We’re looking forward to introducing you to Benita Livingston. Check out our conversation below.
Benita, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I begin every day basically the same way. When my eyes open, I say, “thank you Lord for another day.” I take some deep breath’s and be still for a few minutes. I head to the kitchen and make some coffee. When the coffee is ready I pour myself a tall cup and head to my office. Open my computer and IPad, yes I use both at the same time LOL. Get my journal and calendar. I scan through my emails to find my devotionals and use my IPad which has me Bible App on it. I spend time reflecting, reading scripture and journaling.
Some morning I listen to music or sit in silence or what I call “sitting in the presence of God. Afterwards I check my calendar and make my to do list for the day. I am not only a wedding officiant I also pastor so on different day of the week I am focused on task for that designated day; Monday, Friday and Saturday are for Living Ceremonies, Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday are days I have for the church.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a retired VA Chaplain from the Memphis VA. I moved to Nashville four years ago to be close to family. I started Living Ceremonies, a wedding officiant service because I wanted to do something fun and exciting. I believe a wedding ceremony should be more than a formality, it is the heart of the day and the beginning of a couples married life together. It is the most meaningful moment of the day and it deserves to be intentional. At Living Ceremonies we offer two curated packages, one with premarital sessions and one without. Both packages are designed for couples who value elegance, mindfulness and intentional moments.
What makes Living Ceremonies unique is the experience and training I bring as an ordained minister in the A.M.E. Church with over 30 years of experience, and as a Chaplain and a mindfulness trainer. From the first consultation to the final pronouncement I ensure every detail reflects the couples values, vision and vibe.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I grew up in a small rural community in Arkansas. As a child I was small for my age and everywhere I went I heard how little I was. It was the first thing people would say about me. It left me feeling very insecure and made me feel I was too little to matter. It took time in counseling and learning who I am in Christ to change that perception of myself. Today, I know who I am and my size has nothing to do with my character.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that life will have it’s ups and downs but you will make it through, you are loved, you matter and with God everything will be alright.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think they would say my family and my private time. My family because they keep me grounded, they are my foundation, they encourage me, pray for me, they support my dreams and goals. I am an introvert, therefore my private alone time is important for me to be all that I need to be for myself and others.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will say that I help them when they needed help, that I listened to them without judgment, that my presence was calming and that they felt better because I was there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.livingceremonies.com
- Instagram: @livingceremonies
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086646526226
Image Credits
Juniper Weddings
Melina Masse Photography
JAO Photography
Bear Creative Company
Kara Waren Photography
George Street Photography
