Who doesn’t love a wedding? The bride is ecstatic, the girls in the bridal party are atwitter. The guys are uncomfortable in their suits and the groom is nervous. But it’s all part of the excitement of The. Big. Day.

I have the most fun role at the wedding – the Officiant/Minister. I’ve traveled all over Jackson & neighboring counties to parks, lakes, backyards, churches, halls and venues - anywhere within a 50 mile radius of my home in Horton.

Since I don’t require that I meet the couple ahead of time, part of the fun is not knowing what I am going to walk into. Some weddings are themed, like a ‘Detroit Tigers’ one where even the guests were dressed in Navy & Orange and I was given a team jersey to wear. I’ve put on a Harley Davidson shirt for a Harley motorcycle theme, I’ve even dressed up several times like a gypsy witch for a Halloween/Hallowedding. Most couples prefer a standard formal wedding with the bride in a gorgeous gown and the groom in a suit or tux.

I always arrive half an hour before the ceremony where I help lace gowns, pin boutonnieres, deliver messages, encourage children, dry tears, and calm nerves. When, (and only when) the bride is ready, I get everyone in position and lined up, then the music starts and off we go. I perform the customized ceremony that I helped the bride & groom create, and after I pronounce them married to the cheers and applause of the guests, I fill out the marriage license while everyone hugs. I love being a part of a couple’s special day and it is an honor to be chosen by them.

Some of the locations where I have officiated are: Cascades Manor House, Ella Sharp Park, Cascades Falls, the Jackson Country Club, the Michigan Theater, the Art 634 Building, McCourtie Park, Sandhill Crane Vineyard, The Whistle-Stop Depot, Dale Fisher Galleries, Sauk Valley Resort, Hilltop Manor Inn, Hidden Lake Gardens, Stock’s Park, Emery Park Rearing Ponds, Hillsdale College, the Cobblestone Farm, Wellers Carriage House & various Golf Clubs.

Call the Celebrations Wedding Chapel at (517) 879-0370 to book on and offsite officiant services.

-By Reverend Christine Tanier 

Reverend Christine Tanier is the owner and operator of Celebrations Chapel in Horton, Michigan. She believes that she has the best job in the world, and has united over 350 couples in marriage over the past 7 years. It is an honor for her, and she loves being a part of the most romantic day of couples lives. Whether it is at her venue, ‘Celebrations Wedding Chapel’ or at a park, lake or your Aunt Lucy’s backyard, let her help make your day perfect.