I Do with Maricela

Maricela Lazarit

I Do with Maricela is a wedding-focused interview podcast hosted by Maricela, a Southern California wedding officiant, alongside her partner Henry. The show is designed to help couples feel more confident, prepared, and excited as they plan one of the most important days of their lives. Each episode features real conversations with wedding vendors, venue owners, and professionals from across the wedding industry, giving couples helpful insight into everything from choosing the right officiant to creating a smooth ceremony, working with vendors, avoiding common planning mistakes, and making the wedding day feel personal and meaningful. Maricela and Henry also share their own advice, stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes knowledge about the wedding process, including what couples should know before getting married, how to prepare for the ceremony, what makes a great officiant, and simple ways to reduce stress on the big day. The goal of the podcast is to be a trusted, friendly resource for engaged couples, newly engaged partners, and anyone planning a wedding in Southern California. It blends expert interviews, practical wedding guidance, and warm personal conversation to help couples say "I do" with confidence.

Episodes

  1. Aug 4 ·  Video

    Episode 12: Traditional Wedding, Micro Wedding, or Elopement?

    Do you need 150 guests to have the wedding of your dreams—or would a smaller, more intimate celebration feel more like you? In this episode of I Do with Maricela, Maricela and Henry compare traditional weddings, micro weddings, and elopements. They discuss the benefits, challenges, budget considerations, and common misconceptions surrounding each wedding style. Whether you imagine a large celebration with everyone you know, an intimate gathering with your closest family and friends, or a private ceremony focused entirely on the two of you, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best wedding is not the one that looks best online. It is the one that fits your relationship, personalities, priorities, and budget. Key Takeaways Traditional weddings are ideal for couples who want a large guest list, formal timeline, full reception, and big-party atmosphere. Micro weddings usually include approximately 11 to 50 guests and offer more quality time with each person. Elopements typically include the couple, officiant, and only a handful of guests. A smaller wedding does not mean the marriage is less meaningful. Couples should avoid choosing a wedding based only on family expectations or social media trends. Your guest count affects your venue, food, entertainment, coordination, and overall budget. Photography is worth prioritizing, regardless of the size of your wedding. Avoid inviting people simply because you feel obligated. Before booking a venue, ask: "How do we want our wedding day to feel?" There is no better or worse wedding style—only the style that feels right for the two of you. https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/ Married by Maricela 17728 Sierra Highway, 2nd Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 605-7313

    Episode 12: Traditional Wedding, Micro Wedding, or Elopement?
  2. Jul 28 ·  Video

    Episode 11: Wedding Trends Worth Following—and What to Skip

    Wedding inspiration is everywhere, but not every popular idea belongs in your wedding. In this episode of I Do with Maricela, Maricela and Henry discuss the wedding trends they are seeing this year, including signature cocktails, interactive food stations, smaller wedding parties, private vows, colorful décor, candid photography, live entertainment, and weekday weddings. They also explain how following too many trends can increase your costs, create unnecessary stress, and make your wedding feel disconnected from who you are as a couple. The most important advice is simple: let trends inspire your wedding, but never allow them to define it. Choose the ideas that fit your personalities, venue, priorities, and budget. Prime Takeaways Choose meaningful ideas instead of popular ones. Limit yourself to one to three trends you genuinely love. Ask whether each trend fits your budget, venue, and personalities. Avoid mixing too many styles without a clear direction. Signature cocktails can be fun, personal, and budget-friendly. Interactive food and drink stations can improve the guest experience. Smaller wedding parties can reduce expenses and stress. Private vows give couples a quiet and personal moment together. Candid photography and content creators can capture natural emotions. Weekday and off-season weddings may offer better pricing and availability. Spend money on what guests will appreciate most: good food, comfortable seating, and enjoyable entertainment. Do not recreate someone else's wedding. Create a celebration that feels like you. Wedding trends will come and go, but your love story will remain. The most unforgettable weddings are not always the trendiest. They are the ones filled with love, connection, thoughtfulness, and details that truly reflect the couple. https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/ Married by Maricela 17728 Sierra Highway, 2nd Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 605-7313

