Meet Maricela Lazarit-Bonilla | Wedding Officiant & Relationship Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maricela Lazarit-Bonilla and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maricela, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Interestingly, I never set out to become a wedding officiant. My journey began quite unexpectedly when I officiated my sister’s wedding. Initially, I took on this role with one clear purpose: to help her and her fiancé celebrate their love in a meaningful way.

As the day approached, I found myself a bundle of nerves, trying to enunciate every word perfectly while battling back tears of joy and pride. Despite my emotional turmoil, the experience left me utterly captivated. Standing there, witnessing the love and commitment between my sister and her partner, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment.

What started as a one-time role quickly transformed into a passionate journey. I realized how much I enjoyed crafting personalized ceremonies and connecting with couples on such a significant day in their lives. This experience ignited a spark in me, leading me to explore the world of wedding officiating further. It became clear that I wanted to help others celebrate their love stories, and thus, my business was born.

Now, I find immense joy in guiding couples through their wedding ceremonies, ensuring that each moment is as special and unique as their love. What began as a simple favor for my sister has blossomed into a fulfilling career that I never knew I needed.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business as a wedding officiant is built on the foundation of love, connection, and personalization. What sets me apart from others in this field is my genuine passion for crafting unique ceremonies that reflect the individual stories of each couple. I believe that every love story is special, and I strive to create a ceremony that captures the essence of that journey. My approach is highly personalized; I take the time to get to know each couple, understand their values, and incorporate their personalities into the ceremony. This ensures that their wedding day is not just a formality, but a heartfelt celebration of their love.

I am most proud of the relationships I build with the couples I work with. It’s incredibly rewarding to be a part of such a significant moment in their lives and to witness their joy firsthand. I am also excited about the creative aspects of my work—crafting personalized vows, incorporating meaningful rituals, and helping couples express their love in a way that feels authentic to them. Each ceremony is a new opportunity to celebrate love, and that never gets old.

My journey to becoming a wedding officiant was not a straightforward path. Although, I initially had no intention of entering this field, officiating my sister’s wedding ignited a passion in me that I couldn’t ignore. Transitioning from a one-time role to a full-fledged business required a lot of learning and adaptation.
The road was not easy. There were several challenges along the way, including navigating the legal requirements for officiating weddings, marketing my services, and building a client base. As a young woman in a male-dominated field, I faced additional hurdles in securing work and gaining recognition. Since I didn’t know anyone in this business, I had to rely on my own research to overcome these obstacles. I sought out as much information as possible, attended workshops, and over time leveraged social media to showcase my work. Networking with other wedding professionals also helped me gain visibility and credibility in the industry.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of authenticity. Couples appreciate when their officiant is genuine and relatable. I’ve also learned the importance of flexibility; every wedding is unique with lots of moving pieces and being adaptable to the couple’s needs and preferences is crucial.

I want the world to know that my brand is rooted in love and connection. My story began with a simple desire to support my sister on her special day, but it has evolved into a fulfilling career where I get to celebrate love every single day. I can’t tell you just how much joy that brings me. I believe that weddings are not just events; they are milestones that deserve to be cherished and remembered. My mission is to create ceremonies that resonate with couples and their families, leaving a lasting impression that reflects their unique love story. I am dedicated to making each wedding a beautiful and memorable experience, and I am honored to be a part of such a significant moment in people’s lives. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Absolutely! Let’s get started!

Santa Clarita Exploration
Morning: Start the day at Egg Plantation for a hearty breakfast. They offer 101 varieties of Egg Omelets to choose from!
Afternoon: Explore Six Flags Magic Mountain for thrilling rides and entertainment. Alternatively, visit the The Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society for a glimpse into local history.
Evening: Dinner at Salt Creek Grille, known for its delicious steaks and lodge-like atmosphere.
Night: Relax at The Old Town Newhall Library or take a stroll through Old Town Newhall to enjoy the charming shops and art galleries.

Outdoor Adventures
Morning: Start the day with breakfast at Thelma’s Morning Café, a family-owned spot for great coffee and breakfast. Luis, Thelma and Ronnee will take great care of you!
Afternoon: Head to Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park for hiking and stunning rock formations- a perfect spot for photos and enjoying nature.
Lunch: Pack a picnic or grab a bite at Route 66 on your way back.
Evening: Dinner at Lorena D’s for some tasty Mexican food. Say yes to the margaritas!
Night: Catch a movie at the AMC Santa Clarita 12 or enjoy a live performance at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center.

Day Trip to Los Angeles
Morning: Before leaving the city head to Crazy Otto’s Diner for breakfast, famous for its oversized pancakes. Oversized everything!
Afternoon: Visit iconic spots like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and The Getty Center for art and beautiful views.
Alternatively, visit the Los Angeles Central Library, a stunning architectural landmark. Union Train Station for fascinating history. Don’t miss Placita Olvera, known as the birthplace of Los Angeles with its vibrant Mexican culture.
Lunch: Stop at In-N-Out Burger for a classic California experience or head to Paradise Cove, a beachfront restaurant in Malibu. A popular spot for filming movies and TV. Known for its stunning ocean views and a relaxed California atmosphere.
Evening: Head to Santa Monica Pier for dinner at The Lobster with ocean views.
Night: Enjoy a stroll along the beach or visit the Third Street Promenade for shopping and entertainment.

