AUSTIN WEDDING OFFICIANTS/MINISTERS

Sarah de la Fuente, BA, MPAff
Wedding Officiant

A native Texan, Sarah was born in Dallas, high-tailed it to Houston at 6 weeks old (well, okay, her parents moved), and landed in her beloved Austin in 1988, where she has resided ever since. She is a graduate of St. Agnes Academy, The University of Texas, and the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Because she believes that you can never have too many degrees, she is enjoying pursuing a Masters in Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

In addition to her non-denominational license and ordination, she is a deacon in the Presbyterian Church, and has served as the Director of Volunteer Services for a local congregation. She adores historical fiction, T.S. Eliot's "Journey of the Magi," cycling (Sam's orange recumbent is cool, but Sarah's blue retro Bianchi is cooler), a good sense of humor, and a small cabin get-away outside of Canyon Lake, Texas.

Having officiated at hundreds of weddings for couples of every imaginable spiritual background, Sarah believes that a diversity of opinions, cultures, spirituality, politics, and tastes may sometimes challenge a marriage, but also offers an opportunity for deeply meaningful relationships and personal enrichment.

Sarah lives her beliefs daily, being married since 1994 to Joe, her best friend. Together, their greatest treasures are their two children, and the marriage they've worked hard to cultivate.

Sam Riccobene
Associate Pastor of Congregational Care and Small Group Development

Sam was born in Arkansas, educated in Texas, and after pastoring in Pennsylvania and Oklahoma, moved back to Austin. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister, and currently serves in an Associate Pastor role for a local congregation. Sam and Gretta, together for 35 years, love to cook, party, hike, camp, and travel to fun places like Belize. “We are blessed to live here in Austin with all of our children and grandchildren. Besides my family, my other passion is cycling. I am proud to say that I have ridden in the past three Hill Country Ride for AIDS,” says Sam.

Spurred by a lifelong love of the outdoors and, more broadly, the planet, Sam states, “Much of my joy in recent years has come from the conscious practice of a simpler, greener lifestyle.” A member of the local Advisory Board for the Institute of Interfaith Dialog, Sam has actively participated in local interfaith activities. He was honored in Fall 2007, as a keynote speaker at the Iftar ”Ramadan Fast Breaking” dinner at the Hyatt Hotel on Lake Lady Bird. Sam has also recently traveled to Turkey and Tajikistan in an effort to promote cross-cultural and religious understanding.

So, whether at home in Austin with local commitments or his clients’ weddings, or on an international level, Sam delights in weaving culture, religion, ideas, and opinions together for richer marriages, and a better world.

PRE-MARITAL CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE

Sam Riccobene is available for pre-marital consultations for couples who wish to explore more deeply with Sam about their potential for a happy, productive marriage.  Sam uses an adaptation of a family systems approach to relationships and in three, one-hour sessions works with couples on such issues as how your parents feel about your marriage, the model they gave you as children growing up, how you are currently dealing with conflict, what you think will make you happily married, your plans for children, adoption, medical and financial considerations.

Sam is not a certified therapist or pastoral counselor but as an ordained Presbyterian clergyperson, Sam has used this approach with numerous couples over the years.  Sam believes all couples should consider pre-marital counseling, and through this basic conversation about your future together, he can get to know you better before the wedding and will make referrals to professionals at your request.

Sam's fees are available upon request and a discount is offered if you book your wedding with Austin Weddings Unlimited.

Carolina Treviño, BA, MDiv

Carolina has loved weddings since she was her Aunt Melody’s flower girl back in 1978.  Carolina grew up in Austin, graduated from McCallum High School and St. Edward’s University, and recently received her Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.  She is Presbyterian, but is ordained non-denominational.  This allows her to perform both spiritual and civil services, as well as commitment ceremonies for gay, lesbian, and gender-non-conforming couples.

Carolina enjoys walking around Lady Bird Lake, perfecting her chili recipe, practicing Spanish, and will eventually fulfill her life-long desire to learn the fiddle.  Carolina is married to the artist Daniel Burns and they live in Austin with their young son.