The guests have all gone home. The flowers have faded. The dress is cleaned and put away.
And in the stillness that follows, something unexpected can arise for some:
A sense of sadness. A sense of emptiness. A quiet question—what now?
If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.
Photo by Roxanne Best.
Is It Normal to Feel Sad After Your Wedding?
Yes—completely.
In fact, research shows that more than half of newly married brides report feelings of sadness, disappointment, or emotional letdown in the weeks and months following their wedding .
This experience—often referred to as the post-wedding blues—is far more common than most couples expect. And yet, it’s rarely talked about.
In our current culture, weddings are framed as the happiest day of your life, and it should be (at least one of the happiest). So, when the day passes, and your emotions don’t match that narrative, it can feel confusing—or even concerning.
But the truth is: Nothing has gone wrong.
Why Do the Post-Wedding Blues Happen?
At its core, this experience is not about disappointment. It’s about transition. Leading up to your wedding, your life is filled with:
Anticipation
Planning
Decision-making
Shared excitement
Your wedding becomes a focal point—a moment everything builds toward.
And then, suddenly… That moment is over.
What follows is a shift from:
Event → Everyday life
External celebration → Internal experience
Structured planning → Open-ended future
That kind of shift can feel disorienting even when your marriage is strong – even when your wedding was beautiful.
The Emotional Weight of “The Perfect Day”
There is also a cultural layer to consider.
Modern weddings often carry immense emotional and symbolic weight:
They are expected to be perfect
Deeply meaningful
Visually beautiful
Socially celebrated
When so much energy is poured into a single day, it’s natural to feel a sense of emotional drop afterward. Not because the day wasn’t enough.
But because no single day can hold the fullness of what marriage truly is.
Uncertainty in Early Marriage Is Normal
One of the most important—and often overlooked—contributors to post-wedding blues is uncertainty.
Marriage marks a new chapter, and with it can come questions like:
Who am I now, as a spouse?
What does our life look like moving forward?
How do we navigate expectations, roles, and rhythms?
These questions are not signs of doubt or instability. They are a natural part of growth. However, when they remain unspoken, they can create emotional distance or internal stress.
How to Navigate the Post-Wedding Blues
The goal isn’t to avoid these feelings.
It’s to move through them with awareness and care.
1. Name What You’re Feeling
Instead of pushing emotions aside, gently acknowledge them:
“I feel a little lost now that the wedding is over.”
“I didn’t expect to feel this way.”
Naming your feelings creates clarity—and relief.
2. Talk About It (Especially With Your Partner)
You may find that your partner is experiencing something similar.
Or something different.
Either way, open conversation builds connection.
Use gentle, non-blaming language:
“I feel…” instead of “You make me feel…”
This keeps the focus on understanding—not defensiveness.
3. Shift Your Focus to the Marriage
The wedding was a moment of celebration. The marriage is where your life unfolds…the life you talked about, you dreamt of, and that you planned for. This is where:
Your daily rituals are created
Your communication deepens
Your partnership evolves
And this happens slowly, over time—not all at once.
From Wedding Day to Married Life
If you’re experiencing the post-wedding blues, take a breath. You are not doing marriage wrong. You are simply moving through a meaningful life transition.
The stillness you feel is not emptiness— It’s space.
The stillness is space for your marriage to begin taking shape.
A Final Thought
The wedding is a beautiful beginning, but it is not the destination.
Your marriage—your shared life, your quiet moments, your evolving story— that is where the meaning lives.
Take some time alone, with your journal and together to remember WHY you wanted to be married to one another. Remember the life (months and years) you’ve dreamt of and planned for. That time is finally here. Welcome!
About Chanelle Carlin
Photo credit: Roxanne Best, Roxtography
Chanelle Carlin is a professional wedding officiant and Celebrant for Life™, creating deeply personal, intentional ceremonies for couples across the Pacific Northwest.
Her work extends beyond the wedding day—guiding couples into a marriage that feels just as meaningful as the moment they say “I do.”
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most personal decisions a couple will make — and yet, so many people feel pressure to follow outdated rules, trends, or expectations that don’t truly reflect who they are.
On a recent episode of the Now You May Kiss™ podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Carter Eve, founder and designer of Carter Eve Jewelry, to explore what it really means to design jewelry with intention, sustainability, and story at the center.
From engagement rings to heirloom transformations, this conversation reminds couples that — just like their wedding ceremony — their jewelry should feel authentic, personal, and deeply meaningful.
A Childhood Spark That Became a Calling
Carter Eve’s journey into fine jewelry began long before formal training or professional titles. Growing up in Connecticut, she was fascinated by gemstones brought home by one of her father’s international colleagues. What felt magical and mysterious as a child soon became a lifelong passion.
That curiosity led Carter to art school, where she explored many creative disciplines before discovering jewelry design. Living above a jewelry store in New York City, she became captivated by the craftsmanship happening behind the scenes — eventually pursuing formal jewelry training, apprenticeships, and advanced degrees.
Carter went on to earn her BFA in Jewelry and Objects from the Savannah College of Art and Design, a Master’s degree in Jewelry and Metalsmithing from the Rhode Island School of Design, and apprenticed under a master goldsmith — a combination of education and hands-on experience that deeply informs her work today.
Why Engagement Rings Should Never Be One-Size-Fits-All
As your Celebrant for LifeTM, I believe that every ceremony should reflect the couple standing in front of me. It is your story, your values, and your vision for the life you’re creating together.
Carter brings that same philosophy into her jewelry design.
There is no single “right” engagement ring. Instead, the right ring is the one that:
Reflects your personal style
Fits your lifestyle and daily activities
Honors your story and values
Feels like you
Whether that means a simple diamond band, a vintage-inspired heirloom setting, or a bold, celestial cluster of stones, Carter encourages couples to let go of outdated rules — including the infamous “three months’ salary” myth.
We are living in a time where engagement rings can be expressive, creative, sustainable, and deeply personal.
Reimagining Heirloom Jewelry with Heart & Sustainability
One of the most powerful parts of our conversation centered on heirloom jewelry. If you’ve followed me for any amount of time, you KNOW how much I love heirloom jewelry. The reality though is that pieces passed down through generations that may no longer suit modern styles, but they often hold immense sentimental value.
Carter specializes in transforming heirloom pieces by:
Resetting center stones into new, modern designs
Melting and reusing gold to create something entirely new
Repurposing accent stones into clusters, bands, or earrings
This process not only supports sustainability through reuse and recycling, but also preserves the emotional energy, lineage, and memory carried within the original piece.
For many couples, an heirloom engagement or wedding ring becomes a tangible bridge between generations — honoring the past while celebrating the future.
Caring for Engagement Rings & Fine Jewelry
Fine jewelry is designed to be worn — but it also requires care. During our interview, Carter shared practical, real-life advice that couples often don’t hear:
Everyday Jewelry Care Tips
Remove rings when working out (yoga included), gardening, cleaning, or lifting weights
Avoid wearing rings while applying lotion or perfume
Store rings in a consistent, safe place at home
When in doubt — take it off
Professional Care Matters
Have engagement rings professionally cleaned and checked every six months
Regular inspections help prevent loose prongs and lost stones
Think of ring maintenance like caring for a car — preventative care matters
These simple habits can prevent heartbreaking loss, especially for irreplaceable heirloom pieces.
Why Appraisals & Insurance Are Essential
One of the most important — and often overlooked — topics Carter discusses is insurance.
To insure a ring properly, it must first be appraised. For custom pieces, Carter provides appraisals upon completion. For vintage or estate jewelry, it’s essential to work with an appraiser who specializes in those pieces.
Insurance offers peace of mind — not because couples expect loss, but because life happens. Fires, accidents, theft, and natural disasters can occur, and having coverage allows couples the ability to recreate or restore something meaningful if the unthinkable happens.
As Carter shared from personal experience in Los Angeles, many clients who lost everything in wildfires were grateful to at least have the ability to rebuild treasured pieces.
Enjoy the Engagement Process
Perhaps Carter’s most heartfelt advice is this: Slow down and enjoy the process.
Engagements are emotional. There is pressure for everything to be perfect. But the ring — like the wedding and the marriage itself — should feel joyful, aligned, and true to who you are.
When couples choose rings that reflect their real lives, personal style, and shared values, the experience becomes not only easier, but far more meaningful.
About Carter Eve Jewelry
Carter Eve, Founder of Carter Eve Jewelry
Carter Eve Jewelryis a Los Angeles–based fine jewelry studio specializing in handcrafted engagement rings, custom designs, and heirloom transformations. Carter works with recycled gold, ethically sourced gemstones, and conflict-free diamonds to create timeless, wearable pieces designed to honor personal stories and intentional love.
As a Wedding Officiant and your Celebrant for Life™, I believe every wedding — and every symbol surrounding it — should reflect the couple it represents. Your engagement and wedding rings, like your vows, are a promise rooted in who you are and who you are becoming together.
Chanelle guides legacy-driven couples as they establish enduring marriages through intentional, artfully crafted ceremony. Request your private consultation.
Did you know that one in four couples is now choosing a destination wedding?
That number surprises many people. Yet it reflects a growing shift in how couples think about weddings. Today’s couples want meaning. They want experience. They want alignment.
If you are considering a destination wedding, this guide will help you decide wisely — and beautifully.
What Is a Destination Wedding?
A destination wedding is any wedding held away from your home city.
It could mean:
A beach ceremony in Mexico
A villa in Italy
A mountaintop elopement in the Pacific Northwest
A wine estate in Portugal
A city celebration in Paris
It does not have to be international.
For some couples, Seattle is the destination. For others, it is Greece.
The defining factor is travel.
And that changes everything.
Pacific Northwest Mountaintop destination elopement at Artist Point, Mount Baker. Photo courtesy of The Foxes Photography
Who Should Consider a Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings are not for everyone.
But they are ideal for more couples than you may think.
1. Couples With Geographically Spread Families
Today, families rarely live in the same town.
Parents may be in different states. Siblings may live abroad. Friends may be scattered across the country.
Choosing a neutral location eliminates the pressure of “whose hometown wins.”
Everyone travels. Everyone shares the experience. It levels the emotional playing field.
2. Couples Who Want an Intimate Celebration
Destination weddings naturally reduce guest count. Travel requires intention, so typically, only your closest circle attends. This creates depth.
It allows for slower moments. More connection. It allows for more presence.
3. Couples Planning a Second Wedding
Second marriages often prioritize experience over scale.
Many couples already had the large traditional wedding once. Now they want something meaningful… something reflective. They desire a wedding that feels like them.
Destination weddings often serve this beautifully.
4. Couples Who Want to Blend Wedding and Honeymoon
One major advantage is efficiency. You are already there. Instead of flying home and then traveling again, you extend your stay.
Wedding. Exhale. Honeymoon.
All in one location. Now, doesn’t that sound fantastic?!
The Truth About Destination Wedding Budgets
There is a common belief that destination weddings are cheaper. The reality is that sometimes they are and sometimes they are not.
If you live in a high-cost city like Seattle, your budget may stretch further in certain locations. However, keep in mind:
Travel costs add up.
Guest logistics require coordination.
Luxury international venues can be expensive.
The key is clarity. Define what matters most to you as a couple.
Is it the view? The intimacy? The experience for guests?
When your priorities are clear, your budget follows.
Types of Destination Weddings Couples Are Choosing
Many people imagine only beach weddings, and beach weddings are gorgeous, but if the beach isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are so many more options available. Truly, destination weddings are not “one size fits all.”
European Romance
Think:
A private villa in Italy
A vineyard in Portugal
An elopement near the Eiffel Tower
These weddings are elegant. They are immersive. They often feel cinematic.
Destinations like Costa Rica and New Zealand offer both adventure and comfort. Guests can hike or relax in hot springs. It even works across generations.
Urban International Weddings
If the big city is more your style, go for it! The world is your oyster.
Instead of New York, consider Paris.
Instead of Chicago, consider Barcelona.
Destination weddings do not require sand (though sand is lovely, if that is what you seek). However, they do require intention.
The Two Professionals You Absolutely Need
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is trying to manage everything themselves. Please do not do this. Aside from the legal marriage piece (hint, you will need an officiant), you need two key professionals.
1. A Travel Advisor
A travel advisor handles:
Group flights
Room blocks
Hotel contracts
Guest questions
Excursions
Travel insurance
Without one, you become the help desk, and that is not how you want to spend your engagement.
Professionals like Carolyn Kulb exist for a reason. Let them carry the logistics.
2. An On-Site Wedding Planner
Most destination venues include an in-house planner.
They coordinate:
Catering
Florals
Ceremony logistics
Seating arrangements
Vendor communication
You may not need a separate U.S.-based planner. In many cases, the venue team is sufficient.
Your job is to show up. Their job is to execute.
However, if you’re not getting married at a traditional venue, you’ll definitely want to hire a wedding planner. Whether you find a planner in the US that specializes in destination weddings or you find a local expert (perhaps with the help of your travel advisor), you’ll need someone.
For couples traveling to the US as your wedding destination, I will be happy to help you find an amazing wedding planner. Please feel free to reach out.
Legal vs. Symbolic Ceremonies: What You Must Understand
Finally Official: Bride signing the Marriage Certificate. Photo courtesy of Svetlana Sauer Photography.
This is where many couples get surprised. Getting legally married abroad can be complicated. Some countries require:
Residency periods
Extensive documentation
Multiple in-person appointments
Translations and approvals
In some European Union countries, legal marriage for non-residents is extremely difficult. Because of this, many couples choose to:
Legally marry in the United States.
Host a symbolic ceremony at their destination.
This removes enormous stress. As a professional officiant, I care deeply about legal validity. You deserve both a meaningful ceremony and a legally recognized marriage. Separating the legal and symbolic events is not “less than.” It is strategic.
If this is something you’re interested in learning more about, please let me know. You have options.
When a Destination Wedding May Not Be the Right Choice
There are circumstances where destination weddings are not wise.
1. Essential Family Cannot Travel
If key loved ones cannot attend due to health, finances, or mobility, reconsider. Your wedding should not create unnecessary heartbreak.
2. It Will Cause Significant Family Conflict
If the location will ignite tension, weigh that carefully. Your marriage begins long before the ceremony and will continue long after.
3. The Budget Truly Is Not There
Destination weddings are not inherently affordable. If it creates debt or financial stress, pause. Beauty is not worth instability.
Practical Logistics Couples Often Overlook
Carolyn shared some really important insight during our interview: Dreaming is easy. Execution requires planning.
Communicate Early
Send save-the-dates early.
Provide a detailed travel page on your wedding website.
Answer common questions upfront.
Clear communication reduces stress for everyone.
Purchase Travel Insurance
As Carolyn shared, Travel Insurance is a non-negotiable for the couple and their family. The reality of 21st century travel is that:
Flights get delayed.
Luggage gets lost.
Weather disrupts plans.
Travel insurance protects your investment and your peace of mind. It is not glamorous, but it is wise.
Consider Weather and Season
Off-season pricing can be appealing, but February beaches can be cold in most of the Northern Hemisphere. August in Spain or Lake Chelan can be scorching.
Make sure you have a Plan B, especially for outdoor ceremonies. …this is where your wedding planner’s knowledge and assistance can be invaluable.
Build in Extra Time
When going abroad for a destination wedding, arrive several days early.
Try to meet your vendors in person.
Allow yourselves time to adjust for jet lag.
Leave space for small hiccups.
Rushing defeats the purpose of a destination experience.
How to Keep the Focus on the Marriage
Here is what matters most:
A destination wedding is still a wedding and a wedding is still the doorway into marriage.
The view may be extraordinary.
The location may be breathtaking.
But the sacred work remains the same.
You are making a covenant. You are building a life together.
No passport stamp changes that.
The goal is alignment.
Your ceremony should reflect your story, your values and your shared vision.
Location enhances the experience, but it does not replace the foundation.
Final Thoughts: Is a Destination Wedding Right for You?
If your heart lights up when you imagine:
Gathering your closest people somewhere beautiful
Creating an immersive multi-day experience
Blending travel, celebration, and intimacy
Then a destination wedding may be perfect for you.
If your priority is convenience, simplicity, or keeping every extended family member comfortable, it may not be.
Neither choice is better.
Only alignment is better.
Your wedding can happen in Paris or Chelan. It can happen in Leavenworth or your hometown courthouse. The question is not where.
The question is why.
If you are considering a destination wedding and want a ceremony that is legally sound, deeply personal, and aligned with your marriage vision, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Because your wedding is beautiful.
But your marriage is sacred.
And both deserve intention.
