Today we’d like to introduce you to Veronica Cortez.
Hi Veronica, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started with a text from my younger sister asking if I knew of an officiant. The officiant she had booked was not responding to her calls, and she was 3 weeks away from her wedding day and sounded stressed. Of course, I didn’t know of any locally, and the county office wouldn’t work because her ceremony would be taking place in a hall in another City. I texted her back to relax, and I’d help look for one. And, of course, none were local. So when I went to the County website, thinking maybe they would have a list of officiants, and I searched on the website, I got to a page that said: “How to become an officiant”. I read the information and thought, I think I can do this; it’s for my lil sister. So then I went in search of how to become ordained. I got ordained online that same day. By the afternoon, I was texting my lil sis, letting her know I found an officiant for her. She was excited and wanted the information. So I just told her I had just gotten ordained and I would be able to officiate her ceremony. She couldn’t believe it, but she was happy. It took me a few days to be prepared, and because I was a bridesmaid, I officiated her wedding in my bridesmaid dress. It was perfect, and they have been happy since. After that, I officiated my sister’s new sister-in-law, her niece, and their friends, locally and in other cities. It’s been great watching these couples become one, and all the love they have for each other and being part of their special day just makes my heart happy. I have officiated 14 ceremonies since I got ordained, including one of a person incarcerated. I do it all for love!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been fairly smooth so far, only one minor bridezilla, which is normal, I’m sure. The jail ceremony…… that one was something I learned the rules for and memorized the whole ceremony, and then to have to ask another visitor to be a witness, and having to wait for the visit to be over so he could sign the license, as nothing was allowed inside. I learned from it for any future jail ceremonies. It wasn’t that bad. A minor struggle I found was that they weren’t allowing officiants to write down “officiant” as a title, so my title is a minister moving forward. That license was rejected, but it was a minor fix. I just had to drive to the bride and groom to sign the affidavit.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my daily job, I’m a Water Conservation & Outreach Technician. I am known to be approachable and friendly; I love to assist others. Over the years, I have been a people person, from being a top Tupperware Rep, to selling Lia Sophia Jewelry, teaching Zumba classes, serving as an officiant, and recently being accepted as a catechism teacher for 8-year-olds. I just love people and my community.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
To accept what I cannot fix, with a positive intent.
Pricing:
- 300-500 based on location
Contact Info:
