Sarah Holzer Vazquez

Hear Me Roar

HMR0122

January 2022 Issue
Photography by T.R. Love, T.R. Media World


Hometown: Bayside, New York
Current Town: Bluffton, SC
Career: Officiant
Astrological Sign: Cancer

You took a big leap of faith to make a fresh start. Tell us about it. I worked behind a desk in a corporate setting as part of a department my whole career. Growing up in New York, I lived my whole life there and never thought I would live anywhere else. I decided to put myself out there, leaving what I knew and felt comfortable in. I moved to South Carolina where I knew no one. I landed yet another job in a corporate setting. I was laid off from my job due to Covid-19. It forced me to be brave enough to work for myself full-time. Since then, I have created a life that I can say is full of happiness, depending on my myself.

What made you want to be an officiant?
I stumbled into it. I became a notary public and found out that notaries have the authority to marry people. Then I had a chance meeting with a wedding planner, who asked me to officiate. I gave it a try and loved it immediately.

What fears or obstacles did you have to overcome to realize your dream?
There are two things: 1. I never thought I could speak in a crowd and feel comfortable. 2. To be a business owner with no paycheck, is extremely scary for me. I guess it’s the accountant in me, but so far it’s worked out.

Tell us about your most memorable moment in your new role?
I married a couple in which the bride and the groom each had three daughters. After marrying them, I realized that all the girls were officially sisters. That ceremony made me aware of how a wedding is the start of a whole new life for both the people getting married and their families. Each ceremony is a memorable time that I get to be a part of. What an honor!

Another memorable moment was with a young military couple who wanted to be married in Forsyth Park but a thunderstorm made it impossible. We ended up meeting in a near-by covered parking garage, and they were married near the elevator. It was memorable for everyone involved. They sent me a thank you note for thinking of a safe spot and making it happen.
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20 Quick Bites
Cake or Pie? Blueberry Pie—It is actually my birthday “cake”.
Traveler or Homebody? Homebody
Organized or slightly messy? Extremely Organized!
Guacamole or Salsa? Guacamole
Night Owl or Early Bird? Early Bird—up at 6 a.m. always!
Art Museum or History Museum?  Art Museum
Paris or Tokyo?  Paris—“City of Love” and pastries!
Fiction or Non-fiction? Non-fiction—True life mystery stories
Comedies or Dramas? Comedies
Neutrals or Color? Color—no pastels
Plans or Surprises? Plans
English or Math? Math
Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla
Zoo or Aquarium? Zoo
Disney World or Napa Valley? Disney, but really prefer Broadway!
Singing or Dancing? Dancing­—cannot sing at all
Ride an Elephant or Camel? Elephant
James Bond or Batman? James Bond—sexy!
Castle or Cottage? Cottage
Whitney Houston or Beyonce? Whitney—old school
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What is your favorite wedding movie? Father of the Bride. My dad passed when I was 19, and I miss having him in my adult life.

If we asked your friends to describe you in three words, what would they more than likely say?
I asked! Tireless, Generous and Understanding. I thought I was Kind, Funny, and Smart!

Outside of your job, what brings you the most joy?
Besides my husband and cat, I love chatting with people. I am also a Liquor Brand Ambassador and I love talking with people at tastings. At weddings I chat with just about everyone—parents, grandparents, coordinators, children, everyone!

Lots of people choose a word to live by for the year. What is your word for 2022?
Hopeful. I hope the country turns around. People have new insights with the pandemic, and I hope that it is a start of a new atmosphere in the world.

Who or what has been your biggest motivator?
I depend on my husband. He accompanies me to every ceremony, but I am a very driven person. I cannot stop. I have too much energy.

What has changed your life more than anything?
I had Type 2 diabetes and decided to have gastric bypass surgery. It was a life changer!  I dropped the weight I needed to, which made me feel better and gave me a whole new, healthier life.

What is your No. 1 goal for 2022? Happiness. I try to do everything based on my internal happiness gauge: Will it make me happy?

Do you have a hidden talent that would surprise people? I am a degreed accountant with an art minor.

What is the most amazing thing you’ve ever seen? The Grand Canyon. It is majestic and amazing to see.

What are you currently ROARING about? I have created a wonderful life in South Carolina. My job is full of joy—always a happy occasion!