I’m Anika, the officiant behind Sweethart Weddings.
I was born in Nevada and raised primarily in Utah, but ultimately my home is wherever my husband and fat cat are at, and the outdoors. If I’m not answering emails, I’m exploring. My main love is the mountains, from The Cascades, to the Seirra-Nevadas, to my home in the Wasatch and Uintahs. I often feel like J.R.R Tolkien, staring at the trees all day, truly enchanted by the beauty of our earth.
My first wedding was marrying my wonderful friend and his husband on a crisp October day. I was so nervous I was shaking from head to toe. My friends mean the world to me and I wanted this to be so perfect for them on their big day. It went so well and it was such a beautiful ceremony, I felt like I was floating when I finished up. After the ceremony, the DJ asked me if he could have my card. The surprise he showed at it being my first time officiating made me think I could be good at this. My love for weddings has blossomed ever since.
I have to be honest, my favorite weddings are elopements (though I have a huge place in my heart for traditional weddings!). Close to home or travelling, there’s something wonderful about you, your partner, and somewhere truly stunning. If you want someone that will travel and get off the beaten path with you, that’s me!
Adventure and excitement in the wild places of the world is where I thrive, and where I bring peace, intention, and heart to your day. Whether we’re hiking, driving, or rowing, I’ll be there and ready in your perfect ceremony setting.
My ultimate intention for your day is simply this: No stress. A wedding day is about you and your partner. Wherever I can help relieve problems and be of assistance to lower your panic levels on your day, you can count on it! Between myself and your other vendors, the goal is to have problems fixed before they even exist.
Howard & Luetricia -1961
Where’s the E in Sweethart?
On my 26th birthday, I got a tattoo in honor of my grandpa, one of the most loving and caring people I know. He says “Love you sweetheart” every time he hangs up the phone. I wanted this in his handwriting. He obliged my request and wrote out the words ‘Love you Sweethart’, forgetting the E. I loved it so much and thought the misspelling paid homage to who he is and where he came from. He’s a California farmer/mechanic who taught me what hard work and real love looks like and has always tried his best to keep those he cares about close.
To me, he has one of the greatest love stories I’ve ever witnessed. My grandparents were married for 61 years before my grandma passed. It could have been longer, but my grandpa insisted that if he was going to have a wife, she was going to have a house she owned to live in. It took two years of hard work and saving every penny he had, but it paid off. After the wedding, he and his bride started out life in a new house. They had the kind of love everyone wants: trusting, hardworking, and never failing.
When my grandma got dementia, he stayed by her side, taking care of her for 14 years until she passed. He loved her more than anything in the world, and although she had no idea who he was at the end, she knew she loved him and that he loved her. That’s it. That’s the type of love I hope is finding you: one that never gives up.
Sweethart Elopements is a love letter to my grandparents, but also to you. I hope that when you book with me, you are head over heels for the one you’ve found. I hope you still light up when you talk about them, and that the happy moments last forever.
Howard & Luetricia -2021
