Hello, thank you for taking the time to read a little about my story. One of the main questions I receive is how and why I ventured into the wonderful world of weddings and other seasons of life ceremonies.
After many twists and turns in life, I was led to an Interfaith Seminary (The New Seminary, NYC) and was ordained in 2010 after graduating from their two-year Interfaith Ministry program. The program was fitting for me because I believe each person as the right to follow the path within their heart.
Ordination day, June 13, 2010
My intention after Seminary was to go into Hospice Chaplaincy, which I eventually did for several years. However, weddings were called to my attention, and a just a month after becoming a minister, I was officiating my first wedding after the couple’s minister had other plans. Going into it, I thought perhaps weddings might be a once in a blue moon endeavor that I partake in. To my surprise, I found my passion during the sacred moment of their vows. To be standing with them and to so closely witness as they made their forever promises to each other was a gift that still leaves me in awe.
That was in July of 2010 and by that October my wedding calendar was filled to full-time status! For several months, I kept my other full-time job before taking the big leap into full-time self-employment. With over 1,800 weddings since 2010, and many baptisms and funerals, my life has been beautifully changed.
My life has endured many bumpy roads so I understand how important a non-judgmental listening ear is. I’m grateful for each challenge that has come my way because each hurdle has made me stronger, wiser, and more compassionate and understanding. It has strengthened my dedication to helping others to find peace. My heart especially goes out to those who have experienced trauma and grief and the side-effects which often follow. As a single parent for most of my two daughters’ lives as they were growing up, I can relate to that road as well.
Lancaster County, PA is my birthplace and it’s where I still reside. I have degrees in Communications and Social Work. My personal time is spent writing, singing, dancing, creating, photography, nature, logic problem books, and romance movies.
Sharing my home since October 2017 is Oliver, my third senior rescue who came to us when he was 14. He’s a loving (and stubborn) Shih Tzu who is mostly blind and deaf. (Update: In May 2021, at the age of 17.5, it was time for Ollie to say goodbye to this lifetime. We hope we made his last years on earth comfortable and that he knew how much we love him.)
Ollie
My first senior rescue, Dixie, a Pekingese who was rescued at age 10 from a puppy mill, blessed me with her presence for the last years of her life. She, and Oliver, especially showed me that no matter how rough life may have been, there is always room for love.
Dixie
My Core Values
To honor myself and others; treating everyone and everything with love.
To be mindful of my communication with others.
To provide services from my heart, and with honesty and diligence.
To encourage others in their journey and the pursuit of fulfilling their dreams.
To be forgiving, compassionate, patient, and understanding.
To be grateful for everything.
My Mission Statement
My mission is to serve with love in all that I do, respecting all living beings, remembering that we are all connected to each other.
Love,
Kelly