Story-Based Wedding Officiants writing 100% custom wedding ceremonies. Award winning wedding officiants located in Minneapolis, Chicago and Rome.
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I'm a strong believer that signing the marriage license during your wedding ceremony is a great unity ceremony.
What's more final than signing your legal paperwork?? Nothing, literally, nothing.
The best part is that it's easy AND gives you a chance to breathe a little during your ceremony without having to look at everyone else there.
Officiant: from
Couple: Abbie and Tim
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One of my favorite moments during a wedding ceremony is the hugging of family. And if you don't have family at your wedding, hug your friends!
This moment means so much because it gives everyone a chance to breathe and take in the moment before the rush of the whole day begins. So give out those hugs!!!
Couple: Jackie + Victor
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Band: .agency
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I stumbled upon this little gem of a photo recently and it caught my eye for two reason:
1. It’s Mark! If you haven’t had the joys of getting to know Mark, you’re truly missing out. He’s a great guy who has been to a long list of breweries in Minnesota who also casually does poetry marathons here and there.
2. He has a Snoopy tie!!! How did I never notice this?! Mark, what other ties do you have over there??
Couple: +
Officiant: from
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Planner: .Mn
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There’s not much you can count on in life, but you CAN count on Vincent giving a funny face if you snag a photo of him walking down the aisle. 😂
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Officiant: from
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It’s Pride Month, and I haven’t said anything about it, I know. :(
It wasn’t intentional! However, this year, I’ve been intentionally spending more time with my family and friends, many of those who belong to the LGBTQ community.
Something I’ve realized this month is just how lucky any of us are, no matter how we identify, to find someone that we want to spend the rest of our lives with. Have you seen the dating pool out there? There’s a reason I got a dog.
So to have someone you respect, someone who loves you purely, and someone who enjoys your company as much as you enjoy theirs, is truly a unique element of life that we don’t get to celebrate often. And when we do, weddings remind us of just how lucky we are to feel this kind of way towards a human.
Couple: Steve and Israel
Officiant: from
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Venue: Pinstripes
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It's easy to forget to hug your partner's family when they come down the aisle.
An easy way to remember is to ask your officiant to guide you when it's that time to give out the hugs/handshakes! If you haven't hired us (but why?), ask your officiant to write in a small reminder at the top of the ceremony so they don't forget!
Couple: Aaron and
Officiant: from
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I SWEAR I'M NOT THIS SHORT!!!!
A couple of weeks ago, I was laughing with about this one wedding in which, heels in my bag, I made the mistake of wearing flats after a downpour in Brooklyn.
I have since learned that if the couple are both above 6'3", to never, ever wear flats, regardless of weather, and keep those heels on! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Alex and Jim, besides your height, thanks for being a truly memorable couple. I still think about our coffee shop meetup often!
Couple: and
Officiant: from Liz Rae & Co
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I know we normally post wedding ceremony photos, but I NEEDED to share this epic shot of Aaron taking a drink. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Couple: Aaron and
Officiant: from Liz Rae & Co
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Venue: @lacuna2150
Oh hey there!
After a much needed social media break, I'm back kicking off wedding season!
But really, what is wedding season nowadays? Because we've got weddings year round which also means endless fashion choices, too.
I'm still in love with Dena, Ryan, and their little one's fashion at this elopement. Someone find me their daughter's jacket! I want to wear it to a wedding!
Photos:
Couple: +
Officiant: from Liz Rae & Co
Flowers:
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Airbnb: .house
I debate whether or not to voice my opinions on AI writing because there are so many benefits to it. (And a lot of loud voices, too.)
But when it’s NOT beneficial is when people pass paid work as their own even though it’s painfully obvious it’s been written by AI.
Finding transparency in the wedding industry is already hard enough, but officiants passing work written by AI as their original piece makes it even harder.
Seeing this announcement by Medium is a huge, huge step for us writers who have worked years to craft intelligent, meaningful work. We’ve already been fighting a battle for the last year to prevent our works from being used to train AIs. Preventing others from profiting off it at is a one step closer. (Thank you Medium!)
