I have always been enamored with the entire experience of weddings. Planning out all the intricate details, and creating a magical day that will forever be remembered. I get excited asking a couple what they're looking forward to most for that day, then helping them achieve that dream.
As a seamstress, event planner, jewelry-maker, chef, and general Jill of all trades (at least in the wedding-related field), I've been involved in many aspects of the wedding-day event. In 2004 a couple of friends announced to me that they were to be married. I began to excitedly ask them, "When? Where? Who's going to marry you?". They immediately knew the answer to the When and Where, but when it came to the "who's going to marry you", they looked quizzically at each other, then both blurted, "… you?" I was touched, honored and quite surprised, as officiating had not been part of my wedding repertoire up until then. I accepted and helped my friends compose a wonderful ceremony.
I have been blessed with the gift of ease in speaking comfortably to crowds, so my nerves didn't show at all as I married my two friends in a lovely backyard in Mendocino, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After the wedding, most of the guests imagined not only that wedding officiating was my fulltime profession, but that I'd been doing them for years! Since that first wedding, I have officiated at many weddings--each with its own special uniqueness.
I joined Lyssabeth's in 2008 because the values and philosophy of the company reflected my own. Owner Maureen Thomson believes that the wedding ceremony should be all about the bride and groom--and totally reflective of their love. And she (and all of us!) will do what needs to be done to make that happen!
It's an honor--not to mention such fun--to help be a major part of creating a union between two people.
In the times I'm not marrying couples, you can find me catering and planning parties. I'm currently training with the California Culinary Academy. I sew, make jewelry, knit, and crochet. I was born in the Bay Area, lived in the Pacific Northwest for my formative years, and I've been back since 1996. I love the diversity here in the Bay Area, and I'm proud to call it home.
