"Our wedding party gushed about how incredible Erika was. My mother said, "Erika had so much joy in her eyes while she conducted your ceremony." It felt as if we were married by one of our oldest, dearest friends. Our guests continue to sing praises about how wonderful Erika was." ~Rachel + Jibran
The process begins....
photo by Brendan Bullock
Our first meeting (most often via video) will help you discern whether I'm the right officiant for you. I'll listen to your dreams about your wedding, describe the shape of my ceremonies, and clearly explain my process.
If you book me, the fun begins: I create a personalized packet with ceremony ideas (lots will resonate with a that's it! zing). I learn more about you, remaining available by phone or email as much as you need. The ceremony will be as "you" as possible, rich with moments for laughter (as well as verklempt tears).
The day of your ceremony is where my being a minister makes a profound difference: It's not just about officiating the ceremony: I'm your minister, all the way through. Despite the joy of a wedding, you or your family members may be anxious, teary, or struggling to hold the emotions of the day. I arrive at the ceremony early, checking in with you and offering calm presence where it's needed. I also check in with all of your other ceremony helpers, from musicians to photographers, to plan smooth transitions. Often, I end up pinning on boutonnieres; sometimes I avert a musical disaster by making sure the deejay has the correct processional song queued up... and sometimes I hold someone's hand while they have a little cry before the ceremony. I handle last-minute surprises with grace and ease, and help you to do the same. By the time the ceremony begins, you and your family will feel more relaxed, at ease, and ready to be present to the wedding and its celebration.
Following your wedding, I complete the marriage license that you've provided, submit the license to the friendly town clerk,... and you're legal!
Please contact me via the Contact tab if you're ready to meet me.
If you book me, the fun begins: I create a personalized packet with ceremony ideas (lots will resonate with a that's it! zing). I learn more about you, remaining available by phone or email as much as you need. The ceremony will be as "you" as possible, rich with moments for laughter (as well as verklempt tears).
The day of your ceremony is where my being a minister makes a profound difference: It's not just about officiating the ceremony: I'm your minister, all the way through. Despite the joy of a wedding, you or your family members may be anxious, teary, or struggling to hold the emotions of the day. I arrive at the ceremony early, checking in with you and offering calm presence where it's needed. I also check in with all of your other ceremony helpers, from musicians to photographers, to plan smooth transitions. Often, I end up pinning on boutonnieres; sometimes I avert a musical disaster by making sure the deejay has the correct processional song queued up... and sometimes I hold someone's hand while they have a little cry before the ceremony. I handle last-minute surprises with grace and ease, and help you to do the same. By the time the ceremony begins, you and your family will feel more relaxed, at ease, and ready to be present to the wedding and its celebration.
Following your wedding, I complete the marriage license that you've provided, submit the license to the friendly town clerk,... and you're legal!
Please contact me via the Contact tab if you're ready to meet me.
A step further: premarital counseling
As a trained PREPARE/ENRICH Facilitator, I can guide you through one, two, or three sessions of premarital counseling, ensuring that you're entering into your marriage having unpacked and explored the areas that often arise as stumbling blocks in the early years of a couple's life together.
PREPARE/ENRICH is a customized couple inventory, completed online with full privacy, that identifies your strength and growth areas. It's one of the most widely used programs for premarital counseling and premarital education. Based on your inventory results, I provide feedback sessions to help you discuss and understand your results.
