Blue and Bold: Kathryn McCalla, Teacher & Wedding Officiant

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Eighth grade English teacher Mrs. Kathryn McCalla has been a teacher for twenty-four years and a wedding officiant for fifteen years.

She became an officiant through the Celebrant Foundation and Institute and was ordained in a ceremony in Northern Michigan through the Universal Brotherhood organization. 

“I was looking for a second, fulfilling job where I could help people,” McCalla said. “I also love writing original ceremonies for couples, and I feel honored to be a part of people’s special day.”

McCalla believes the most important part of being a good wedding officiant is making sure to know what the couples want and to never pronounce their names incorrectly.

“You really have to listen to what the couple wants, ask good questions to get a feel for who they are and what would suit them, and be flexible,” McCalla said.

Her favorite memory of a wedding she officiated was at an outdoor garden venue that had over 4,000 flowers.

“There were all these lovely small buildings, and they planted over 4,000 flowers every spring,” McCalla said. “The couple was so kind and in love. The whole event was so dreamy I look back and wonder sometimes if it actually happened.”

Though McCalla enjoys the experience overall, her favorite part about being a wedding officiant is being able to help make the wedding the best it can be for the couple.

“I so value the opportunity to help make someone’s day the best it can be,” she said. “I want them to look back and say that the words spoken on that day were perfect for their celebration and their transition into couplehood.  If I can capture their feelings about each other, I take pride in that.”