"Jo" of All Trades - Wedding Officiant, Dream C...

Serves Niagara Falls, NY

35244

Hired 39 times

1 employee

11 years in business

$250

5.0

This pro accepts payments via Cash and Check.

Next Service

Credentials

Background Check

Jo Stiller Polinsky
Completed on 2/24/2022

Introduction

During my full-time employment years, I have been a Campus Minister, End- of-life caretaker, along with other jobs that required excellent people skills in order to do a satisfactory+ job. I have always enjoyed and continue to enjoy working with individuals who have different ways of looking at life and expressing themselves in a unique way. Whether it's a marriage ceremony or a photo shoot, I try to incorporate the customer's personalities so that the ceremony or photos are a reflection of who they are, not who I am. I enjoy elopement ceremonies the most because of their intimate nature. Oftentimes I am hired as the officiant and photographer during these ceremonies which allows me to use both skills. Officiating weddings and photographing (weddings, individual portraits, family portraits, outdoor family reunions, etc.) gives me the opportunity to be with people during some of the happiest times of their lives, rather than their saddest and most vulnerable which brings me great joy in my semi-retirement!

Q&A

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?

Please note, An extra $50. will be added to my fees for weddings that occur more than a 30 minute drive from my location in the southtowns. During the winter months (December through February), I will only entertain officiating a wedding that is no further north or east than West Seneca and no further south or east than Springville due to possible inclement weather. I do not want to disappoint you by not being able to get to you on your wedding day!

What is your typical process for working with a new customer?

I typically reach out to you by phone and make sure we are a good fit by answering any questions we each may have. Then I schedule a meeting with you and your fiance at my house. During this meeting, we will plan your wedding ceremony from beginning to end. Afterwards, I will type your ceremony script and email it to you so you can approve it or ask me to make changes in the areas you're not happy with. The next time I will see you will either be at your rehearsal or the day of your wedding. Of course, I am always available to answer any questions by phone.

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have a Pastoral Ministry Certificate from Houghton College through the 3 year PCMP program, A BS in Transpersonal Psychology and World Religions from Empire State College and two years of Catholic Biblical School. I was a Campus Minister at two area colleges and a Youth Minister at my church. I gave several presentations in the area on "Understanding Your Dreams"

What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?

Look at the profiles of several different officiants to see who best suits your needs and reach out to them first. Don't contact several of them all at once because we as officiants, want to know there was something about our profile that stood out for you and that you're serious about hiring someone's services. I don't think Thumbtack Users realize that we, as pros, pay for each and every lead no matter if we're hired or not. Therefore, it is very frustrating when 5 or 6 of us get leads from the same customer and only one of us is hired....and it's usually the first one to respond. Reach out to the pros you are interested one at a time. That's the best advice I can give you.