The Parsonne
Calling herself "The Parsonne," the feminine form of "Parson," Annie Alexander-Kramer honors a proud tradition. "In the olden days," she says, "the parson would go town to town at different times of the year to marry people and perform baptisms. That's sort of what I'm doing by traveling for ceremonies throughout the state."
Ever since becoming a justice of the peace in Stowe 10 years ago, Alexander-Kramer has presided at more than 500 Vermont weddings, and from Spring to Fall her weekends are booked solid with ceremonies to perform.
Alexander-Kramer typically connects with couples two or three times before their wedding day-either in person or via email-to help design a ceremony that is personally meaningful and honors family traditions.
The rewards of the job are endless. Having presided at ceremonies ranging from weddings with 500 guests to "planned elopements" with just the bride, the groom, and a photographer, Alexander-Kramer says that regardless of the particulars, "they are always happy occasions."
"Don't underestimate the importance of the person who will pronounce you man and wife" says Alexander-Kramer.
