The Affordable Officiant: All About & More

Introduction

Getting married is an exciting, wonderful time in your life. You have a vision in your mind of how you want your special day to be, and then you find out out how much it will cost. Not everyone is in the financial position to take out loans, has a well-paying job, or has parents or family that will cover the expense.

Whether you are planning to elope, have an intimate gathering of less than 50 family and friends, or are hosting more than 200 guests, I will help you realize the vision of your ceremony—without compromising elegance, style, meaning, or quality of service—at a price you can afford.

My Spiritual Being

I provide an overview of the years of spiritual self-study that I have engaged in to offer insight about who I am and the knowledge or understanding I may have in relation to your views and beliefs. Though I may draw upon my own knowledge-base, it is your understanding and philosophy that I will seek to know so that I can adequately reflect your beliefs, be they secular or spiritual, in your ceremony.

I have studied spiritual philosophies and religions since early adolescence, seeking to find answers and an understanding about the meaning and purpose of Life. I started my spiritual learning as a borderline atheist/agnostic, conceding to the fact that I really didn't know if The Divine existed or not. I was first attracted to Eastern philosophies, such as Zen and Taoism. Then I went back to the time of pre-Christian days of Western Europe studying the history and beliefs of the Pagans who are today's Wiccans. I briefly studied Native American spiritual philosophies and practices, enough to see the wisdom and beauty of the tribal shaman, wishing that the concept of the community medicine man/woman would be part of our society. My most recent study has been of Gnosticism, and the mystical aspects of Christianity—two almost forgotten aspects of early Christianity that is now being rediscovered. Rounding out my own self-studying includes Judaism and Hinduism.

My decision to become a wedding officiant came about through a process of introspection and contemplation. I wish to put into action the ideals that I uphold, to assist others in the ways that I am capable, and to give joy and happiness to others.

I am ordained through the Universal Life Church. The credentials that they issue comply with the requirements as written by the state of North Carolina as to who may legally officiate at wedding ceremonies.

Home & Family

I am blessed with the love and companionship of six remarkable felines, Mr. Doo, Mr. B, Mr. Stash Snodgrass, Mr. Luck Dragon Smee, Theodore Montague, and Miss Chatelaine Ming.

My Background

I have recently relocated to Wilson, North Carolina, from Washington state. The move across the country came as the result of a substantial job promotion that was offered to my husband by Home Depot.

I became a wedding officiant in 2004 as a result of my personal experiences with my wedding. We wanted to elope, and I had my own ceremony script, and a tight budget. I discovered I was not alone in my need to find an affordable officiant to perform a simple ceremony. I have had the honor and privilege to join more than 150 couples in matrimony. I wish to bring affordable wedding officiant services to the greater Raleigh area and continue the successes I enjoyed in Washington state.

In addition to being a wedding officiant, I am a graduate of The Leadership Institute of Seattle (LIOS), where I earned a Master of Arts degree in Applied Behavioral Science. I completed a one year internship at Good Samaritan Child & Family Services in Puyallup, Washington, where I provided behavioral health services to children, adolescents, and their families. I also hold a graduate level certificate in Web Development from City University of Seattle.