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Shannon and Jackie Wed in Arlington

Dale Amundsen — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 01:47:58 GMT

Jackie (l.) and Shannon (r.) were married overlooking the valley west of Arlington (WA) this past Thursday in a simple ceremony attended by about a dozen of their friends and family. I enjoyed meeting this fun couple and doing the honors at their wedding. Congratulations, Jackie & Shannon!

Woodinville Wedding and Las Vegas Future

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:26:05 GMT

Sometimes couples run off to Las Vegas to get married. Certainly that has some advantages, like no waiting period for the license and the likes of Captain Kirk or Elvis as officiants. But that wasn't the case as Kathy and Rick married on April 30th at a beautiful home east of Woodinville. The living room, reaturing a grand fireplace, is where a few family members gathered to give their blessing. The groom's son, as a surprise gift from Kathy to Rick, was flown out from Washington DC where he serves in our country's military.

So, where will the happy newlyweds be living? Las Vegas, of course.

By the way, if you are noticing the name badge on Rick's chest, it says, "Rick's HDL." You actually might see this one coming; it stands for "Rick's Honey Do List!"

Deby & Rick at Panther Lake

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 30 May 2011 19:04:33 GMT

Love is an amazing thingas it takes two people who have traveled different paths and brought them together as soulmates. Such is the story of Deby and Rick whom I married in a short ceremony in front of a handful of loving family members. Their home is on Panther Lake and the day was absolutely perfect on their back deck.

Congratulations to this lovely couple!

Cassi and Kevin Marry in Carnation

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 30 May 2011 17:40:41 GMT

I had an enjoyable day on Friday, May 20th when I traveled out the Big Rock Road out of Duvall to an outskirts-of-Carnation address in some beautifully wooded country. Cassi and Kevin, both from Gold Bar, were married at a family home in a beautiful park-like setting. They had selected a "hand fasting" ceremony as a symbol of their marriage, where I would ask them to affirm their faith and commitment to each other while wrapping a ribbon around their joined hands. At the conclusion of the ceremony, I literally "tied the knot" and offered a prayer of blessing.

Congratulations to Cassi and Kevin!

Jericho and Justin and guests

Dale Amundsen — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 21:38:00 GMT

Jericho Daniels called me up a few weeks ago and told me about her fiancee Justin Matulka working in the fishing industry in Alaska. She said they hoped to get married this weekend. In the ensuing days, we put together a plan for this morning in my home chapel. At first they were going to have just two witnesses, but soon the list expanded somewhat. What I met this morning was a very delightful couple and several wonderful family members.

In our brief ceremony, I reminded them of the importance of respect in a growing marriage. After a very brief honeymoon night near the airport, Justin will be flying off to Dutch Harbor, AK to work in a fish processing vessel.

Wishing the very best to our newest wedding couple, Jericho and Justin.

Lisa and Scott at the Smith Tower

Dale Amundsen — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:58:00 GMT

Seattlephiles will quickly recognize that in the background is Alki Point and Elliott Bay. Fewer, though, have experienced the view from the historic Smith Tower, particularly the Chinese Room on the 35th floor of what used to be the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

The view is worth flying from Indiana for, for that's exactly what Amy and Scott did. Knowing that there is a three-day waiting period, the couple downloaded the marriage license application, had their signatures notarized then overnighted the parcel to King County last week. I picked up the license for them awaiting their arrival for their Monday wedding, license valid and ready to go.

The ceremony was fun and meaningful; I reminded them to have the kind of love our Maker has for us in seeking the best for each other. In the picture, the couple sits in the Emperor's Chair.

Great Day for Amy & Robert

Dale Amundsen — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 02:44:00 GMT

The romance started at a New Years party, and it continues with a great milestone on March 28th as Amy Swartzell and Robert McCollum married in Bothell in the afternoon. They had many close family on hand to lend their blessing to the glad occasion. Here, the bride and groom are flanked by Amy's sister Heather and Robert's brother Larry.

During the ceremony, I reminded them that love and growth are a product of forgiveness and respect. We wish them every success in their marriage!

Congratulations to Kara & Brody

Dale Amundsen — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 02:38:00 GMT

This afternoon, I received a phone call from a delightful young lady named Kara. Living in Sultan, WA (just a few miles from my Monroe home), she asked if she and her intended could get married soon, perhaps at my home chapel. I told her this was certainly something I'd like to do for them, asking if they could provide two witnesses. Kara said she'd call me back shortly, and shortly she did. We set up a wedding for five hours later at 7:00 PM.

