#59: How to Make Your Wedding Ceremony a Priority (And Why It Matters) with Tanya Pushkine

In this episode of Now That I’m Engaged, How Do I Get Married?, Kevin Dennis and August Yocher sit down with Tanya Pushkine to break down one of the most overlooked parts of wedding planning: the ceremony.While many couples focus on the reception, Tanya shares why the ceremony is actually the emotional foundation of the entire day and often the moment guests remember most. She unpacks common misconceptions, including the tendency to rush through the ceremony or treat it as a formality, and offers practical guidance on how to approach it with more intention.The conversation also covers when to start planning, how to write meaningful vows, and how to navigate public speaking nerves. You’ll also hear insights on choosing between a professional officiant or a friend or family member, and how to create a ceremony that truly reflects your relationship. If you want your wedding to feel more personal, memorable, and true to you, this episode will help you approach your ceremony with more confidence.Tanya Pushkine is the founder of The Vow Whisperer, where she creates personalized wedding ceremonies and helps couples write and deliver their vows with confidence. Before entering the wedding industry, Tanya had a career in acting, studying at The Juilliard School and performing on Broadway before transitioning into the corporate world, where she held leadership roles with major brands like LVMH, Sephora, and L’Oréal.After her own wedding, Tanya was inspired to combine her background in storytelling, performance, and communication to create a new niche in the wedding industry. Today, she works with couples around the world to craft meaningful ceremony experiences, officiates weddings, and coaches friends and family members to lead ceremonies and speeches with confidence. Based in New York City, Tanya works internationally and in multiple languages.Highlights:• Why the ceremony is often the most overlooked part of the wedding day• How your ceremony shapes guest experience and lasting memories• Common mistakes couples make when planning their ceremony• When to start planning your ceremony and writing your vows• Tips for writing meaningful vows and managing public speaking nerves• The pros and cons of having a professional officiant vs. a friend or family memberConnect with Tanya: WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInConnect with Kevin & August: WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokPinterestLinkedIn