Cheri Harris, Secular Celebrant

01/07/2025

Here is a delightful article about things that go wrong at weddings and how people manage to take them in stride. Before Mike and I got married, a good friend of ours told us "something will go wrong, just make up your mind ahead of time that you won't let that thing upset you." It was great to hear that and know that I could plan not to get rattled when whatever problem it was might come. Two things went wrong at our wedding. Fortunately neither one ended up being very significant.

We had arranged for limousines to pick up my parents and Mike's parents as a thank you to our folks and a way to insure that got there and back safely. The limo "got lost" and never made it to my parents house. My dad just jumped in his car and drove downtown town so no major problem there, I just felt bad that something we tried to offer to my parents as a gift became more of an inconvenience. MIke's family enjoyed the limo ride though.

We also arranged for a babysitter to be there so that kids would be able to go into a different room if they got bored or wanted more age appropriate things to do. We brought videos to help entertain the kids because we were told there would be a tv-vcr in the room we were using for child care. No one bothered to tell us that the tv-vcr didn't work. However, the child care provider brought granola bars that were a big hit with the nephews!

What went wrong at your wedding and how did it turn out?

People daydream about the perfect wedding, but sometimes mishaps happen — and they…

08/19/2023

Look, it’s me, doing something challenging and fun that I always wanted to do.

Join our Extraction, USA page to keep up with all of our movie news.

Meet Extraction, USA 🎱 executive producer and attorney Cheri Harris! She is the undeniable anchor for our production team and has been vice-president of Mike Yonts Films, Inc. since its inception in 2001. She has worked for all three branches of Indiana state government and for the ACLU of Indiana. Cheri is excited to produce Extraction, USA because it clearly passes the Bechdel test. Find out more about our film:
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/extraction-usa-feature-film ⚠️ 🎬

05/09/2023

This article offers some thoughts about whether to give out wedding favors. They certainly aren’t required. My favorites have been duplicate pictures from a photo booth that also have the couple’s names and wedding date. I also liked getting a small jar of local honey from a cousin’s wedding. I enjoyed a candy table where guests could make their own bag of sweets to go. Luggage tags were useful in my opinion. Any others you recommend?

Why do newlyweds seem to think people want custom wedding merch taking up space in cabinets and drawers for years to come?

04/10/2023

It was an unexpected joy to see this couple, Jenna and Tim, also having dinner at The Gallery this weekend. I officiated their wedding in August 2019, in the gardens behind the Indianapolis Art Center in Broad Ripple. They expect their first child any day now. They will be wonderful parents. I wish them a safe and healthy delivery and hope to meet the new addition to their growing family one day soon!

03/08/2023

It’s not new, not harmful to minors, not a problem, and should not be banned. Banning speech that is protected by the First Amendment is the bigger problem in my opinion.

02/19/2023

Here are some tips for making better wedding toasts. Message me if you are looking for a secular celebrant to officiate any events this year.

Sounding like yourself on a podcast or during a toast takes practice — and a specific writing style for audio storytelling. NPR Life Kit host Marielle Segarra gives advice on how to sound more human.

05/24/2021

Story Inn was a beautiful venue this weekend for a fun wedding for this delightful couple! Both work as certified geologists so they had a geode cracking station at the reception, complete with eye protection.

08/11/2018

Erika & Caleb

08/11/2018

Katie & Joe
Photo credits: Alyssa Huber, Candid Clicker Photography