    Episode 11: Wedding Trends Worth Following—and What to Skip
  3. Jul 21 ·  Video

    Episode 10: Unity Moments and Wedding Traditions 101

    Should your wedding ceremony include a unity moment? In Episode 10 of I Do with Maricela, Maricela and Henry explain what unity ceremonies represent, why couples include them, and how to decide whether one belongs in your wedding. They discuss popular traditions such as sand ceremonies, candle lighting, handfasting, lasso and arras, ring warming, wine blending, time capsules, jumping the broom, and ceremonies that include children or other family members. You will also learn how to avoid common problems, including complicated setups, missing supplies, poor timing, venue restrictions, and choosing a tradition simply because it is popular. The most important advice: choose a unity moment that reflects your relationship and tells your story. If it does not feel meaningful, you do not have to include one. Key Points A unity ceremony is symbolic, not legally required. Choose a tradition that represents both partners. Do not include something only because it is popular online. Keep most unity moments under three or four minutes. Practice complicated ceremonies before the wedding day. Consider weather, venue rules, supplies, and setup. Ask your officiant to explain the meaning to your guests. Children and family members can be included in meaningful ways. Give your officiant advance notice before adding a tradition. It is perfectly acceptable to skip a unity ceremony. https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/ Married by Maricela 17728 Sierra Highway, 2nd Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 605-7313

    Episode 10: Unity Moments and Wedding Traditions 101
  4. Jun 23 ·  Video

    The Top 10 Wedding Dos and Don'ts

    Most wedding-day problems are not true disasters. They are small, preventable mistakes caused by unclear plans, missed details, or assuming everything will work itself out. In Episode 7, Marisela and Henry share practical wedding dos and don'ts that can help your ceremony run smoothly, keep guests comfortable, and allow you to enjoy the moment. In This Episode Why microphones are important, even for small weddings How rehearsals prevent missed cues and awkward transitions Why couples should write and practice their personal vows How to prepare guests for weather, terrain, and venue conditions Why couples should look at each other during vows and the ring exchange The importance of having someone manage timing and logistics How to discuss professional attire with wedding vendors Why guest comfort should be part of every wedding plan Key Takeaways A wedding does not run itself. Clear communication, reliable audio, a complete rehearsal, and assigned responsibilities can prevent many common problems. Tell guests what to expect, including the weather, ground conditions, and appropriate footwear. Practice using the microphone, write your vows ahead of time, and make sure someone is responsible for coordinating the day. Weddings that feel smooth are not simply lucky. They are thoughtfully prepared. You are not overplanning. You are protecting your wedding day. From our hearts to yours, thank you for listening, stay kind, and remember: love is everything.   Wedding Preparation Checklist Use this checklist as you prepare for your ceremony and final wedding-day meeting. Audio and Ceremony Sound ☐ Confirm that microphones will be available for the ceremony. ☐ Confirm who is providing the microphones and speakers. ☐ Ask whether backup audio equipment will be available. ☐ Test the sound system at the ceremony location. ☐ Check for nearby noise from traffic, trains, airplanes, fountains, animals, wind, or other events. ☐ Practice holding the microphone at the proper distance. ☐ Have the couple practice speaking into the microphone. ☐ Have the officiant complete a sound check. ☐ Have anyone giving a reading, poem, prayer, or speech practice with the microphone. Wedding Rehearsal ☐ Schedule a rehearsal before the wedding. ☐ Confirm who will lead the rehearsal. ☐ Practice the complete processional and recessional. ☐ Decide who will give each entrance cue. ☐ Confirm the order in which everyone walks. ☐ Show each person where to stand. ☐ Practice ceremony transitions. ☐ Practice the ring exchange. ☐ Remind the wedding party to maintain a pleasant and engaged expression. ☐ Remind everyone to look up while walking instead of watching the ground. ☐ Practice walking at a relaxed, natural pace. ☐ Make sure absent wedding-party members receive clear instructions before the wedding. Personal Vows ☐ Write personal vows before the wedding day. ☐ Do not depend on improvising or "winging it." ☐ Begin with a meaningful opening statement. ☐ Include two or three important thoughts, stories, or qualities. ☐ Include a clear promise to your partner. ☐ End with a short closing statement. ☐ Read the vows aloud several times. ☐ Print or write the vows in an easy-to-read format. ☐ Give a backup copy to the officiant or coordinator. ☐ Pause, breathe, and look at your partner while reading. Guest Comfort and Weather ☐ Check the expected weather and typical seasonal conditions. ☐ Provide shade for outdoor ceremonies when necessary. ☐ Make drinking water easily available. ☐ Arrange fans or cooling options for hot weather. ☐ Arrange heaters or blankets for cold weather. ☐ Prepare umbrellas or rain protection when appropriate. ☐ Create an indoor or covered backup plan. ☐ Consider the comfort of guests wearing formal clothing. ☐ Avoid leaving guests seated in direct sun for an extended period. ☐ Make sure elderly guests and guests with mobility concerns can reach their seats safely. ☐ Tell the coordinator or venue about any guests who may need additional assistance. Venue and Environment Information ☐ Tell guests whether the wedding is indoors, outdoors, or both. ☐ Explain whether the ground is grass, dirt, gravel, stone, sand, or uneven. ☐ Recommend appropriate footwear when necessary. ☐ Tell guests when substantial walking will be required. ☐ Explain whether shade or shelter is limited. ☐ Tell guests about expected temperature changes. ☐ Include venue details on the wedding website. ☐ Add essential information to the invitation or RSVP instructions when there is no website. ☐ Include photographs of the venue when helpful. ☐ Remind guests to review the wedding website before attending. During the Ceremony ☐ Look at your partner during the vows. ☐ Look at your partner during the ring exchange. ☐ Speak to your partner rather than to the officiant. ☐ Hold the microphone where it can clearly capture your voice. ☐ Speak slowly and clearly. ☐ Pause when emotions become overwhelming. ☐ Allow the officiant to guide you through each transition. ☐ Encourage guests to celebrate and support both members of the couple. Coordination and Responsibilities ☐ Hire a professional coordinator when possible. ☐ Identify who is managing the wedding-day timeline. ☐ Identify who will communicate with vendors. ☐ Identify who will cue the wedding party. ☐ Identify who will handle unexpected problems. ☐ Assign specific responsibilities rather than asking someone to "help with everything." ☐ Give each responsible person written instructions. ☐ Share important phone numbers with the coordinator. ☐ Make sure vendors know whom to contact instead of calling the couple. ☐ Avoid assigning major wedding-day responsibilities to the couple. Vendor Professionalism ☐ Ask each vendor what they normally wear while working at weddings. ☐ Confirm that vendor attire matches the formality of the event. ☐ Ask whether the vendor's assistants and staff follow the same dress expectations. ☐ Discuss special colors or dress requirements in advance. ☐ Ask the officiant to wear neutral or coordinating colors. ☐ Make sure vendor clothing will not distract from photographs or video. ☐ Include important appearance expectations in writing when necessary. Final Wedding-Week Check ☐ Confirm the rehearsal time and location. ☐ Confirm the ceremony start time with all vendors. ☐ Complete a final audio check. ☐ Review the weather backup plan. ☐ Send guests any final venue or clothing information. ☐ Confirm that vows and readings are printed. ☐ Confirm who has the rings. ☐ Confirm the ceremony entrance order. ☐ Confirm who is providing each cue. ☐ Confirm that every important responsibility has been assigned. Final Reminder You are not overplanning. You are protecting your wedding day. Clear communication, reliable audio, a complete rehearsal, comfortable guests, and assigned responsibilities will help you remain present and enjoy the moment.

