I met this wonderful human in Las Vegas! He is one of my favorite bartenders – he is a World Class Flairtender. We met at Carnaval Court on the Strip and he now throws bottles Downtown at Circa.

Who knew all those years ago we would both be joining people in marriage. My latest ceremony addition came to be when I was watching Vache perform his brothers wedding. I loved so much of the wording so I reached out and asked if I could use it as a BASE and tweak it. He was more than happy to share. I hope I enhanced the words that were to there to move you the way that his original ceremony moved me (I removed the very personal spin on it for his brother).

So if you are interested in seeing the collaboration it is on the Ceremony Page – Ceremony 7.

Thank you Vache for the inspiration and for the friendship over the years!

This is my time to BRAG a bit… it is my year wrap up and there will be pictures! Feel free to scroll… or grab a coffee or cocktail! Despite all the downs of 2021 I have had so many UPS to celebrate. Here is my 2021 Journey.

This is not the whole family…they are to follow… That is my wonderful husband of 27 years, we have been through so much and here we are!! My Son, David, (bottom left) finished his 5 years in the Navy and is now home, attending college and is participating in Football *YAY FOOTBALL MOM AGAIN* and Track. Bottom right is my daughter Caiti and her significant other Travis, They welcomed Charlotte this year(white kitty) joining her big brother Indy. Despite COVID Caiti’s business is growing and thriving – GRATEFUL!

May brought about a HUGE change for me, after 16.5 years I retired from the Airlines – I still get to enjoy my flying benefits as a retiree but it was time! My best friend of 20 years helped me celebrate with a whirlwind 24 hours in Las Vegas to celebrate. She and I are looking forward to getting back to adventures of Cat & Val in the coming year!

2003 brought us Oscar, my Swedish son and what followed is this beautiful family. He and Sara blessed us with our first “Grands” Isak who is now 8 and Alva who is 5. The miles keep us physically apart but Internet & FaceTime keep us connected. Always in NanaCat’s heart.

August brought me to a new adventure and a new work family. I am enjoying my time in a much more relaxed and stress-free environment. These ladies make me smile and make me happy to go to work again.

Obviously 3 was not enough… We added little MaciMae into the family and she has a HUGE personality and she fit right in. She joined the other 2 gingers in their pestering of their big sister!

The whole gang above! In order… Sarah, David, Vianka, Fernando, Sammy, Grace and Reggie – Top Shot. The only one missing is baby Luna, a Grand that I can actually cuddle, but mom and dad, Vianka & Fernando need a night out too! Bottom left is my heart KK and his fiance’ Andrea, who are currently in New Orleans, MamaCat is hoping for a return home soon, he is currently playing professional rugby and she is a barber. Bottom right is My “Favorite” (he won the T-shirt to settle the argument!) Jacob and his bride to be Amber. What a family…

Now… saving the best for last…

We are going to be blessed by a grand-daughter in March and we couldn’t be more excited. Krista & Kyle live in Montana so I sure there will be many jaunts out there!

And if that weren’t enough….

My Eldest totally surprised us on Christmas Day.. This ornament was hidden on our tree – they are in DC.

We will be welcoming another Grand in July – we are hoping for my dads birthday.

I am over the moon!

To say it has been an eventful year is an understatement. I had fewer than normal weddings – COVID – but I am hoping that they start to pick up again. I love joining people in marriage. I often tell people it is my JOYFUL JOB – It helps me ground myself when the world seems crazy.

I want to thank each and every one of my past couples, I wouldn’t be where I am without all of you. I look forward to all the new couples in my future.

Many Blessing to you all and may 2022 be a new beginning for all!

