For Vinnie Marchese, the highlight of a wedding is the ceremony.
The retired teacher became a marriage officiant in 2019, shifting from one joyful career to another.
“I retired from teaching, a career that I loved. I took a year off to find my bearings and thought: ‘What can I do that’ll bring me pure joy?!’”
And less than a year later, the pandemic hit.
The pandemic forced many couples to cancel or postpone weddings, but Vinnie was able to officiate smaller weddings, in her home, in backyards.
“We stuck with provincial guidelines, sat 6 feet apart, wore masks.”
Marchese, who had Covid-19 in March 2020, says that despite seeing a lot of fear in people, there is also a lot of love.
“What I’ve learned is there’s a true kindness in human spirit. Love is love.”
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