Wedding Ceremony, Bilingual, International Santiago & Seattle got married. Love in any language is still LOVE.

Santiago Chile and Seattle Washington got married yesterday in a beautiful international celebration at the gorgeous, sacred sanctuary that is Kiana Lodge on the lands and waters of the Suquamish tribe. Molly and Ignacio lucked out completely with beautiful sunshine and not a drop of rain after a very soggy couple of early autumn days.

What we had not planned on was whipping winds for our outdoor water’s edge ceremony. Driftwood and last minute adjustments for holding down ceremony items helped and thankfully some of our lovely guests had been wise enough to bring their fur wraps.

Our beautiful bride, however, arrived at the “altar” bare armed, bravely ready to let the winds of life blow her and her gorgeous groom right across the threshold and into married life.

When weather becomes an unwelcome guest at a ceremony there is only one thing to do…embrace it whole heartedly, let hair and dresses and flowers fly and flutter, enjoy the swooping eagles and white caps on the water and know that nothing can dampen or diminish the love and happiness, tears and laughter of two souls who are so utterly certain that they are destined for each other.

Another unusual element was having a bilingual ceremony so our Spanish speaking guests could enjoy and follow along. We took our time and my officiant co pilot and I made a great team. And even Gramma and Sister and Cousin back home in Chile were there through the magic of zoom.

It is an officiant’s task to guide the ceremony and ensure that the couple have the experience that they have helped design and wished for. Also to help the guests enjoy and feel engaged in the celebration, especially when they have travelled from so far to be there. As I watched the sun set and leave us in the shadows, saw everyone shivering, myself included, I had such a strong urge to skip some parts of the ceremony and get to the all important pronouncement and kiss.

Yet I know that this short ceremony time, even when it is going on much longer than usual, is truly the foundation and cornerstone of the couple’s marriage. Every word and story, every element and the precious heart filled vows are truly building a new layer of security and support for the long road ahead. The whole point of the ceremony and the commitments is a chance for the couple to say, We have built this marriage home and we are IN! All the way IN. The garden gate has been closed and we are facing forward together forever. Bring it on life and we are ready, come what may, to keep loving, learning and growing our partnership.

Ignacio and Molly have just that kind of zest for life and readiness for adventure. They completed their ceremony by making an Aperol Spritz. He is a cocktail aficiondo and she is a wine sommelier so there had to be a shared drink which is so much a part of their connection and daily ritual.

Finally they were pronounced and kissed and the license was signed. Molly finally got wrapped up in her gorgeous bridal shawl…and what did we do next? We went right back up to the wind whipped ceremony deck for some photos. This time with joy and laughter and hooray, we did it!!!

Dear Molly and Ignacio, thank you for having me be part of your very special wedding day. You are both such gentle kind and loving lights. I am certain that you will continue to have delightful adventures and cozy dinners sharing delicious drinks and chocolate - that was even in the vows, “I promise to give you the last piece of chocolate even when it is hard” :)

Thank you so much to Fran, Ignacio’s cousin for helping to share our ceremony in Spanish. I know your contribution was very much appreciated.