On 8/9/25, I had the great honor to officiate the wedding of my niece Nicole Lyon and her fiancé Stephen Arifin just outside Seattle, WA, near Snoqualmie.
On Nicole and Stephen’s rooftop, one of the fantastic perks of officiating the wedding was meeting Stephen’s family at a pizza party. Their ability to project happiness and have fun is infectious.
Brenda and Jon’s family, who were able to attend the wedding, came together to celebrate Allison’s birthday at Duke’s Seafood. The special dates were shared, but we did not forget to extend our best wishes to Allison. The meal and the company were excellent.
Another meet and greet was orchestrated by Nicole at Pecado Bueno, bringing her family members and friends who would attend the wedding together to get acquainted.
Nicole and Stephen wrote their own vows. I worked with Nicole on the ceremony right up to the day of the big event to get it just like she wanted. She did an outstanding job.
I got my first look at the wedding venue, North Fork Farm near Snoqualmie, WA, at the rehearsal. Nicole chose a stunning location.
It was impossible to take a bad picture at North Fork Farm. Karen and I posed with my brother, Jon, and his wife, Brenda, after the rehearsal.
Karen and I visited nearby Snoqualmie Falls after rehearsal.
Wedding pictures are a must. Jon and Brenda Lyon pose with their daughters, Nicole and Allison.
The Lyon family, complete with exceptional son-in-laws.
It was surprisingly toasty in the direct sunlight. The crowd appreciated the brevity of the ceremony.
Dad’s first look at his daughter rocking a stunning wedding dress.
A perfectly sunny day in Seattle is not guaranteed for an outdoor wedding. This was a banner day indeed.
It was a superbly orchestrated event, and the newlyweds were elated and ready to party.
Lessons and practice were evident in the new couples’ beautifully performed first dance. I believe they will have a long and happy life together. I’m proud to have been allowed to participate in their forever union.