Wedding officiant Stephanie DioDato has worked with couples and families for over 15 years and loves nothing more than a good LOVE story! With a Master's Degree in Social Work and 10 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she is extremely passionate about bringing people together in an authentic and meaningful way. A Reno/Tahoe native, Stephanie also knows all the great spots around the lake and, in this post, shares with us a behind the scenes look at living and working in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

What brings you the greatest joy in your life?

My two children, my husband, and my family. And, of course, being outdoors as much as possible.

What first brought you to Tahoe?

My family moved to Reno when I was 13-years old. As a teenager I *may* have skipped school any chance I could get to spend the day at Tahoe!

Tahoe lifestyle: winter or summer?

This is a hard one to answer. Almost like having to choose between pizza and tacos - I love them both equally but for different reasons!

If you weren't a wedding officiant, what would you do?

I would probably still be working as a clinical social worker.

What inspires your work?

Love, of course! And the amazing people I'm honored to meet and work with. I love getting to know couples on a deep and meaningful level. I'm also so inspired by the amazing vendors I've gotten to know thus far in my officiating journey.

How would you describe the perfect day in Lake Tahoe?

Going for a long hike or bike-ride around the lake, picking up T's, and then enjoying it next to the water and watching the sunset.

What are you most proud of?

My children. Also obtaining a Master's Degree in Social Work and then becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and learning a second language (Spanish) as an adult.

Who inspires you the most?

My Aunt - she introduced me to vegetarianism, Jane Goodall, skiing, camping, rock climbing and living an authentic and responsible lifestyle from a young age. As a child I considered Boulder, CO a second home, where she lived. She now lives in Washington, D.C. and works for the U.S. House of Representatives. She's the ultimate badass and I'm her biggest fan!

What is your life motto?

"Be yourself, everyone else is taken." -Oscar Wilde

What was the most recent thing that made you laugh?

The children's book "Pigeon Wants a Puppy!" My kids are obsessed with the author Mo Willems.

Working in the wedding industry is not for the faint of heart. How do you rest and rejuvenate?

I try to squeeze in time for self-care by doing something active outdoors (hiking, skiing, biking, etc.) or just having a good old fashioned Netflix/HBO binge session with my husband. We love watching stand-up comedy and having a good laugh together. I also love cooking and *attempt* to garden - spending time in the garden is relaxing, even though my plants don't always survive our climate!

What is something people might not know about you?

I have undergraduate degrees in Spanish & International Affairs and lived in Chile during my sophomore year of college. I speak Spanish and offer bilingual ceremonies. Also, my husband and I had a micro-wedding in Kauai and it was one of the best decisions we've made! We chose a wedding date that would be easy and fun for us to remember: 12/13/14.

Pets: Any four-legged friends in your home?

I have a 16-yo terrier, Kramer, and a 7-yo lab/border collie mix, Bear. They are my four-legged children!