I am the child of a lesbian mother and a Pentecostal pastor father. My upbringing was marked by religious restrictions that cast a shadow on the LGBTQIA+ community. Ridicule and shame, echoed in my ears, even as my mother grappled with her own secret as a lesbian. Witnessing her internal struggle, hiding her true self from the world, became a poignant lesson on the profound hurt and trauma inflicted upon those who are judged for being different.

During different phases of my adolescence, I transitioned between living with my mom and my dad. Although I ultimately rejected the judgmental aspects of my dad's Pentecostal teachings, the essence of faith lingered, and I find solace in practicing spirituality daily. This personal journey has cultivated a deep respect for individuals who express their beliefs and follow their connection with God in their own unique ways.

In my practice, I carry this respect forward, understanding that spirituality is a personal journey, and everyone has their own path. I empathize with those who have experienced judgment due to their differences, recognizing the profound impact it can have on one's well-being. This understanding has led me to appreciate the beautiful diversity in humanity, acknowledging that each person's uniqueness is not only valid but also deserving of love. I believe in creating ceremonies that honor the unique love stories of each couple, irrespective of their faith, orientation, or background.

Today, as I meet with new couples looking for an officiant, I emphasize that I respect individuals who hold their beliefs close, and I am equally enthusiastic about creating secular ceremonies that exclude any religious influence. My aim is to make every couple feel seen, accepted, and celebrated for who they are, fostering an environment where love knows no boundaries and differences are embraced as integral to the tapestry of human connection. I celebrate the beauty of love in all its forms, providing a safe and inclusive space for couples to express their commitment.

While being raised by opposite parents makes me unique in itself, I also have the privilege of being bilingual. Intertwining Spanish into ceremonies is my way of bringing the comfort of home to couples whose native language is Spanish or who are bilingual. Language is a powerful tool to express love, and incorporating Spanish ensures that every word resonates deeply with couples and their guests. It adds a personal touch, making the ceremony feel like a warm embrace. Guests often approach me to share their delight upon hearing me recite portions of the ceremony in Spanish. It makes me feel proud of my own culture, and my ability to bring a sense of comfort when sharing this piece of home with others.

I take pride in my ability to craft ceremonies that cater to non-traditional couples. Whether it's blending different faiths, celebrating diverse cultural backgrounds, or embracing unique love stories, I approach each ceremony with an open heart. Love knows no boundaries, and neither should the celebration of it.

​Because of my inimitable background I feel uniquely positioned to officiate weddings for non-traditional couples, those of various faiths, and Spanish-speaking or bilingual couples. Through empathy, compassion, and a commitment to inclusivity, I bring a personal touch to every ceremony, making it a true reflection of the couple's love story. If you're seeking an officiant who understands the beauty of diverse love and can provide a ceremony that feels like YOU, I am here to help you create a celebration that embraces the uniqueness of your love. Let's embark on this journey together, weaving a tapestry of love, acceptance, and celebration. 

In a world where weddings have traditionally been grand affairs with hundreds of guests, it's refreshing to see couples embracing more intimate and personalized celebrations. Over the years, weddings have evolved to encompass a spectrum of options, ranging from the ultra-small and secretive elopements to the slightly larger yet still intimate micro weddings. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of different wedding types, highlighting their unique characteristics, and helping you decide which one might be right for you.
 
1. The Traditional Wedding: Let's start with the classic. Traditional weddings are often large-scale affairs with a considerable guest list, typically held in grand venues. They include various customs, such as the walk down the aisle, a cocktail hour of sorts, a reception with a full meal, and often a dance party that goes late into the night.
 
2. The Micro Wedding: Micro weddings strike a balance between intimacy and tradition. These weddings have a smaller guest list, usually consisting of 20 to 50 close family members and friends. Couples can still have a traditional ceremony and reception, but on a smaller scale, allowing for a more personalized and intimate experience.
 
3. The Elopement: Elopements have come a long way from being clandestine affairs. Today, elopements are about couples choosing to get married privately or with a small group of witnesses in a unique location, often without the traditional trappings of a wedding. Elopements focus solely on the couple and their commitment to each other, emphasizing the emotional significance of the moment.
 
4. And finally, you can have the No Ceremony Wedding aka the Sign n Go. While this option technically isn’t a wedding, the Sign and Go service offered at My Path My Purpose Co leaves you legally married without the planning, without the guests, and without the extra expenses. It is private, it is convenient, and it is fast. Appointments can be scheduled the same day as you obtain your license!
 
Weddings have evolved to cater to a wide range of preferences and circumstances. From the grandeur of traditional weddings to the intimate simplicity of elopements, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. The key is to choose the type of wedding that resonates most with you as a couple, reflecting your personalities and your vision for your special day. Remember, it's not about the size or style of the wedding; it's about the love and commitment you share with your partner.

