We recently connected with Ranna Zahra McSwain and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ranna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

If anyone would have told me back in 2018, that a year later I would be living in New Orleans and running a successful and love filled business I would have thought they were crazy!

I had spent several summers in the Deep South, predominantly in New Orleans while I was living in Dubai. I moved to Dubai in 2010 from London. I was married and had a beautiful one year old little boy. I quickly found a job heading up the operations of a boutique private equity firm. I found it to be soulless and unfulfilling, but it paid extremely well and had incredible benefits. I found a beautiful house, a few blocks from the beach, which became our home for the 9 years we were in Dubai. My marriage sadly ended in early 2012, although it was difficult, it was one of the best decisions I made. I spent the next 5 years working hard. I travelled extensively and created a wonderful environment for my little boy. We went on what I called magical adventures across Europe and Asia together during his school vacations.

One summer his father asked me if he could take him on a 21 day trip to Europe and back to the UK. This would have been the longest time without him and I knew I would miss him so much, but it was sadly part of being divorced and sharing custody. I couldn’t say no. So I decided to plan a trip to the Deep South – it had always been a place I felt so at home, grounded and happy. When I landed in New Orleans I felt a tremendous joy and a feeling of home like no other. I fell deeply in love with the magnificent live oak trees and beautiful architecture. When it was time to leave I felt such a deep melancholy, and when I landed back in Dubai I felt incredibly homesick.

I spent the following summer in New Orleans and Savannah. And again when I landed back in Dubai I felt the same homesickness and melancholy and the pull of New Orleans. The calling of home asking me to return. Returning back to work, became harder and more soul destroying. After a health-scare in early 2018, I was compelled and guided to take a leap of faith. So in October of 2018, I resigned from my post, and decided to sell/ and put the remainder of the contents of my home into storage. I decided to go on a sabbatical with my son, who would continue his education through remote work (via his school in Dubai), and under the instruction of private tutors. I booked flights to New Orleans and asked my former airbnb host who had become a dear friend for a short term rental in one of her lovely apartments. We landed in New Orleans in early December 2018, and I knew we were going to love every moment of our time. Everything fell into place in ways I could not have imagined….

Within a month of getting here it became apparent that New Orleans was home and we were not leaving!

Ranna, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Ranna Zahra Mcswain, I am a British Wedding Celebrant, living in New Orleans, Louisiana, with my husband Greg, my son Gabriel, and our 3 dogs, Roux, Bleux & Bell. Just before the pandemic hit in 2020, I launched Let’s Elope New Orleans. I wanted to offer couples beautiful love-filled ceremonies with very little advance planning, and no huge financial investments or stress. Let’s Elope New Orleans has since blossomed and so has its offerings; growing into an all-encompassing umbrella that is known as “Love is my calling.”

My purpose and mission are to facilitate love in New Orleans and beyond. I create custom heartfelt ceremonies and officiates with love, and authenticity. Love is my calling and something which comes from my soul. Creating a meaningful heartfelt marriage ceremony that represents the love of a couple, is something I take pride and joy in. I care deeply for my couples and I intuitively connect with them from our first meeting. I spend time getting to know them, their history, love, and relationship. On their wedding day, I want them to feel that I am their trusted friend and a kindred spirit standing with them at the altar. I am there to keep them calm, present and grounded. I officiate the most glorious love-filled ceremonies!

Everything I do is with intention. I am an experienced, gentle guide for souls struggling in their relationships. I can offer tools and practices to work through difficult times. Moreover, I am able to help prepare couples for their upcoming marriages, with sensitivity, love, and practical guidance. And for those beautiful souls, who are single and wish to date for fun or want to find their significant other? I got you, because the world needs more love!

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Authenticity and commitment to always give my all to that I do. I am highly organized, methodical and a perfectionist. I show up early, I am prepared, and calm. I always receive excellent feedback from venues, planners and most importantly my couples.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I work within an incredible wedding community filled with dedicated and talented souls.When I started my company I felt truly welcome from the get go by the wedding community and this wonderful city. Most of my couples will find me through referrals and word of mouth. New Orleans is like a small town rather than a city and its all about community. I also have a loyal following on instagram and I use it as visual marketing aid to celebrate my couples and my love for my vocation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://loveismycalling.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letselopeneworleans/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letselopeneworleans

Image Credits
Hannah Pickle Sarah Becker Photography Linka Odom Photography Xistence Photography