Officiant Jimmie

08/29/2024

Perfection is a lie.
You work out every detail, pour over the plans, and spent meticulous hours to actualize your wedding dreams. But… When it comes to having “a perfect day” there is no such thing.
Perfection is a lie in itself.
It’s something we let society fool us into thinking it’s real or even obtainable. You will never get something “perfect”.
Let the joy of the moment, your big day, let that magic be the thing you focus on. Nothing in this life will ever be perfect- f**k perfection!
Choose to embrace the chaos and the uncertainty. Lean into the incomplete and the “not exact”. Understand that there was billions of improbabilities of what could have been. And despite all of them, we ended up here, in this moment, together living in the now.
Be like Katie & Ed, a couple who don’t strive to be perfect. They choose to be happy, roll with the punches, and love each moment as if it’s the best thing they could have wished for. Their wedding day was absolutely stunning and they couldn’t have been happier with everything as it all happened.
Make those memories, fall in love without apology, embrace the chaos we cannot control, live in the now.
F**k perfection.

08/23/2024

Yeah, I Got That S**t On.
You’re probably thinking, “Whoa there! Officiant Jimmie, such vulgarity on a Monday?? Unless that’s what the kids are saying… What does that mean? ELI5?”
Fear not, dear prudent reader, I’ll gladly explain.
It’s a term that not only means wearing an outfit that makes one look “Fly”, but it is exemplary way of thinking. A level of vibes and feeling thyself in such a way that you proudly step out into the world with your head thrown back and your energy is infectious to all those you come in contact with.
Such a Vibe/Mindset is necessary when you’re an officiant like me. Especially for a Sunrise Elopement at illustrious Trillium Lake. Naturally I had to rock the Gold Coat with Sarah & Carlos, their close friends, shot by the incomparable & as this ceremony went down.
I may have felt a little sleepy, I won’t lie. I drove up that morning so I was up by 3 am with about half a dozen alarms set to wake me up and note let me go back to sleep. But by the I got there and dressed, I had more swagger than someone’s drunk mom at a Grateful Dead Concert.
So yeah- I PUT THAT S**T ON! I always do for my couples. 🫶🏾

07/30/2024

Black & White photos.
I know they’re not everyone’s cup of tea. I can’t even tell you how they’re made (selfishly I want to believe that photogs have an old timey camera they whip out for these). But I can tell you the timelessness behind these photos make me an advocate for a few B&W pics in every gallery!
Put the photos to a little tune by ? ooooof…. Fugget About It…
How do you guys feel about B&W photos?

07/26/2024

Even if you may not see me, sometimes you’ll see a set of wedding photos and you’ll just KNOW I was there.
Is it a photo where I happened to be a “bit” taller than the couple getting married?
Is it the photo where the guests were told it’s an Unplugged Ceremony and they were granted 30 seconds to snap a quick selfie of their own?
Is it the ambience of love being felt while all those in attendance feel like they’re on the inside of an inside joke?
Who’s to say… all I know is Amelia & Jade wanted an officiant who would accentuate their love story and remind their community how much they love one another. When I got in contact with them, it’s safe to say we became fast friends and knew that this trio was a perfect fit.
Sometimes you meet people and you just KNOW that there is something here that’s meant to be.
🥰
Also today is the 40th anniversary of the song Careless Whisper. If you’re like me, this fact absolutely devastates you and you’re looking up Life Alert™️ on Amazon. Hope you feel old as I do rn.

07/19/2024

“Over The Fireplace Energy”.
As Jade directed Melanie, Jordan, and myself on how to pose for this picture (and when the 4 of us could stop giggling) I had that phrase in mind. “Over The Fire Place Energy”.
This felt like the kind of picture where you could blow it up in a huge print. Frame it in an elegant picture frame. Then display it over the famed spot in the house where the fire crackles and it hits the mood just right.
Did we know this picture would be THIS epic? F**k noooooo. But man were we all so psyched and excited when we saw how it turned out!
Then again, when Melanie & Jordan met that night in downtown PDX on St. Patrick’s Day? I can’t imagine they knew that a night of Green Hair Dye, Bar Top Dancing, and TMNT T-shirts would lead all this.
But that’s love sometimes, isn’t it? It comes to you in the most unexpected and wonderful ways. It brings us people who make us live better, laugh harder, shine brighter. Sometimes through all of its goodness and light, it leads us to an epic adventure.
An adventure so epic that it leads you to getting married with a wedding orchestrated by the uncontested brilliant team of at the world famous shot by the incomparable who takes a picture that’s gorgeous. So gorgeous in fact, it can only be considered an r/accidentalrenaissance type of post.
Now, how do I convince Timberline to hang this up around their lodge…?
🤘🏽🤘🏽

07/14/2024

If you’re going to the Redwoods and you’re planning on:
-Getting married
-Smiling bunches
-Signing your marriage license wearing Ring Pops
-Having an officiant with some truly wild socks
-Drink some
&
-Have your picture taken by THE Naomi Levit Photography ?
Then my friends you’re never going to believe this…
Not only is all of this possible? It’s EXTREMELY easy to make happen!
Let these pictures be the burden of proof of what happens when two biologists (by the names of Jenn & Roger) fall in love, travel halfway across the country to elope, with their family in tow.
Lifelong memories that you can’t help but smile when you see them.

