Since 2010, I’ve brought my heart and creative writing talent into designing wedding ceremonies as an ordained non-denominational multicultural officiant based in Santa Cruz, California. I bring honey into the heart when I perform ceremonies with warmth, joy, and a sprinkling of humor. Your love is unique because the two of you are. I love this about couples! They come together as two separate individuals who find each other, fall delightedly in love, and decide to step into this deeper commitment. In doing this, they are open to all the possibilities that lay ahead of them being united in their strengths that they contribute to one another with a love that continues to deepen. I believe on the day that you join together more love is brought into the world. I’d be honored to help you, the two of you!

Many couples have expressed appreciation for my calm presence, flexibility, and knowledge, which I can share from my vast experience performing ceremonies that have incorporated differing cultural influences and components that make their ceremonies more meaningful than the typical ones that they’ve attended in the past.

Services Offered: You have a choice of wedding ceremonies, ranging from civil union, interfaith, non-religious, and modern spirituality. Couples from all beliefs, cultural/ethnic backgrounds, and LGBTQIA+ are embraced.

Here's a description:

• Keep it Simple, Please - You want an easy, simple, and sweet ceremony. We talk about your beliefs, and I perform a beautifully crafted pre-written ceremony that comes from my heart! You can bring your own vows to read to each other or choose from samples that I provide.
• Sweet and Easy - Your desire is to have a ceremony that’s filled with an honest simplicity that allows you to be fully present in the moment. You can choose from a variety of pre-written ceremonies that give you the perfect words to convey your love. I have several ideas for additional components that you can add, such as hand-fasting, using an Oathing Stone for your vows, and a Wine Ceremony. Samples are also provided for your vows, or you can write your own, and I’ll make keepsake vow booklets for you to read from. Want to edit the wording – no problem!
• Bespoke - Your unique love story will be woven into your ceremony to make it even more personal. The offerings in the Sweet and Easy Ceremony are included. I’m open to including additional elements that you’d like to include or having edits that you may want to make.
• We Want the Whole Package – Perfect for an Elopement with 20 or fewer in Attendance
• This package includes the Keep It Simple Please Ceremony, plus a professional photographer. You can upgrade to the Sweet and Easy ceremony for an additional fee. The photographer is there for one hour, starting with your ceremony and staying afterward to capture more beautiful memories. You receive the photos in a downloadable format - you own them!
• There are many beautiful and romantic spots that I know of in the Redwood Forest, or you can say, “I do,” while overlooking the beach at sunset. I also offer an exclusive elopement package in collaboration with Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton at their beautiful private setting at the Big Trees Grove.

Donna is available via phone, text, email, or Zoom to chat in more detail. Let's chat soon!

Wishing you Honey in the Heart - Donna Rose Gardner (she/her)

What You'll Love About Donna Rose Gardner - Honey In The Heart Ceremonies

Donna's words strike a chord with everyone who hears them, beautifully celebrating the couple before her. Throughout the planning process, she takes the time to get to know each partner and guide them through with care. Read through the reviews, and you will see the impact she has on people's special days.