VENDOR SPOTLIGHT // SHARON MCKENLEY - ENDURING PROMISES
Today we are taking some time to chat with officiant Sharon McKenley of Enduring Promises. She took the time to answer some questions and to write out her thoughts on being part of the wedding industry as a black female wedding officiant.
“Marriage is and will always be a beautiful expression of love between two individuals. I am excited, motivated, passionate, and engaged in each wedding that I officiate. This is my dream vocation. I don’t just want to marry my couples; I want to help make a special day, one of their most memorable days.
As a black female wedding officiant, I am truly blessed and honoured to be associated with Enduring Promises (EP). Couples often comment on how great the EP console is to navigate and how easy it is to create an individualized ceremony. I have had the privilege to preside over a number of weddings and as expected no two weddings are identical. That is the beauty of the EP Console, it allows couples to customize their ceremonies.
I’ve also had the opportunity to participate in marrying couples from various backgrounds. In some of these weddings, I was the only black person in attendance, but as most Ontarians embrace different ethnicities, I have never felt uncomfortable in any of these wedding ceremonies. What I do like is when another black person is a guest and our eyes meet, I usually get that look of approval which I returned with a smile.
Skin colour aside, my experience as a black woman wedding officiant in the beautiful ethnically diverse GTA has always been exceptionally positive. I enjoy participating and learning the wedding traditions of other cultures and believe that my Caribbean upbringing adds a little flavour to the weddings.
Whoever arranges a marriage with me will be getting someone who is passionate, reliable, and flexible.”
A short description of what you do: My name is Sharon McKenley and I am an officiant. I love to marry couples. I have been marrying couples for a few years and I have had the wonderful opportunity to travel to different parts of the city and outside the city to do so.
How long have you been working in the wedding industry? Into my third year.
Who is your mentor/hero in the industry? Brian Manuel from Enduring Promises has been my mentor. When I first started he was my guide and mentor . I guess I learned from the best.
On your day off...where would we find you? Everyone knows that you will find me on the tennis courts, I think I am Serena Williams - LOL.
If you weren’t a wedding vendor, what would be your dream job? Marriage Counsellor: I want all couples to start and end well with their marriage.
What great wedding trends are you seeing this year? Unfortunately, due to Covid - 19 I am seeing more small weddings with couples using Zoom to includes those far and wide.
Do you have any practical advice for couples planning a wedding? Get your officiant right away. With out an officiant it wont be legal.
Photography Credits:
Images 1-2: Lushana Bale Photography | Images 3-5: F10 Studio
