Rev Patti Ruhala, Officiant
About
How lucky am I to spend the best day of your life with you, your wedding day! Such a happy time with friends and family supporting you on a new journey, marriage.
Your wedding ceremony should be reflective of you and the time you have shared together before the marriage.
Let me write a ceremony that meets the State's requirements and that will be special for you and your guests.
If there is not a coordinator at the couple's venue, I will work with the bridal party to ensure we keep everything on time.
Honored to have been voted "Couple's Choice" 2017 through 2022 by Wedding Wire. Since 2004, I have performed over 479 ceremonies across Michigan and out of state.
Take a few minutes to read my couples reviews at https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/weddings-by-rev-patti-ruhala-swartz-creek/320a1589c62973cb.html
Every wedding is unique for each couple and there are times when I jump in and help pin on the flowers for the groomsmen, help with last minute decorations, things where an extra pair of hands will help out.
I have met so many amazing couples and they have shared love stories that have touched my heart. Many couples continue to keep in touch with me for years after the wedding and they feel like family.
Highlights
Payment methods
Details
Ceremony type
Service type / affiliation
Number of guests
Need help writing vows
Ceremony language(s)
Officiant needed at rehearsal
Photos and videos
No reviews (yet)
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The first step to working with a new couple is to talk by phone or video to help gather information to create a draft ceremony, then step two is to meet in person to fine tune the details (if possible) and finally, week of wedding confirm all details and complete final copy of ceremony.
I respect most of my couples are very busy so we can communicate often by email, text, facetime and phone. Whichever methods is most accommodating for you.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Trained by a local Bishop and received my Ordination in 2002 thru the Missionary Church International, Davison, MI and am also registered with American Marriage Ministries and Universal Life to ensure I am well trained and acquainted with all the laws related to wedding ceremonies with the USA.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
Just the Basic package starts at $175
Short and Sweet package starts at $275
How did you get started in this business?
I was asked by a local bishop if I would be interested in becoming an ordained minister as I have been in the wedding business for over 38 years and they were looking to add more women to their church ministry.
What types of customers have you worked with?
A wide range of customers from Catholic, Jewish, some who never attended a church and those that have not found the denomination that works for them yet.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my favorite weddings is where the bride and groom sang to each other during the ceremony. The bride had some health challenges and worked hard to walk down the aisle to her groom. It was magical.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
Be sure the person you select has done ceremonies for at least a year and knows what they are doing and are properly ordained to ensure licensing is processed properly.
Here are just a few:
1) Location of venue
2) times for ceremony/rehearsal
3) size of bridal party and who is walking with who
4) do you want to write your own vows or have the minister assist
5) any extended family or children to include in the ceremony
6) have you considered at least three songs for the ceremony
7) will the bride be taking the groom's last name after marriage