FIRST WEDDING

I officiated my first wedding in September of 2019 for two of my best friends, Annabelle and Yajaira. I introduced them to each other and I had no clue they would date and end up married but their journey was very beautiful and inspirational. Officiating their wedding really touched me because as a queer woman I know how precious and real these moments are.

WHY OFFICIATE

I want to officiate weddings for people of color and queer folk. I want them to feel special and seen on one of the most important days of their lives. I know how hard our road to love is and I want to celebrate that moment the best way I can.

FAITH BACKGROUND

I was raised as a non-denominational Christian and I still believe in God. Nowadays my faith is more spiritual vs religious. I know and appreciate the journey to God is different for everyone and I love sharing and communing in other faith practices as it helps me grow and understand God on a deeper level.

ABOUT ME

I am from Southern California but I have I lived here in San Francisco off and on for the last 14 years. I moved here for college and I have been in love with the Bay Area every since. I went to undergrad (B.S. in Biology) and grad school (M.S. in Behavioral Health) at the University of San Francisco. My day job is a Human Resource Manager and in my free time you can find me hanging out with friends, riding my bike, and enjoying live music.

VISION

I have devoted my career to engaging humans who have been muted, ignored or forgotten. I believe that we should expand ways that we express love and care for each other and for our planet.

EVOLVING FAITH

I identify as Roman Catholic and have been a professional community organizer among people of faith for 15 years. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore with couples how they want to express their values (whether it be with the language of faith or not) in their ceremony. Let's get creative!

ABOUT ME

I am a resident of Oakland and work as the Executive Director of Genesis, a faith/community based organization. My 15 year career as a community organizer is informed by two things: 1) being the proud daughter of Chinese immigrants and 2) being the mom of a fierce, courageous 16 year old.

Community organizing is connected to my work as a wedding officiant, as both focus on creating a love story among us as humans.

I have a B.A (cum laude) in Political Science from University of Missouri-Saint Louis and a Juris Doctorate from Saint Louis University.

ABOUT MATTY
I'm a California native who has also spent a lot of time in New York, Chicago, and Brazil before settling down here in Oakland since 2008. I love living in the Bay Area because of the diversity and energy of the people I've met. That and the beauty of living near the sea, Muir Woods, and the mountains.

OFFICIATING

I've planned and participated in hundreds of weddings, often as a music director/principal musician, and love working with couples to make the magic of their wedding day match the magic of their love for one another. When I'm not officiating weddings, I direct a concert series in San Francisco that features classical music, world music and jazz.

IN OTHER WORK

Years of composing operas with children as an SF Opera Teaching Artist has taught me patience, grace, and the ability to get everyone to the finish line together with a smile.