Wendy and Michael Kotch have an inside connection to good love stories.
“The couples we have met through our journeys have influenced our lives in a positive way,” says Michael.
Wendy and Michael Kotch, both wedding officiants, have been performing weddings in Mexico for two-and-a-half years and for 11 years in the United States. They are both certified to officiate and Michael is also a skilled photographer who can capture an occasion for posterity.
“We can perform a very simple ceremony in your home while surrounded by a few select witnesses or perform a large wedding ceremony in your favorite venue,” says Wendy, whose wedding resume includes a ceremony at the former Villa Verde venue in Mérida.
Wendy and Michael strive for meaningful weddings. They are non-denominational and will provide either traditional or nontraditional vows.
“We do same-sex weddings, commitment ceremonies, and vow renewals all in a memorable manner,” says Wendy.
This couple expanded their enterprise into Yucatán with the purchase of a house in Telchac. This has provided a great home base for weddings in Mérida, Progreso, Holbox Island, Playa del Carmen, Cancún and San Bruno. They plan to travel to more locations. Recently the couple purchased a second home in San Carlos, on the Caribbean coast. They are expanding quickly into the rest of Mexico.
“One of my favorite weddings in Mexico has been on Holbox Island. First, it is one of our favorite places. It is a beautiful small town, very relaxed, the food is amazing and the beaches are magnificent,” says Wendy. “The weather was not cooperating for the couple on the day of their ceremony. However, I am flexible, calm, and have a good balance between urgency and a sense of humor. The sun broke through and the wedding and memories were truly beautiful.”
“Most couples who contacted us have been legally married in their own country and are looking for a symbolic ceremony. We honor their vows and visions and get to know them,” Wendy reports.
Wendy is bilingual and speaks with a beautiful accent that reflects her English birthplace. Family brought her to the United States in her early years. Michael is from the northern United States and he lives with Wendy in Arizona. They have performed over 700 weddings and for several years were awarded Weddingwire’s Couples’ Choice Award.
If this sounds like an expensive dream to come true, “an approximate cost for us to officiate is anywhere between $200 to $500 US dollars. This is based on our travel time, details like photography and perhaps accommodations. However, there are absolutely no hidden costs and the price is upfront,” states Wendy.
The couple advises asking for what you want, plan together and don’t be afraid to revise.
“If you arrive and are feeling scattered we help pull loose ends together at the rehearsal,” states Michael.
Some practical advice from the duo:
“Don’t always go for the high-end tourist spots because Mexico is a beautiful country. Sometimes a more private venue, off the beaten path, is just what matches the romantic moments. Have fun with your planning and do what feels the most comfortable and memorable,” says Wendy.
For more information, visit wendytheofficiant.com