About Chanelle
Photo credit: Roxanne Best, Roxtography
Chanelle Carlin guides legacy-minded couples into marriage by transforming their Pacific Northwest elopement or wedding ceremony into the emotional and strategic foundation of a deeply connected, intention and enduring partnership.
Together, we explore ceremony beyond the script. We discuss love, leadership, and intentional living. This conversation is deeply human. It is also refreshingly practical.
Celebrant vs. Officiant: A Shared Global Calling
In the United States, we say “wedding officiant.” In many countries, the term is “celebrant.” The language may differ. The calling is the same.
Celebrants do more than legal paperwork. They hold space for life’s milestones:
Weddings.
Vow renewals.
Funerals.
Naming ceremonies.
Celebrants witness transformation. That responsibility matters.
Ceremony Is About Presence, Not Performance
Vic and I discuss what makes ceremonies meaningful.
It is not about reading beautiful words. It is about paying attention and offering emotional presence.
We watch how couples interact. We notice laughter, silence, and touch. Those moments shape ceremony. They reveal truth.
A great ceremony reflects who a couple is. Not who they think they should be.
Why Micro Weddings Create Powerful Moments
Vic shared about a micro wedding that she recently officiated. There were just ten guests in attendance (plus the couple’s dog). They chose intimacy over scale.
The ceremony focused on daily love. Not dramatic storytelling.
What do you admire about each other? What does marriage feel like at home? Those answers created magic. Quiet, honest magic.
The Emotional Labor of Celebrancy
Celebrants do emotional work. That work is rarely discussed.
We hold stories. Celebrants hold grief, joy, and vulnerability. We sit with families and honor transitions. This labor is invisible. But it is real.
That is why generic business systems fail celebrants. Our work is unique in the world and even in the wedding industry.
Building a Business That Supports Real Life
Vic became a celebrant in 2019. Soon after, she became a mother. She now has three young children and her priorities have shifted.
She is honoring this season of her life. This required boundaries…and courage. She redesigned her offerings intentionally. Her work proves sustainability matters. It matters most especially for heart-led professionals.
The “CEO Era” of Celebrancy
Vic describes entering her “CEO era.” It is a powerful concept. This era rejects survival mode and embraces leadership.
Systems replace chaos. Boundaries replace burnout.
Many believe systems reduce intimacy, but actually, the opposite is true.
Strong systems free emotional energy. They create presence. When admin tasks are handled, connection deepens. Focus sharpens.
Couples feel supported. They feel seen. That is the heart of Vic’s celebrant-specific business platform. My Celebrant. It’s a collaborative planning experience.
Modern Couples Expect Modern Experiences
Today’s couples often plan from their phones. Many are Gen Z. They value convenience, but they also value meaning.
They want stress-free planning and they want an authentic ceremony. Celebrants must meet both needs. Heart and technology must coexist.
Remember, modern does not mean impersonal. It means intentional.
Marriage Changes More Than You Expect
Before they marry, many couples say marriage changes nothing. They are often surprised. Even long-term couples feel shifts.
Marriage redefines family. You consciously choose your person. That choice matters. It affects identity and it affects all relationships.
I see this repeatedly…every year.
Celebrating Love Beyond the Wedding Day
I stay connected with my couples. Anniversaries matter. So do milestones. So do check-ins. Your marriage deserves ongoing celebration. Not just for one day.
Vic shares this value deeply. It aligns beautifully. As Celebrants, we do not disappear after the wedding. We walk alongside our couples.
Love, Legacy, and Long-Term Commitment
During the episode, Vic shares a very personal story. Her grandparents were married 77 years. They were soulmates and true partners. Always holding hands until her “poppa” transitioned from this life. Their marriage modeled partnership and conscious choice.
Those stories shape how I serve couples. Legacy matters. Ceremony honors that legacy. It carries hope forward.
Advice for Couples Planning Their Wedding
Vic offers simple wisdom. “You do you, Boo.”
Choose vendors who support presence. Not pressure.
Design a day that reflects you. Not expectations.
Let your ceremony feel like an exhale, rather than a performance.
I promise, this mindset changes everything, including your experience.
Planning a Wedding in 2026?
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in 2026 and want a ceremony that feels grounded, personal, and deeply meaningful, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Your ceremony sets the emotional tone for your entire wedding day—and when it’s thoughtfully designed, you and your guests feel present, connected, and at ease. I specialize in creating highly personalized wedding and elopement ceremonies, offering vow writing guidance, and supporting couples who want to feel confident, calm, and fully themselves as they step into marriage.
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate elopement or a wedding surrounded by family and friends, your ceremony should reflect who you are—and who you’re becoming together.
A Global Perspective on Intentional Ceremony
This conversation with Vic crosses continents, but the values remain universal:
Love deserves intention.
Your ceremony deserves care.
Marriage deserves preparation… and celebration.
Whether in New Zealand or the U.S., the heart remains the same. That is the power of ceremony. It connects us all.
This episode is for couples and for celebrants. It is for anyone who believes marriage matters, and that ceremonies matter too.
About the Host, Chanelle
All things for your bespoke intimate wedding or elopement with Chanelle Carlin
Chanelle Carlin is a Professional Wedding Officiant, ceremony coach, and the host of the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast. Through Chanelle Carlin Weddings, she creates deeply personalized wedding and elopement ceremonies, offers vow writing guidance, and serves couples as their Celebrant for Life™—supporting them through marriage milestones well beyond the wedding day.
As we close the final chapter of 2025, the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast ends the year with a heartfelt, reflective conversation—one rooted in gratitude, wisdom, and the deep joy of ceremony.
For this special year-end episode, wedding officiant and host Chanelle Carlin is joined once again by her dear friend and colleague Christopher Shelley of Illuminating Ceremonies, marking his fourth appearance on the podcast. Together, they reflect on the weddings that shaped the year, the lessons learned along the way, and the privilege of serving couples at one of the most meaningful moments of their lives.