Kara and groom Brody arrived several minutes early. Quickly they were joined by the groom's brother and sister-in-law, Toby and Brandy; then the bride's parents, Edwin and Karrie.

Brody serves our country in the US Air Force, currently at Fairchild AFB near Spokane. Kara is an ambitious student who is enrolled in two schools. At their ceremony, I encouraged them to remember that patience with an imperfect person is a hallmark of a good marriage, since each of them was marrying someone who was imperfect and, worse yet, each of their spouses was marrying an imperfect person!

Congratulations to Kara and Brody as they begin their married life together. I'm so glad I could accommodate their request this afternoon.

Wendy & Rocky Elope

Dale Amundsen — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 23:28:00 GMT

Monday evening we met at 8:00 PM in my living room. Though Layne was a witness of sorts, at 10 weeks the couple's son was too young to sign the marriage certificate. Two of the other four witnesses had that duty.

Wendy and Rocky had contacted me just a few days earlier, asking if they could get married on the 7th (seven being their favorite number). We scheduled the actual ceremony for -- of course! -- 7:00 PM on that day.

A striking and delightful couple, it was a touching scene as Wendy and Rocky exchanged vows and we signed the necessary paperwork. They arrived as two single individuals with a baby, and left several minutes later as a married couple. During the wedding meditation I quoted a wise Native American elder, pointing out that they were going from paddling their own canoes to now being in one canoe, learning to paddle that one canoe together.

Congratulations, Laurel and TJ

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 05:19:00 GMT

It was fun for me this afternoon to meet Laurel Anderson and Toby "TJ" Howard. Practically neighbors, they live less than a mile from me. I enjoyed fielding an inquiry from Laurel this past week wondering if a small ceremony could be arranged for 6:00 PM Sunday. Of course, my answer was Yes

As with many couples, they had actually met online. Laurel, born in Idaho in a Coast Guard family, had seen a few moves growing up. TJ was born in Louisiana and -- thanks TJ -- served our country in the military in Iraq. Laurel is a nurse in Kirkland and TJ climbs tall poles for Comcast.

Their ceremony was held in front of six friends in thier living room. A delightful couple, we wish them the very best in their life together.

Saluting a Military Couple

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 18:42:00 GMT

Robert Lush, stationed at Fort Lewis, contacted me a week ago asking if I had availability this weekend. Explaining that both he and his bride are in the military, he went on to say she was flying up from Texas so they could get married before her impending deployment. I explained that Washington has a three day waiting period, so they were able to get their marriage license in Pierce County on Friday and I conducted their ceremony before three witnesses just after the stroke of midnight Sunday night (Monday morning). Lihanna was on an airplane back to Fort Hood at 6:00 AM today.

I appreciate our military and I appreciate our military couples. Thanks, Rob and Lihanna, for your service; and a hearty congratulations on your marriage.

Channing & Frank Marry at the Falls

Dale Amundsen — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 03:53:00 GMT

Frank and Channing pose moments after their wedding with Channing's son Tyus who served as ringbearer. This was in the fourth floor suite at the Salish Lodge & Spa at Snoqualmie Falls. Below the window, the falls were roaring in splendor. Their vows, exchanged before friends, were a heartfelt time.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the couple in the weeks before this big event. Thanks, Channing and Frank, for the pleasure of a beautiful couple in a beautiful place on a beautiful day.

Rod & Carol Married by Chaplain Dale in Eight-Minute Ceremony

Dale Amundsen — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 05:20:00 GMT

It's a done deal! Carol Smith joined Rod Isaac this afternoon at a short ceremony at my home chapel in Monroe to become Rod and Carol Isaac. The eight-minute ceremony was a warm and positive event as about ten other family members gathered to witness the vows. A YouTube video of the ceremony can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C60HC6Yc17I .

Fun Discovery

Dale Amundsen — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 03:27:00 GMT

This was entirely fun. This beautiful bride not only found me on the Internet, Mandy and Wally found each other online, as well! If that isn't enough, in one conversation Mandy asked if I was any relation to the namesake of a building at Northwest University. Indeed, my paternal aunt, Dorothy Amundsen, taught choral music at this Kirkland institution and the school named a building in her honor. Mandy also said she knew some Amundsens who had attended the school with her. My daughter Stephanie and her cousins Philip and Alisa all graduated from Northwest.

