Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Molina
Hi Melissa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
How I Became a Notary Public Wedding Officiant
Twenty-five years ago, on what was supposed to be one of the most magical days of my life, I found myself in an unexpected predicament. My soon-to-be husband and I had everything planned—the flowers, the guests, the venue—but there was one crucial element missing: the officiant. The pastor we had contracted never showed up.
At first, there was panic. My friends exchanged nervous glances, unsure of what to do next. Then, as fate would have it, the woman who had referred me to this pastor was present that day. Not only was she a friend, but she was also a notary public. Without hesitation, she stepped in, declaring that since the pastor wasn’t coming, it was her duty to officiate the ceremony.
Despite the rocky start, the wedding turned out beautifully. In that moment, as I stood there exchanging vows with the love of my life, I thought to myself, Wow, my wedding really came out nice. I’d love to do that for someone in the future. That thought never left me.
So, in 1999, I took action. I became a notary public and a wedding officiant, determined to help couples in need—whether their wedding was meticulously planned or suddenly required an officiant at the last minute. And wouldn’t you know it? Over the years, I’ve had my fair share of wedding emergencies.
Once, a couple called me in a panic because their officiant had to leave the country due to a death in her family. Another time, someone simply never showed up, and they needed me there within the hour. And then there was the time I got a call the day before the wedding because the original officiant had fallen ill.
Each of those moments reinforced why I do what I do. Weddings are about love, commitment, and the promise of forever. And when something unexpected happens, I’m grateful to step in and make sure that promise is honored—just like my friend did for me all those years ago.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Waiting for the ceremony to start is one of the biggest challenges of being a wedding officiant. Rarely does a wedding begin exactly on time, no matter how carefully planned. In fact, out of the hundreds of weddings I’ve officiated, only one was precisely on schedule—and ironically, it was supposed to start at 4 p.m. but ended up happening at 4:01 p.m. Whether it’s last-minute preparations, late guests, or unexpected delays, patience is definitely a necessary virtue in this role.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My approach to officiating weddings is truly special. By personalizing each ceremony and making it a love story that includes the guests, I create an experience that people remember. The way I ease the couple’s nerves with a little humor and how I craft vows that are unique shows my dedication. Guests and couples alike appreciate my work, and word-of-mouth is what brings me new clients. My passion for making each wedding beautiful and meaningful really shines through.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Clear communication and professionalism keep things smooth, while kindness and humor make the process enjoyable for everyone involved. It sets the right tone for meaningful collaboration. I also enjoy that I can work with both Spanish and English speaking couples. I even traveled to Spain to officiate a bilingual wedding!
Pricing:
- Fees start at $250 depending on city, venue, and season.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: onceuponapromiseweddings
- Facebook: Once Upon a Promise
