The Vow Whisperer: 10 Questions with Tanya Pushkine

Officiant - Tanya Pushkine

Business: The Vow Whisperer
Location: New York City, New York NY
Experience: 8 Years
Profile: The Vow Whisperer
Website: thevowwhisperer.com

1. Introduction: What's your story?

I am Tanya Pushkine, aka The Vow Whisperer. I have been helping couples write their vows in their own words (a very important note) and then coaching them on how to say the words. So often, people are terrified of public speaking, which makes writing your vows overwhelming. I am here to hold your hand from the beginning to the actual ceremony.

I started out my career after graduating from The Juilliard School as an actress. I landed on Broadway playing Mozart's wife in Amadeus and spent a few years doing that before taking the show on the road. Following that, I joined the cast of One Life to Live for a few years, played in some indie French films, as well as Off-Broadway, and then made the decision to change paths entirely.

I joined various companies in the luxury world running Public Relations and Corporate Philanthropy departments, traveled the world, worked with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Eva Mendes, and more, and was given the most incredible opportunities.

After my second wedding in 2019, I had the aha moment and knew the wedding industry was my calling, so I ended the corporate career and created a new category in the wedding world.

2. What's your experience as a wedding officiant? How many weddings have your officiated?

I have officiated at least 50 weddings...I love each one as they are all unique experiences. Each couple is very different and I try to mold the ceremony around their values, philosophies, their cultural backgrounds, etc. I also love to incorporate readings and poems that they love.

The ideal scenario is when I am officiating a wedding with a couple that has worked with me on their vows. They are not getting married by a stranger, but instead someone who has really gotten to know them inside out. The process of writing vows is very thought-provoking and a profound look into their memories and feelings and so much of that is shared with me. It is a stress-free, collaborative experience that everyone enjoys doing....

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

Ideally 3-12 months ahead, but since the pandemic, I sometimes get booked two days before.

4. How would you describe your officiant style?

Collaborative, fun, easy, amenable, friendly, warm. I do not provide a pre-written template...I create each ceremony from scratch after getting to know the couple.

5. What are your fees for officiating a wedding?

Depending on timing and location: $650-1200.

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

I love clothes! It all epends on the season and where the wedding is. I did a barn wedding recently and wore a long dress that fit the space. sometimes, I wear a white or a black tuxedo if we are in a mansion or upscale location.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

For officiating, it's a back and forth until we get what they want.

8. Will you be able to create a personalized ceremony?

Absolutely. I want to make sure the ceremony reflects who they are as individuals and as a couple. I don't just provide a template...everything is customized according to their wishes.