for a child and a wonderful gift for parents. Their personality just burst with Shelley's direction. Emerald trying to steal the spotlight. Malachite trying to find some way to make a sillier face or crazier pose than the last. And yes, Malachite did indeed fall into the fountain during our photo shoot. He handled it like a trooper and kept on smiling. I have to admit, it was odd having someone watch you while you hug the person that you love. But, as we went on it felt natural for us. And that’s what is so great about Shelley. She has a way of making you feel at ease. For that little moment she is with you, you feel joy of all that life is. And, I am convince that she has superpowers to have the clouds break, rain stop, and the sun shine. The perfect light, perfect backdrop, perfect photographer for one of the most perfect days for this imperfect family. Although, I will argue that this picture makes our family look perfect. For a sneak peek of the engagement photos go to http://www.shelleymauss.blogspot.com/

P.S. - It took all of my willpower not to make any reference to my weight or double chin, short legs. Beware, my resistance is weaking....