I’d also like to share that we never, ever use AI to write your wedding ceremony. All of our work comes from our genuine interactions with each of you and the craft that goes into translating those interactions as your ceremony (and a lot of late night diet cokes).
Anywho, that’s my two cents on AI, for the first and maybe last time publicly. 🤣🤣
A client recently asked me if I'd be willing to bring my dog-child, Bella, to their wedding.
In case anyone else is curious, my little angel IS available for weddings and loves people. She also loves bar hopping and being the life of the party. 😂
Throwback to Nate and Quinn's wedding because Spring is here and I am READY for leafy greens and pops of bold color! Bring on the wedding ceremony fun!
Couple: & .hatoff
Officiant: from
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If I had to show what it was like to work with Sally and Jason, I would say it was like Jason's laugh here - A GREAT TIME!
Did we work on writing a ceremony during our time together? Yes, but more importantly, we basically spent the whole month of July laughing over Zoom. 😂😂😂 If I have laugh lines when I'm older, you know which couple helped shape those!1
Couple: .wals and
Officiant: from
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Coordination: .and.sage .and.sage_ann .and.sage_chavia
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Flowers: .rs
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HairL
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This might be my favorite Jewish glass-breaking action shot EVER! The pure excitement for shattering that glass! 😂
If you want to easily blend some Jewish rituals into your ceremony, the glass-breaking is obviously a favorite of ours. And don't worry if you don't break the glass the first time - that means you'll have to have loads of fun stomping on it again!
Couple: Jackie + Victor
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Officiant: from
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Band: .agency
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Raise your hand if you've had your wedding officiated by Sam! 🤚🤚🤚
I swear, Sam is the nicest being out there who is way too humble about the impact she has. I've been lucky to have worked with her for four (or five?) years now, and it doesn't feel long enough!
If you're working with her for your upcoming wedding ceremony, get ready for lots of giggles, lots of fun, and LOTS of memories shared!
Officiant: from
Couple: Lauren and Jen
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WHERE'S THE OFFICIANT, KELLY?!?!?! 🧐🧐🧐🧐
With very little space to jump out of the way for the kiss, Kelly is SORORITY SQUATTING behind Alexa and Nate! 😂😂😂 She's there - you just can't see her!
And that's why it helps to hire a professional officiant. We will, literally, do whatever we need to during the ceremony for you to have the BEST ceremony and photos!
Couple: Alexa and Nate
Officiant: from Liz Rae & Co
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Photo: @santiagomurillophoto
Coordinator: Bri from
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Hair: Katyaslad Hair
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You enter into your marriage together, so why walk into your wedding ceremony separate?
I LOVED how Courtney and Oscar chose to walk into their wedding ceremony side by side. It was easy, simple, and significant.
Officiant: from
Couple: and Oscar
Photo:
I think about Steve and Israel's wedding WAY too often but for a good reason!
These two came into their wedding all smiles and walked out all SMILES and happy tears! I know no one wants to cry on their wedding day, but showing some emotion is okay! That's why we're all there to support you. 😍
Couple: Steve and Israel
Officiant: from
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Venue: Pinstripes
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I am not one to use the word "cute" often, but last year, we had the CUTEST couples. You know, those couples that are just ridiculously adorable breathing next to each other.
Kaari and Brian planned their ceremony at their favorite local brewery, , with their closest family and friends filled with lots of laughs and a ceremonial beer. 🍻
Couple: Kaari and Brian
Officiant: from
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Nycole and Jonathan absolutely killed it with these wedding colors! I've been lovin' the differing colors of wedding party attire trend, especially since it makes Jonathan's slick suit pop here!
Anyone else thinking of multiple colors for their wedding party? Raise a hand! 🤚🤚
Couple: Nycole + Jonathan
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Venue + Catering: .oc
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Makeup and Hair: ;
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I LOOOOOOVE a champagne toast, especially at the beginning of the ceremony!