Mandy and Wally wanted a small ceremony at her parents' home in the outskirts of Woodinville. The house made for a perfect wedding venue with beautiful hardwood floors and a warm fireplace. A wonderful salmon loaf (and other fixings) was prepared by Trudy Wheeler of Be Blessed Events. The charming couple exchanged traditional vows after a reading of a Scripture they had selected from the Old Testament book of Ruth, "Wherever you shall go, I shall go."

Congratulations, Mandy and Wally. It was a pleasure to meet you and the wonderful people around you!

Carol and Rod to Marry

Dale Amundsen — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 02:48:00 GMT

Hey, don't these two look happy? I got a phone call from Carol a few days ago and we arranged for their small ceremony wedding in my living room on a soon-upcoming Saturday. A few friends and family will be on hand for the glad occasion. I thoroughly enjoy small weddings and meaningful events. Though I haven't met Rod and Carol in person yet, I am so looking forward to meeting them and participating in this blessed occasion.

Besides, I really like Rod's haircut!

Congratulations in advance, Carol and Rod!

Brianna & Shawn, Just in Time!

Dale Amundsen — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 01:07:00 GMT

Congratulations to PFC Shawn Stanco and his new bride, Brianna Lechevet. The congratulations are not just because they got married, but they got married just in time!

Not shown in the picture, but on the underside of Brianna's wrist is a tattoo she got four days agowhen they applied for their marriage license. The tattoo boldly proclaimed their wedding date of 9-6-2010. Shawn is recently back from Iraq; he and Brianna have been the best of friends for over three years. However, on this national holiday, they were not able to find a judge to solemnize their marriage.

I received their phone call to Elope Seattle this afternoon, shortly after I returned home from errands in Tacoma which is very close to Fort Lewis where Shawn is stationed. We arranged to meet in Bothell for a brief ceremony after he picked up two friends near Fort Lewis as witnesses. The elopement ceremony was held precisely on the date on the tattoo; those thngs are difficult to change!

Please know that Chaplain Dale is often available on short notice to conduct meaningful elopement ceremoniest. Plus, I love our military!

God bless you both, Brianna and Shawn.

Phone Call to Wedding in 45 Minutes

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:04:00 GMT

Dwaun and Andrea started dating in high school in Oregon. He nows serves our country in the US Navy. On Tuesday, he will deploy to see from his base in Everett. They got their marriage license last Tuesday and called me up on Friday (the three day waiting period completed) and asked if I could conduct their elopement that morning so they could get everything filed before the end of the day (and, therefore, before he deploys on Tuesday morning after the long holiday weekend).

They made the call to me from Everett at 9:45 AM. I gave them directions to my office and contacted two witnesses. We all converged in Bothell for a ceremony that started at 10:30 AM, a mere 45 minutes after the initial phone call!

Thanks to Dwaun for his service, and to Andrea as a military spouse. Best wishes to you both!

Nikki & Loran in Beautiful East Monroe Ceremony

Dale Amundsen — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 02:42:00 GMT

Blue skies, green grass and happy smiles were the order of the day as Nikki and Loran were wed in a small ceremony off Fern Bluff Road between Monroe and Sultan. A handful of guests were all smiles, too, as the couple exchanged vows in this touching wedding. I was pleased to be able to accommodate this request made less than two weeks ago. God bless you both, Nikki and Loran!

Justin & Erin Back From Honeymoon

Dale Amundsen — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 04:11:00 GMT

Justin and Erin exchanged vows in a scenic Seattle location with Lake Washington as the backdrop. The small wedding, which included his parents and hers, took place in June. Erin just wrote me with this picture, now back from a wonderful Mexico honeymoon.

Ben and Susanna Marry at Gas Works Park

Dale Amundsen — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:27:00 GMT

What more could one ask for? A sunny morning on the waterfront of Lake Union in Seattle at Gas Works Park, plus a small assembly of loving family -- and Susanna and Ben's wedding! The couple looked great with Seattle and (check their photo gallery) the Space Needle in the background. Congratulations to Susanna and Ben on their wedding this morning!