Finding your wedding vendors can be a daunting task. AFH Media, LLC has been featuring local wedding vendors to help you make this task a little easier. This Central PA photography and videography company wants to help your big day run as smoothly as possible.
Meet Cindy Kalinoski, Susquehanna Officiant. She is a wedding officiant celebrating her first full year of service in January of this year! She's located in York, PA.
We asked her to tell us about her business, what does she do?
I help all flavors of couples celebrate their love and commitment by walking beside them to plan their wedding ceremony. I get to know them better so their wedding could only be their wedding--reflecting their personalities, romance, style, and spirituality. I write quite a bit of the ceremony from scratch for each couple after zooming with them, guiding them with their vows, marriage license, unity ceremony, processional and recessional, etc. My couples gain strength from my support as well as the calm and joy I bring to their Big Day.
We asked Cindy to tell us about herself and why she chose to do what she does.
A friend suggested I would be good at officiating, but I didn't see it at first. Soon, though, I was sensing a tug toward marrying couples and started my own business. In the process, I felt nudged to let go of my 27-year editorial business. (That was both scary and eye-opening as I discovered my identity had become intertwined with that business.) I'd been helping people celebrate life in South Central PA for 15 years for Susquehanna Style Magazine, including weddings. I've always loved connecting with people--this venture is taking me even deeper, and I am over the moon. There is nothing like being fully present for those sacred moments as two people choose one another. Leading one I tailored to celebrate their unique romance as they walk into their shared future? Definitely a 10 for me.
Who was/is your biggest supporter in starting your own business?
My community at a retreat center called Kavanna House--and my daughter.
What other local wedding vendor do you just LOVE! Why?
I was blown away by the Star Barn in Lancaster. One ceremony was running late, but I was absolutely content to sit in my gazebo on the water, watching a pair of swans and listening to a string quartet!
Outside of your business, what are you passionate about?
Where do I start? Music, friendships, doodles! horses! creativity, spiritual growth, fun, dark chocolate
What are your social media links? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Insta: @ipronounceyoumarried/FB: Susquehanna Officiant
How do you make a couple's wedding day better?
I make sure the ceremony is exactly what they want culturally and spiritually. Offbeat, woodsy, upscale, funny--as long as it reflects who they really are. I love helping couples explore that and then communicating that to their guests. It's a high-profile, defining moment in their lives. I'm right up there with them--the steady one. I've got them whether they're frazzled, nervous, or teary. I listen to any drama with guests or attendants, offer empathy and prayer, and encourage them to focus on what's really important: their love for each other.
How long before a couple's big day should they contact you to book?
As early as possible, but I often have last-minute openings, especially during the week. But I would say 5 months.
Are you planning a ceremony? AFH Media would be happy to capture your big day! We're booking Fall 2023 and Spring 2024. Reach out today!