As a wedding officiant in Seattle I have the joy of helping engaged couples throughout Washington State take their next relationship step together. Whether they are residents, or will be eloping and planning a destination wedding. Each person is unique, so each couple is also going to be unique. Each duo creates a lovely blend unlike any other. With this in mind, I love hearing about each couples’ ideas and how they plan to make their special day, original and representative of them and their beliefs.
While I am an ordained minister Seattle brings me couples that don’t always seek a religious presentation, but instead a non-religious ceremony. In actuality, as a Seattle wedding officiant non-religious ceremonies are more common these days. However, I honor all beliefs and support and officiate traditional religious unions, weddings that include modern spiritual practices, and secular, civil marriages. I believe each individual and couple has the right to make their own choices, and exercise their freewill. This includes changing their mind at any time along the way!
One example of this, is when I was recently hired by a lovely couple that are intentionally making theirs a casual wedding. While they have chosen a beautiful wedding venue in Seattle, it is unique and could be dressed up formally or presented in a more simple, or artsy, or even rustic way. It could comfortably house an art showing, musical event, of course a wedding, or even a business meeting or conference. From my perspective as an officiant Seattle has a beautifully diverse selection of venues. Large, small, formal, informal, and variations within each category, including the wide range of cost to rent a venue for a wedding.
The couple I started working with are excited about their wedding venue, the Sole Repair Shop on Pike Street in Seattle. To help keep it casual they have encouraged their guests to wear whatever they want, and are most comfortable in. They are not the first couple I have encountered that opted for this invited freedom. I love how it allows for people to be more themselves instead of trying to live up to expectations that can often be attached to weddings. It can actually make people confused because what are the “correct” or “perfect” guidelines or rules. Side note, there is no such thing as perfect. And, “correct” in this context, exemplifies rigidity, which equals less fun.
While I tend to attract couples that are less formal and more laid back, I want you and all parties to have the wedding of your dreams! I really do! Whether you’re planning a large, extravagant celebration, or a small, intimate wedding, or elopement in Seattle, or anything in between. But I also hope that you take time to reflect on why you are making the choices you are making. Do you really want all of the extras and expenses? Or do you simply think that’s what you “should” have? Often we learn it is important to please others, especially if they are involved somehow in what we are doing. This can affect our actual personal beliefs, cloud our clarity, affect our decisions and create great stress in our life. Our own expectations, perhaps created over many years of mentally planning, can also interfere with what may be best or most enjoyable for us in the present.
Consider all of the choices you have made and are making in relation to your wedding. Could you live without any of them? Do you even want all of them? We probably all have made decisions based on what other people would like or want. Have you ever done that? In fact, trying to live up to real, and often imagined or assumed, expectations can cause your body to experience overwhelming fear, anxiety and stress. This often happens while planning a wedding, as well as on your wedding day itself. While some people may care about the choices you make, most don’t. They are too busy worrying about their own life and decisions.
The more I get in touch with and learn about myself and my own information and preferences, the less I want to live up to others’ expectations. The more I want to create my life how I want it. The more I just want to be happy. That’s what I want for others too. Including you! So, as far as your wedding I would like it to be as stress-free as possible!
In addition to practicing meditation, I am also a certified meditation teacher. Using techniques to help me be more grounded and centered and in the present moment helps me to be calm, even in stressful situations. I can share these techniques with you, if you’re interested. I’d love to actually!
Other ways to help reduce stress include lessening how much you are doing, and how many extras you have added on to the planning and your wedding in Seattle itself. Do you need everything you are planning on having? If it’s important to YOU and your partner, then great! If it’s something you may miss having there, or that you believe will add to the day, then sure. Keep it! But if there are items and tasks that can be eliminated, then please do! The less on your plate, the more energy you will have to give to the things that are most important. One of those things is YOU. Another one of those things is your significant other.
If you need help deciding what to keep and what to let go of, or you’re having a challenging time saying “no” or setting boundaries, feel free to reach out! Yes, I am a Washington State wedding officiant, and a meditation teacher, but I am also a wedding consultant. I offer this service remotely, so anyone, anywhere can benefit. The time you spend with me can help save you time, and also money. It can help lessen your stress, lighten your plate, and increase your joy. Doesn’t that sound like a fun and memorable way to experience your wedding? And your life?! Less stress, more joy. I hope you reach out. I’d love to help you have a happy wedding of your dreams. No matter the size, style or preferred vibe. It’s your day. Create it the way you want it!
Contact Sindi by email or call or text at 360-601-4358. Thank you and congratulations!!!