I’ve spent most of my professional career in a role that involves public speaking, starting as a Graduate Student Instructor at the University of Michigan. I’d lead regular discussion hours and a few lectures where I’d do my absolute best to keep overworked and under-rested college students interested in topics like ecosystem management and carbon dating.
Later, I joined the Michigan state health department as a toxicologist, where I was responsible for speaking at local community meetings on public health concerns like chemical spills and factory emissions. I also had regular opportunities to speak to news media, usually about Michigan’s Eat Safe Fish program (ask me about which fish are safe to eat!).
My officiating style can be summed up as: I am here to tell your story.
Every wedding has a story behind it – how you met, fell in love, and overcame challenges along the way. My job is to tell the story that you want to be told, capturing the emotions you feel for each other and the experiences you’ve lived together.
I’m also responsible for setting the tone for the rest of your day. Typically, I strive for a balance between emotional and funny, but I’m happy to turn on the waterworks or get everyone rolling in the aisles as you see fit!
In addition to my role during the ceremony, I’ll be guiding you through the wedding ceremony process every step of the way – ensuring you know exactly what you are expected to say, when you need to say it, with no surprises. I want your wedding day to be as stress-free as possible, so you can be fully present and enjoy every moment.
Plus, I’ll be responsible for collecting and sending off your completed marriage license. No need to kill the excellent post-wedding vibes by standing in line at a busy vital records office (this is joke – we appreciate vital records clerks!)
Cool? Cool. Let’s get in touch and see if I can do your story justice!
All images on this page courtesy of Shauna Wear Photography