Love & Wisdom Inc.

Philip Lingle is the Founder, Director, and Head Officiant of Love & Wisdom Inc. He is a Humanist Celebrant who has truly followed his passion, and takes great pride and pleasure in guiding couples through one of the most important events of their lives. Philip enjoys a healthy lifestyle in Asheville, NC with his radiant wife Jennifer and their son, Bryton. They can frequently be seen frolicking at parks, hiking mountain trails, or jumping into rivers with their fun-loving pup, Tasha. Phil and his family love to spend time with their friends and delight in all the attractions that Asheville has to offer, such as local music, breweries, restaurants, chocolate, and just soaking in the vibrant energy of their eclectic city. Philip has a B.A. in Philosophy from Lenoir-Rhyne University and an MLA (Master of Liberal Arts) from UNCA. He taught Philosophy at AB-Tech Community College for ten years before dedicating himself full-time to Love & Wisdom Inc. As a Philosophy Instructor, he derived great satisfaction from teaching his students how to think for themselves and explore the most important questions in life. He now finds fulfillment through connecting with like-minded couples and guiding them through the process of creating and performing their wedding ceremony! Philip had a great childhood in the Lutheran Church where his late father was a minister and highly respected community leader. However, as he reached adulthood, Philip struggled with some of the fundamental beliefs of his tradition and began to explore other spiritual customs, study world religions, and absorb every bit of philosophy that he could. This experience was deeply gratifying and ultimately enabled him to discover and embrace his authentic self. Philip became interested in officiating weddings in 2007 after a friend asked him to create and perform a unique ceremony for her upcoming wedding. She told him that he was the perfect person to officiate her wedding because of his eloquent way with words, h

As a well-rounded and well-spoken wedding Officiant, Rodney McClain derives great satisfaction from working with couples of diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Originally from Nashville, Rodney has lived in Colorado, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas before calling Asheville his home. He enjoys performing both religious and non-religious ceremonies, as the goal is always a joyful and polished ceremony that is tailored to your particular needs. Rodney’s outlook is perhaps best summed up in the following Chinese proverb: “There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.” Growing up in the Baptist church has given Rodney a reverence and understanding of ritual, but having studied philosophy and many other faiths, he has opened his heart and mind to all viewpoints and expressions of spirituality. From arranging his own destination wedding in Scotland, where he paid respect to his own heritage, he understands the challenges of planning such an event, and he aims to make this process easy and fun for you. Love & Wisdom Inc. is very fortunate to have Rodney as part of our family. He looks forward to making some amazing memories with you!

Stephanie’s warm and welcoming personality shines through from the moment you meet her. A school counselor by day, Stephanie strives to make a difference in the lives of young people and their families. Her intention is to meet others where they are and create a safe, authentic space where they can feel heard, understood and cared for. As a wedding officiant she endeavors to do the same for every couple by learning about them and creating a ceremony that reflects their unique style and relationship. She truly loves sharing in this joyful time and helping guide couples through it. Stephanie has called Charlotte her home for the last 20 years, but she lived in many other places prior to moving to North Carolina. Born in upstate New York, she has also lived in Massachusetts and Florida, and then attended graduate school in California. Stephanie has experienced a lot of growth in her life by meeting and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. This has given her a very open-minded outlook, as well as an appreciation for new experiences. Stephanie values her personal connection with God and believes in Love as the ultimate power. Raised in the Catholic Church, she realized as she reached adulthood that she didn’t identify with any specific affiliation. She is very accepting of other belief systems and backgrounds, and always looks for the common ground. Stephanie enjoys spending time with her son and loved ones, traveling, finding new adventures, and attempting to balance mind, body, and spirit in life. She would be absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to create a wedding ceremony experience that you will cherish for years to come!

With a calming presence and natural warmth, James Reed has a gift for turning wedding day jitters into joyful confidence. A Smoky Mountain native who relocated to coastal Georgia in the mid-1980s, James built a wide-ranging career as an award-winning writer, editor, musician (he’s even shared the stage with Bob Dylan), and community cinema organizer. When he was invited to officiate a friend’s wedding, he discovered his true calling. His eloquence, openness, and genuine spirit made him a natural fit for guiding couples through one of life’s most meaningful moments. What began as a favor quickly grew into a celebrated profession. James became one of Savannah’s most sought-after officiants, earning glowing praise from hundreds of couples for his heartfelt and original ceremonies. In 2024, he returned to his Appalachian roots in the Boone area, bringing his talents to Western North Carolina as part of the Love & Wisdom team. James welcomes all couples equally—regardless of belief, orientation, or identity—and offers his signature blend of sincerity, creativity, and Southern hospitality. To him, officiating is both an honor and a privilege, and he would be delighted to help craft a ceremony as unique and memorable as your love story.

