Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Prashker-thomas

Hi Lori, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

My journey has been one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. As a Jewish birthmother, I navigated the challenges of adoption with bravery and faced significant personal adversities, including surviving suicide, domestic abuse, and bullying. These experiences have shaped who I am and fueled my dedication to advocating for and supporting others facing similar struggles.

My path eventually led me to the wedding industry, where I discovered my true calling. As a Certified Professional Wedding Officiant (CPWO) Wedding/Event Planner and Day-of-Wedding Coordinator at my company, Ceremonies by Lori, a photographer and co-owner at ShadowCatcher Photography, and Director of the non-profit I Picture Hope, I pour my heart into everything I do. I strive to create inclusive, heartfelt ceremonies that celebrate love in all its forms.

Through my personal insights and professional expertise, I’ve been fortunate to connect with so many amazing people. These connections have inspired me to share my story as a speaker and author, empowering others to overcome challenges and embrace their own journeys with hope and strength.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

My journey has been anything but smooth, marked by challenges and hardships that have shaped me into the resilient and compassionate person I am today.

Personal Adversities:
As a birthmother, I navigated emotional complexities and made difficult decisions that profoundly impacted my life. I’ve also endured and survived the trauma of domestic abuse, bullying, and suicide attempts. These experiences tested my strength but ultimately fueled my determination to rise above adversity and advocate for others facing similar struggles.

Navigating the Wedding Industry:
Breaking into the wedding industry wasn’t easy. As an advocate for inclusion and diversity, I often found myself challenging the lack of representation and inclusivity within the industry. My mission to create ceremonies and events that celebrate love in all its forms has sometimes meant pushing back against traditional norms and expectations—but it’s work I’m deeply passionate about.

Balancing Personal and Professional Life:
Running multiple businesses, advocating for important causes, and managing my personal life has been a delicate balancing act. At times, the emotional toll of my past has intersected with my professional responsibilities, requiring me to lean on the support of my husband, Michael, other family and friends, and my own inner strength to keep moving forward.

Despite these challenges, my unwavering commitment to my values and passion for helping others have driven me forward. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and empathy—and to the incredible impact, we can have when we transform personal pain into a source of inspiration and support for others.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?

I am a multifaceted professional whose work spans officiating, wedding coordination, authorship, and motivational speaking. As the founder of Ceremonies by Lori, I specialize in creating personalized, heartfelt ceremonies that reflect the unique love stories of each couple. My inclusive approach ensures that every ceremony celebrates love in its many forms, honoring diverse backgrounds, cultures, and orientations.

My Specialties:
Ceremony Officiating: As a Certified Professional Wedding Officiant, I craft and conduct personalized ceremonies, including weddings, vow renewals, elopements, and commitment ceremonies.

Wedding Coordination: I provide comprehensive wedding planning and day-of coordination services, managing every detail to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding day.

Inspirational Speaking and Writing: Sharing my story as a birthmother and survivor of suicide, domestic abuse, and bullying has become a way to inspire others. My work as an author and speaker focuses on resilience, mental health, and promoting inclusivity within the wedding industry.

What I’m Known For:
Inclusive Ceremonies: I’m passionate about creating ceremonies that honor each marrier’s unique journey and traditions, ensuring everyone feels celebrated and valued.

Empathy and Compassion: My personal experiences allow me to approach each ceremony with a deep understanding and a genuine connection, making couples feel seen and cherished.

Attention to Detail: From the big picture to the smallest elements, I ensure that every part of the ceremony is thoughtfully planned and executed.

Proud Achievements:
Advocacy and Impact: I’m incredibly proud of my advocacy work, using my platform to raise awareness about mental health, domestic abuse, and the need for inclusivity. Recently, I was honored to be recognized as the 2024 Ally of the Year by the Rainbow Alliance.

Recognition and Trust: The trust and admiration of the marriers I serve and my peers in the wedding industry are humbling and continue to drive my passion for this work.

What Sets Me Apart?
Personal Experience – My journey through significant personal adversities has given me a unique perspective and a profound ability to connect with and support others.

Passion for Inclusivity: I’m dedicated to creating inclusive and diverse ceremonies in an industry that often lacks representation.

Holistic Approach: By combining my skills in coordination, officiating, and motivational speaking, I provide a comprehensive and deeply personal service that ensures every couple’s special day is unforgettable.

For me, this work is about so much more than planning events—it’s about celebrating love, resilience, and the beauty of diverse human experiences.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?

Growing up, I was always a mix of creativity, empathy, and resilience. I was the kid who everyone came to with their problems because I loved listening and offering support. Being there for people just felt natural to me—it still does. But I was also the kid who was bullied for being different.

Empathy has always been a big part of who I am. I’ve always had this ability to put myself in other people’s shoes, to really feel what they’re going through. That’s probably why friends and family knew they could count on me for a listening ear or a comforting presence.

But life wasn’t always easy. Resilience became a necessity. Like anyone, I’ve faced my share of challenges—even from a young age. Those moments weren’t easy, but they taught me how to stand back up and keep going, even when it was hard.

And then there’s creativity. Oh, I’ve always loved creating. As a kid, I poured my energy into theater, dance, sewing—anything that let me express myself. That love for creativity eventually found its way into my work in the wedding industry, where I get to help people turn their dreams into reality.

There were other things that shaped me, too. Dancing, theater, movies, and writing were my escape and inspiration. I’ve always loved stories—the way they can transport you or help you understand the world. That love led me to become an author.

Helping people was another big part of my life. Whether it was volunteering or just being there for someone who needed a friend, I was always drawn to nurturing and supporting others. And let’s not forget how much I loved being part of my community. Participating in local events and organizations helped me connect with people and taught me how powerful a supportive community can be.

Looking back, it’s clear that these qualities—empathy, creativity, resilience—shaped who I am today. They’ve helped me not only navigate my own challenges but also build a life and career centered on supporting and inspiring others. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: loriprashkerthomas.com, ceremoniesbylro.com, shadowcatcherphotography.com, ipicturehope.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loriprashkerthomas/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loriprashkerthomas
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LoriAdvocate
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lpt_jewish_birthmom_

Image Credits

Jennifer Bonin, ShadowCatcher Photography, Lois Ann Photography