Instead of forcing in a unity element, why not grab a glass and toast with all your besties? It's an easy way to include those standing up there with you.
Side note - Jackie and Matt have me lookin' really short thanks to their height here. 😂
Couple: .dorsen + Matt Dorsen
Officiant: from
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Hair: .salon
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You all know we don't attend wedding fairs/shows often, so when we do, it has to be an AWESOME one!
Join me and some amazing vendors THIS Saturday at one of my favorite small wedding venues run by the fantastic catering group, ! You'll get to hang with me (and we know I'm always up for a good time!), eat some bites, get some drinks, and chat with these other lovely folks:
One time, I brought Barefoot Rose over to Italy. 🤮
Try to guess why in the comments! 😂
Couple: Laura + Garret
Officiant: from
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One of my favorite elements of an Indian wedding is the exchanging of garlands.
If you're looking to add a touch of tradition to your ceremony, the garlands is a simple, meaningful, and beautiful way to do this.
Exchanging of garlands symbolizes the agreement of love between the couple and their mutual respect. Beyond their symbolism, the garlands are GORGEOUS!
Couple: +
Officiant: from
Venue: American Swedish Institue
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Floral: Ediflorial
Have a big group of people you love but don't know how to include them in your wedding ceremony?
Porscha and Jeremy, the ultimate socialites of their friends and family, asked each person of their wedding party to bring forth an item that represents a memory with the couple. They shared one brief line about their item and placed it in a box that Porscha and Jeremy will keep.
I LOVED this idea because a) it's easy and simple and b) you don't have to choose who will give a speech at your reception.
Couple: Porscha and Jeremy
Officiant: from
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We always talk about hugging your parents if they walk you down the aisle, but don't forget to hug your partner! You don't have to wait until the end of the ceremony to get close to them. 😅
Couple: and Matt
Officiant: from
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Melissa and Shannon seriously killed it with the romantic ceremony background! Look at these candles! I absolutely love how they're raised above the ground so no one's clothing accidentally sets on fire. 😂
If you're looking for a dreamy way to add candles to your ceremony background, save this post for inspiration!
Couple:
Officiant: from
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DJ: @toastandjamdjs
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Transportation: Chitown Limobus
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Looking for a simple way to include your family in the wedding ceremony?
HUG 'EM!
Couples often get nervous walking down the aisle, so slow it down and hug it out! It's a simple yet meaningful way to have a moment with your family before getting to the good stuff.
Couple: Kristin and Justin
Officiant: from
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Just droppin' this sunny bundle of joy to your feed this Fri-yay!
May your Friday be as happy as Robbin, Jackie, and Victor are in this photo. 😎
Couple: Jackie + Victor
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Officiant: from
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Band: .agency
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Minneapolis, MN
55408
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Steal Kelly's beautiful bit from Melissa and Shannon's ceremony! 😀 Couple: Melissa and Shannon Officiant: @ohheykellyrenee from @lizraeandco Photo: @melissaferraraphoto Planner: @nyeventschicago Venue: @morganmanufacturinggroup DJ: @T@toastandjamdjs Video: @hunterfloydfilms Caterer: @bokacateringchicago Sweets: @flourishcakedesign Florist & Lighting: @atmosphereeventsgroup Transportation: Chitown Limobus Musician: @cloudgatequartet Late Night Bites: @bigstarchicago
As many of you have witnessed on our Zoom calls, I am now a dog mom to this little nugget, Bella, thanks to Mo over at George the Salon. (He also cuts great hair, too.) While I could write a novel about my undying love for her, I bring her up because we all want our furry friends at weddings. There are some situations in which you can't bring your soul child, such as venue rules, their behavior, etc etc. BUT IF YOU CAN... Not only is Mark the dog whisperer, but you can also bring on a dog attendant to help keep your fur child in line! As someone who now prefers to spend my weekend nights with my dog rather than people, I would HIGHLY recommend bringing your little one to your wedding if you can (if only for our happiness hehe).
