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

Krista is our Administrative Manager, and one of our Client Service Representatives. However, when we realized that those job titles were way too boring, and don’t do Krista justice, she was quickly deemed our Happiness Ninjaneer! As our buisiness grew, Krista was promoted to Chief Ninjaneer. She works tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that everyone is happy and all of our ducks are in a row. Her warm and professional communication style puts everyone at ease, and her top-notch organizational skills ensure that we always have a well-oiled machine. We couldn’t be more grateful for everything Krista does!

Jennifer Lingle is one of our dedicated Happiness Ninjaneers! She serves as a liaison between our clients, officiants, and admin team; she coordinates our social media platforms; and she assists with reaching out to our beloved community. Jennifer loves connecting and collaborating with people, building a strong sense of community, and spreading love and wisdom far and wide. She is also the proud wife of Founder, Philip, and mom to their incredible little boy, Bryton Dean. She couldn’t be more excited to be part of our team!

Kim has come to Love & Wisdom Inc. following a long career in public education. As a Literacy Specialist, she has worked with many students with unique learning needs, helping them search for a path to success. She has also served as a learning partner to underprivileged families seeking better ways to assist their children at home. Although she was raised in the Methodist tradition, Kim is not currently affiliated with any organized religion or church. These days, she finds solace and spirituality in nature, and on the hikes and bike rides she takes around the Blue Ridge Mountains with her husband. In Kim’s words, “I believe whole-heartedly in the power of kindness and empathy and in treating all humans with dignity and respect. Service to others, especially those in need, is a form of spirituality for me.” An avid reader, Kim is always in the middle of two or three books at once! She also enjoys dabbling in creative pursuits such as stained glass, painting and drawing, and she is teaching herself to crochet. As a wedding officiant, Kim is excited to be able to extend her passion for helping others by working with couples to create authentic, meaningful ceremonies. And we at Love & Wisdom are honored and thrilled to have her on the team!

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!

Jennifer’s presence generates a sense of ease and joy in those around her. Her greatest delight is helping people cultivate deeper connections – whether that connection be with oneself, with others, or with the divine. She is continually leaning into the question, “How can we love each other better?” Toward that end, Jennifer facilitates relational and communication skills workshops to groups, both in the general public, as well as to inmates and staff in prison. She also loves working with couples to create a container for their relationship that supports them in navigating their differences and growing their love. Wedding officiating is a natural offspring of Jennifer’s passion for assisting couples by helping them consecrate their devotion to one another. Jennifer has lived and traveled extensively throughout the world and has just recently made a new home with her life partner in the luscious mountains of the Asheville area. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Wall Street analyst and a U.S. diplomat serving in Mexico, Washington D.C. and Vietnam. She is a fluent Spanish speaker, and also knows some Portuguese, Italian, and Vietnamese! Jennifer’s spiritual path has also been a winding one. From being raised as a fundamentalist Christian, to studying many Eastern traditions and spending thousands of hours of silent meditation. Then back to finding a deep resonance with the Christian tradition, but from a more mystical perspective. She believes that the truth is one but the paths are many, and she has deep respect for each person’s chosen path. As an officiant for Love & Wisdom Inc. Jennifer feels deeply honored to be able to draw out the most unique and meaningful aspects of a couple’s relationship, weaving it into a heartfelt custom ceremony. She is excited to serve as a catalyst for the joyous and sacred initiation of your new life together!

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.

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!

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!