    The Top 10 Wedding Dos and Don'ts
  5. Jun 9 ·  Video

    What Actually Happens During the Wedding Ceremony?

    *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:1eea1344-26a4-4414-b20e-a3b2df3c1355-43" data-turn-id-container= "request-WEB:1eea1344-26a4-4414-b20e-a3b2df3c1355-43" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant"> In this episode of I Do with Maricela, Maricela and Henry answer one of the most common questions couples have: what actually happens during the wedding ceremony? Many couples think of the ceremony as one single event, but Maricela explains that it is really a series of moments that need to flow together. When the details are not planned ahead of time, couples can run into problems like unclear entrances, forgotten rings, awkward music cues, rushed vows, missing microphones, or confusion about what happens next. Maricela walks listeners through the ceremony timeline, including guest arrival, seating, the processional, opening remarks, vows, ring exchange, pronouncement, first kiss, and recessional. She also explains why rehearsals matter and how they help everyone feel more confident before the wedding day. A major theme in this episode is preparation. Couples are encouraged to assign real responsibilities to real people, communicate clearly with their officiant, coordinator, DJ, photographer, and wedding party, and avoid assuming that someone else already knows the plan. Maricela also shares helpful reminders about weather, ceremony length, microphones, guest comfort, late arrivals, phones, and how to keep the ceremony meaningful without overpacking it with too many elements. Main Takeaway A wedding ceremony should feel smooth, personal, and meaningful. The best way to make that happen is to understand the flow, confirm the details, rehearse the important moments, and make sure everyone knows their role before the ceremony begins. Wedding Tip of the Week Create a ceremony cue card if you are not working with a professional officiant or coordinator. Write down who does what, when each part happens, and what words or moments cue the next step. Best Advice from the Episode Make your ceremony flow predictable so you can be emotionally present. When you know what is coming, you can relax, connect with your partner, and fully experience the moment.     Married by Maricela 17728 Sierra Highway, 2nd Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 605-7313 info@marriedbymaricela.com https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/

