I charge $1,000 to help couples write their wedding vows. I've seen some magical and devastating moments.
Tanya Pushkine has helped more than 150 couples write wedding vows, including vow reading practice, crafting ceremonies, and speech edits.

This is the as-told to essay. It was based on a conversation I had with Tanya Pushkine (a 61-year old wedding-vows writer and officiant based in New York City), about her job. This essay has been edited to improve clarity and length. I graduated from Juilliard School with an acting BFA. After a 10-year career as an actor, I ran public-relations and corporate-philanthropy departments at Sephora, L'Oreal, Clarins, and Nestle
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It was hard work, but it was also a great exercise in creativity. The positive feedback that I received about the ceremony was amazing. This was my "aha!" moment. That was the "aha!" moment for me. My pricing starts at $995 and includes a primary consultation to determine which services are best for each client.
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I can help you with everything from vow creation and delivery to officiant services, speeches, toasts, ceremony planning and public speaking. Everything from conception through delivery is included in the standard service for vows. Each person is unique, so there aren't any pre-made packages.
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In the past two-and-a half years, I have helped over 150 couples with their vows. I also have coached more people than 50 who were never married before and officiated 75 ceremonies. I can't think of a better way to spend my time than to be surrounded by love. Pushkine married James. Samantha McNulty Photo Although I don't actually write their vows, I guide them through the process and coach them in public speaking. Many haven't spoken publicly since high school.
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As a coach and advisor for the participants in ceremony planning, I also help them with their toasts and speeches. My corporate career was dominated by training executives how to deliver a perfect speech and communicate clearly and informatively to the media. This pivot has allowed me to transfer these skills to my wedding party.
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Pushkine officiating. In Sync Weddings I am often hired to officiate the ceremony. In Sync Weddings I am often hired to run the ceremony.
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After working with them, I created a website immediately and began building my social-media profiles. My large circle of family and friends and many corporate colleagues that I have known over the years helped me announce the launch of my business. Word of mouth quickly spread the word. I also sent out cold emails to hundreds upon hundreds of wedding planners, introducing myself and promoting my business on WeddingWire.
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I reached out to media and secured interviews on podcasts such as Brides, "Betches Brides", "The Big Wedding Planning Radio Podcast," Elle UK and Martha Stewart Weddings. My typical day includes between 5 and 8 Zoom sessions. We practice vows and craft ceremonies. My typical day includes anywhere from 5 to 8 Zoom sessions. I practice vows, craft ceremonies, and edit speeches.
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As a wedding coordinator, I have the opportunity to manage the stage on-site, as well as improvise if necessary. A sweet story about a couple with identical vows was one that involved two very similar vows. They had almost the same vows and memories. One of my favorite stories is about a couple who had identical vows. They had almost the exact same memories and vows. The couple used the same language to describe each detail and chose the exact moment.
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Since vows are confidential and I only work with one person at a time, I decided to keep them as they were. It is funny to see the couple laughing as they read the vows. I get to know each of my clients personally
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Writing vows is like affirmation therapy. We discuss the great elements of their relationship. After we had crafted our vows, we practiced them for a while, and finally, it was time to marry. I arrived at the venue in Lenox, Massachusetts after driving four hours. As I pulled into the lot, the wedding planner sent me a text stating that the groom would not be attending. I entered the gardens of the mansion, where the wedding was scheduled to take place. There was the wedding planner, the bride who had already changed into her gown, and the photographer standing there in shock. I stayed a while to try to calm the bride who was still in shock. I then drove back to New York City, saddened by the situation.
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There is nothing more heartbreaking than being left at the altar. I wept for her. Although it's easy to be scared of it, it is an exercise in thinking that can help you realize and manifest your goals. I purchased a lot of books about officiating and creating ceremonies, such as Christopher Shelley’s "Best Ceremony Ever" and "Do-It-Yourself wedding ceremony: Choosing the Perfect Words to Officiate Your Unforgettable Day", by Dayna Reid.
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I studied wedding ceremonies, both secular and religious. I also learned about the different cultural values in marriage ceremonies. I joined the Wedding International Professional Association to network with other professionals. I served as the director of membership and have worked my way up to the top. This role allows me to meet new people every day. All those who are interested in becoming a wedding professional should attend events like Party Slate where it is vital to network.