Till Death Do Us Part: Officiating My First Wedding—A Hauntingly Beautiful Goth Ceremony

Every wedding is unique, but there’s something extra special about the first wedding you officiate. For me, that moment came with Maicie and Ben—a couple whose love story was as deep and rich as the gothic aesthetic they chose for their wedding.

How It All Began

Maicie and Ben had been searching for the right officiant to bring their vision to life when another officiant recommended me. From the moment we connected on our initial phone call, I knew this was going to be a meaningful experience. We instantly clicked, and it was so easy to understand the ceremony they were envisioning. Their love for each other was evident in every word they spoke, making my job of crafting their ceremony a truly rewarding experience.

Rehearsal & Preparation

The night before the wedding, we gathered at their Airbnb for the rehearsal with their bridal party. It was a relaxed and laid-back evening, filled with laughter and excitement. Everyone left feeling confident in their roles, which helped ease my nerves—after all, this was my first time officiating a wedding!

One of the most memorable parts of the experience was the warmth and kindness I received from both Maicie’s and Ben’s families. They welcomed me with open arms, making me feel like I had been a part of their journey all along.

The Wedding Day

When the big day arrived, I made sure to be early and fully prepared. As someone who has spent years behind the camera as a photographer and videographer, I’m no stranger to weddings—but stepping into the role of officiant was a completely different experience.

Standing beside Maicie and Ben as they exchanged vows was nothing short of magical. Witnessing love from that perspective—so close to the raw emotion and the profound moment of commitment—was incredibly moving. Their ceremony was a perfect reflection of who they are: heartfelt, beautifully gothic, and undeniably them.

Reflections & Looking Ahead

After the ceremony, guests came up to share their kind words and compliments, which reassured me that I was on the right path. Officiating this wedding was an honor, and it has only fueled my excitement for the many ceremonies to come.

Maicie and Ben, thank you for allowing me to be a part of such an important day in your lives. Your love is inspiring, and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and all the darkly romantic moments your hearts desire.

Here’s to love in all its forms—until death do us part.

“I cannot recommend her enough to be your officiant! She was extremely personable (which I loved be able to really connect with her as a bride/person), catered our ceremony exactly to what we wanted (non-religious) and was professional the entire time! Both of our families adored her! I even have her speech framed because of how amazing our whole day went!” - Maicie Mercia

Venue: Red Barn Group Picnic Area, 9467 Drew Hill Rd, Golden, CO 80403

Photographer: Mya Wadsworth Photography