This episode is both a celebration of what has been—and an intentional invitation into what’s possible for couples and wedding professionals stepping into 2026.
Reflecting on 2025: Wedding Stories That Stay With Us
Every wedding season leaves its imprint.
In this conversation, Chanelle and Chris share memorable stories from the ceremonies they officiated throughout 2025—moments of laughter, reverence, surprise, and profound connection. These aren’t just events on a calendar; they are lived experiences that remind us why ceremony matters.
From intimate elopements to joy-filled gatherings surrounded by family and friends, each ceremony reinforced the same truth: when couples feel truly seen and supported, the room changes.
Lessons Learned as Wedding Officiants
After years of experience—and another full season behind them—Chanelle and Chris reflect on what 2025 taught them, both personally and professionally.
Some of those lessons include:
The power of presence over perfection
The importance of trusting your professional instincts
The responsibility (and honor) of holding emotional space for couples and their communities
The reminder that ceremony is not about performance—it’s about meaning
These insights serve not only couples, but fellow wedding professionals navigating their own growth and evolution.
Gratitude: The Foundation Beneath the Work
Gratitude is a central theme of this episode.
Chanelle and Chris speak openly about:
Gratitude for their spouses and personal support systems
Gratitude for the couples who trust them with their stories
Gratitude for wedding colleagues who collaborate with integrity and care
Gratitude for the ability to do work that is deeply human, relational, and joyful
As both officiants reflect, we get to do this work—and that is never taken lightly.
Encouragement for Wedding Professionals Heading into 2026
This episode also offers grounded encouragement for fellow wedding professionals.
Key takeaways include:
Keep learning—your craft and your people skills both matter
Don’t wait for perfect conditions; growth comes from action
Trust that experience compounds over time
Simply put: “Do it!”
For those building or sustaining a career in the wedding industry, this conversation is a reminder that longevity comes from curiosity, courage, and care.
Advice for Couples Planning a 2026 Wedding
For couples planning their weddings in 2026, Chanelle and Chris offer practical, reassuring guidance rooted in years of experience:
Trust Your Gut
You know what feels right for your relationship. Listen to it.
You Can Have Your Wedding, Your Way
There is no one “right” way to get married—only what reflects who you truly are.
Hire Professionals—and Trust Them
Your wedding team is there to support you. Let them do what they do best.
Allow Yourself the Luxury of a Wedding Planner
Hiring a planner isn’t an indulgence—it’s an investment in peace, presence, and joy on your wedding day.
When couples are supported by experienced professionals, they’re free to be fully present—and that changes everything.
At the heart of this conversation is a shared belief: officiants help set the emotional tone of a wedding day.
As Chanelle and Chris reflect, officiants don’t just lead a ceremony—we foster calm, connection, and joy in the room. Through intention, presence, and thoughtful ceremony design, we help couples and guests alike feel grounded in the moment.
It’s not just what we say. It’s how the space feels.
And that feeling stays with people long after the last kiss.
Planning a Wedding in 2026?
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in 2026 and want a ceremony that feels grounded, personal, and deeply meaningful, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Your ceremony sets the emotional tone for your entire wedding day—and when it’s thoughtfully designed, you and your guests feel present, connected, and at ease.
Whether you’re envisioning an intimate elopement or a wedding surrounded by family and friends, you deserve a ceremony that reflects who you are—and who you’re becoming together.
A Meaningful Close to 2025—and a Beautiful Beginning
This final episode of 2025 is a pause for reflection, a moment of gratitude, and a hopeful look ahead. Whether you’re a couple planning your wedding, a fellow wedding professional, or someone who simply believes in the power of love and ceremony, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and inspiration.
Chanelle Carlin is a Professional Wedding Officiant, ceremony coach, and the host of the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast. Through Chanelle Carlin Weddings, she creates deeply personalized wedding and elopement ceremonies, offers vow writing guidance, and serves couples as their Celebrant for Life™—supporting them through marriage milestones well beyond the wedding day.
How Art & Creative Experiences Bring People Together Through Celebration with Cindy Shaw, owner of Color Collective by Cindy Shaw
In a world that often feels rushed, digital, and disconnected, creative experiences have a quiet way of bringing us back to ourselves—and to one another. That truth is at the heart of a recent episode of the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast, where host Chanelle Carlin sits down with artist and creative entrepreneur Cindy Shaw, owner of Color Collective by Cindy Shaw.
This joyful and inspiring conversation explores how art—especially shared creative experiences—can transform the way we celebrate life’s milestones, from weddings and bridal showers to everyday moments that deserve to be honored.
From Corporate Life to Creative Calling
After decades working in the corporate world at a Fortune 100 global company, Cindy Shaw made a bold and life-giving shift: she traded spreadsheets for paintbrushes. What began as a personal creative outlet soon became something much bigger—a business rooted in connection, joy, and human flourishing.
Cindy Shaw, owner of Color Collective by Cindy Shaw
Through Color Collective by Cindy Shaw, Cindy hosts painting parties, art workshops, and creative experiences designed for people of all skill levels. Her mission is simple yet powerful: help people come together to create, connect, and ultimately flourish.
Why Creative Experiences Matter More Than Ever
According to Cindy, creativity isn’t just about making art—it’s about balance, well-being, and emotional health. In the podcast episode, she shares how engaging the creative side of the brain can:
Reduce stress and anxiety
Encourage mindfulness and calm
Spark joy and playfulness
Counterbalance the pressures of modern life
Foster human connection in an increasingly digital world
She also speaks to creativity as a vital countermeasure to AI and automation—reminding us that while technology can enhance efficiency, it can never replace human imagination, intuition, or shared experience.
