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Hello lovers... you did it! 

 

The hunt is over! You found me!  I knew you would.  You’ve searched high and low, swiped left and right, endured blind dates and crappy coffee. 

AND THEN... you finally landed on the love of your life…

You’ve also found your 

  • venue

  • florist

  • classical ukulele player 

  • butterfly groomer

  • taco truck 

NOW you need someone to MARRY YOU and here I am. 

​​

Obviously you have gathered that my name is Christel (rhymes with 'pistol')

Now, let me tell you a little about me.  In 2014, I left a 10 year career with AT&T to do what I do now.  Officiating weddings has been the most fun, rewarding, exciting, and joyous “job” of my life.  My first ceremony was my cousin’s wedding in Costa Rica in 2014 in front of a breathtaking waterfall.

 
Not a bad day at the office, amirite?

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reading OVER YOUR ceremony ONE MORE TIME


PROBABLY

Cut to today and I have officiated over 600 ceremonies in several states AND countries! 

I am happy to dress in costume, perform rituals like unity candles and knot-tying. 

I offer custom vows or read the ones you have prepared. 

When 2 people stand before me, they are filled with love and nerves and sometimes whiskey!  I say some pretty words and ask some important questions and PRESTO-CHANGE-O they are MARRIED!  So “changing lives” isn’t something I take lightly.  Some people want a quick ceremony to “get it done” and some want the puffy marshmallow dress and the string quartet. 

I respect all of those decisions.  Lately, I have seen that people want their friend to officiate their wedding.  My goal is to be your Professional Friend.  To capture the essence of the two of you while knowing where to stand, how to keep groomsmen sober-ish, and work with your other vendors.  Officiating isn't only reading a beautiful script and asking for the "I do's".  It's listening and learning about your love story so that you and your guests feel like we have known each other for years. 

 

I live in between Austin and Bastrop.  I have lived in Texas almost my entire life. I am fortunate to be married to my business partner, and he is a terrific, patient, handsome man named Austin.  He does wedding, portrait, and event photography.  I also have a stepdaughter, Riley, who impresses me daily with the young woman she is becoming. 

 

In 2013, Austin left a 16+ year career with AT&T to pursue HIS dream, working with me!  (don't tell him I said that!) 

If you want to see his photography work, and I recommend that you check it out, go here: Austin Stuart Photography

We are one heck of a duo, right?  We have a company where we offer officiating and photography services together.  You can check us out at Hand Heart and Crown Weddings  

I would love to find out more about you and what your perfect wedding day looks like.  I want to change your life and marry you to the love of your life in a field, under a tree, at an outdoor chapel, in a gorgeous venue, or even out of the country.  My passport is current and I can always use more stamps in it! 

Testimonials and Videos

Chelsea + Shelbey 2021

Chels and Shelb,

I want you to remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always. A promise. A belief in each other and the possibility of love. A decision to ignore, simply rise above the pain of the past. A covenant, which at once binds two souls and yet severs prior ties. A celebration of the chance taken and the challenge that lies ahead. For two will always be stronger than one, like a team braced against the tempest civil world. And love will always be the guiding force in our lives. For tonight is a mere formality. Only an announcement to the world of feelings long held. Promises made long ago. In the sacred spaces of our hearts.

Most importantly, marry the one that makes passion, love, and madness combine and course through you. A love that will never dilute - even when the waters get deep, and dark. So fall in. Break through it, and when you stumble in the cold, she will urge you onward. And in your darkest hour, should storms rage around you now, her love will be a shelter, and she will pull you under.  In her arms you will never starve. You will never freeze, and when the world is hard, you can fall asleep there. In a world of chaos, she could be your silence. The oceans of her kindness, they will pull you under.

Love, Christel

Victoria + John David 2019

Victoria and John David, 

My hope for you is this: That you have many long years to delight in each other’s company, to feel gratitude for your great fortune in having found each other. 

To make a home together that is at once sheltering and welcoming, to each do meaningful, productive work at home and in the world and to love and be loved by the friends and family who have come here today to support you. 

 

Love, Christel

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