Molly Gregg is a dynamic and imaginative officiant, celebrated for her versatility, creativity, and open-minded approach to wedding ceremonies. Her passion for officiating ceremonies traces back to her childhood, where she orchestrated weddings for her stuffed animals, dolls, and pets—a whimsical beginning to a profound journey. As Molly grew older, her fascination with world religions and spiritual traditions deepened, eventually leading her to earn her B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from WCU. Currently residing in Sylva, NC, Molly shares her life with her wife of 7 years, their dogs Scooby and Lilly, a cat named Merlin, and a delightful assortment of chickens and ducks. By day, Molly serves as a project manager for Mental and Behavioral Health providers across the U.S., and she is also a dedicated Spiritual Life Coach. Molly infuses her passion for connecting with the highest self and spirit into her daily life and, most importantly, into her approach to marriage and love. Beyond her work roles, Molly is a self-proclaimed nerd with a love for Star Trek, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Star Wars. She finds joy in hiking, fishing, and cruising the parkway in her Jeep named Ellie. She is also an avid fitness enthusiast, challenging herself by competing in Spartan races across the country. Molly’s affinity for weddings has always centered around the ceremony itself—a representation of each couple that should feel like a unique celebration to mark the beginning of their journey together. She thrives on listening to each couple’s story and adding personal touches to their ceremonies. Molly’s favorite moment is at the start of the ceremony when the couple pauses to take in the presence of their families and friends, a poignant moment before embarking on the next chapter of their lives. Excited to assist you in crafting your unique wedding ceremony, Molly brings positive energy, creativity, and a genuine commitment to making your special day truly memorable. We can’t wait for you to

Marc is a warm, welcoming, and worldly officiant who grew up in Asheville, and has left and returned home three times! He travelled the world for 17 years acquiring a diverse set of experiences as a restauranteur, photographer, actor, and professional model. He has lived all over Europe, the U.S. and Japan, and he has called New York, Miami, Hamburg, Los Angeles, and Atlanta home. Growing up Christian, Marc felt confined by traditional religions early on. His spiritual journey has included Christianity, Unitarianism, Science of the Mind, and Buddhism. Present moment Awareness is his main focus, and as a three-time cancer survivor, his spiritual quest has deepened with each round. Finding his source within himself, he learned that the greatest tool for healing came from compassion for himself and then the world. Being a lifelong photographer, Marc transitioned into professional photography when he was asked by friends to shoot their wedding about 20 years ago. He then spent many years shooting weddings in the U.S. and Germany. Most recently, he uses his camera to bring awareness to things that he feels need attention. His last project, “Faces of Homelessness”, documented women who have been homeless, and are now finding their way again in the world. Marc has been the face of multiple worldwide ad campaigns including BMW X5, Bose, The Wrangler Man, The Camel Man, as well as numerous television commercials and a recurring role on Guiding Light. He has also facilitated extensive relational work, helping guide others to find their true authentic voice. Marc’s unique life experiences have now led him to an interest in officiating weddings where he can use his wisdom, grace, and calming energy to help create a wedding day experience that is more meaningful and enjoyable than you could ever expect, both for you and your guests.

Dara has a very warm and accepting presence, and she truly believes that when you have found your person, you have found your home. She would be so delighted to be a part of this special time in your lives, and guide you through the celebration of your sacred vows. Dara is a local real estate agent and also loves to hike, read, practice yoga, and spend time with her family and beloved dog. A native Jersey girl, Dara also lived in New York and Florida before moving to Asheville in 2013. She was drawn to the majestic beauty of the North Carolina mountains, where she is now happily ensconced. Being exposed to a variety of different religions growing up has given Dara an open perspective and welcoming attitude. She currently studies Buddhism, but she has been well acquainted with the beliefs and practices of Judaism, Catholicism, Episcopalians, Unitarians, and the Baptist faith. Her non-judgemental approach puts every couple at ease, regardless of their background and beliefs. Dara could not be more thrilled to be part of the Love & Wisdom team and she will go to great lengths to make every ceremony she performs personal, meaningful, and unique to all couples she has the honor to marry!

Dmitriy possesses an inner light that shines through from the moment you meet him. He loves celebrating the unity that connects people from all walks of life by crafting uplifting wedding ceremonies that truly reflect each couple’s personality. Fluent in both English and Russian, Dmitriy was born in Ukraine, then moved to the U.S. with his family when he was 12. They settled in Brooklyn, N.Y. and later moved to Staten Island where he attended college and gained a wealth of valuable public speaking experience. Dmitriy now lives in Charlotte, N.C. where he loves to spend time with his wife and 2 daughters, taking weekend trips to the shore or the mountains. He enjoys photography, fishing, as well as riding bikes with his daughters. Dmitriy first became interested in officiating weddings in 2008 when his best friend asked him to perform their ceremony. They did not want anything traditional, and Dmitriy was able to create a very fun and light-hearted ceremony for them. It was a big hit, and the venue continued to call him after that to provide his officiant services for other couples. As a Humanist, Dmitriy believes that everyone’s interpretation of God is different, and you don’t have to go to a big building to connect with the divine or to be a better person. Growing up, his family was Jewish, but did not adhere to any strict religious dogma. He has now come to believe that the best recipe for a happy path in life is to stick to solid values, listen to your heart, and surround yourself with good people. Dmitriy is ready to provide a calm and soothing energy for you on your wedding day. And he would take great pleasure in helping you express your love for one another in a way that is authentically you!

