Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane Lankford
Hi Jane, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all began with two people falling in love—because who doesn’t adore love? (Okay, maybe not everyone, but I certainly do!)
I’ve always been enchanted by weddings. They are more than just celebrations; they mark the beginning of a couple creating their own family, choosing to weave their lives together intentionally. There’s beauty in that choice, in the promises made, surrounded by those dearest to their hearts. I believe in the profound magic of love stories and consider it an honor to stand beside couples as they take this incredible step toward forever.
My journey as a wedding officiant began in 2016 when I wrote my own wedding ceremony. Crafting vows that expressed the depth of my love, dreams, and promises was transformative. It ignited a passion for writing about love in all its forms—its joys, its complexities, and its boundless possibilities.
In 2020, amidst uncertainty, love proved resilient. When friends of mine, who had been together for 12 years, asked me to officiate their wedding, I knew I couldn’t say no. I had witnessed their love story from its earliest days and was deeply moved to be part of their next chapter. Becoming ordained opened a beautiful new door for me, I am forever grateful for them.
My first ceremony, however, came sooner than expected, March of 2021—an intimate affair for international students, with the bride’s parents joining via Zoom from Singapore. Surrounded by cherry blossoms at Hinkle Magnolia Garden in Eden Park, it was a perfect reminder that love transcends distance, time, and even global challenges.
Now, as I approach my 100th wedding, I remain as captivated by each ceremony as I was at the beginning. My love of theater and public speaking makes standing before a crowd exhilarating, but it’s the love, joy, and raw emotion that fuel my passion. Every couple’s story is unique, and I strive to craft ceremonies that reflect their vision, values, and love.
Weddings are always the BEST days. The joy shared between couples flows through me, touching everyone present. Witnessing these sacred moments and helping create meaningful experiences for couples fills my heart in ways words can scarcely capture. And for that, I am endlessly grateful.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, filled with both challenges and lessons that continue to shape me. As a business owner, there’s constant pressure to do more—expand the business, say yes to every opportunity, and balance the inherent risks and rewards. The challenge becomes how to grow while remaining authentic and present.
One of the biggest hurdles is time. There are only 52 weekends in a year, and most weddings fall on those coveted days. As just one person, I can only do so much. Each couple deserves my full attention and should never have to wonder if their officiant will show up on time or be prepared. That commitment is something I take seriously.
Another challenge is the struggle many working moms face: balancing professional passion with family responsibilities. The guilt of not being there for every moment is real. Saying “no” feels risky—like opportunities will vanish if I choose to take care of myself or prioritize family.
Though officiating is technically a part-time hustle, it doesn’t always mean part-time commitment. I remember a wedding at Red River Gorge that fell on the same day as my daughter’s cheer squad’s Super Bowl game. It was a tough decision, and moments like that linger in my heart.
Despite these challenges, I do my best to be fully present wherever I am—whether standing beside a couple on their wedding day or cheering from the sidelines for my kids. Life is fleeting, and I choose to see each moment as a gift, embracing it all with gratitude and love.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Say I Do Cincinnati?
As a wedding officiant, my role goes far beyond simply leading the ceremony—it’s about crafting an unforgettable experience that celebrates your unique love story. I take the essence of your journey together and create a beautiful “highlight reel” that you can cherish as a reflection of where you’ve been and where you’re headed.
Here’s what I do to make your day seamless and special:
– **Bespoke Ceremony Creation:** I design a custom ceremony tailored to your love story, with as many revisions, personal touches, and traditions as you’d like.
– **Rehearsal Coordination:** I guide everyone through the ceremony flow, ensuring your wedding party knows their roles and that everyone feels confident.
– **Marriage License Handling:** I handle the signing and timely submission of your marriage license for official recording.
– **Day-of Support:** I arrive an hour before the ceremony, ready to jump in wherever needed—whether setting up decor, greeting guests, finding that elusive silver Sharpie, or holding props for photos. I’m your go-to problem solver for any surprises that arise, so you can stay stress-free and focused on making memories.
After the ceremony, I stick around to assist further and love capturing a joyful photo with the newlyweds. I’ve even driven couples in a golf cart for photo ops, reunited lost children with parents, tracked down a missing shoe, and directed guests to the reception. Every unexpected moment makes each celebration unique—and I love being part of it all.
Being your officiant is a privilege I cherish, and I am here to make your day as memorable and magical as your love story deserves.
How do you think about luck?
Luck in business often seems elusive, but when you own your luck, it becomes less about chance and more about mindset and intention. What you seek, you inevitably find. If you search for negativity, setbacks, and “woe is me” moments, they will present themselves abundantly. But when you consciously seek inspiration, positivity, and opportunities, you open the door for success and fulfillment.
Owning your luck means taking responsibility for your outlook, your choices, and how you respond to challenges. It’s about cultivating an optimistic mindset, seeing potential where others see obstacles, and trusting that what you consistently pursue with intention and perseverance can and will come to fruition.
Luck isn’t waiting for the universe to hand you success—it’s aligning your thoughts, actions, and energy with your goals and being ready to seize the opportunities that come your way.
Pricing:
- I am committed to ensuring that every couple can celebrate their love, regardless of budget. I believe that each couple who finds and chooses me does so for a meaningful reason, and I value that connection deeply.
- Standard Elopement: $350 for a custom ceremony within one hour of Riverbend, Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Destination Weddings: Red River Gorge & Mohican Treehouse Resort: $400
- Destination Weddings: on a beach, in the woods, on top of a mountain? $TBD
- Last minute rehearsals, use of my equipment, or travel beyond one hour may increase the fee. Vow renewals or simple marriage license signings may reduce the fee. Ask about a military discount! (My son is an Army MP)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/MrFZKTd
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sayidocincinnati/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SayIDowithJane/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/say-i-do-cincinnati-cincinnati
- Other: https://www.eventective.com/cincinnati-oh/say-i-do-cincinnati-767011.html