Art Is for Everyone (Yes, Even If You “Can’t Draw”)
One of the most refreshing takeaways from this conversation is Cindy’s insistence that you do not need to be artistic to be creative.
Color Collective painting parties are intentionally designed to be approachable and inclusive. With pre-traced canvases, step-by-step guidance, and hands-on support, guests are free to relax, follow along, and enjoy the process—without pressure or perfectionism.
The goal isn’t to create a masterpiece. It’s to be present, have fun, and say at the end, “Look what I made.”
A Meaningful Alternative for Wedding Celebrations
For couples and their loved ones, painting parties offer a heartfelt alternative—or addition—to traditional wedding events.
Cindy and Chanelle discuss how creative gatherings are becoming increasingly popular for:
Bridal showers
Bachelorette celebrations
Engagement parties
Family-centered wedding weekends
Unlike alcohol-focused events, painting parties are welcoming to all ages and stages of life. Grandmothers, aunts, cousins, children, and friends can sit side by side, laugh together, share stories, and create something meaningful.
Guests leave not only with memories, but with a tangible keepsake—a piece of art that forever holds the joy of that season.
In the years following 2020, many people never fully returned to gathering the way they once did. Cindy shares how loneliness and isolation have quietly taken root—and how intentional creative spaces can help rebuild what was lost.
When people gather to paint, listen to music, and create together, something powerful happens:
Conversations flow naturally
Old relationships are rekindled
New bonds are formed
People feel seen, valued, and connected
This is where Cindy’s philosophy truly comes alive—and where flourishing begins.
Making Space for Creative Experiences in Everyday Life
Beyond hosted events, Cindy encourages everyone to carve out small moments of creativity in daily life—even just an hour a week. Whether it’s painting, doodling, journaling, or experimenting with color, creative play nurtures mind, body, and spirit.
And when done together, creativity becomes a celebration in itself.
Connect with Cindy Shaw
If you’re curious about hosting or attending a painting party—or simply want to bring more creativity into your life—you can connect with Cindy here:
All things for your bespoke intimate wedding or elopement with Chanelle Carlin
The Now You May Kiss™ Podcast is hosted by Chanelle Carlin, Wedding Officiant and Celebrant for Life™. Through thoughtful conversations with industry experts, creatives, and heart-centered leaders, Chanelle explores love, marriage, celebration, and the meaningful moments that bring people together.
Whether you’re planning a wedding or simply seeking a more intentional way of living and celebrating, each episode offers inspiration rooted in connection, authenticity, and joy.
A Conversation with Evergreen Event Company’s Kiira Portet
“Sustainability is just one thoughtful choice at a time.” — Kiira
Creating a Sustainable, Meaningful Wedding Day: Insights from Evergreen Event Company’s Kiira Portet
As couples begin planning their weddings, more and more are asking how they can create a celebration that feels intentional, meaningful, and aligned with their values. Sustainability has become central to that conversation—especially for couples choosing to marry in the Pacific Northwest.
In a recent episode of the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast, I sat down with Kiira Portet, owner of Evergreen Event Company and a Seattle-based wedding planner who specializes in eco-conscious weddings and intimate elopements. Kiira brings a wealth of experience and a grounded, thoughtful approach to helping couples design celebrations that minimize waste while maximizing connection and meaning.
Here are a few highlights from our conversation:
Why Elopements and Small Weddings Create Deeper Connection
Kiira and I share a mutual love for intimate celebrations. Smaller weddings give couples the space to be present, breathe, and truly feel the love around them.
With fewer guests, couples can: • Focus on meaningful moments • Reduce stress and logistical overwhelm • Invest in higher-quality experiences • Avoid waste associated with large events • Craft a celebration that reflects their values
This isn’t about dismissing big weddings. It’s about encouraging couples to choose intentionally—and to recognize that small can be extraordinary.
A Wedding Planner’s Role in Sustainable Elopements and Micro-Weddings
Many couples assume small weddings require little planning. But even intimate celebrations include moving parts that a planner can manage, including:
• Sourcing eco-minded vendors • Coordinating logistics with photographers and officiants • Managing weather shifts and guest comfort • Picking up cakes, flowers, or rentals for traveling couples • Ensuring the day flows seamlessly
Planners help couples stay focused on each other—not the timeline.
Practical Ways to Make Your Wedding More Sustainable
Kiira shared a range of simple, effective steps couples can take:
1. Choose eco-conscious vendors Hire florists who avoid floral foam, caterers who use local ingredients, and planners who prioritize reuse.
2. Rent whenever possible Tables, linens, décor, and signage can be reused week after week.
3. Ask venues about décor closets Many have baskets, easels, votives, or signage available at no extra—or minimal—cost.
4. Donate florals after your celebration Nonprofits like Lilies of the Valley in Wenatchee refresh and deliver arrangements to care facilities, extending the beauty of your day.
5. Reduce travel waste Keeping your guest list intimate naturally reduces fuel use and packaging waste.
Sustainability doesn’t require perfection. It’s simply a series of mindful choices.
Start with Your WHY
One of Kiira’s most powerful insights is that couples should begin planning not with budget or guest list—but with their ‘why’.
Ask yourselves:
Why are we choosing to have a wedding in the first place?
What does this celebration represent in our relationship?
Who and what are most important to us?
What kind of marriage do we want to build together?
Your answers will guide every other decision—from venue size to décor choices to the guest list.
“Your North Star is your why — why you’re getting married and what you want your marriage to look like.”
