As a Justice of the Peace, I find joy in constructing a ceremony that reflects the personality of my couples and is truly memorable.

I am a preferred vendor at several wedding venues in Connecticut. Especially the CT Wedding group comprised of The Barns at Wesleyan, Wadsworth Mansion, Lyman Orchards, and The Pavilion at Crystal Lake.

I have done several weddings at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, where the views are just spectacular!  Some of the others were at The Carriage House in Springfield, Look Park in Florence, and Forest Park in Springfield, to name just a few.

I enjoy working with couples who are going down the aisle for the first time, or others who are taking their second trip with their young children, or those who are being wed as mature adults. I also can officiate a recommitment ceremony, to mark a special anniversary, or life changing event.

If you have a friend or family member that would like to participate reading a poem or a bible verse, I welcome them to participate.

I can incorporate an additional “ceremony during the ceremony” my personal favorite Celtic Handfasting, which I have personalized to include the Mothers of the Bride and Groom. My thought is it seems a shame that they are dressed so beautifully, why not give them a chance to be part of the ceremony. I include a keepsake ribbon as well.

The first step after you contact me via email, is to set up a Facetime or Zoom meeting. I will ask you questions about when you first met, what attracted you to each other, in other words, hear your story. I will also follow up with an email to the two of you to give me a list of what you love about each other.

My husband and I have been married 35 years and we have 4 children and 4 grandchildren who all live in Connecticut.

I retired from Middlesex Hospital, where I was a Radiologic Technologist, and the Outpatient Center Coordinator for the last 7 years before retiring. I truly believe my skills as a caring and compassionate healthcare worker makes me the perfect Justice of the Peace.

While I’m not officiating at wedding ceremonies, I am involved with the Durham Agricultural Fair, where I am a member of the Executive committee as the Assistant Secretary and also a Customer Relations Superintendent. It is the largest all volunteer fair in North America. It is also remarkable feat that we greet over 200,000 guests over a 4 day fair.

I recently became a Moderator for Elections in our town of Middlefield. I always enjoy learning new things and this is an interesting role.

I was proud to serve as an Enumerator (Census Taker) for the US Census bureau 2020 campaign. I felt that it was a great chance to take part in the living history of the United States.

The other organization and the one closest to my heart, is After the Storm, Inc. Founded by one of my former breast cancer patients, it has a larger fundraiser each year, which is called the Art Bra Runway. Bras are decorated and worn on the runway (men and women) and are bid on to raise money for area hospitals to be able to offer integrative medicine services, not covered by insurance. Each year I create unique bras and volunteer as a seamstress during the event, for those “wardrobe malfunctions”. ATF recently announced they will be distributing $80,000 to several local hospitals. Breast cancer is also a personal because my mom and several aunts died from the disease.
FAQs

• What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

  Everything is figured in to one price. An elopement during the day, is much less than a large affair during the height of wedding season. Off season rates are discounted and start Nov.30 to March 31.

• What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

  After my response to your request for my services, the next step would be to set up a Zoom or Facetime interview. And certainly we can meet in person after that if you prefer. After our interview, I wait to hear from you or in many cases that day you will hire me. I will have a good idea of what you are all about and I will design a ceremony to fit your needs.

• What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

  I was in the Healthcare field over 45 years and feel comfortable relating to my couples and their families. In essence I truly care about you and want to make sure you enjoy your ceremony. I have also taken an advanced course for dealing with Covid as a JP.

• How did you get started doing this type of work?

  I have been a JP since 2007. I have two sisters and one is a Methodist Minister and the other is a longstanding JP. So it was somewhat being the baby of the family wanting to keep up with them. Seriously, I really enjoy people and have a comfort in front of 2 or 400. A JP is an appointment from your town and I also like that I am representing Rockfall as a JP.

• What types of customers have you worked with?

  I have worked with young and old, straight and gay. First marriages, second marriages with blended families. Connecticut for a time was the only state that gays could marry and I officiated for a couple from D.C. and NYC. I appreciate that love has no boundaries and I celebrate the love you have for each other.

  I am proud that Connecticut was one of the first states to recognize same sex marriages.

• Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?

  I recently officiated in Holyoke Ma, at the Log Cabin Restaurant. The bride happened to have the last name of Schilling, although no relation. It was a re-schedule from last year, and it was so good to finally meet the bride and groom in person and participate in their special day. As far as how long it takes, it is hard to say, but I listen to what they want, and I guide them through that process.

• What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

  Interview! Interview! Interview! It is not always about the PRICE. You should have a comfort with the Officiant you hire, and especially that they show a genuine interest in you. My prices are all inclusive, meaning once I have quoted I will not be adding extras.

• What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?

  Will you feature our love story? Will you honor our wishes for a non-religious ceremony if requested? Do you have a ceremony that includes our children? Are you familiar with sand, glass, rose, candle ceremonies? Have you performed handfasting ceremonies? Why are you a wedding officiant? Why should we hire YOU?

Below is the last verse of one of my favorite poems: The Key to Love (unknown author).  I think it captures what we all want in our marriages.

The key to love is inside us all …
It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients
that will take you to its threshold;
it is the continual learning process
that demands a lot of work …
but the rewards are more than worth the effort …
and that is the key to love.

I look forward to hearing from you and how I can make your day special.