About Vanna Freeberg, Officiant
I'd like to share a little about myself with you...
I’ve always been a people person so it stands to reason that I’d choose many extraordinary jobs on my path to becoming an ordained minister of the Universal Life Church. My love of fashion, design, the arts and nature’s wonders brought me to the magical Mendocino Coast all the way from the mid-west. This amazing coastal lifestyle is what sparked my passion to start Elope Mendocino - a highly detailed and delightful marriage service for couples who want a non-conventional, hassle free and special ceremony unique only to them and their special day of commitment or re-dedication to each other. Truly, it’s an honor to officiate such joyous occasions.
After high school, I migrated to Northern California and attended UC Berkeley for my psychology degree then obtained my masters degrees at John F. Kennedy University. During my time at UC Berkeley, I had the honor of working as a social coordinator at Blake House - the official residence for UC Berkeley presidents. At Blake House I assisted with many official events - receptions, dinners, press events and numerous other interesting projects - before seeking a career in the competitive world of corporate biopharmaceuticals law as a senior paralegal contracts negotiator.
After years in the pressure cooker corporate world, I moved to Mendocino’s north coast. There really is
no other place on earth quite like it! Eventually I made the transition into the hospitality industry working
at a luxury B&B just outside the village of Mendocino, a transition that was so natural for me.
The ceremonies I officiated were always radiant with joy and fulfillment, an over-all personally rewarding
experience.
Nature is frequently the chosen setting for life’s most important and joyous ceremonies - ocean shores drenched in sunset splendor, peaceful meadows cloaked in colorful wildflowers, the majesty and mystique that can only be experienced amid sentinel redwoods that reach into the heavens. Our North Coast offers so much unsurpassed beauty!
Whatever your heart desires, I will happily work with you to create a unique experience that you will cherish forever, one that you can AFFORD and fit into your busy schedule. No matter how simple or elaborate, I work with the best local caterers, florists and photographers and can offer spa, lodging and adventure packages. Or, if a simple sunset ceremony is your preference, it’s YOUR day and I will do everything possible to make it stress free, relaxing and just what you want.
Contact me today. Let’s make your dreams come true!
Testimonials
"Vanna is an amazing organizer! Highly creative and extremely flexible. Since we
decided to change venues the day we arrived in Mendocino, she worked with us right up
until the last minute, making sure all was in place. The poem she chose and read for us
before the ceremony was thoughtful and meant a lot to us. Neither of us knew what to
expect, but she put us totally at ease and helped us relax by being totally relaxed herself."
Anne & John Holliday
"Thank You Vanna, we had the best experience at our elopement in Little River with you
as our Minister. Using the vows we had created and adding your own special touch made
for a heartfelt and a beautiful experience. We were Married on the Van Damnne Beach
- such beautiful scenery! Thank you for being so organized and professional. I was very
grateful to be able to do all the planning online with you! Thank you so much for getting
us off on the right foot." Terri & Bill
"Having Vanna officiate our elopement was truly the icing on the wedding cake! She
was wonderful, caring and attentive to us. She paid special attention to the tiniest details
including helping to customize our vows and we cherished having her there to share our
most special moment." Kraig & Jessica Lawrence
"We had such a wonderful time. Thank you so much for all your help. I couldn’t have
put on that dress without you! I could tell from our correspondence months ago that your
kindness and flexibility would bring the characteristics to our ceremony that we were
looking for. We appreciated how easy-going and comfortable the ceremony felt. You
demonstrated a true commitment to making it the perfect ceremony that it was! Thank
you!" Name withheld by request, Humboldt County
"Vanna is one of the most compassionate and conscientious people I have ever met. If ever
I were fortunate enough to marry in beautiful Mendocino, I would jump at the chance to have her
perform my ceremony!" Hali, Universal Life Church Officiate
Elope Mendocino Site Pages:
Contact:
Elope Mendocino
Vanna Freeberg, Owner & Officiant
Business Hours phone: 707.962.9125