The Emerald Hour Collective
Kiira also serves on the leadership team of Emerald Hour, a Seattle-based community of wedding vendors committed to sustainable practices. Through educational events, styled shoots, and cross-vendor collaboration, they inspire thoughtful change within the wedding industry.
Final Thoughts
Sustainable weddings aren’t about doing everything perfectly—they’re about making choices that reflect who you are as a couple. Whether you’re planning an elopement, micro-wedding, or full celebration, your values can shine through in meaningful, environmentally mindful ways.
If you’d like guidance planning a ceremony that reflects your story, your values, and your hopes for your marriage, I would be honored to support you.
Chanelle Carlin is a Professional Wedding Officiant, coach, and Celebrant for Life™. She is devoted to helping couples create deeply personal, meaningful wedding ceremonies that reflect who they truly are and the marriage they are choosing to build. Through her work with Chanelle Carlin Weddings, Chanelle supports couples planning elopements, intimate weddings, and milestone celebrations across the Pacific Northwest and beyond—guiding them with warmth, intention, and care from “yes” to I do and well into married life. In addition to her other roles, she also hosts the Now You May Kiss™ Podcast. On the Now You May Kiss podcast, Chanelle explores love, marriage, weddings, and intentional partnership through thoughtful conversations with industry experts and heart-centered leaders.
If you’re searching online for how to write your wedding vows and every example sounds… well, like it came from the internet — you’re not alone.
You want vows that sound like you. Real, emotional, and beautifully personal — not like a template.
As a Professional Wedding Officiant and Celebrant for Life™, I’ve helped hundreds of couples write vows that brought laughter, tears, and quiet awe to their ceremony.
What Wedding Vows Really Are (and Why They Matter)
Your vows are the heart of your ceremony — the moment where you promise each other what kind of life you’ll build together.
They’re not just words for the day. They’re your first spoken promises of your marriage — witnessed by the people who love you most.
When you write your own vows, they become something extraordinary: an expression of who you are and the love you’re growing into together.
Chanelle encouraged us to write our own vows to each other and Neil was totally on board with that; She supported and guided us in writing them with her very own VowCraft (TM) Method.It was so special to hear and read those vows to each other during our ceremony.
Because your love story is one-of-a-kind, and your vows should be too.
“Craft vows as timeless as your love. Promises whispered into forever.” — Chanelle Carlin, Celebrant for Life™
Ready to Begin?
If you’d like guidance as you write your vows — or an officiant who will help you create a ceremony as personal as your promises — I’d be honored to help.
Timeless Promises. Forever Love. Your Forever, In Words.
About Chanelle
Photo credit: Roxanne Best, Roxtography
Chanelle Carlin is a Professional Wedding Officiant and Your Celebrant for Life™, helping couples create heartfelt, one-of-a-kind ceremonies and vows across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Through her signature VowCraft™ Method, she guides couples in crafting promises that are authentic, elegant, and deeply personal—timeless words for a love that lasts forever.
Like many of you, I’ve seen the headlines and heard the speculation about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce possibly getting engaged. And as a Wedding Officiant and Celebrant for Life™, I’ve had more than a few people (including my husband – a HUGE football fan) jokingly ask if I’ve thought about offering my services for what would surely be the wedding of the decade.
Let me set the record straight: I am absolutely ‘over the moon’ delighted for them, if it’s true, but no, I will not be reaching out to Taylor and Travis. Here are five reasons why:
1. Their Love Story Belongs to Them
Every couple I work with deserves the freedom to craft a ceremony that reflects their unique story—not one shaped by outside expectations. Taylor and Travis are already living under the biggest spotlight imaginable – just look at how their one post caused an IG crash. The last thing they need is another voice in the chorus vying for their attention.
2. Privacy is Sacred, Even for Celebrities
I deeply believe in honoring the privacy of couples. Whether I’m officiating a ceremony for two people in a mountain meadow or a vineyard full of family and friends, my role is to hold space for them—not intrude on it. If Taylor and Travis want to invite me, my phone is on. But you won’t see me cold-calling their agents.
3. My Couples Are My Priority
The heart of my work is serving the couples who choose me—whether they’re eloping in Leavenworth, writing vows at my Vow & Vision Weekend™, or saying “I do” at a local winery. I am truly grateful for each of them and my commitment is to be fully present for those couples, not distracted chasing headlines. It’s a promise I make to each couple and it’s included in our agreement.
4. Authenticity Isn’t About Fame
Celebrity weddings can be dazzling, but authenticity is what I value most. The promises spoken at an intimate ceremony between two grounded people mean more to me than a million paparazzi clicks. As your Celebrant for LifeTM, my mission isn’t to collect famous names—it’s to support lifelong love stories.
5. Love Is Bigger Than Spectacle
At the end of the day, marriage isn’t about the dress, the venue, or who officiates. It’s about the marriage itself. My role is to help couples anchor their wedding day in meaning. It’s not about the show. Taylor and Travis already have plenty of that – their careers and success keep them on display all the time. What they choose to create in their marriage—that’s what matters.
So no, you won’t find me sending a DM to Taylor Swift anytime soon. My joy is in standing with the couples who invite me into their lives, crafting ceremonies that reflect their truth, and walking with them beyond “I do” as their Celebrant for Life™.
And honestly? That feels like the most important stage of all. 💛
About Chanelle
Photo credit: Roxanne Best, Roxtography
Chanelle Carlin is an award-winning, professional Wedding Officiant and your Celebrant for LifeTM . She is also the owner of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, LLC. With a passion for celebrating marriage and crafting deeply personal ceremonies, Chanelle helps couples create authentic, meaningful celebrations of love. Whether through elopements, intimate weddings, personalized coaching, or VIP retreats, she is dedicated to guiding couples through every step of their journey. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Chanelle draws inspiration from the natural beauty around her and her heartfelt connections with the couples she serves. If this sounds like the type of elopement or intimate wedding for you, reach out to Chanelle today to start the conversation. If you’re looking for more wedding inspiration, you can also find her hosting the Now You May KissTM Podcast.