    What Actually Happens During the Wedding Ceremony?
  6. Jun 2 ·  Video

    What Couples Forget Until the Last Minute

    As the wedding day gets closer, couples often realize there are still important details they forgot to handle. In this episode of I Do with Maricela, Maricela and Henry talk about the most common last-minute wedding mistakes couples make, from forgetting to book an officiant to missing paperwork, permits, vendor meals, ceremony timing, parking logistics, and even the wedding rings. This episode is a helpful reminder that wedding planning is not just about the party. It is also about the ceremony, the timeline, the legal details, and making sure someone is responsible for the moving pieces on the day of the wedding. Maricela and Henry share real wedding stories, practical advice, and a reassuring checklist-style approach to help couples avoid unnecessary stress, confusion, and last-minute surprises. Short Overview In this episode, Maricela and Henry explain why many wedding problems happen in the final days before the ceremony. Most couples do not forget because they are careless; they simply focus so much on the celebration that important operational details get pushed aside. They cover the importance of booking your officiant early, confirming your ceremony time, assigning day-of responsibilities, preparing paperwork, planning for parking, feeding vendors, creating an emergency kit, and having a coordinator or trusted person manage the wedding day flow. Show Notes Main Topics Covered 1. Don't Forget the Officiant One of the biggest mistakes couples make is planning the venue, flowers, food, music, and reception before realizing they still need someone to legally marry them. Maricela reminds couples that they are planning a wedding, not just a party. 2. Book Early and Secure the Date A meeting with an officiant does not mean the date is reserved. The date is only confirmed once the deposit and required paperwork are completed. Popular officiants can book out months or even years in advance. 3. Ceremony Time vs. Guest Arrival Time Couples should not list the actual ceremony start time as the guest arrival time. Guests should generally be asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early, and even earlier if the couple knows their guests tend to run late. 4. Assign Day-Of Roles If there is no coordinator, someone must be responsible for the timeline, vendors, seating chart, signs, gift table, flowers, emergencies, and guest flow. Without assigned roles, the couple becomes the default problem-solver on their own wedding day. 5. Plan for Parking and Guest Logistics Limited parking, shuttle service, long walks, and unclear directions can all delay the ceremony. Couples should communicate parking instructions clearly to both guests and vendors. 6. Don't Forget the Legal Paperwork Marriage licenses, beach permits, venue insurance, vendor confirmations, and final deposits need to be handled before the wedding day. Waiting too long can create extra costs or serious complications. 7. Remember the Rings Maricela and Henry share a memorable story about a groom who forgot the wedding rings and had to use a vegetable twist tie during the ceremony. The lesson: assign someone to be responsible for the rings. 8. Feed Your Vendors Vendors such as photographers, DJs, coordinators, and others may be on-site for several hours. Couples should plan vendor meals and decide where vendors will eat during the reception. 9. Create a Wedding Emergency Kit A small emergency kit with items like bandages, pain relievers, disinfectant wipes, a sewing kit, lint roller, chapstick, mints, and other basics can save the day when small problems come up. 10. Hire a Coordinator If Possible Maricela strongly recommends hiring a coordinator, even if it is only a day-of coordinator. If that is not possible, couples should assign trusted family or friends to specific responsibilities. Key Takeaway Protect your wedding day by assigning ownership. Decide who is responsible for the timeline, the rings, the paperwork, vendor communication, guest logistics, and small emergencies. The more you plan the handoffs, the more you can relax and enjoy the day. https://idowithmaricela.com/ https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/

