Growing up I was always so excited to attend weddings. I enjoyed the entire production. I especially enjoyed the sharing of vows. Witnessing two people profess their love with confidence is special. The first dance is my other favorite. For me, the way a couple balances each other on a dance floor can be so moving.
I am naturally a caretaker and my parents nurtured this trait. Throughout my life I have taken pride in helping others. I have tutored autistic children to prepare them at being successful in school with out special education or an aid. I worked for a non-profit that provided childcare to the public schools of Oakland. During my college career at UC Berkeley I worked with the women's studies department to help young women enter college with the confidence to compete assertively.
Throughout these years I had an instinct to be creative. I started making jewelry, styling friends, and painting. So, when my best friend became engaged the wheels started turning. It had been a few years since I had been to a wedding, but, she asked me to help plan and I was all for it. Once the wedding was complete I was so happy yet sad. I was excited for my two friends to have had such a great day celebrating each other and starting a life together.
The problem was I wanted to do it all over again! It felt so natural being in the wedding arena. Because of this many a party-planning gig came to follow. I helped organize, style and execute celebrations with great fun and satisfaction. I still felt like I could do more. I became ordained. I am glad I did. Two friends called to tell me not only were they engaged but asked would I perform the ceremony in three weeks. I was honored and prepared. I felt great officiating the wedding.
The best compliment I received was a newlywed couple telling me they wished they had met me prior to their wedding day because they would have loved to have me perform their ceremony. It is an honor to be apart of such a heartfelt day. Working with Maureen at Lyssabeths and sharing her wedding philosophy, I am excited to perform many beautiful weddings here in the Bay Area where I was born and raised.
