A Ceremony of the Heart

Mary Jean Valente performs non-denominational ceremonies in Los Angeles. Mary Jean has over 10 years experience and during that time has also coordinated many weddings. This experience has given her the sensitivity to help create a more stress free day for everyone.

Mary Jean officiated both our backyard wedding and our daughter's Christening with grace and style. Working with her allowed us total control with helpful input from her to design exactly what we wanted for the wedding and a full service, "hands-free" design by her for the Christening where we had little time to devote to planning the ceremony. In both cases we got exactly what we wanted without any stress. The beautifully assembled printed copy of the ceremonies was a delightful touch for our scrapbooks since we did not videotape. Mary Jean is a consummate professional and a dear friend. We wish her all the Love and success she has earned.

Mary Jean is simply the best! Trust me...I met with many people before finding her
;-). She helped my husband and I create a ceremony that was personal, heart felt, and meaningful. By the time it was over there was not a dry eye with a 1 mile radius. My special day would not have been as special without all of her help (not only did she give us tips on getting the marriage license...but she also helped give us ideas for the wedding decor as well). I couldn't have asked for a better officiant.

I very highly recommend Mary Jean if you are in need of an officiant for any very special occasion. We had a very intimate and natural wedding outdoors and wanted a non-traditional approach while maintaining a spiritual and meaningful ceremony. Mary Jean helped us to finely craft our vows and orchestrated a fantastic beginning to the evening for everyone. She is a very genuine, patient, and compassionate to work with and truly a wonderful and loving person. She is very knowledgeable on many levels and the love for her work and for bringing people together really shines through. Thank you so very much for everything Mary Jean! We will never forget that special sunset front row to the ocean in September!

I perform each ceremony as if it were the first, last and only ceremony I will ever perform. Every couple that stands before me deserves to have an extraordinary and memorable experience. After all, this is the moment when they are making promises of love and deepening the spiritual bond they have created. It is an honor to be chosen to share such an intimate moment and so it is important for me to contribute a feeling of warmth, intimacy and magic! I never rush through a ceremony, rather I speak to the couple and help them feel relaxed and present.

It is important to remember the moment when you say "I Do" and fully experience the look of love in the eyes of your new husband or wife. Remember, the ceremony is one of the most significant moments in the day and the true beginning of a new life. The sound of my voice is one of my greatest gifts and contributes to filling the ceremony with a sense of grace and peace.