For more than 40 years, Sis Cranz has been a steady, joyful presence behind the scenes at Christ Church weddings. Even after helping orchestrate hundreds of big days, the excitement has never worn off.
“I just get so tickled when people bump into me and say, ‘You did my wedding!’,” she says with a smile.
Sis has, in fact, done a lot of weddings. Tucked away in a box at home is a keepsake collection of programs from every wedding she has directed, from the very first to the most recent. Each one is a reminder of the many couples and families she has guided through one of life’s most joyful and important moments.
“It is the most fun job,” Sis says. “There is not one wedding that is the same. You get to know brides and their families on the happiest of occasions.”
As a wedding director, Sis is involved in every detail, from preparing the altar to lining up the bridal party and making sure mothers and grandmothers are seated at just the right moment. She helps create a sense of calm amid the flurry of nerves, flowers, and final touches.
Her favorite moment? “When they’ve walked down the aisle.”
By then, Sis knows that all the planning, rehearsing, and careful coordination has come together. The couple is in place, surrounded by loved ones, ready to make their vows.
Sis enjoyed directing weddings so much she couldn’t help but invite others to join. One of those people was Betsy Westerberg. At first Sis simply invited Betsy to “try it” as an assistant.
Betsy was a young mother, and she can still remember Sis calling her. “We talked for about an hour. I was so happy to be connected to this wonderful person.” Since that call nearly 30 years ago, Betsy too has directed many weddings. “Sis trained me for all of it.”
Betsy and Sis didn’t just serve together as wedding directors. Soon after that phone call, they became a form of family for each other. They have made memories through shared holidays, hosting baby showers, and celebrating life’s ups and downs. “Sis brings such a positive attitude. She brings enthusiasm to all she does. She is true gold to me,” Betsy says. And Sis Cranz is also gold to the 200+ couples she has helped make it down the aisle to exchange rings of that same precious material. /