"Jo" of All Trades - Wedding Officiant, Dream C...

$250

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Wedding officiant needed at rehearsal?

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Responds in about 3 hours

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Introduction

During my full-time employment years, I have been a Campus Minister, End- of-life caretaker, along with other jobs that required excellent people skills in order to do a satisfactory+ job. I have always enjoyed and continue to enjoy working with individuals who have different ways of looking at life and expressing themselves in a unique way. Whether it's a marriage ceremony or a photo shoot, I try to incorporate the customer's personalities so that the ceremony or photos are a reflection of who they are, not who I am. I enjoy elopement ceremonies the most because of their intimate nature. Oftentimes I am hired as the officiant and photographer during these ceremonies which allows me to use both skills. Officiating weddings and photographing (weddings, individual portraits, family portraits, outdoor family reunions, etc.) gives me the opportunity to be with people during some of the happiest times of their lives, rather than their saddest and most vulnerable which brings me great joy in my semi-retirement!

Overview

Hired 37 times

2 similar jobs done near you

Background checked

1 employee

11 years in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Specialties

Type of ceremony

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Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, responsiveness, and work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

34 reviews

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Read reviews that mention:

Deandra L.

Dec 5, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Non-religious (no mention of God) • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal

Wedding Officiant

Loretta T.

Aug 9, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Jo was awesome! We didn't know what to look for or expect when shopping for an officiant, but Jo made the process so painless. She worked us into her busy schedule, and met with us over Zoom to design the perfect ceremony for us, and we love what she came up with. We couldn't be happier!

Details: Elopement • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Wedding Officiant

Heather C.

Aug 5, 2020

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Hired on Thumbtack

Jo was great to work with! My husband and I live out of state, but Jo was willing to meet with us virtually because we live out of state and were coming to NY for our wedding ceremony on July 25th. She suggested including a love letterbox into our ceremony and we loved the idea! Our love letterbox is a tradition we look forward to continuing throughout our lives together. During the ceremony, Jo was professional and funny, which helped lighten the mood and make us less nervous. She was a wonderful choice for our officiant!

Details: Elopement • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Wedding Officiant

Abigail H.

Aug 13, 2024

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Hired on Thumbtack

Details: Elopement • Non-religious (no mention of God) • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will not be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal

Wedding Officiant

William H.

Jun 12, 2022

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Hired on Thumbtack

Neva and I choose to travel to Buffalo from Kansas for our big day. From the very first phone conversation with Jo I knew that she was the perfect match for Neva and I. There were plenty of other options for us to choose in the Buffalo area but with Jo she showed such a kind and very caring sprit. In just one hour she knew so much about us and we had a very nice service planned. She made our wedding day so easy and stress free (Thank you so much Jo.). She captured who we both are not just in our wedding service but also in the photos she captured of us. Jo does do photography for small wedding services and for a extremely affordable price and very professional quality. Please see Jo if you are looking to have wedding in western New York, I promise you will not be disappointed. I will add a personal memory that will always stick with me from our wedding day. Something heartwarming to Neva and I that may seem silly to others, is that she meet the 8 people at our very small wedding and was able to remember each persons name. Once our service was over she call each of them by there name as we took family pictures. She truly did feel like a part of our family and I appreciate that dearly.

Details: Elopement • Christian • 20 guests or fewer • Help writing vows will be needed • English • Officiant will not be needed at the rehearsal • Officiant does not need to be present at rehearsal

Wedding Officiant

Credentials

Background Check

Jo Stiller Polinsky

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Please note, An extra $50. will be added to my fees for weddings that occur more than a 30 minute drive from my location in the southtowns. During the winter months (December through February), I will only entertain officiating a wedding that is no further north or east than West Seneca and no further south or east than Springville due to possible inclement weather. I do not want to disappoint you by not being able to get to you on your wedding day!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I typically reach out to you by phone and make sure we are a good fit by answering any questions we each may have. Then I schedule a meeting with you and your fiance at my house. During this meeting, we will plan your wedding ceremony from beginning to end. Afterwards, I will type your ceremony script and email it to you so you can approve it or ask me to make changes in the areas you're not happy with. The next time I will see you will either be at your rehearsal or the day of your wedding. Of course, I am always available to answer any questions by phone.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Pastoral Ministry Certificate from Houghton College through the 3 year PCMP program, A BS in Transpersonal Psychology and World Religions from Empire State College and two years of Catholic Biblical School. I was a Campus Minister at two area colleges and a Youth Minister at my church. I gave several presentations in the area on "Understanding Your Dreams"