5.0
Verified reviews from real couples
Creative Inclusive
Meet Your Wedding Officiant, Desa Philadelphia
Southern California
Travel area: Within 300 miles See details
Desa did such an incredible job officiating my sister’s wedding in Topanga earlier this year. She really spent time getting to know my sister and her husband in the weeks before the ceremony. As a result, everything she said during the ceremony was personal to their unique story as a couple and felt so meaningful and creative. I loved how she included anecdotes that made both families feel part of their special day. I have to say Desa has one of the most infectious laughs that just elevates the vibe. She’s also incredibly well spoken and has a generous spirit that set the tone for the entire ceremony. I would recommend her as an officiant in a heartbeat! She’s the best!!
Desa was such an incredible officiant for our wedding! She took time getting to know my husband and I prior to our ceremony so everything was very personal, well crafted and heartfelt. My husband and his family are Brazilian, so she even learned a few lines of Portuguese and spoke them during the ceremony which was such a beautiful, inclusive touch. I'm Jewish and my husband is Catholic so she helped us create a ceremony that honored and included both of our family traditions. The entire vibe was fun, meaningful, well orchestrated, creative and inclusive and it meant so much to us that she took such care in crafting and performing such a wonderful and unique ceremony. I would recommend her in a heartbeat!
About this vendor
Desa Philadelphia
OWNER
Hello, my name is Desa. I am a Communication Strategist and Writer based in Los Angeles, CA.
In my everyday job I tell the stories of one of the premiere institutions in the world for training storytellers—the USC School of Cinematic Arts. I know how to tell stories and I would be honored to tell your love story!
Here's what I offer: A custom ceremony, written by me, that celebrates your journey as a couple so far, and your hopes and dreams for your future together.
I DO NOT USE AI TO CREATE CEREMONIES! (I feel like I have to say that these days)
While I usually perform secular and non-traditional ceremonies, I am also happy to incorporate traditions from any religion. Really, anything goes!
I am also happy to write ceremonies for elopements, vow renewals, and commitments of all kinds. I love to create ceremonies and experiences that celebrate your cultures and interests, your similarities and differences, your favorite places, music, and foods.
Whether you already have a vision or need help finding one (I can help with that, too!) I will create an experience you will cherish, and your guests will remember!
Reach out to me to start planning a Creative, Inclusive wedding ceremony that tells YOUR love story!
One caveat: I also don't use AI in my responses so it's not likely I'll respond to your message within 3 hours as the experts who run this site recommend. However, I usually reply within 3 days!
Meet the team
Desa Philadelphia
Owner
Desa Philadelphia began officiating weddings for family and friends and discovered her talent for creating memorable ceremonies. She is a writer, editor and communication specialist who believes in global citizenship and loves the way our cultures both unite and distinguish us. Desa is a part-time officiant. In her day job she is the writer/editor for the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A veteran journalist, she has held staff positions at the PBS NewsHour and Time Magazine, and has worked as a freelancer in television and for magazines. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter.
Service area & Contact info
Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Open mapSouthern California
Typically included in the starting cost
Travel area: Within 300 miles
Additional charges may apply
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Creative Inclusive
Desa Philadelphia
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Owner
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