Monterey Wedding Officiant Elizeth Labega

Elizeth "Zee" Labega

One of my first memories is of being in an airplane with my family. I love travel and learning about different cultures and subcultures. I was raised in Curaçao, a former Dutch colony in the Caribbean, although I don't sound like it; people often think I grew up in California or the Midwest. I have a Master's degree in Translation from the Monterey Institute of International Studies and have been a freelance translator of foreign-language documents since 1997.

Translation is solitary and requires a great deal of research. To keep my extroverted side happy, I like to try new things and meet new people. In the past that has included being the female vocalist for a 16-piece big band, attending community circus school for juggling in Europe (yes, I have juggled flaming torches, but I will never do that again!) and rock-climbing. I'm a dedicated East-Coast swing dancer and lindyhopper. Also, in December I have great fun performing with a professional Christmas caroling quartet.

My most recent passion is making documentary-style videos, all under 3 minutes in length, on anything that strikes my fancy, including aikido practitioners, peace lantern ceremonies, artist profiles, roller derby events, fire dancers, and of course travel. All of them provide an opportunity to meet wonderful people who are engaged in life.

I enjoy honoring what is remarkable about the people I meet. For me, foreign language and video work are ways to do so. Helping couples make their wedding ceremony special is another.

I officiate in all of Monterey County, (including Carmel, Pacific Grove, Seaside and Pebble Beach) as well as in Big Sur.