Marriage Officer Lara

Let me kick things off with a question I often hear: “What made you decide to be a marriage officer?” Back in 2017, six of my closest friends (yes, that’s three couples!) approached me with the idea of conducting their wedding ceremonies. I might have felt a bit of pressure, but deep down, I sensed that this was my calling – to create a special space for love and connection. Trusting that instinct, I became a registered marriage officer. This means I get to celebrate beautiful unions while taking care of all the legalities, which is fantastic!

A bit more about me: I have an undeniable obsession with house plants – you might want to avoid me if you’re near a nursery! If you happen to tie the knot at my home, expect lots of greenery. I’m also a big fan of chickpeas in any form; falafels, hummus, and curries are my jam. I’ve been collecting quotes since I was little, and some of my all-time favorites include: “The Invitation” by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, “The Secret” by Denise Levertov, and “Sonnet 116” by Shakespeare. And yes, I could go on for ages! My family’s go-to color is grey, which my miniature Schnauzers, Harriet and Noosi, wear daily. Jess, my amazing fiancé, and I have even joined them in adopting grey for our pajamas (don’t fret; we wear other colors outside too!). For ceremonies, I tend to gravitate towards warm hues like reds and maroons.

What else is there to know? I’m an attorney (though not practicing), a photographer (definitely practicing), and a writer (could use more practice!).

Many of my passions beautifully overlap with my role as a marriage officer. When crafting ceremonies for couples, I draw on my writing skills to tell their unique stories and engage the audience. My collection of quotes and stunning poems is a treasure trove for inspiring readings. Public speaking is something I’ve always enjoyed – perhaps it’s in my genes, being the child of a keynote speaker. For smaller weddings, I sometimes wear two hats and step in as the photographer (check it out, @lara.jess.photography). Most importantly, my profound love for Jess (did I mention he’s wonderful?) reinforces what I always believed: Love, in all its forms, deserves to be celebrated. It’s truly the greatest thing in the entire universe! And yes, I wholeheartedly support and cherish the LGBTQIA+ community. Being registered under the Civil Union Act allows me to marry straight, gay, and queer couples alike. How awesome is that?