Sara deeply believes that love is the path to an enriched life. She is a North Carolina native who has lived in Atlanta, Austin, San Francisco , and New York City, but then returned to Asheville in the mid-90’s, when she followed her heart and married her wonderful husband, Bob. Sara lives a full and happy life, and she has many interesting facets to her warm personality. She is an outstanding vocalist who performs as lead singer for a local band in Asheville. In addition to studying music, she also has a BFA in Acting & Directing and is an accomplished actress. She appeared in the movie Forces of Nature, with Sandra Bullock & Ben Affleck, as well as several Broadway musicals, including Rock of Ages, and most recently, Phantom of the Opera. She also enjoys writing, being in nature, and spending time with her husband and Jack Russell Terrier, Bess. Sara’s spiritual foundation has developed over the course of her life. Raised in the Christian tradition within an open-minded family, and having received loving support and wisdom from various spiritual teachers, Sara has followed her own sincere curiosity to a place of self-examination and inner growth. She finds her spiritual anchor through a daily practice of prayer, meditation, and gratitude; and she feels strongly that all paths lead to a higher power, which she refers to as God. Sara’s compassionate and caring energy guides her on a path of intentional love and joy towards all people and in all areas of her life. It is a great honor for her to support others in pursuit of their happiest, healthiest path. And what better way to celebrate personal growth and express love, with all of its mystery and wisdom, than through marriage? Sara considers it a great privilege to be your officiant during this momentous time, as you choose to open your heart to one other, deepen your love, and begin a journey together through this beautiful life!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Born in England, Hannah Houser moved to the U.S. when she was 13 years old. She has an open and broad perspective on life, with a calming energy that shines through when you meet her. And her slight English accent is also very charming. Hannah is a caring and passionate officiant with a reverence for all life. She is a true people person who finds it easy to connect with other human beings, but also feels a very deep connection with animals. Her main career has revolved around animals for over a decade and she understands first-hand how dogs can genuinely be part of your family. If you want to involve your non-human family members in your ceremony, then she is all for it! Hannah loves spending time with her husband Trey, and their dogs, Rudy and Remi. She enjoys going on walks, watching Netflix, traveling, getting tattoos, playing board games, and just soaking in everything that life has to offer. She values experiences over material things, and she understands that memories are our most important and treasured possessions. After first officiating for a friend who had the same struggle that she did in finding the right officiant to make her day perfect, Hannah realized how much joy and happiness she derives from helping others to create their perfect day. Whatever your spiritual or philosophical beliefs may be, and no matter who you are or what you want, one thing is for sure – Hannah would love to make your wedding day special – because she believes that everyone deserves that. We are so fortunate to have Hannah on our Love & Wisdom team, and we can’t wait for you to meet her!

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!

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!

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

Samantha Sorin is a remarkable individual, seamlessly blending her passion as a yoga teacher and dedication as an accountant in Charlotte, NC. This unique fusion allows her to exude both the tranquil essence of yoga and the precise organization skills of accounting. On your special day, Samantha’s serene demeanor and attention to detail ensure that every aspect of your ceremony is attended to. With a rich spiritual background encompassing Christianity, Buddhism, and Agnosticism, Samantha welcomes couples of all spiritual paths. She believes her role as a wedding officiant is to offer unwavering support and guidance, ensuring that each couple’s beliefs are beautifully woven into their ceremony. Samantha’s journey into officiating began when she was asked to officiate a friend’s wedding—a deeply rewarding and enjoyable experience that ignited her passion for celebrating love. Inspired by her own wedding in Ireland, Samantha joined the Love & Wisdom team to continue spreading love and joy through ceremonies. Drawing from her background in performing arts and her love for travel, photography, and art, Samantha infuses creativity and personalization into every ceremony she officiates. Whether it’s crafting personal vows, incorporating unity candles, or reviving ancient traditions like handfasting (which she embraced in her own wedding ceremony), Samantha believes in celebrating love in a way that reflects each couple’s unique personalities and love story. Above all, Samantha considers it an honor and privilege to be part of your wedding day, and she approaches her role as your fiercest supporter with dedication and enthusiasm. She is eager to learn about you and your journey, guiding you thoughtfully as you embark on this momentous occasion. We are truly fortunate to have Samantha as part of our Love & Wisdom team, and we cannot wait for you to experience her warmth, creativity, and unwavering dedication firsthand.