I grew up in Germany, with music always at the center of my life. As a violinist I’ve performed on many stages, also for weddings, often across cultures and languages, and as a music teacher I am guiding others in finding their own voice or instrument for performing music. These experiences taught me how to listen closely, tell stories, and create moments that truly resonate. Since 2017, I’ve been living in Portugal with my husband and our two children, where I find so much musical inspiration in the cultural melting pot of Lisbon, in new friendships and the occasional overwhelming routine of family life. 

Becoming a celebrant felt like a natural extension of all this: standing with couples on one of the most meaningful days of their lives and helping shape a ceremony that feels personal, warm, and unforgettable.

My own wedding was a pretty good lesson in how not to rely solely on official procedures. We chose the most romantic setting imaginable—a castle in the remote Uckermark region of northeastern Germany, surrounded by nature straight out of a postcard. The registrar, however, could have doubled as a tax auditor: serious, wooden, and not exactly overflowing with joy. The ceremony was stiff—until I tried to sing “Eu sei que vou te amar” (Tom Jobim/Vinicius de Morães) to my soon-to-be husband. I only managed a few lines before bursting into tears, but that was enough to change everything. Suddenly, there was laughter, warmth, and even our stone-faced registrar thawed a little. That moment confirmed what I carry into every ceremony today: it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be real—and, most importantly, it has to feel right for the couple it celebrates.

What is your favorite part about being a celebrant?

Without a doubt, it’s the privilege of stepping right into the heart of such an emotionally charged moment. I get to witness the excitement, the nerves, the joy—and help shape it into something memorable. Every ceremony is like riding a wave of emotions with the couple, and I love nothing more than seeing the sparkle in their eyes when words and atmosphere truly resonate with them.

What’s the most challenging part of creating a ceremony?

The trickiest part is finding just the right tone—a balance where both partners feel seen, understood, and celebrated. Condensing their histories and shared memories, adventures, and little quirks into a ceremony that last so little time, is no small feat. Love stories are never one-size-fits-all, and neither are ceremonies. My goal is always to create something that feels like you: unique, moving, and sprinkled with just the right dose of humor.

What do you wish for your couples?

My greatest wish is that they always find their way back to each other, even in stormy times. That they remain not only lovers but also teammates who can laugh together, argue fairly, and look back at their wedding day as a touchstone of joy. If, years later, they still say: “Remember how amazing that day was?”—then I know I’ve done my job well.