Interview with a Vendor - Serena Sullivan, Officiant

Wednesday, January 21st, 2015 at Events on 6th

Serena contacted me through our Here Comes the Guide online listing, asking to meet, view the venue, and offer her services to our couples. Of course I agreed! I have been meaning to make a list of officiants to put on our vendor list, and Serena is giving me the impetus. She is an ordained minister who has only recently moved to the Tacoma area. She is in the Stadium district, which is just down the street from Events on 6th. You know she won’t be late! :)

It was really great to meet Serena and get to know her. Here is my interview with her. Enjoy!

How do you view a couple’s wedding day?
It is one of the most important days of their lives. My desire and goal is to design a ceremony personalized specifically for them. Often there are children who will be part of the new family being created and I love to offer ways to include them in the ceremony. (Guests attending memorial services and weddings I officiate often tell me that this is the ‘best memorial service/wedding I’ve ever been to.’)

What do you enjoy about your work?
I really enjoy officiating at weddings. I love working with the couples, getting to know them, and helping them create a ceremony that is truly designed for their personalities and lifestyles. Officiating at weddings (and memorial services) is an opportunity to use my creative gifts and share a very important time with people. It is my pleasure to officiate at religious or non-religious ceremonies for opposite or same-sex couples.

What happens when a couple decides to meet you?
First we meet to get to know each other, and talk about what they desire included in their ceremony. Based on that conversation I prepare a draft of the ceremony, and we get together again to finalize our plans. It is always helpful to get together for a rehearsal the day before the Wedding. And I am available to assist as needed during the days leading up to the wedding.

What led you to the ministry?
Following my divorce 30 years ago, I began attending a Presbyterian Church in Southern California, where I was living at the time. Soon I was involved in leadership at that church, which resulted in the congregation sending me to Seminary for additional theological education. One thing followed another, and almost before I could blink I found myself graduating with my Master of Divinity degree and being called to serve the church as an Ordained Minister of Word and Sacrament. In that role I have been very thankful for the years I spent working with people in the Business World, as that experience combined with the theological education provided much-needed skills for a Solo Pastor.

That’s it! If you need an officiant for your wedding, email Serena at: revssathome@comcast.net to make arrangements to meet!

Stay tuned for more interviews with vendors.