My name is Zina, and I am originally from Moldova. I grew up in a big family, and so did all my cousins, which means there were a lot of weddings happening! Back in Moldova, weddings are a big thing, rich with traditions and various ways of celebrating. I’d say that since I was a child, it was my favorite kind of celebration to attend and be entertained!

I got my university degree in Turkey, where I studied linguistics. After graduating, I worked as a translator at an embassy: a perfect place to discover the true power of words. It was more than a job; I have learned a life lesson: often it’s not the “what” in your speech that makes the whole difference but the “how”. If you´ve ever translated from one language to another, while trying to keep a positive atmosphere for both sides, - you know it firsthand. 

When I´ve moved to Portugal, I had a chance to dig deeper into my true passions, one of them is public speaking. I started performing on storytelling nights, later started doing standup comedy, and then switched to creating, producing, and hosting comedy shows. Suddenly, the idea of me speaking into a mic and others enjoying it stopped being a passion but became a part of me and my life. I truly enjoyed making other people feel good with my voice, words, and emotions. 

What attracted you to becoming a celebrant?

My friends, who had just moved to Portugal and decided to get married, asked me to help them with the translation during the official ceremony because it was required by law to have an interpreter. I agreed, and the day before their ceremony, I decided to make a little surprise, and to prepare something special for them, something that would make that day less official and more about them. I wrote down all the cute things I have been noticing about them as a couple during our gatherings, mentioned their stories of first dates, and came up with little silly funny vows they’d give to each other based on their own habits and daily rituals. I was lucky that the Portuguese official allowed me to add all these while I translated her speech, and my dearest friends together with the guests in the room, were all absolutely amazed by this improvisation surprise. They remembered that day as a very special one, full of laughter and heartwarming gestures, I remembered that day as an honor to be a part of someone´s most intimate, memorable, and beautiful moments in life. 

 What is your favorite kind of ceremony?

A ceremony where everyone is united and invested emotionally in the couple´s special day. A ceremony where guests cry with a smile on their face, and the couple feels happy to be both living and sharing their special day with the most important people of their lives. 

What is the most important thing for a couple to consider when creating their wedding ceremony? 

I truly believe that a wedding’s essence is its meaning; the form is only the frame. This is why I´d say focusing on how they want to feel during the ceremony together with how they would love to remember this day can help the couple choose what they want to include in their ceremony and what will be the best fit to their couple´s values.