I mean look at that glow! Couple: Jess & Sean Venue: @ovationchicago Photo/video: @mollyscottphoto Officiant: @ohheykellyrenee from @lizraeandco Coordinator: @simply_azure Farrah Caterer: @cocinafusioncatering Florist: @flordelmonteinc Baker: Jennivee’s Pianist: Joel Norman DJ: @stylemattersdjs #ovationchicago #chicagowedding #naturallight #weddingglow #chicagoofficiant
Thanks Jake and Eric. 😍🤣
Kathleen coming in for the win by reminding herself to breathe during her vows. 😅🤣😂 Don't forget to take in some air during that moment! Photo: @alexandraoleen Video: @new_leaf_films Couple: @kathleen.haugen and Brady Ceremony Venue: Millenium Hotel, Minneapolis Reception Venue: @4bellsmpls Officiant: @iamlizrae from @lizraeandco
Ok, I need to know...what happened in DC?! 👀😂 Video: @carolinehuntfilms Couple: @kels_mpls and @webstar6 Venue: @loringsocial Officiant: @dintermill from @lizraeweddings Planner + Florals: @ashleyskeieevents Photo: @nikki.orth HMU: @styledbyabbi
NEW 👏🏾 WEBSITE 👏🏾 FEATURE!! Oftentimes, it's not just our couples browsing our website for helpful information but family members and friend/family officiants looking for some help with their wedding ceremony. Finally (!!) our website is now available in Spanish, French, and Italian, which are all languages we officiate weddings in currently. (Trying to learn Mandarin - give me 5 more years!) It's not 100% perfect, but if you're browsing our site on desktop, you'll find the translation button at the top and on mobile, the translation button is currently at the footer of the page.
Often people ask us what our ceremonies are like, and it's impossible to give one straight answer. They're like you, of course! Something I've been dreaming up the past few months is how to actually show you all what you can expect when you hire us. So along with the new branding, expect more snippets from ceremonies through a plethora of video content. 😍 Here's a quick preview of who we are, who we work with, and the languages we speak. (Yes, you'll hear a few different ones in there!) Each week, we'll feature a new snippet of a ceremony we've performed. And thanks to all the following vendors below who let me blow up their emails for the past month to get video content from ceremonies. 😀 @monroefilmandphoto @carolinehuntfilms @natashamackfilms @new_leaf_films @engleolson @rubinskivisual Amanda Mea Photo and Video
TONIGHT. Video provided by: @carolinehuntfilms Couple: @kels_mpls and @webstar6 Venue: @loringsocial Officiant: @dintermill from @lizraeweddings Planner + Florals: @ashleyskeieevents Photo: @nikki.orth HMU: @styledbyabbi
Ok, one last blooper video from our honorary officiant, Dan's cat, Tigger. 😆 2.2.21
For kicks and giggles, here are the blooper videos from our honorary officiants, our pets. 2.2.21
2.2.21 Keep an eye out for something 2.2.21 😄 Video provided by: @monroefilmandphoto Officiant: @lizraeco from @lizraeweddings Couple: Crystal and Michael
2.2.21 Video provided by: Amanda Mea Photo and Video Officiant: Liz from Liz Rae Weddings Couple: @ moniquemahan24 and Ryan Venue: Loft Lucia
2.2.21 😁 Video provided by: @natashamackfilms Officiant - @lizraeco from @lizraeweddings Couple - @tousled_beauty and Zach Photos - @rachelruhlphoto Hair - @tousled_beauty , @luxyhair Florals - @passiflorafarm Rings - @brentlmiller Dress - @renaissanceprom Husband’s attire - @boscovs
2.2.21 👀 Couple: @kels_mpls and @webstar6 Venue: @loringsocial Officiant: @dintermill from @lizraeweddings Planner + Florals: @ashleyskeieevents Photo: @nikki.orth Video: @carolinehuntfilms HMU: @styledbyabbi
2.21.21 😄 Pareja: Alexis y Eliana Celebrante: @lizraeco de @lizraeweddings Vídeo: Windy City Production
