Weekend Plans

Met one of my lovely brides at the beach this weekend for a walk through and logistics plan for the seating and 40'x40' tent she is having contructed for her reception (that's BIG folks!). She was accompanied by her Mom and best friend/maid of honor who are making sure this is the wedding of her dreams. We shared cupcakes compliments of 'Cakes by Jae' from a cake tasting the girls had been to. Absolutely wonderful!
I can't wait till July Jessica!



Also this weekend we 'just happened' to run into a happy couple on our favorite beach who were visiting the area from Seattle. When Michael asked my husband if he'd use his camera to take a photo for them I conveniently pointed my camera in their direction. Much to Caitlyn's surprise Michael dropped to one knee and proposed. This was all prearranged by this romantic fellow and ourselves. OF COURSE she said YES!!! We then proceeded to take some really cool engagement photos.
Michael YOU ROCK and Caitlyn you are one lucky gal! CONGRATULATIONS!

Puppy Love

I have been a little preoccupied this week with a new litter of adorable Boston Terrier puppies joining our family. Born 04.20.09, These are the cutest things you ever seen! Check out the 'heart' on the head of this little one in the top photo. Tapanga did a great job ~ Check them out at www.beachbostons.blogspot.com

Craig who???

Though hotels are the obvious choice when booking accommodations at your destination, don’t overlook the option of a vacation rental. Offering more privacy and lots more room for a family, I want to share a way of getting the best possible deal.
You know you can find vacation rentals in the area by searching through any number of websites as well as the local area Chamber of Commerce. What you might not know is many of these listings can also be found offering a terrific discount through the popular website CRAIGSLIST www.craigslist.com . Just choose the city or closest city to your destination and scroll. Listings are always up-to-date as they expire and must be relisted every seven days. I always use this site when I travel with my family. Like anything else, always make sure you are dealing with legitimate offers.
Pass this tip along to your guests as well as local campground and RV park information. Just another smart way to keep dollars in your pocket.

Family Blendings

When people envision a wedding day the focus is on the bride and groom but many times a marriage is not always just about the couple. If the bride or groom (or both) have a child or children this is the perfect opportunity to include them as part of the celebration.
One of our unique favorite ways to include the children in the ceremony here at the beach is with a Sand Unity Family Blending. Scripted into the latter part of the ceremony, the child(ren) are brought forward and recognized, the couple makes a vow to the children to be good parents and to symbolize the creation of the new family, the couple and each child takes the sand upon which they are standing and combines their sands together into a sacred vessel as they also blend their lives together as a family. This leaves the family with a wonderful keepsake and memory. A Sand Unity Vessel can be anything you choose that you would like to display in your home; a pretty vase, crystal dish, treasure box or maybe something you already have that has special meaning.
Though we like our version, traditionally Family Blendings are done with a family medallion necklace presented to the child. One bride who just happened to be a jewelry designer, designed each of the three children a different piece of jewelry; a ring, a necklace and a bracelet. It is not necessary to rush out and buy gold and diamonds especially for young children as it is the symbolism more than the actual piece of jewelry that matters. Another couple presented their small boys with surprise shark tooth necklaces, you wouldn’t believe how proud and cool those boys felt.
We also keep a selection of beautiful dichroic glass pendants, some heart shaped, starfish and more. The girls love these! Also chosen by brides to wear on their wedding day or honeymoon as well as presented as gifts for Family Blendings and bridesmaids. Just ask to see the selection, silver omegas also available as well as sand vessels.
Other ways to include your children in the ceremony; flower girl, ring bearer, the groom’s child(ren) walking with him, the bride’s child(ren) walking with her, the children as the groomsmen and bridesmaid, etc..

SMART Idea!

To get your guests even more excited about the trip for your destination wedding. Whet their appetite by using the Chamber of Commerce at the destination to your advantage. Most have websites where you can type in a mailing address to receive a vacation planning guide / magazine. By entering your guests’ addresses you provide them with a preview of the area and information they can use to plan other activities. A very thoughtful and FREE courtesy you can manage easily and quickly from the comfort of your chair.
See how smart you are!

Destination Weddings

Long distance planning made easy

A few of the places our couples are planning their event from this year ~ Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Arizona, Texas, Canada and Switzerland…
To plan a destination wedding you have to have someone in the area you can trust and depend on with plenty of experience with local vendors/facilities/sites as well as long distance planning and on location (in our case on the beach) coordinating of the event. A successful trusted service such as Celebrations by the Sea llc is there to plan and coordinate your wedding with ideas that work and suggestions for smart financial options to make the most of your event.
Celebrations by the Sea llc is not affiliated with any hotel, travel agency, florist or any other entity and is exclusively a dedicated destination wedding planner and facilitator. We do not charge commissions nor do we accept commissions from any wedding services related vendors so we offer an objective, impartial, relevant and honest source of information about getting married in our beautiful area, based on our extensive experience and feedback from our couples.
For about the same price as it would cost to rent a generic, sterile hall in any hotel or convention center in the United States or Europe, you can instead have the beauty, magic, and natural wonder of the Northwest. The majestic Pacific Ocean, gorgeous sunsets, dramatic vistas, waterfalls, rainforests and Columbia River can serve as spectacular backdrops that will define your wedding as a truly unique and individual event.
If you're reading this post, it is no doubt because you have an interest in having a ceremony on the Pacific coast. If I can tell you one thing: “DO IT!”. Follow your instinct. I have no doubt that you are making the right decision. We have never had a couple wish they hadn’t done it :).