CECILIA PENNER
Officiant-by-Numbers
2018
THE YEAR I BECAME LICENSED
That was the year I became licensed to officiate legal weddings anywhere in BC. That first year, I officiated 5 weddings. I’ve done more than 300 since then!
54
The number of ceremonies I officiated in 2020
Despite the restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, couples still married. Or maybe because of the restrictions? My appreciation for the importance and impact of the marriage ceremony grew. As a result, in each ceremony, I now include a sentence or two about the importance of ceremony and ritual to all humans.
38
The number of years I was a high school teacher in my “before” career.
I’ve taught in two provinces (Ontario and BC), Science (biology) and Guidance. I loved my career. And when I felt that it was enough, I retired. The shift into being a wedding officiant was seamless: I am a confident speaker, I capable of following a “lesson plan”, and I cherish the close connection with people for a short but important time in their lives.
12
The number of former students, children of former students, or family members that I’ve married.
There are no words to express how incredibly special that is.
3
The number of titanium joints I have.
That’s the reason I decline to hike-in to remote locations or perch on a cliff-side or summit mountains or whatever other adventure-themed wedding you’re planning. It’s not personal – it’s self-preservation!
2.9
The percentage of weddings I’ve done for couples identifying as a part of the LGBTQ+ population.
Statistics Canada says that about 4% of Canadians over age 15 identify as LGBTQ+. I aim to surpass that percentage in the weddings that I do in the LGBTQ+ demographic this year. (Did you know that “same-sex” marriage became legal in BC in July, 2003? Does anyone even say “same-sex” anymore? Legislation is slow to catch up with current vocabulary.)
19/84
19/84 The ages of the youngest and the oldest people I’ve married.
(And NO! they didn’t marry each other!)
99
The ideal temperature of my hot tub.
I do my best thinking in or near water. Sometimes I listen to wedding podcasts, think about couples I’ve married, think about upcoming weddings, and enjoy the birds visiting the yard. Yes, my zodiac sign is a water sign.
13.5
The average number of hours I spend on any given wedding ceremony.
Included in the calculations are time spent in communication (email, text, Zoom, FaceTime), crafting the ceremony, doing revisions, printing (sometimes re-printing if changes come in late!), driving to venues. Not to mention the follow-up time on social media!
4
The number of dogs who had me as their pet.
A Berner-Golden cross, 2 Shelties, and 1 Greyhound. Currently, I am dog-less, but I would love to meet yours!
3
The number of themed weddings I’ve officiated to date.
One was Hollywood – classy, sleek and timeless; one was a Redneck Wedding – with plaid shirts and whiskey shots; and one was a Black Wedding – Goth and Heavy Metal.
0
The number of times I’ve been fired by a couple.
I did get one snarky letter, though.
SERVICES
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CONNECT
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