I Do with Maricela

Maricela Lazarit
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Relationships
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 1d ago ·  Video

    Episode 14: From the Aisle to the Dance Floor - with Wedding Coordinator & Choreagrapher Lenny Montes

    Wedding Coordination, First Dances & Making Your Wedding Day Stress-Free Season 2, Episode 2 | Special Guest: Lenny Montes What does a wedding coordinator really do, and how can you feel more confident about your first dance? In this episode of Married by Maricela, Maricela and Henry welcome wedding coordinator and dance choreographer Lenny Montes of Danzone Dance Studio. Lenny shares behind-the-scenes wedding stories, practical planning advice, and tips for helping couples enjoy their big day without unnecessary stress. Plus, hear the funny story of how Maricela and Henry first met in Lenny's salsa dance class! Episode Highlights: Why hiring a wedding coordinator makes such a difference. Wedding planners vs. wedding coordinators. Common wedding-day mistakes and delays. How to handle family opinions and last-minute surprises. Choosing between a traditional or choreographed first dance. How dance lessons build confidence and connection. Why enjoying your wedding matters more than making everything perfect. The biggest takeaway: Your wedding doesn't have to be perfect to be unforgettable. With the right planning, professional support, and a little flexibility, you can relax and enjoy every moment. Listen in for helpful wedding advice, real-life stories, and plenty of laughs!     IG @danzone5678                       www.danzoneonline.com

    Episode 14: From the Aisle to the Dance Floor - with Wedding Coordinator & Choreagrapher Lenny Montes

  2. Oct 13 ·  Video

    Episode 13: Behind the Altar with Octavio Quilichini - Three Officiants Walk into a Podcast

    Season 2 kicks off with a very special guest: fellow wedding officiant, friend, and the person Maricela and Henry trusted to officiate their own wedding — Octavio. In this episode, Maricela, Henry, and Octavio pull back the curtain on what really goes into creating a smooth, meaningful wedding ceremony. Octavio shares how he unexpectedly became an officiant, lessons learned from officiating thousands of weddings, memorable wedding stories, and practical advice every engaged couple should hear. From ceremony timing and personal vows to traditions, weather, music, vendor coordination, and simply staying present on your wedding day, this conversation is filled with useful tips, laughs, and real-world experience. Show Highlights How Octavio went from actor and bartender to becoming a professional wedding officiant — and why his very first ceremony convinced him he had found something special. Why wedding traditions and rituals such as the sand ceremony, lasso, and arras can make a ceremony more personal and meaningful. Why couples should know what their officiant plans to say before the wedding and how collaboration can help create a ceremony that feels like them. One of Octavio's most unusual ceremonies — officiating a wedding in a couple's living room while the bride was actively having contractions before heading to the hospital. Why most ceremonies should stay around 30 minutes or less, especially when the venue's ceremony time also has to include family photos. The importance of planning for heat, sun, cold, and guest comfort — especially with outdoor ceremonies. Why couples sometimes focus so much on the reception that they forget one important detail: who is actually going to marry them. How early an officiant should arrive and why Southern California traffic makes leaving extra time essential. Octavio's advice for nervous couples: don't overthink the ceremony. Let your officiant guide you and concentrate on each other. Why couples should never try to memorize their personal vows — write them down, read them aloud beforehand, and keep both partners' vows reasonably similar in length. Why crying during your vows isn't something to fear — those real emotions are often what make a ceremony unforgettable. Why communication between the officiant, DJ, musicians, photographer, planner, and venue can make the difference between an awkward transition and a ceremony that appears effortless. Octavio's rapid-fire preferences: shorter ceremonies, personal vows, an aisle reveal, intimate weddings, and outdoor ceremonies when the weather cooperates. The one quality Octavio believes every great officiant needs: caring — caring about the couple, the ceremony, and the importance of the responsibility. His advice for newly engaged couples: don't immediately rush into wedding planning. Take some time to actually enjoy being engaged. Key Takeaways Keep the ceremony meaningful, but don't make it unnecessarily long. Personal traditions can tell your story without making the ceremony overly complicated. Think about comfort as much as aesthetics — especially for outdoor weddings. Hire your officiant early instead of treating the ceremony as an afterthought. Don't memorize your vows. Write them down and practice reading them aloud. Coordinate ceremony cues with your DJ and other vendors before the ceremony begins. It's okay to be nervous, emotional, laugh, or cry. Those moments make the ceremony real. Once the wedding day arrives, stop trying to control every detail and be present with the person you're marrying. A great officiant doesn't simply read a script — they care about the people standing in front of them. And before all the wedding planning takes over, enjoy being engaged. About Octavio Octavio has officiated thousands of weddings and brings years of experience, humor, warmth, and care to the couples he serves. Listeners can find him on Instagram at @socalminister and through his Same Day Marriages website, where he also offers simple legal "I do" ceremonies for couples needing to get married quickly. https://samedaymarriages.com/

    Episode 13: Behind the Altar with Octavio Quilichini - Three Officiants Walk into a Podcast

  3. 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?

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jun 30 ·  Video

    Henry Interviews Maricela

    Henry interviews Maricela about her 17-year journey as a wedding officiant, celebratory storyteller, and relationship coach. Maricela shares how officiating her younger sister's wedding unexpectedly launched her career, how she discovers and honors each couple's unique story, and why preparation, dependability, empathy, and adaptability are essential to creating a meaningful wedding ceremony. The conversation also includes memorable wedding moments, lessons learned from mistakes, the challenges of managing nervous couples and difficult crowds, and practical advice for couples preparing to speak their vows. A great officiant does more than speak the words. They hold the couple's story, guide the experience, and help create a ceremony that feels personal, comfortable, and unforgettable. Married by Maricela 17728 Sierra Highway, 2nd Floor Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 605-7313 https://www.marriedbymaricela.com/ info@marriedbymaricela.com

    Henry Interviews Maricela

  7. 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

  8. 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?
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Maricela Lazarit
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    I Do with Maricela