Wine and Dine
Morning: Enjoy breakfast at Garcia Bros Cafe, known for its Café de Olla.
Afternoon: Visit Central Park and trek up the 172-step exercise staircase with scenic views, then take a short drive to Reyes Winery for wine tasting in Agua Dulce. Also drop in “next door” to Agua Dulce Winery.
Lunch: Have a picnic at one of the wineries or dine at Le Chene known for its fabulous French cuisine and tasty cocktails. Fun fact: my husband and I were married there!
Evening: Have dinner at The Old Town Junction, known for its farm-to-table menu.
Night: Relax at Mint Canyon Moose Lodge, a non-profit fraternity with a safe, comfy atmosphere and friendly people. Join our Friday night Karaoke clan which includes myself, Henry, and friends Jose, Eri, Jourdan, Shanelle, Luz and Karaoke DJ “Esteve” and belt out a song or two while enjoying a steak or chicken dinner and a cold drink prepared by Ms. Val, the nicest bartender I’ve ever known.

Arts and Culture
Morning: Breakfast at The Original Saugus Café, L.A county’s oldest restaurant, for a classic diner experience that has kept tradition alive for 139 years.
Afternoon: Visit the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) for art exhibits or performances or head to the William S. Hart Museum and park.
Lunch: Enjoy a light meal at Honu Coffee, known for its cozy atmosphere, high quality coffee, and great empanadas.
Evening: Dinner at Piccola Trattoria for elegant and delicious Italian cuisine.
Night: Attend a local event or concert at The Canyon Santa Clarita, a popular venue for live music.

Relaxation and Shopping
Morning: Start the day with breakfast at the Halfway House Cafe. Nothing fancy- just a good ol’ country cafe with great food. You might recognize it from various commercials, movies and Tv shows. Alternatively, you may want to try Way Station Coffee Shop in Downtown Newhall. Established in 1971, it serves up old-fashioned diner meals, and you may also recognize it from film and TV.
Afternoon: Spend some time shopping at the Valencia Town or take a scenic drive through Placerita Canyon Natural Area for a final taste of nature.
Lunch: Grab a bite at Eat Real Café. Offering tasty seasonal health food and juices.
Evening: Experience Finnish-style sauna bathing coupled with infrared heat therapy at the Sweat Shack. Finish it off with a cold plunge.
Night: Enjoy a meal or drinks at Marci’s Sports Bar & Grill, known for being a sports haven with classic bar fare and innovative dishes. You won’t be disappointed!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my incredible family—my husband, Henry, and awesome sons, Chris and Diego. They are always willing to roll up their sleeves and put in the work right along with me. It’s beautiful! Their unwavering support and love have truly been the foundation of my journey, and I feel immensely blessed. Henry, in particular, has been my rock. He has always believed in me and my dreams, encouraging me to pursue my passions even when I doubted myself. His faith in my abilities has been a guiding light, urging me to stay the course and keep going. I am incredibly grateful for his partnership, as his encouragement, patience, and wisdom have been invaluable. I couldn’t ask for a better teammate on this journey of life.

Chris and Diego bring immense pride, joy, and inspiration into my life. Their curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm serve as a constant reminder of the importance of following one’s heart, embracing new experiences and being unapologetically true to oneself. I deeply admire the way they move through this world, and their zest for life motivates me to strive to be my best self. I am truly grateful for the lessons they teach me and the love they share so freely.

I want to honor my parents, Celia and Crispin, who are no longer with us but instilled in me the work ethic I carry to this day. Their teachings, sacrifices and support have brought me to where I am now. I could never thank them enough for everything they did. To all my siblings- Juana, Tony, Jose, Mildred, Crispin, Juan Carlos, and Araceli- who have each taught me valuable lessons. And to my lifelong friend Carmen, who has been an unwavering source of love and support in my life. When I officiated Araceli’s wedding, it ignited a passion in me that I never knew I had, but their belief in my abilities and their encouragement to pursue this path from scratch were instrumental in my journey.

I also want to recognize my community of friends, wedding officiants and mentors I’ve connected with along the way. Their insights, guidance, shared experiences and encouragement have helped shape my path and instilled in me the confidence to pursue my goals.

Lastly, I’d like to give a shoutout to a few books that have influenced my perspective on life and relationships. Titles like “Let Them” by Mel Robbins and “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown have provided me with the tools to embrace vulnerability and authenticity. Titles like “The Love Prescription”, “The Art of Marriage” and “The Wedding Ceremony Planner” have shaped my understanding of love, relationships, and the art of ceremony, providing invaluable insights that I carry into my work.

To my family, clients and all those who have supported me, thank you for being such an essential part of my story. I couldn’t have come this far without you!

Website: https://www.marriedbymaricela.com

Instagram: @marriedbymaricela

Twitter: @marriedbym

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marriedbymaricela/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/married-by-maricela-santa-clarita-4

Youtube: @marriedbymaricela547

Image Credits
IAPWO.org
Cindy Banescu
Cindy Sandoval