Meaningful & Memorable Wedding Ceremony
Personalized wedding ceremonies focused on the hopes, dreams and needs of a couple and performed by a professional Wedding Officiant
About Heart Ceremonies & STEPHANIE
Meet Stephanie
Philosophy & Approach
My commitment to you
I grew up in Massachusetts, but I have now lived in Pennsylvania longer that I lived in Massachusetts. You may even hear my New England accent every once in a while. I am fortunate to spend time every summer on Cape Cod. I cherish time in Vermont, but Pennsylvania is home.
I came to Pennsylvania for graduate school and had intended to return to New England once I graduated. But, as you may know, sometimes life has other plans.
My first professional position as a chaplain found me in a small town in Pennsylvania. Within months of starting my job, I met an amazing person and fell in love. And before
I knew it, love blossomed, and we were married six months later. I never believed
in love at first sight, until it happened to me!
I am fortunate enough to say that I am married to my best friend. Jeff and I have renewed our wedding vows four times, once with an 'Elvis Impersonator" in Las Vegas and most recently on a beach on Cape Cod. And now, as we approach our 27th wedding anniversary, I am so grateful that I found love at first sight!
I have a passion for gardening. I love that despite my plans for the garden, nature has a mind of its own. I am happiest with my hands in the dirt, growing something from seed, pondering garden designs and looking at gardening catalogs and books.
I am always searching for a good book. I share a love for Harry Potter with my son. Our family enjoys camping and exploring
fun places for the whole family to enjoy.
I love an iced coffee from Dunkin'. Pink flamingoes make me smile. Jeans are my wardrobe staple. I believe laughter is essential in life, love and even wedding ceremonies.
My commitment to you
Philosophy & Approach
My commitment to you
I may be the Wedding Officiant, but it is your special day! II think of my work as a cooperative effort with you- the couple being married. Our work together is more than just creating your ceremony script; our work together also involves my commitment to you on your special day.
I prefer to perform one wedding ceremony a day and I do this so that I am focused, not rushed and dedicated to the couple who have hired me.
I do not like to perform two weddings on the same day. Many Officiants will book multiple ceremonies on one day and then couples must schedule their ceremony around the Officiant’s availability.
While I cannot diminish the intense emotions of the day, I can guide you through the moments of your ceremony. By finding simple ways to make you smile or laugh, you can relax in the midst of the amazing emotions you experience in the ceremony. I lead ceremonies with joy and confidence; guests are able to hear what
I say and feel the joy and excitement
of the moment.
In addition to the work of creating a ceremony script, a profesional wedding minister must also have poise, confidence, and stage presence, so to speak. An Officiant communicates to two audiences during a ceremony. There is the communication and presentation of the ceremony that all of the guests experience and there is the communication and experience of the couple being married. I am mindful of both audiences. I am confident that I manage both levels of communication well.
Philosophy & Approach
Philosophy & Approach
Philosophy & Approach
During the planning process, I am
a listening ear, resource, and guide. I offer encouragement and information, advice, and perspective. When working with a couple to plan their wedding ceremony, communication is key! Throughout the planning process, I am available by phone, email, text and Zoom. I want to know what your hopes and intentions for the ceremony.
TOGETHER, we will create a ceremony that is ‘yours.’ I am mindful to focus on YOU. We discuss whether spiritual or religious wording would be something you want in your ceremony. We talk about who you want to include in your ceremony and how you want to include them. When working with families to plan a memorial service or a baby blessing service, I provide ideas, ceremony options and reading choices.
I am an ordained Protestant Minister and I choose to perform meaningful weddings for couples. I respect the beliefs and traditions of those I am assisting. I focus on the couple-what their hopes and intentions are.
I have worked as a chaplain in a variety of healthcare settings. In my training and work as a chaplain I assisted and supported others with their spiritual need and questions. I encouraged those I cared for to use what they believe in, not what I believe in. I also supported patients and families who had no spiritual or faith beliefs.
I approach my work as an Officiant and as a Chaplain in a very similar way. I know that all people wonder about the meaning and purpose of life. All of us find hope and strength in different ways. I value this truth.
I believe that I am open-minded and flexible. I hope that this is conveyed to the couples I work with. I come to this work with a warm heart, a sense of humor, a happy marriage, great friends, a love of learning and a desire to support others.
Photo Gallery
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