With an open mind and an open heart, Rob believes that love is love. His goal is to celebrate your love and to make your wedding day special and memorable for you. Rob earned his Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Duke Divinity School in 2007 and has officiated numerous weddings at churches, barns, open fields, mountainsides, and museums. Throughout each experience, Rob has sought to weave the common strands of light and love, always attuned to the wishes and desires of the couple in order to truly reflect who they are. Believing that each wedding is unique, Rob always seeks to strike a balance between the sacred and lighthearted, and he will undoubtedly deliver a ceremony that exceeds your expectations. Rob has lived in Canada, New Mexico, Alaska, California, Texas and has now followed his heart to North Carolina, where he lives with his wife and three children. Rob is also the Executive Director at a conference center in Black Mountain, and his wife is a Yoga instructor. He enjoys hiking, gardening, yoga (of course), and traveling. He is overjoyed by the prospect of helping you celebrate your love and commitment!

Andrea Burkins is not just a wedding officiant but a multi-talented individual—a wife, mother to three, farmer, environmentalist, teacher, artist, and ceremonial expert. With over a decade of experience, she has wholeheartedly embraced the role of a wedding officiant and finds immense joy in her work. She also officiates end of life ceremonies, which is enormously gratifying for her in a different way. An Asheville native, Andrea’s approach to ceremonies is described as offbeat, reflecting her dedication to personalizing each ceremony to make it uniquely yours. Andrea takes great pride in maintaining an inclusive and supportive approach to her officiating services. Regardless of religion, gender, race, or the type of union desired, she is dedicated to ensuring a welcoming and respectful environment for all couples. Her commitment to inclusivity extends to supporting couples of all faiths, and she expressly advocates for and welcomes LGBTQ couples, fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and celebration for everyone she serves. For Andrea, as long as you are connected through love, she is honored to guide you through this incredibly important time in your lives. We are very fortunate to have Andrea as part of the Love & Wisdom team, and we are are eager for you to meet her!

Jared Taylor is an energetic yet easy-going officiant who brings a joyful presence to all those around him. He prides himself on welcoming, respecting, and learning from diversity; and he strives to find common ground and positivity in others. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Jared attended the University of South Carolina Upstate, and currently lives in Charlotte where he holds a career in healthcare and devotes his time to innovating patient care in new ways. Jared grew up attending primarily non-denominational Christian churches and schools. Through his varied experiences in life and encounters with many cultures, he brings a respectful, open, and reverent presence to each and every ceremony he officiates. Jared wears many hats and has a variety of interests, from hosting trivia nights and speed-dating events, to biking, gardening, and thrift shopping. He loves connecting with people and has a natural ability to bring individuals of all walks together through positive interaction and common ground. Jared is very excited to be officiating weddings in the vibrant and progressive City of Charlotte, and he would consider it an honor and a privilege to be part of your special day!

Eryn Stowe brings compassion, creativity, and joyful energy to every ceremony she officiates. With extensive experience in public speaking from her years as a science educator, she is passionate about creating meaningful and memorable moments for couples on their wedding day. Eryn currently lives in Boone, NC, where she is pursuing a Master’s degree in Geography at Appalachian State University. In addition to officiating weddings, she works as an Environmental Scientist and Water Quality Specialist, helping communities recover from the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Her dedication to the well-being of others—both through science and ceremony—is a thread that runs through all her work. Raised in a small conservative town in southeastern North Carolina, Eryn’s personal spiritual journey led her from Christianity to Norse Paganism. That path has instilled in her a deep commitment to listening from the heart and honoring diverse beliefs and traditions. She understands the complexities that can come with family dynamics and the courage it takes to live authentically. Outside of work and study, Eryn is engaged and happily planning her own wedding! She’s also a proud dog mom, a lover of maps, photography, music, and games with friends and family. Eryn is known for wearing many hats and following her passions wherever they lead. She believes in the principles of doing no harm, living truthfully, and helping others celebrate love in all its forms. Eryn is honored to serve couples through Love & Wisdom, bringing heart, presence, and authenticity to every ceremony she leads. She approaches each wedding with a deep sense of purpose and joy, helping couples feel truly seen and celebrated on their big day. To know her is to love her!