    What Couples Forget Until the Last Minute
  7. May 27 ·  Video

    The Wedding Guest List

    Planning your wedding guest list sounds simple — until the names, emotions, family expectations, budget limits, and venue capacity all start colliding. In this episode of I Do With Maricela, Maricela and Henry talk through one of the most stressful parts of wedding planning: deciding who makes the guest list. They share practical advice for couples who feel pressured by family, overwhelmed by expectations, or unsure how to set boundaries without hurting feelings. From creating clear guest list rules to understanding how "just one more person" can affect the entire wedding budget, this episode helps couples approach the guest list with confidence, fairness, and unity. Maricela and Henry also explain why couples need to stand together, avoid making exceptions that create problems later, and remember that the guest list should support the wedding day they truly want. Show Notes Overview In this episode, Maricela and Henry discuss why the wedding guest list is often more emotional than couples expect. What begins as a list of names can quickly become a source of stress because it involves real relationships, family pressure, budget concerns, venue limits, and personal expectations. They explain that couples should start with what they can realistically host, not with who they are afraid to disappoint. Budget and venue capacity should guide the first version of the guest list, followed by clear rules that both partners agree on. A major theme of the episode is the importance of presenting a united front. Whether the pressure comes from parents, siblings, extended family, or friends, Maricela and Henry encourage couples to make decisions together and support each other when those decisions are challenged. They also talk about common guest list mistakes, including letting one side of the family dominate the list, ignoring the cost of extra guests, making exceptions for children or plus-ones, and trying to please everyone. The episode reminds couples that every added guest affects more than just the meal — it can impact seating, rentals, drinks, logistics, and the overall feel of the wedding. Maricela and Henry also offer helpful ways to handle people who cannot be invited to the wedding. Instead of stretching the budget or creating hurtful "partial invites," couples can consider smaller, informal gatherings before or after the wedding to celebrate with extended friends and family. Key Takeaways Your wedding guest list should be based on your budget, venue capacity, relationships, and shared priorities — not guilt. Couples should create clear guest list rules before family pressure begins. Making one exception can easily become the new rule, especially with children, plus-ones, or extended family. A united front between the couple is one of the most important tools during wedding planning. Not everyone will understand or agree with your guest list decisions, and that is okay. A smaller, intentional guest list can help couples enjoy more meaningful time with the people who matter most. Wedding Tip of the Week Sit down with your partner and choose one clear guest list rule. It could be based on how recently you have seen someone, whether both of you know them, or whether you can truly imagine your wedding day without them. Once you choose the rule, use it consistently — and stick to it. Closing Thought Your wedding guest list is a planning tool, not an open-ended negotiation. When couples set boundaries, make decisions together, and stay focused on the wedding day they actually want, the guest list becomes much easier to manage. Married by Maricela (661) 605-7313 17728 Sierra Highway, 2nd Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91351

    The Wedding Guest List
  8. May 19 ·  Video

    What To Do When Family Affects Your Wedding

    Show #3: In this episode of I Do With Maricela, wedding officiant and certified relationship coach Maricela & Henry discuss how couples can handle family conflict during wedding planning and on the wedding day. From difficult relatives and unsupportive guests to seating arrangements, speeches, boundaries, and premarital conversations, this episode gives couples practical advice for protecting their peace and keeping the focus on love. Maricela and Henry also explain why couples should communicate with vendors, hire a coordinator when needed, and address family tension before it affects the ceremony. Show Notes Family emotions can become amplified during wedding planning. In this episode, Maricela and Henry discuss how couples can prepare for difficult family dynamics before they create problems on the wedding day. Key Points Don't ignore family conflict and hope it disappears. Tell your officiant, coordinator, photographer, and planner about difficult family dynamics. Plan seating, ceremony roles, photos, and speeches carefully. Don't use the wedding as a place to punish people or force reconciliation. Set boundaries early with relatives or guests who may cause problems. Use "we" language when explaining wedding decisions. Consider premarital coaching to talk through important topics like money, children, religion, family expectations, and future plans. Hire a coordinator if family tension may affect the wedding day. Wedding Tip of the Week If you know a guest may create tension, have a respectful conversation with them before the wedding. Let them know your expectations and ask them to keep the focus on the couple and the celebration. Biggest Takeaway You may not be able to erase family history, but you can set boundaries, prepare your vendors, and create a plan so your wedding reflects your relationship instead of unresolved family conflict. https://idowithmaricela.com/ https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/ Maricela Lazarit-Bonilla (661) 605-7313

    What To Do When Family Affects Your Wedding

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

I Do with Maricela is a wedding-focused interview podcast hosted by Maricela, a Southern California wedding officiant, alongside her partner Henry. The show is designed to help couples feel more confident, prepared, and excited as they plan one of the most important days of their lives. Each episode features real conversations with wedding vendors, venue owners, and professionals from across the wedding industry, giving couples helpful insight into everything from choosing the right officiant to creating a smooth ceremony, working with vendors, avoiding common planning mistakes, and making the wedding day feel personal and meaningful. Maricela and Henry also share their own advice, stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes knowledge about the wedding process, including what couples should know before getting married, how to prepare for the ceremony, what makes a great officiant, and simple ways to reduce stress on the big day. The goal of the podcast is to be a trusted, friendly resource for engaged couples, newly engaged partners, and anyone planning a wedding in Southern California. It blends expert interviews, practical wedding guidance, and warm personal conversation to help couples say "I do" with confidence.