Based in Chicago. Delivered anywhere.
Your story, well said.
Custom wedding ceremonies for couples who want something personal, meaningful, and unmistakably theirs. Through thoughtful conversations, individual interviews, and original writing, I turn your story into a ceremony your guests will remember—and you'll never forget.
About Well Said
Stephen Pasdiora
By day, I’m an executive at a healthcare organization—not necessarily a creative profession, but I spend a good amount of time reviewing corporate messages and important emails. And I love that part. I’ve always loved the craft of writing. I’m obsessed with messaging and how much meaning can live in a single, carefully chosen word.
I’ve also spent much of my life finding ways to tell stories out loud. Whether it’s in a board room or on stage at charity gala, I’ve always loved combining well-written words with meaningful performance—sensing when a moment calls for depth, when it deserves pause, and sensing that impact.
Then, I got the opportunity to officiate two weddings for two sets of dear friends.
I quickly realized that being an officiant isn't simply about standing at the front of a room and saying the right words. It's the incredible responsibility of knowing a couple deeply and being entrusted with telling their story meaningfully.
And that’s why I started Well Said Ceremonies.
Trust me with your story. I'll handle it with care—and make sure it's well said.
A little more to the point…
We’ve been to our fair share of stinkers
In some ways, the ceremony has become the thing you sit through before the celebration starts. And we’ve sat through them all.
The generic, five-minute ceremony downloaded from the internet. The uncle who over-indexes on comedy, turning the ceremony into such an extended roast of the groom that we genuinely wonder whether he will say, "I do." The cringy ceremony where the officiant talks mostly about themself. Or the other cringy one, where it’s clear that they only know either the bride OR the groom but definitely not the couple—missing the purpose, the importance, the tone.
That's not what a wedding ceremony should be.
At its heart, a ceremony is two people standing in front of the people they love most, vulnerably and earnestly committing to one another. And that means the ceremony should be meaningfully, deeply, and unmistakably about the two people getting married—setting the tone for the amazing celebration to follow.
That’s what a wedding ceremony should be: You. Your story. Your promises. Your vibe. Your moment.
And that's exactly what I want to create for you. Well said.
The Process
The Consultation
Let’s understand the general vision for the ceremony and get the logistics out of the way. During our consultation, we will start by thinking big - significance, impact, vibe. And then I want to know the details and logistics - do you have a bridal party, will you be writing your own vows, do you want readings - everything I need to know before understanding the most important part: your story.
The Couple Interview
I want to get to know you together - meaningfully.
We will start with a conversation together. How did you meet? What made you fall for each other? What makes you laugh? What have you been through together? What does marriage mean to you? What’s your story?
We'll talk about the big moments, the little moments, the people who shaped your relationship, and the things that make your partnership uniquely yours.
This is the conversation that lets your story begin to take shape.
The Separate Interviews
Then, I want to know you.
This is where things get a little more personal.
I'll spend time with each of you separately, giving you the space to talk openly about your partner without them sitting across the table. You'll share the things you love most about them, the moments you haven't forgotten, the things you’ve overcome, the quirks that make you smile, and perhaps a few stories your partner doesn't even know.
These conversations are often where the magic happens.
Because the best parts of your story are the things you don't think to say out loud.
Polishing the Perfect Ceremony
Then, I put your story into words.
I take everything I've learned—the vision, the stories, the laughter, the tears, the lasting moments, and the little details—and turn it into a ceremony that sounds like you.
No templates. No generic wedding language. No ceremony that could belong to another couple.
We'll work together to shape the tone, traditions, readings, vows, and moments that matter most to you. I'll make sure the ceremony feels natural, genuine, and meaningful—so your guests leave knowing your story a little better.
Then I'll stand beside you and bring it all to life.
Your story. Beautifully told. Well said.
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For couples who want a beautiful, personalized ceremony without the deep-dive.
A planning conversation, a personalized written ceremony, and professional officiating on your wedding day. We’ll make sure the ceremony reflects your relationship, your personalities, and the tone you want for the day.
Consultation → personalized ceremony → officiating
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For couples who want their ceremony to tell their story.
This is the signature Well Said experience. We’ll have a conversation together and separate conversations with each of you—uncovering the stories, moments, and details that make your relationship unique. I’ll turn it all into a completely original ceremony and personally officiate your wedding.
Consultation → couple interview → individual interviews → original ceremony → revisions → officiating
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For couples who want the complete experience, from first conversation to “I do.”
Everything included in The Story, plus rehearsal participation and up to day-of observations and edits. Additional coordination with your wedding planner, venue, or other key vendors. I’ll help make sure the ceremony is not only meaningful, but seamless—from the first word to the last.
Everything from The Story → rehearsal → coordination with planner → officiating
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Small wedding. Big meaning.
A shorter, beautifully personalized ceremony designed for elopements and intimate celebrations. We’ll focus on what matters most to the two of you and create a ceremony that feels every bit as special as the occasion.
Couple interview → short, customized ceremony → officiating
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You want your friend to marry you. I’ll make sure they’re ready.
Want someone you love to officiate your wedding? I can write the ceremony or coach your friend or family member through delivering the ceremony you imagined. They get to have the honor. You get a ceremony written for and sounding like you.
Written ceremony or Coaching session
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Hold onto the memories, forever.
Includes a keepsake of your custom ceremony - as it was constructed. You will receive the final electronic file of your written ceremony, the bound version of your ceremony used the day-of, and all of the notes and mementos that were captured during couple and individual interviews in a personal notebook.
Electronic ceremony + physical keepsake ceremony + notes and mementos
The Services
The perfect ceremony to frame your perfect event.
Based in Chicago, Illinois. Travel and accommodations not included.
Referrals
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Kelsey & Christian
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Dave & John
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Max & Michelle
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![Laurie’s customers, Mariana and Carmen holding hands on a green lawn on their wedding day.]()
Jeff & Torrie
Let’s Have Your
Story Told, Well Said
Who I work with
We’ll capture what marriage means to you.
Modern
Non-denominational
Secular
Interfaith
Spiritual-but-not-religious
LGBTQ+
Second marriages
Non-traditional
Couples with children
Blended families
Vow renewals
Custom and unique experiences
A couple more
details about me:
Based in Chicago, IL
Executive at a Chicago-based Health System
Bachelor’s of English, non-fiction writing (Iowa); Design Thinking (Stanford); Masters of Healthcare Administration & Leadership (Brown)
Make-A-Wish IL - Board of Directors Past-President, Strategy Chair, and Wish Granter