07/05/2024

Unplugged Ceremonies- A How To/Why. 🤳
You paid how much for this wedding? You paid HOW MUCH for this photographer?!
The last thing you want is that picture perfect photo of you and your SO getting photo bombed by your Aunt Debby because she’s squatting in the aisle to “get the shot” off her iPad.
But what can you do, You don’t want to start a fight! You’re wanting it to be unplugged, that’s not so much to ask? Buuuut you know that’s just gonna start a fight with your soon to be in-laws. You know that they already are calling you “stuck up” because you told them tuxedo t-shirts aren’t formal attire. You also know you can’t let your gallery, that you’re paying top dollar for, be ruined by what can only be described as “electronic gang signs”.
That’s when you ask your officiant to say the following:
Welcome everyone!
Now before we begin, we would like to remind all those in attendance that this is an Unplugged Ceremony. The couple have asked that you be present with them in this moment as their love is documented by the very best in the business. Now with that being said- please pull out your devices and feel free to snap a picture, selfie, anything you’d like before we begin! You got 30 seconds- GO!
It results in a fun little moment where everyone feels like they “got their pic”. It adds an extra flair of fun for the day because everyone got an extra exciting candid! And then the photo/video team can move uninterrupted during the ceremony!
You’re welcome. 💅🏾

07/01/2024

In this world it’s important not to lose your authenticity. Don’t hide your emotions; life is short.

06/21/2024

When it’s Juneteenth and the groom sends you a pic that perfectly captures the vibe.
HAPPY FREEDOM DAY FAM! 💛❤️🖤💚❤️🖤💛💚

06/14/2024

Have you ever hiked to an epic elopement spot just to eat a Unity Snack of mozzarella cheese to commemorate your love?
No?
That’s too bad… you see Bianca & Kelly did just that with me. Their love for each other runs as deep as their love for cheese. For my non-lactose intolerant homies, you guys know how intense that type of love can be.
So it only made sense to surprise them with Unity Snack during their ceremony. It makes the moment that much more magical and makes the day so much tastier!
.
***an #2024

06/13/2024

Using any and every excuse to share the absolute MAGIC that was captured on this day!
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
I hope everyone who’s celebrating this month (read: this lifetime) is feeling loved and seen. 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈
Geniuses who made this day happen:
Photographer- No Rules Photography PDX
Planner- Double A Wedding
HMUA-
Dog Handler-
Jewelry-
Venue-
Rentals-
Models- &
I LOVE YOU ALL! 🫶

05/01/2024

Since my officiant page on insta isn’t a business page, I can’t link it to this one.
So now I have to copy and paste my posts over. Not a big deal! Just a silly inconvenience 😂

05/01/2024

I’m guilty of something…
Gather round children, I’m sure many of you at home know what I’m about to confess to.
This picture… is a repost.
Before you guys block me, leave me a negative review on Google (or positive one if you got the time and are bored!), or doxx my information online because you are DISGUSTED by my actions.
Hear me out!
The world is a big place kids, there are new faces that potentially could be landing here on my page for the first time.
They see my dashing good looks, read my National Lampoon-ian humorous posts, hear my Tarantino/Guardians inspired songs I choose to go with said posts. But… when do I have post that has all 3?
Combing through pages and pages of photos of myself is a daunting task. As you guys have seen, not all my posts are “homeruns” when it comes to me looking good lmao.
Rarely do I get a post where I can list all 3 things I listed out earlier!
But this post? THIS POST IS MY GRAND SLAM.
You have me in my Denzel Washington Era looking good along with Dan & Kara looking like movie stars as well. This whole caption has been making you, dear reader, clearing your nostrils with laughter while shaking your head. Hell, even this song is a certified and forgotten
B A N G E R
that I know you know would have been in GOTG or a Tarantino flick.
So whether this is your first time here, or your 700th, I hope that this has been a good enough explanation of me being a pic-repeater.
And for the rest of you, If it’s not good enough? This is sooooo awkward…

02/26/2024

Finding the time to be “unserious” on one of the most “serious” days is a gift, really… but that’s what happens when you work with the best!
It’s “seriously” a vibe.
#2024