With a background in the performing arts, Cody has a natural gift for storytelling—drawing people in and making them feel like they are part of an enchanting, unforgettable experience. Telling stories has always been a deep passion, and being invited to play a role in a couple’s love story is both an honor and a responsibility that Cody holds with great reverence. Originally from a small town in Northeastern Alabama, Cody’s journey as a queer individual in a conservative environment fueled a lifelong commitment to visibility and representation. Believing that love is a universal human experience, Cody strives to ensure that no one is denied the celebration of their love story, no matter who they love. Cody’s guiding philosophy is rooted in principles found across many spiritual paths: Lead with love. Do no harm. Be kind. Love is at the core of what it means to be human—both in giving and receiving—and marriage is a profound step in that journey. Cody is honored to help all couples celebrate this beautiful milestone, and we are delighted to have him on our team at Love & Wisdom!

Amanda Holmes has a warm and accepting presence that always evokes a smile. Brought up Southern Baptist, she still embraces most Christian ideals, but with an open mind that integrates other philosophies as well. Amanda’s journey as a Reiki practitioner has taught her about many other religions, beliefs, and practices. She now finds herself to be more spiritual, in that she loves and accepts all people, believing that God so loved us all. Born in Panama to military parents, her family eventually settled in Spartanburg, SC, where Amanda still resides. She attended the University of South Carolina Upstate, graduating with a degree in Psychology. Despite her studies in western science, Amanda’s path led her into the field of alternative holistic medicine, where she attained certification as a Reiki practitioner and became a labor and birth doula. Wanting to revel in even more aspects of shared human experience, Amanda decided to become a wedding officiant. She has now performed wedding ceremonies from South Carolina all the way up to Maine and she genuinely loves the role of “sealing the deal” and uniting couples in marriage. You might say Amanda is the whole package. The various transitions in life are all charged with spiritual and emotional beauty, and Amanda feels deeply honored to connect with this energy and participate in one of these momentous occasions with you!

Mikey officiated his first wedding nearly ten years ago when his friends asked if he would be willing to be a part of a “flash mob”-esque wedding in a hotel lobby. He has since officiated multiple weddings of diverse styles, including religious, interfaith, and secular ceremonies in a wide variety of settings and sizes. Before moving to Asheville in 2014, Mikey lived in Chicago (Go Cubs!) and Milwaukee. He polished his public speaking skills through multiple school organizations and volunteer positions. Following in the footsteps of his dad, and much to the amusement of his wife, Mikey is quick to befriend folks he encounters during his day to day life, especially grocery store cashiers, librarians, and anyone wearing Chicago Cubs apparel. Engineer by day, family man by night, and lover of the outdoors during his free time, Mikey brings his warmth and humor everywhere he goes. He has a true passion supporting all sorts of couples with all sorts of visions for their wedding day. He is honored to serve you in whichever style feels right to you, whether that means following your direction, offering creative license, or anything in between.

Jennifer Lingle is our dedicated Happiness Ninjaneer and often the very first person couples connect with when they reach out to us. As the welcoming gateway to our client experience, she stealthily matches each couple with the perfect officiant for their unique love story and engineers a seamless journey through every step of the booking process. But Jennifer’s magic extends far beyond that first hello. She’s the vital thread connecting our clients, officiants, and admin team, ensuring everyone stays beautifully in sync. She also brings our brand to life across social media, helping us engage with our beloved community in authentic and meaningful ways. What truly sets Jennifer apart is her genuine passion for people. She thrives on connection and collaboration, building community wherever she goes, and spreading love and wisdom with infectious enthusiasm. With ninja-like precision and an engineer’s eye for detail, she tackles every challenge that comes her way. As the proud wife of our Founder, Philip, and mom to their incredible son, Bryton Dean, she brings both professional excellence and deep personal heart to everything she does. We couldn’t be more fortunate to have her on our team!

Krista is our Administrative Manager and one of our dedicated Client Service Representatives, but those titles are far too boring for what she actually does. Her exceptional ability to streamline operations and perfect every process earned her a title that truly fits: Systems Samurai! From the moment our couples book with us, Krista becomes their trusted guide, walking them through each step with genuine warmth and professionalism. Working in tandem with each officiant, she ensures every couple receives seamless support throughout their journey. She has a gift for making clients feel completely at ease while ensuring no detail goes overlooked. Behind the scenes, she orchestrates the intricate systems that keep everything running flawlessly, so our team of professional wedding officiants can focus on creating unforgettable experiences. Her razor-sharp organizational skills and seamless communication keep us operating like a well-oiled machine. Simply put, Krista is the master of efficiency who keeps our processes on point, our timelines on track, and our team in perfect harmony. We’re endlessly grateful for her samurai-like abilities!