Celeste Hicks

I became an officiant as I was beginning to think about stepping away from my wedding planning business. I have always loved the wedding and event industry, and I know that I’m good at what I do. I was looking for a place where my experience, my passion, and my beliefs about marriage could come together in a meaningful way.

Marriage has always felt very sacred to me. One of the things that sometimes troubled me as a planner was seeing couples become so focused on the pomp and circumstance of the wedding that the covenant they were entering into could get lost in the celebration.

Becoming an officiant has given me the opportunity to approach weddings from a different perspective. While I don’t provide premarital counseling, I do have the opportunity to speak truth into the commitment a couple is making and to remind them that, beneath all the beautiful details, they are making a promise that is far more meaningful than the wedding day itself.

That is what makes officiating feel like such a natural next chapter for me. I still get to be part of the beautiful celebrations, but I also get to help couples pause, reflect on what they are promising to one another, and truly honor the significance of the covenant they are making.

I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio however, I have been in the Atlanta, Georgia area for over 50 years

Since becoming ordained, I have truly enjoyed being a part of my couples’ special days. The reviews and messages I’ve received from couples have been especially rewarding because they let me know that what I hoped to bring to their day, my experience, and genuine connection to their story, was felt and appreciated.

I will provide services for non-denominational couples and any of the Christian faith and couples that do not want any mention of God.

What makes my ceremonies special is the connection I build with my couples. I take the time to truly get to know them, listen to their story, and understand what makes their relationship unique. That interaction and connection allow me to create a love story that is authentic to who they are and captures exactly what they want to express to their guests about their journey together.

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As a former wedding planner with many years of experience in the industry, I also bring that perspective to my couples. During our workshop sessions, as we talk through their relationship and the details of their ceremony, situations often come up where I’m able to offer helpful guidance or insight. I’m not stepping into the role of their wedding planner, but my experience allows me to share tips, point out things they may not have considered, and help them avoid common mistakes that might otherwise go unnoticed.