She Makes Honey Moves // Adventure Officiant

An officiant who is down to adventure? What could be better! Vanessa, better known as the “Adventure Officiant,” has officiated countless H+T weddings. We love her wedding day energy and unique ceremony scripts. Get to know her better below and fall in love yourself!

Q: Give me your best “30 second elevator pitch”. Tell us who you are!

A: Hi! I’m Vanessa, an adventurer at heart who loves love. I will climb to the top of a mountain, down into a waterfall, or anywhere in between to officially start your forever adventure with the one you love the most. I feel that your day should be about you two, what you want, how you want, no matter how it looks to everyone else because at the end of the day (and when you look back on the day) you should be thrilled at how it reflected you two and your relationship together.

Q: Why do you do what you do?

A: I really enjoy being able to meet so many different, amazing, couples and hear about their love stories. I find immense joy in getting to tell a bit about their story, how they met, fun adventures they have been on, and what they love most about each other to really tie their day and ceremony back to them. The love that radiates out of the couple on their wedding day is one of my most favorite things to see.

Q: What is your favorite wedding day trend right now? 

A: I have loooooooved watching my couples include things that are important and meaningful to their relationship. Whether its lego centerpieces that they’ve completed during the pandemic, a solid snack or drink bar if they like to go around and try new places, giving out s’mores kits to enjoy at a bonfire they have, or setting up a picnic for the couple at the top of the mountain. Finding one thing that you truly want to incorporate to make it your own is, by far, my favorite thing.

Q: What’s your favorite place you’ve adventured to as an officiant?

A: Oh man, getting to celebrate one of my best friends getting married in Olympic National Park is probably number one…but a close number two is going to the top of the mountain and watching the sunrise while the couple shares their vows and first married kiss. I will gladly get up at 3am, drive, and hike to the top, to start an epic forever adventure.

Q: What trends do you think we’ll see in the next year?

A: I think that the elopement/micro wedding trend is something that is blooming. I have talked with a lot of couples recently who thought they would want a big wedding, but then they realized they wanted something small and then an epic honeymoon or to buy a house. I think they realize that they can still have the things they want, the people they want there most to watch, or to send them the video afterward, but they don’t have to do the traditional 200+ people wedding that their parents did. Now, if that is the dream of the bride and groom, then I am here for that as well.

Q: What tip do you have for couples on their wedding day? 

A: Take 15 minutes after the ceremony by yourselves. Be able to not have anyone in your way, asking questions, telling you something has to be done, or whatever else it is. Grab a drink, maybe a snack, grab your forever person’s hand, and go for a short walk and then sit down to take it all in….You’re married, enjoy that moment!

Q: Favorite season for officiating a wedding?

A: Fall is gorgeous, those colors add some amazingness to the pictures. But honestly, there are sooooooooo many people out and about to see those colors. Give me a good winter wedding or an early spring when the greens are just starting to sprout and I am pumped!

Q: Beach or mountains?

A: I’m all about the mountains, all the time. But every now and again I do like a beach visit….maybe a lake is the best compromise for me and the hubs when we go somewhere lol.

Q: Your favorite non-alcoholic and alcoholic drink? 

A: Ginger beer is my favorite for something with some flavor, or a sparkling water (spindrift and waterloo are my favorites) but if I’m going to have something to enjoy, you can find me with a cup of hot cocoa with baileys. I looooove that. But if it’s the summer then more likely to have a Moscow mule since it’s a little too hot out for hot cocoa.

Q: Your best day off is spent doing:  

A: If you can’t tell by now, I love hiking and adventuring as much as possible. I will go hiking or backpacking as often as possible, but I will also take some time to throw pottery and love on my dogs (Amelia and Waffles). And there isn’t much better than getting to come home at night and get some couch snugs with the hubs and talk about our days too.

Check out more of Vanessa’s adventures as an officiant on her Instagram!