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Officiant Q & A with Erika

Officiant Q & A with Erika
January 9, 2019 Riana Ang-Canning

Next up in our Officiant Q & A series is Vancouver Lower Mainland Officiant Erika! Learn more about why what your officiant says actually matters, the part of the wedding that never gets old and Erika’s fear of birds. 


When meeting with a couple, what’s the first question you like to ask them?

How did you meet? Tell me all about your story! I want to hear all about them so that I start to get a feel for their vibe. That way, once we get into wedding details, I feel like I already know them!

What is the best compliment a couple has ever given you?

I’m never upset when they are shocked that I’ve been married for over 20 years. It seems misjudging my age is the way to my heart! I also love hearing from them after the ceremony. I love hearing how the ceremony impacted them or their family and friends. I think my favourite is when family members stop me and say, “That was so them!” That’s the highest compliment, right there.

by Kat Timmins Photography

What is the best part about officiating weddings? 

I think my favourite part is watching the groom as the bride enters. That never gets old for me. Even if they’ve done a first look, there is something about that moment.

What’s the most challenging part?

The most challenging part would have to be the same moment. I have been to a lot of weddings…like a LOT…and I still get emotional when the bride comes in.

What one thing should all couples know before their wedding ceremony?

Before your ceremony, I am thinking about it way more than you are, but you will remember this 20 years later. So it matters to me that what I say matters to the couple. I have learned in my own life that 20 years later, my husband and I still remember what the officiant said at our wedding. It matters.

It doesn’t matter where you live or how much money you have. If you have each other and you have love, you are literally among the richest in the world.

by Caroline Ross Photography

Share your wildest or most memorable wedding moment!

I ended up the officiant at one of my best friend’s wedding. I was also the maid of honour. It’s important to add here that I have an INSANE fear of birds. I was super nervous about doing a ceremony for my best friends in front of all my people. Anyways, the groom loves owls so his brother decided to surprise him with a cool ring bearer… Yup, it was an owl.

Not only did I walk down the aisle with a bird, but I did the whole ceremony with him right beside me. I’m sure under any other circumstance I would have just put my big girl pants on and done just fine, but EVERYONE in the room knew how terrified I was of birds so there was no keeping my fear a secret. I did all right. I cracked a few jokes at my own expense, flinched a few times and only yelped once. I count that a win. I think that day I covered tears, laughter and nerves!

If you were getting married again, what would you want in your wedding ceremony?

I think I would do a helicopter elopement. Those never get old for me. I love the views, the pilots are always awesome and there is something so intimate about being in such a grand open space like a mountain top. It seems contradictory but it’s true. I almost can’t put words to it. It’s AMAZING!!

Why do you think couples should invest in their wedding ceremony?

Like I said, they will remember this 20 years from now. I want their ceremony to tell their story and drip with love and hope for their future while celebrating the journey they have already started together.

I have learned in my own life that 20 years later, my husband and I still remember what the officiant said at our wedding. It matters.

by Emily Nicole Photos

What is something people would never guess about you?

People are always surprised when I say I’ve been married for over 20 years – that’s more of a fun fact, maybe a secret talent too…haha! 

Who is your dream couple that you’d like to officiate for?

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. I’m not much of a celebrity watcher but I do love music so probably some musician couple…

What is your favourite wedding movie?

Bridesmaids. That sh*t is just funny!

by The Apartment Photo

What do you wish for your couples?

Long life and love. Marriage is hard but it’s SOOOOO worth it! I wish that everyday you wake up and put in the time. Remind each other in the everyday that your partner is amazing and worth celebrating. It doesn’t matter where you live or how much money you have. If you have each other and you have love, you are literally among the richest in the world.


Thank you so much to Erika for taking the time to participate in our Officiant Q & A. To learn more about Erika and to book her as the officiant for your wedding, head over to her page.

feature image by Emily Nicole Photos

Content Queen at Young Hip & Married

Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!

Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!