This Isn’t Just My Job.
It’s My Joy.
Marking life’s biggest moments with ceremonies that feel true to who they are, no matter if your life event is a time of celebration, achievement, or mourning, or somewhere in between.
The Journey That Led Me Here
Hi, I’m Jennie. I’m a Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®, wedding officiant, advocate, and the heart behind FreeBird Ceremonies.
Long before I knew this work had a name, I was already doing it. I’ve written baby welcomings, guided family rituals, and created my own wedding ceremony to reflect what mattered most.
My path has always been about honoring meaning. What is special about this moment and how should it be acknowledged with sensitivity, joy, and connection for everyone in the room.
I grew up with the rituals of organized religion, but as I grew, so did my family…into a blend of several religions.
The ceremonies I created for my family honored the human connection as well as individual upbringings without the need to incorporate a particular religious doctrine. We all felt the joy of welcoming a baby, the sorrow of losing a loved one, and the desire to bond in a meaningful way.
I became a certified life-cycle celebrant because I believe that everyone can feel seen, heard, and celebrated in a way that reflects who they truly are. An additional certification from the Celebrant Foundation as a wedding officiant enriched my knowledge and ability to serve every wedding couple with a celebrant touch!
In addition to work and family, I am a lifelong yoga practitioner, certified yoga instructor, and musician devoted to cultivating a mind-body-spirit balance that is both grounded and lighthearted.
A Personal Symbol: The Pelican
I watched how they flew alone or in formation. How they stopped instantly and hovered mid-air before diving with intention. Years later, I had a pelican tattooed on my arm which is full of personal meaning. A sunbeam for my father. Musical notes to honor my upbringing and lifelong love of music study. Henna swirls for good luck and movement. When I started FreeBird Ceremonies in 2016, my original logo was built around that image. It kept me grounded and inspired through those early days of building something new.
Now, I see that this work is no longer just about my story—it’s about yours. And that shift is the most beautiful part of it all!
Growing up on Long Island, I didn’t encounter pelicans. It wasn’t until I moved to Vero Beach, Florida in my mid 20’s that I saw a pelican for the first time, and was instantly captivated! The way such a whimsical looking bird could skim the surface of the water one moment, then soar effortlessly in the sky, seemed magical.
To me, the pelican became a personal symbol of Grace, Strength, and Vulnerability in one being.
Ceremony Should Feel Like Home
No matter where you’re coming from or who you love, I’ll meet you where you are. With warmth, professionalism, respect, and most of all, joy.
I believe:
Love is love, and all identities and family structures deserve to be celebrated.
In honoring tradition, but only the ones that speak to your heart.
In creative rituals that feel meaningful and true to you.
Your ceremony should feel like the most “you” part of your whole celebration.
That even in sorrow, ceremony can offer grounding, healing, and beauty.
More Than a Ceremony—It’s an Experience
No generic “insert name here” scripts. I take time to learn your story, your values, and the energy you want for your ceremony. We can meet in person or virtually, and you will be heard and supported throughout the process. I will collaborate with you, guide you through your options, and deliver a ceremony that flows beautifully from start to finish. I bring 30 years of experience in theatrical production and arts advocacy, so I understand how a ceremony comes together as a seamless, natural experience. This blend of artistic insight and practical know-how helps me see the whole picture of your event.
Why I Chose the Name FreeBird
At first, FreeBird reflected me. I’m a kid of the ‘60’s and this song was my anthem! Over time, I realized it is really about you. My clients are the true FreeBirds; people navigating life’s milestones with courage, love, and individuality. You are creating your own path, and I am honored to walk alongside you for a moment, marking that path with intention, beauty, and love.
Let’s Create a Ceremony That Feels Like You
You might be planning a wedding, welcoming a new family member, or honoring a life well lived, and I’d love to hear your story. Let's make it unforgettable—for all the right reasons.