Eloping has become more popular in recent years for a lot of reasons. Cost, Flexibility, and privacy being the top 3 reasons. Traditional weddings can be very expensive, and many couples are opting for a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony as a way to save money. While the cost savings are a big plus, the options are far greater in terms of personalization, and flexibility when you elope vs having a traditional wedding. 

Planning a wedding can be stressful, and eloping simplifies the process. Couples can avoid the complexities of planning a big wedding and focus on the most important thing - their commitment to each other. An elopement also allows couples to create a wedding that is truly personalized to their tastes and preferences, without having to worry about accommodating the wishes of guests or family members. Eloping can offer more flexibility in terms of location, timing, and guest list as well. Couples can choose to get married at a destination of their choice, at a time that suits them, without having to worry about the logistics of a large wedding. 

​Eloping can be a wonderful way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other in an intimate and personal way. So, how do you decide if an elopement is right for you? ​Here are some points to consider before deciding if eloping is the right decision for you:

1. Choose the perfect location: One of the most important aspects of eloping is selecting the right location. Think about a place that has significance to you both or a place that you've always dreamed of visiting. Many couples opt for reciting their vows in the home that they share together, making the experience even more personal and one to be truly cherished. 
2. Endless Date/Time Options: A warm weather Saturday wedding are the first dates that get booked up for vendors leaving couples planning smaller weddings with fewer options. When you decide to elope, you can get married on a Tuesday! Suddenly your options are wide open and some vendors even offer discounts if you plan your ceremony during the week. 
   
3. Keep it simple: One of the advantages of eloping is that you can keep things simple and avoid the stress and expense of a big wedding. Focus on the things that are most important to you, such as exchanging vows and rings. Instead of a laundry list of vendors, you can focus on the ones most important to you. 
4. Commemorate the experience: While you may not have a big wedding, you'll still want to capture the memories of your elopement. Whether you want a wedding video, a photo album, or just a few snapshots of the occasion, consider hiring a professional to capture the magic of your day. If you're working with a tighter budget, talk to your officiant about taking a few photos. For all of my elopements, I offer to snap a few photos with my phone. While they aren't perfect or professional, they are good quality and free!, which is appealing to most couples. 
5. Make it legal: Check the requirements for getting married in your chosen location and make sure you have all the necessary paperwork. In Ohio, witnesses are not needed. You can get married with just your honey and the Officiant. It doesn't get anymore intimate than that! 
6. Celebrate after: Just because you're eloping doesn't mean you can't celebrate with friends and family afterwards. Consider throwing a party or having a small gathering to share your joy with loved ones. Some elopements may even turn into micro weddings with just your closest friends and family there to cheer you on as you say, "I Do." 
7. Consider your outfit: Just because you’re eloping doesn’t mean you can’t wear something special! Consider a white dress or suit, or even just something that makes you feel confident and happy. 

Ultimately it is your Wedding day! Eloping doesn't make it any less special. You can wear what you want, invite who you want, and celebrate however you want! Remember, the most important thing is that you and your partner feel happy and loved on your special day, whether that's through eloping or having a big wedding celebration. Either way, My Path My Purpose is here to make your ceremony special and unique just like you! 

We've all seen the movies where couples hire a friend or relative to officiate their wedding ceremonies. They are always quirky and fun but there are benefits to hiring a professional! Here are several reasons why someone may choose to hire a professional officiant for their wedding or other important ceremony:

1. Expertise and experience: A professional officiant has the expertise and experience to help create a ceremony that is personalized, meaningful, and reflects the values and beliefs of the couple. They know how to structure a ceremony, create meaningful rituals, and ensure that the ceremony runs smoothly.
   
2. Flexibility and customization: A professional officiant can work with the couple to create a ceremony that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. They can incorporate different traditions, cultural elements, or religious beliefs into the ceremony, making it unique and special.
   
3. Legal requirements: In some states or countries, a licensed officiant is required to legally marry a couple. A professional officiant can ensure that all the legal requirements are met and that the marriage is valid.
   
4. Peace of mind: By hiring a professional officiant, the couple can have peace of mind knowing that the ceremony is in capable hands. They can relax and enjoy the day without worrying about the details of the ceremony.
   
5. Professionalism: A professional officiant will arrive on time, dress appropriately, and conduct themselves in a professional manner. They will be respectful of the couple's wishes and will help create a ceremony that is both beautiful and meaningful. 
   
   Bonus: When you hire My Path My Purpose Co for your Wedding Officiant needs you can feel confident that you aren't going to be bombarded with antiquated traditions and old stuffy thinking that just isn't... you. Afterall it is your day and you should absolutely get your way!