Much love, Cat

I loved everything about this couple when I chatted with them 2 weeks before this day!! The energy was amazing and the LOVE, they both radiated it! They met not long ago but they knew… and sometimes that is exactly how it works! As you see they are bringing to this marriage 6 boys!!! 3 each, ranging from 6-11. They were wonderful, loving and very well behaved, well mannered boys! I don’t doubt there will be an abundance of love and lots of laughter in this home for many, many years to come…

October 16, 2021 I was able to preside over the funeral service of my Mother-In-Law. There was a “party” years earlier for her son – my brother in law – that family asked me to speak at, it was relaxed and off the cuff more with him. She thought it was meaningful and had asked me to do the honor when she left this earth. To say I was honored and INTIMIDATED is an understatement. She was a Godly woman and I wanted it to honor that… I was told I did an awesome job. You earned your wings and your family knows you are here in spirit.

Kendra wanted bling…and bling is what she got! The bride was sparkling from head to toe and Derrick looked at her like the gem that she is. They started their family surrounded by friends and family in a beautiful setting as Banquets of Minnesota always is. Here’s to many more glamourous years together.

I met with this couple – Randee & Doug close to 2 years prior to this union! Covid hit and things were changed 2 or 3 times, I actually lost track of how many times it changed in my calendar! What a beautiful day with lots of family and friends surrounding them. The ceremony was held in the garden/gazebo area with a beautiful setting inside for dinner and dancing! Here is to many, many more years of happiness!

I had the pleasure of joining these sweet folks in marriage this past weekend.

Kristin and Michael met while she was attending college out in Providence, RI and he was in Naval Submariner School in nearby Groton, CT. Their love survived and thrived the time and distance of “Navy Life”. Michael was stationed out in San Diego (He and My son were on the same Submarine) – stars aligned with Kristin living here in Minnesota and the wedding taking place here. I threw my hat in the ring and on this day it was my honor to join them in marriage. It has been so wonderful to watch them grown and nurture each other across the miles. So happy for you both and I wish you all the love and happiness you can stand!

This was a very special day for me. Chris and Amy have become great friends over the past almost 10 years. We met when we both volunteered for the Choir Boosters at our kids High School. They are the most wonderful, genuine people and I am blessed to know them. I was thrilled when they asked me to perform their 30 year renewal ceremony. It was sweet and heartfelt. We plan to do this again in another 10 years! Here is to another wonderful 10 years til the next one.

Many things have changed in our lives due to Covid but the one thing that Covid can’t change is Love. I saw in the beginning cancellations and rearrangements. New dates, new venues, the list goes on. There was fear, disappointment and sadness as this unfolded. Then there was calm. A collective deep breath, then I saw couples settle into a new “normal”. Once the panic subsided they were able to begin to plan realistic, safe ceremonies.

Some have opted to postpone, as much as a year or more, to have that HUGE gathering and others moved dates but scaled down the celebrations.  True love and commitment is all the days that follow the WEDDING… The MARRIAGE is the focus.

There isn’t a right way or a wrong way to get married if the commitment is there. As a military mom I see a lot of parents posting small backyard gatherings, courthouse pictures. Not one shared photo has captured “regret” only Joy and Love radiating from the couples!

However you choose to “Do You” and your Wedding Celebration I will work with you to make it special.

I will be offering (until further notice) a Covid Commitment Package (with Pandemic Pricing!) pretty cheesy wording if you ask me.

For more information please check out my Pricing Page.

See you at the Alter ~ Cat

As we enter the New Year with a cautious optimism we can only look back on what we learned from the past year.  I can’t speak for everyone but there are a few things I learned.

I learned to SLOW DOWN – in certain areas of my life.

I learned to Prioritize Family – Time isn’t a given.

I learned to notice the “small things” (The BIG things were too much in 2020)

I learned let go of things out of my control – for a control freak this is a constant battle still, but I am getting better!

I learned that love grows even in adversity and we need to cherish it when it comes our way.

I learned that things can be modified and adapted to fit the need and the times.

I learned just how much I LOVE the joy I experience when I join couples in marriage and just how much I missed doing ceremonies.

I learned no matter how big or small the gathering- 10 people or 500 people – at the end of the day if two people are in love and they commit themselves to each other its a BIG thing.

Its what comes after our wedding day that stands the test of time.

I look forward to bringing joy to more couples as we move forward in these fascinating times. Masks or social distancing we can still make your commitment day special, memorable and uniquely yours.