When you picture your wedding day, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s walking down the aisle toward the love of your life, or the sacred moment you speak your vows. Perhaps it’s the joy on your family’s faces, or the laughter that lingers long after the reception ends. Here’s the truth: none of those moments happen by accident. They’re made possible by a team of dedicated wedding professionals who care deeply about your vision, your experience, and your love story.
As a professional Wedding Officiant and YOUR Celebrant for Life™, I’ve been honored to walk alongside hundreds of couples across the Pacific Northwest. And I’ve seen firsthand: when your wedding team is in harmony—with you and with one another—you get to feel fully present in your day. No stress. No distractions. Just you, your partner, and the sacred joy of becoming a married couple.
So how do you build the wedding team to bring your vision to life? Let’s explore why it matters—and how to choose professionals who will honor your story.
Why Your Wedding Team Matters
Think of your wedding day as a symphony. Each professional plays a vital role, and together they create harmony:
Wedding Planner/Coordinator – The conductor of the day. They ensure everything flows seamlessly, handling details and surprises with grace so you never feel rushed or overwhelmed. For the wedding pictured above, I was honored to work with the incredibly talented and collaborative, Erin from Ellie Haisch Weddings and Events
Photographer & Videographer – The memory keepers. They preserve the moments you’ll relive for a lifetime without ever pulling you out of the present.
DJ/Musician – The atmosphere setters. They shape the energy, from the reverence of your vows to the celebration on the dance floor.
Venue Staff – The foundation of your celebration. Their attentiveness and hospitality create a welcoming experience for every guest.
Specialists (like translators, florists, or cultural consultants) – The connectors. They weave in the traditions, languages, and details that make your wedding deeply personal.
Officiant/Celebrant – The heart of it all. We hold space for your story, guide you through your sacred promises, and craft a ceremony that reflects not just who you are—but who you are becoming as a married couple.
When your team is composed of professionals who care as much about your love as you do, your wedding becomes more than an event. It becomes a transformative experience—a moment where two lives are united, witnessed, and celebrated.
The Risks of a “Just Good Enough” Team
It can be tempting to choose vendors based on price alone or to settle for some other reason…perhaps you’re feeling pressured for time and you know this person is available on your date. But here’s what many couples discover: you’re not simply hiring people to complete tasks. You’re inviting them into one of the most intimate and emotional days of your life.
Choosing “good enough” often results in:
Stressful miscommunications
Awkward or rushed transitions during your ceremony
Missed or poorly captured memories
Music or flow that doesn’t reflect your mood or your vision for your celebration
Guests who feel overlooked
A couple who feels more like event managers than newlyweds
The right team, on the other hand, anticipates your needs before you voice them, collaborates seamlessly, and allows you to stay grounded in what matters most—your marriage.
How to Build Your Wedding Team
Here are a few guiding principles to help you create the team that will support your vision and values:
Start with Your Values Ask yourselves: What do we want to feel on our wedding day? Calm? Intimate? Joy-filled? Luxurious? Choose vendors whose work and energy naturally align with that intention.
Do Your Research Read reviews, explore portfolios, and listen to how couples describe their experiences. Pay attention to words like cared for, supported, understood—those matter as much as the photos or playlists.
Seek True Collaborators The best wedding professionals don’t work in silos. They collaborate with one another, ensuring the entire day feels cohesive and effortless. Notice if potential vendors speak respectfully of others and emphasize teamwork.
Prioritize Clear Communication From your first email to your last planning call, your team should make you feel heard and cared for. Trust the professionals who give you peace of mind before the wedding—they’ll give you the same on the wedding day.
Choose Professionals Who See You The most powerful wedding teams are made up of people who see beyond the event details. They ask about your story, your priorities, and your dreams. They care about you as a couple, not just the date on the calendar.
A Wedding Day That’s Truly Yours
At its heart, your wedding isn’t about flowers, playlists, or photo lists. It’s about stepping into marriage feeling fully present, supported, and surrounded by love.
When you choose a wedding team that works in harmony, you’re giving yourself the gift of presence. You get to look into your partner’s eyes, laugh with your guests, and soak in every sacred moment—confident that your team is carrying the rest.
As YOUR Celebrant for Life™, it’s my honor to collaborate with extraordinary wedding professionals across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and beyond. Together, we ensure your wedding isn’t just well-executed—it’s deeply meaningful, unforgettable, and entirely yours.
Because here’s the truth: your wedding team isn’t just part of your day. They’re part of your story. Choose wisely, and your wedding day, the beginning of a marriage, becomes a beautiful memory that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re looking for an officiant who will help you create not just a wedding, but a legacy of love, I’d love to walk this journey with you. Book your complimentary consultation with me today.
Chanelle Carlin is an award-winning, professional Wedding Officiant and your Celebrant for LifeTM . She is also the owner of Chanelle Carlin Weddings, LLC. With a passion for crafting deeply personal ceremonies, Chanelle helps couples create authentic, meaningful celebrations of love. Whether through elopements, intimate weddings, personalized coaching, or VIP retreats, she is dedicated to guiding couples through every step of their journey. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Chanelle draws inspiration from the natural beauty around her and her heartfelt connections with the couples she serves. If this sounds like the type of elopement or intimate wedding for you, reach out to Chanelle today to start the conversation. If you’re looking for more wedding inspiration, you can also find her hosting the Now You May KissTM Podcast.
