Lakeland Vows: Behind the Veil
LINETTE, owner OF KISMET CEREMONIES
Tell us about yourself, where you are from, and how your background or hometown has shaped who you are today.
I was raised in Hillsborough County and now call Lakeland, Florida home—so I’ve had the best of both worlds growing up around a fast-paced, diverse area and now living in a community that feels a little more rooted and personal. That contrast has shaped how I show up as an officiant. Being around so many different cultures, personalities, and relationship styles early on taught me that there’s no one “right” way to get married—just the way that feels right for you. Now, living in Lakeland, I’ve really come to value the deeper connections and sense of community that make each ceremony feel more intentional and personal. That mix shows up in my work. I bring an open-minded, adaptable approach, but I also care deeply about creating a moment that feels grounded, meaningful, and true to who you are as a couple—not just what tradition says it should look like.
What inspired you to pursue this career?
I actually got my start in 2022 when my college best friend asked me to officiate their wedding. At the time, I said yes because of our relationship—but I quickly realized it was something I genuinely loved. Being trusted with that role pushed me to go deeper than just “showing up and reading a script.” I wanted their ceremony to feel like them—not generic, not recycled, but intentional and meaningful. The process of getting to know their story, writing something personal, and then delivering it in a way that felt natural and real completely changed how I saw weddings. That experience stuck with me. It made me realize how much impact a thoughtful, well-crafted ceremony can have—not just for the couple, but for everyone there. What started as a one-time favor turned into something I knew I wanted to keep doing, and do well.
How would you describe your style or approach, and what sets you apart from other professionals in your field?
My approach is intentional, collaborative, and rooted in real storytelling—not templates or generic scripts. One of the biggest things I focus on is getting to know your origin story—how you met, what drew you to each other, and the moments that actually define your relationship. That’s where the heart of your ceremony comes from. I don’t just collect those details—I shape them into something that feels natural, engaging, and true to you. The goal is for your ceremony to sound like your story being told, not like something pulled from a template and adjusted with your names.
Walk us through what couples can expect when working with you.
When couples work with me, they can expect a collaborative, personal process from start to finish. I take time to get to know your story, especially how you met and what makes your relationship unique, so the ceremony feels authentic to you instead of generic. I’ll guide you through the process with thoughtful questions and clear communication, so you always know what to expect. My goal is to make things feel easy and organized while still creating a ceremony that has meaning, personality, and a natural flow. At the end of the day, I want your ceremony to feel like one of the most memorable parts of your wedding—not something rushed or overlooked, but something that truly reflects who you are as a couple.
What is a common misconception couples have about your role or service?
One of the biggest misconceptions couples have is that an officiant’s job is just to show up, read a script, and make the marriage legal. In reality, I’m there to help create a ceremony that feels personal, meaningful, and true to who you are as a couple. A big part of my role is getting to know your story, understanding your dynamic, and helping to shape a ceremony that feels natural rather than generic. I’m not just focused on the legal part—I’m focused on making sure the ceremony actually feels like it belongs to you.
What advice would you give to couples who are just starting the wedding planning process?
My biggest advice for couples just starting the wedding planning process is to begin with the basics: set your budget, talk through your priorities, and decide what matters most to you both before you start booking everything. It’s easy to get caught up in Pinterest and social media, but your wedding should reflect your relationship—not someone else’s vision. I also recommend having honest conversations early about your guest count, overall style, and what you’re willing to spend. That makes every decision after that much easier and helps keep the process from feeling overwhelming. Most importantly, don’t try to please everyone. Focus on creating a day that feels true to you as a couple, and the rest will fall into place much more smoothly.
What does your ideal client look like, and how do couples know if you're the right fit for them?
My ideal clients are couples who want a ceremony that feels personal, meaningful, and true to who they are. They care about their story, value communication, and want an officiant who will guide them through the process while still making space for their personalities and relationship dynamic. Couples know I’m the right fit for them if they want more than just a legal ceremony—they want an experience that feels intentional and thoughtfully crafted. If you’re looking for someone who will get to know you, ask the right questions, and help create a ceremony that feels like yours, we’ll probably be a great match.
What is a core value or life belief that influences the way you run your business?
One core value that guides the way I run my business is intentionality. I believe every couple deserves more than a routine ceremony—they deserve a moment that feels thoughtful, personal, and true to who they are. That belief affects everything I do, from the questions I ask to the way I write and deliver each ceremony. I don’t rush the process or rely on generic language, because I think the words and the experience should actually mean something. My goal is always to create a ceremony that feels meaningful, authentic, and completely centered on the couple.
What do you love to do when you're not working? Any hobbies or hidden talents your clients might be surprised to know about?
When I’m not working, I love slowing down with a good thriller book or audiobook, spending time in the kitchen cooking or baking, and being with my family. Those are the kinds of things that help me recharge and stay grounded outside of work. One hidden talent clients are often surprised to learn is that I speak Spanish, and I can officiate in Spanish as well. That’s something I’m really proud of, because it allows me to serve more couples in a way that feels personal and meaningful to them. At the end of the day, I’m someone who values connection, relaxation, and family—so even outside of weddings, that’s usually where you’ll find me.
Family, friends, pets- who or what is your biggest support system behind the scenes?
My biggest support system behind the scenes is my fiancé, Sean, and our kids, Landon and Ocean. They’re the people who keep me grounded, remind me why I do what I do, and give me the energy I need to show up fully for every couple I work with. Between Sean’s steady support and the chaos, laughter, and pure joy that Landon and Ocean bring to every day, I’m constantly reminded of what real connection looks like. That’s something I carry into my work—because at the end of the day, I’m not just helping couples get married; I’m helping them start a life that looks a lot like the one I’m building with my own people.
She's built a practice rooted in one simple belief: your ceremony should sound like your story, not a template with your names swapped in. Whether you're dreaming of something intimate and heartfelt or bold and full of personality, she brings the intentionality, the craft, and the genuine care to make it happen.
Don't let your ceremony be an afterthought. It deserves just as much attention as the dress, the flowers, and the venue, and Kismet Ceremonies delivers exactly that.