About Us
When Emily and Rebecca met, we initially bonded over the fact that we have the same maiden name (turns out we’re fifth cousins, what???). We soon learned that we also share a lot of other values and interests, and it didn’t take long for us to become fast friends. And so going into business together doing something we both love— sharing love, laughter, and deep connection with people in the form of meaningful ceremonies— felt like the most obvious plan in the world, and thus Oak City Ceremonies was born.
Rebecca and Emily are both legally ordained ministers, authorized to perform marriages under North Carolina law. We love working with couples who don’t want just a boring, run-of-the-mill ceremony, but who want their ceremony to feel meaningful and personal. We love telling love stories, we love laughing and crying with you, and we love seeing all the goodness and joy that our couples are bringing to their marriages.
Rebecca:
Myers/Briggs Personality Type: INFJ
Patronus: A giraffe. Unexpected, totally awkward, but 100% awesome and somehow still graceful in its own way.
If your friends had to describe you in five words, what would they say? Insightful, dependable, deep-thinking, fun, honest.
If your kids had to describe you in five words, what would they say? Creative, nice, patient, weird, helpful.
Random Talents: I love to create things, from building furniture to painting to cake decorating to amazing sourdough pizza.
Something about you that surprises people: I’m an introvert and I often come across as pretty intellectual and reserved at first, so people are often surprised by my sense of humor and readiness to party.
Guilty Pleasure: Any and all sugary treats.
How you de-stress: Reading a good book, swimming laps or running in the woods.
Happy Place: The beach. Or cuddling up on the couch with my husband on a Friday night and not having to go anywhere.
Favorite part of a wedding ceremony: The moments before the bride enters, when I’m standing up front with the groom. Sometimes he needs a witty comment to relieve some anxiety, sometimes a tissue, and sometimes I get to just watch his reaction to his bride coming down the aisle up close, but it’s always sweet and beautiful and I never get tired of it.
Emily:
Myers/Briggs Personality Type: ENFP
Patronus: This is cheesy, but the horse made of water from Frozen II. I had a horse in high school and felt like I was lifted out of this world when I was riding her. My patronus protects me by showing me my own strength.
If your friends had to describe you in five words, what would they say? Open, authentic, complicated, generous, deep.
If your kids had to describe you in five words, what would they say? Fun, weird, funny, creative, crazy.
Random Talents: I can stand on my head with ease! I can also talk to just about anyone.
Something about you that surprises people: I was a member of a rodeo team in high school as a breakaway calf roper.
Guilty Pleasure: Taking a nap in the early afternoon.
How you de-stress: I love to read, ride my bike, and do yard work. I also love a good cry - or a good hard laugh that turns into crying.
Happy Place: Sitting around a campfire or sitting in our swinging chair reading a book or getting lost in conversation with a dear friend. Also, cuddling on the couch watching a movie with my husband and two daughters or exploring a new city.
Favorite part of a wedding ceremony: I love the way the couple looks at each other - knowing glances that communicate more than any words would be able to. I love introducing them as a married couple to family and friends. I love the hope I feel from and for the couple as they start their lives together as a married couple!