02/24/2024

02/22/2024

Let’s Talk: Jumping The Broom.
A wedding tradition wildly popular in Black culture. Stemming from the times of slavery here in the United States where the slaves were not given the opportunities of regular marriage ceremonies (believe it or not, the was like the least horrific thing they dealt with, but that’s for another post). If two slaves chose to be married, they would do a Jumping Of The Broom ceremony. The courtyard would be swept, the couple would join hands, then jump over the broom and that would mean they were married!
This tradition became less custom once slavery was abolished, but the term “Jumping The Broom” is still a common phrase thrown around the industry.
There have been many interpretations on “how to” properly do a Jumping Of The Broom ritual. One thing that is universal is that this is the VERY last thing we do in the ceremony, since this is the perfect ritual for the exit. So this occurs after you announced the couple married and after they kissed.
Here’s what I do:
1. Invite someone close to the couple to come to the front (usually a mom or dad, the parentals love a moment to shine).
2. They sweep the area in front of the couple, symbolizing the ridding of the old and allowing for the new.
3. Said guest who did the sweeping the lays the broom down horizontally across the aisle, creating a line that the couple will have to quite literally jump over for the recessional.
4. Prep the audience. Tell them that once the couple jumps, they the audience are to start cheering and hollering and making as loud of noise as possible. Bonus points if the couple provided bells for the audience to ring! That’s another tradition some do some don’t, no wrong answers here!
5. You have the couple join hand & hand. Count them down and have them jump.
6. The crowd goes wild!
Simple, beautiful, magical. And you made the ancestors proud!

02/21/2024

This isn’t a dream.
It’s your dream ceremony. One of which that’s SO exclusive that the only guests are: your dad, your sister, and the Officiants Dad who got the “okay” to tag along later on becoming your dad’s new bestie. (True story btw)
Does this sound like your idea to the start of a perfect marriage? Or should you reread the first part again?
If you’re Kelly & Bianca; this was so much more than you could have ever anticipated. You were surrounded with your loved ones. In a backdrop that would make even the most prude landscape artist say “holy balls”. Holy Balls is right.
I would love to share video that was recorded from this day… but my dad recorded the ceremony in portrait mode like a freaking maniac. In his defense, the phone was locked so you couldn’t turn it and have it “flip” so the whole thing is at a weird sideways angle, if that makes sense?
Oh well, say la vee, or whatever that phrase is.
#2024

02/18/2024

Do me a favor? Read the title of the song, give it a listen for a bit, then proceed to read the caption.
To Be Young, Gifted, And Black…
Many of you already know this, I am a black man based out of the PNW. This place has been my home since moving here when I was 5 years old. One thing that’s always made me stand out before anything else is my skin tone. A thing I have struggled my entire life to understand and identify…
Being BIPOC in this part of the world has always been a hard thing to put into words. Others who look like me get it almost instantaneously. They understand where I’ve been and what I’ve been through.
That’s why when a couple who looks like me tell me they are so happy they “found me” there is another layer to that. An unspoken and special bond that helps me amplify that resounding battle cry. That “We Out Here!” Energy. Using my God given talents to represent for my people and being there for them when they find me. And yes, while being “Young, Gifted, And Black”
I’m not sure how to wrap this caption up.
All I want to say is: Happy Black History Month! Hope you guys are doing your thing and living well out there. Stay healthy and drink water.
Cheers!
#2024

02/15/2024

Some say Valentines Day is just a ploy by the corporations to get people to buy flowers, chocolates, and what not. It’s not truly a holiday about love, just a day where you’re meant to spend money and feel bad if you are single.
Maybe it is? After all, bunch of dudes on the internet said Taylor’s boyfriend was gonna win the super bowl because of Dark Brandon’s influences.
I’ll choose to be ever the optimist and not see it that way. To me, today is just a day where I get an excuse to post and share about the love, the family I love, and an all-time favorite author whom I love D E A R L Y.
Meg, you are the love of my life. You and those cute feral beats we call “kids” are the meaning to my existence. You are the reason I am able to accomplish and do so much in my life. Thank you for choosing me and for being the absolute best partner and man could ever ask for. Can’t wait to twin in our matching Yeezy Pods. I love love love you!
I can’t wait for all the adventures we have left. 🖤
Quick side note: if you’re reading this. Ohmygodiloveyousof**kingmuch. Please don’t stop writing! No matter how depraved the subject matter, gory the details, or morbid the tale (reading Not Forever, But For Now with no peeking at the synopsis had been a riiiiiiide); I will always support/love you, Chuckie P. 💙
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone! ❤️

