We are so excited to welcome Sarah-Pete to the Richmond Weddings family! Today we’re learning a little bit more about Sarah-Pete and how she became an officiant. Keep scrolling to read more.
Tell us how many years have you been in the wedding industry?
I have been in the wedding industry for over 25 years. My journey began with a deep passion for creating meaningful celebrations and connecting with couples during one of the most significant moments of their lives. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats—from wedding planner to venue director to officiant—gaining valuable experience and insights along the way. Today, as the owner and celebrant at Sincerely Pete, I bring that wealth of knowledge to every ceremony I craft, ensuring each couple’s love story is told with authenticity and heart.
What’s your specific role in the wedding process? Are you hands on with the couples or do you work behind the scenes?
As a wedding celebrant and officiant with Sincerely Pete, I work hands-on with couples to craft and deliver personalized ceremonies that truly reflect their love story and values. From our first conversation to the moment they say “I do,” I guide them through the ceremony planning process, write a custom script tailored to their relationship, and ensure their wedding day feels meaningful, authentic, and unforgettable. Equally as important, I am the person who makes their marriage legal, signing their license and officially marking the start of their new chapter together.
When should couples book their services with you?
Most couples book my officiating services about 9 to 12 months before their wedding date. However, I often find that officiants are one of the last details couples think about, so I do get booked on short notice as well! My best advice is to reach out sooner rather than later to ensure your date is available. Booking early ensures I’m available for the services you wish to book me for!
What’s your most frequently asked question by engaged couples?
“Can we have a non-religious ceremony?”
“How do we obtain our marriage license?”
As a civil wedding celebrant, I celebrate love, not religion. Your love story is a wonderfully unique thing to celebrate, and I focus on that when crafting my personalized scripts. Whether you prefer a non-religious, spiritual, or blended ceremony, I ensure it reflects your values and relationship. When it comes to the marriage license, I have a thorough blog post on my website that explains the process, and I’m always happy to walk my couples through every step to ensure everything is in order for their big day!
What are some trends you’ve seen in weddings recently that you’ve loved?
Some recent wedding trends I’ve absolutely loved include:
Fun and Creative Rituals: Couples are getting playful with their ceremonies! I’ve seen cocktail unity ceremonies or couples taking a celebratory shot together. One of my favorites was a couple who provided each guest with a tiny potion bottle filled with a specialty shot so everyone could toast together—such a fun, interactive moment!
Smaller or No Wedding Parties: More couples are opting for intimate mornings with their closest friends and family, skipping traditional wedding parties. They’re recognizing that everyone at their wedding is significant and celebrating those relationships without the pressure of titles or matching outfits.
Guest Participation in the “I Do’s”: I adore when couples invite their guests to be part of the ceremony! I’ll often ask the guests if they promise to love and support the couple in their marriage—and hearing a loud, enthusiastic “We do!” from the crowd is always a special and memorable moment.
Private Elopements Before the Big Day: I’ve had the honor of officiating intimate elopements where couples choose to get legally married ahead of their wedding. Whether for practical reasons or just to share a special, private moment together, these ceremonies are incredibly meaningful and a beautiful way to start their journey.
Do you have any unique tips for couples when choosing their vendors? If so, share!
Make sure you vibe with them!
This is especially important for vendors who are directly involved in personal moments and whose energy will help set the tone for your day—like your officiant, photographer, videographer, planner, DJ, and hair and makeup team. These professionals will be by your side during some of the most intimate and emotional parts of your wedding, so feeling comfortable and connected with them is key.
When meeting potential vendors, trust your instincts. Ask yourself:
Do they understand my vision?
Do I feel excited to work with them?
Can I imagine them being a part of my big day?
The right vendors will not only bring your wedding to life but also help you feel supported and at ease every step of the way.
When it comes to food, what’s your guilty pleasure?
I pretty much each at least one York Peppermint Patty a day. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, and it just always satisfies!
What’s a fun or unusual fact about yourself?
I’ve moved 26 times in my life and lived in 15 cities, six states, and two countries (and went to 11 different schools). I was a Navy brat growing up so that accounts for some of it but I guess I’ve been restless!!
Do you have any pets?
Yes! My partner and I have a miniature schnauzer named Sir Henry Blueberry Spottybottom. He’s a grumpy old man in a puppy body and cute as all get out.
How do you de-stress?
I’m an urban farmer/gardener. I have planted between 50 – 70 varieties of fruits, veggies, herbs, and flowers each year for the last 5 years. I love being to share my harvests with neighbors, friends and family.
Anything else you want our followers to know?
my favorite quote:
“There is an extremely powerful force that, so far, science has not found a formal explanation to. It is a force that includes and governs all others, and is even behind any phenomenon operating in the universe and has not yet been identified by us.
The universal force is LOVE.
When scientists looked for a unified theory of the universe they forgot the most powerful unseen force.
Love is Light, that enlightens those who give and receive it.
Love is Gravity, because it makes some people feel attracted to others.
Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have, and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness. Love unfolds and reveals..
If we want our species to survive, if we are to find meaning in life, if we want to save the world and every sentient being that inhabits it, love is the one and only answer…
.. each individual carries within them a small but powerful generator of love whose energy is waiting to be released.
When we learn to give and receive this universal energy, [dear, human], we will have affirmed that love conquers all, is able to transcend everything and anything, because love is the quintessence of life…”
— Albert Einstein, in a letter to his daughter, about The Universal Force which is LOVE
Contact Sarah-Pete today!
Email: sarah@sincerelypete.com | Website: https://www.sincerelypete.com | Instagram: @sincerelypete
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