From Breaking News to ‘I Do’: Why I Love Officiating Weddings
Date : August 21, 2015 By
For decades, my life was measured in “deadlines” and “breaking news.” As a journalist, I spent my career in the fast-paced world of storytelling—chasing the facts, interviewing newsmakers, and delivering the pulse of the world to your living room. It was exhilarating, often intense, and always deeply rooted in the “now.”
But lately, I’ve traded the news desk for the altar, and the transition has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. People often ask me: “Donna, how do you go from reporting the news to officiating weddings?”
The truth is, they aren’t as different as you might think. Both are about the power of the human story.
The Art of the Story
In news, I looked for the heart of a story to help people understand the world. In a wedding ceremony, I do the exact same thing—except the story is about love, resilience, and two people choosing a future together.
Every couple has a “scoop.” Whether it’s how they met during a missed flight or the way they supported each other through a difficult year, those details are the headlines of their lives. As an officiant, I get to be the narrator of that unique journey.
Why I Made the Switch
While I still love the thrill of a good broadcast, officiating offers something the news cycle often lacks: unfiltered joy.
- From Facts to Feelings: In journalism, objectivity is king. At a wedding, I get to lean into the emotion. I get to see the nervous twitch of a groom’s hands and the way a bride’s eyes light up when she sees her partner.
- A Lasting Impact: News is fleeting; today’s lead story is tomorrow’s archives. But a wedding ceremony? That stays with a couple forever. Being the person who says, “By the power vested in me,” is a responsibility I don’t take lightly.
- The Power of Connection: I’ve spent my life connecting with audiences through a camera lens. Now, I get to connect with people face-to-face, helping them navigate one of the most significant moments they will ever experience.
My “Broadcast” Style at the Altar
My years behind the microphone have given me a unique toolkit for officiating. I’m comfortable in front of a crowd, I know how to project, and—perhaps most importantly—I know how to handle the “live” element.
If a ring bearer goes rogue or a microphone cuts out, I don’t panic. I’ve handled breaking news; I can certainly handle a little wedding-day improv! My goal is to make sure the couple feels calm, centered, and celebrated.
“A wedding isn’t just a legal contract; it’s a live broadcast of two hearts committing to the same frequency.”
The Ultimate Headline: Love
At the end of the day, I’m still a storyteller. I’ve just changed the beat. Instead of reporting on what’s happening in the world at large, I’m celebrating the world two people are building together.
It is an honor to stand at the head of the aisle and witness the start of a new chapter. To every couple I’ve had the pleasure of marrying: thank you for letting me tell your story. It’s the best “exclusive” I’ve ever had.