02/12/2024

This is for the Vibe Check.
If you guys aren’t down for an awkward 3-way prom photo after the marriage signing, reevaluate your priorities then try again.
And if this photo already speaks to you almost ✨prophetic✨ way? Then- heyyyy bestie, how you doing?
#2024

02/11/2024

I am not one to shy away from a challenging hike or sweaty endeavor in the wilderness for an elopement. You couldn’t tell by my futon-like-frame (I love to eat and usually save my exercising for when I’m playing with my kiddos). But one of my biggest passions has always been hiking. 🥾
I will quite literally never say no to an opportunity for a hike. The gift and curse of being a PNW native I suppose. You never need more than a suggestion to get one of us out on the trails, breathing in nature, and losing our senses to the elements. You couldn’t even imagine the elated joy I feel every time I get an inquiry for an elopement!
Even on the most strenuous paths to the highest of elevations, that love is enough of a drive for me. Sweating my hardest while breathing my damndest. I will look up after choking for air and see that scenery. And it’s enough for me to always keep going.
Look at that snow covered mountain back there! Just being so flirty and cute and perfect. 🏔️
#2024

02/06/2024

My energy is: will crush a after officiating your adventure elopement at Mt. Rainier.
It’s definitely a vibe that many will question if it even exists just to see that there is in fact a man out there who can and will do both.
Also- RIP Toby Keith. Your immeasurable talent and being the goddamn party is something I admire and try to apply in my life. I’ll be drinking out of a Red Solo Cup tonight for you, cowboy. ❤️‍🔥
#2024

02/04/2024

Whether it be right at the kiss or, as pictured above, the processional which I misunderstood on the starting position. I will always find an exit strategy.
Not because I don’t believe I don’t belong in the moment with the couple. I mean… I kinda don’t for the kiss. I know I did a poll recently and with some very good points and perspective made. But imo the kiss is for the couple and me standing there just doesn’t feel right… I’m not about that know what I’m saying?
I digress.
Those moments aren’t not meant to be about me. I’m there to enhance, reaffirm, and uplift those about to be married. I step in and say what I am born to say for the people who are meant to be together and then I move. And again, I had no idea that this was the position of where the processional would engage. Misty; if you’re reading this, my bad dawg. You know I’m better than this.
That’s it, I have nothing else left to add. It’s Sunday, I’m gonna go hang with my family, enjoy this day of much welcomed rest and definitely watch some Bluey. 💙
#2024

02/02/2024

Blurring the line between earth and heaven- That’s my Roman Empire.
Words, moments, and energy that leaves you feeling euphoric in the biggest ways down to the smallest of details. Whether it’s being in a landscape that makes you feel like you’re in a painting. Or you’re surrounded with incredible people who inspire you.
Carlos & Sarah knew that this type of love that they had wasn’t anything close to ordinary. Matter of fact, it was absolutely exceptional. It’s the type of love that would make a cartoon character float with the biggest of heart eyes. They knew that when it came to their ceremony, they couldn’t picture anyone else capturing the moments more perfectly than & . And when it came time for the words, they wanted someone who exuded sunshine in both personality and apparel.
The pleasure was all mine to have ever been included in such a beautiful sunrise ceremony.
And no, for those wondering, I didn’t jump in the lake afterward. But I did feel like I could walk on water when I was around these two. And that’s heaven to me…
#2024

01/31/2024

As the final day of January is upon us, closing out our first month of 2024 (Year Of The Mamba) I invite you guys to reflect with me.
I have lately been going through my old photos officiating this past week. Seeing versions of myself I hardly recognize now after evolving so much on so many different levels. It truly has been insane to see how far I’ve come compared to where I’ve been.
Digging through the photos I found this gem that brought an immediate smile to my face.
Jared & Claire.
Lovers who are obsessed with: yoga, beer, and each other. They wanted to come out to our slice of heaven on earth to get married and say their vows in the most epic fashion possible. Their search for location led to them searching for an able-bodied officiant who knew how to weave humor and romance effortlessly.
Hence how them coming across me!
Claire reached out and asked if I was down to go on an epic hike at Coffin Mountain at the high of wildflower season. I know what you’re thinking, “Officiant Jimmie is you dumb? Gurl it’s called COFFIN MOUNTAIN, they’re going to murder you or sell you into sex-slavery or something”.
But how could I say no? They were so lovely and honestly I was so ready to deliver them the ceremony of their dreams. Claire, for real you could sell ice to a snowman. You’re absolutely wonderful!
I may not remember every last detail when the big day came (this was 4 years and one whole child ago for me), but I do remember the smiles, the scenery, and the vibrations of the universe telling me, “more of this is to come”.
I’m so happy to know where I’ve been and see where I’ve come.
Thank you Jared & Claire for being incredible… and for not murdering me nor selling me into the sex-slave trade. It means so much to me. 🫶
#2024