Living Ceremonies Celebrates One Year of Service
It’s hard to believe that it has been a year since Living Ceremonies Nashville Wedding Officiant service has been in existence. This year has been amazing!!! I never thought that I would have met so many wonderful couples and vendors.
The Inspiration for Living Ceremonies
After I retired from the VA and moved to Nashville, I took some time off to adjust to retirement life and a new city. My move from Memphis to Nashville was to be closer to family. After several months I decided it was time to move into my “Next” but I had no idea what that was going to be. Though I had thought about a few things such as starting a blog, and writing a book (although the book is still on the back burner), nothing seemed to give me the excitement I was looking for. One day, as I was scrolling on Instagram, I came across a friend’s page who had posted about setting up her audio equipment for a wedding she was officiating. And instantly I knew that was my “Next.” The emotions I felt were a little overwhelming because I had done lots of premarital counseling and a few weddings but never thought of it as a business. It has become so much more than a business; it is an extension of ministry.
What I Have Learned
Preparation is key. I have attended conferences, webinars, wedding shows, become members of several Facebook groups and joined professional organizations to prepare myself to be the best officiant I can be. I have learned how to adapt and be flexible when couples might not be on the same timeline as I am, to always be professional no matter what, to trust the process, to seek out the help of other wedding officiants for mentoring and advice. I have had the opportunity to cultivate relationships with some wonderful couples. Helping them plan their wedding ceremony is a responsibility and I see it as an extension of my ministry. Although most couples do not belong to a church or express any particular faith, I meet them where they are and do not impose on their beliefs. I’m focused on creating an environment of trust and safety during our premarital sessions. I have also met some incredible wedding planners, DJ’s, florist, photographers, videographers, and have officiated weddings in beautiful venues. For that, I am grateful.
Where Do We Go From Here?
I am excited about the future of Living Ceremonies. It is my prayer that Living Ceremonies will do even greater works of service over and beyond my expectations. Our mission is to make your wedding ceremony memorable, meaningful and marvelous. Some may wonder why I have this tag line, I’m so glad you asked. I feel all wedding ceremonies should be memorable first for the bride and groom and then for the guest. Memorable by the atmosphere created, memorable professionally, and memorable of the words spoken. I try to create a ceremony of words that are meaningful because words are powerful. My purpose is to speak life into each couples marriage. And finally marvelous, which comes from Psalm 118:23, “the Lord has done this and it is marvelous in our eyes” does not only pertain to the couple but also to Living Ceremonies.
Living Ceremonies, will not only be your Nashville Wedding Officiant but also your Tennessee Wedding Officiant and beyond. If you are looking for a mindful wedding officiant who will walk with you, support you and professionally serve you, contact us today.
Thanks to all of the couples who have trusted me to be your officiant, I truly consider it an honor. And to my future couples, I look forward to doing great things together.