Meet our team
Ernie
Founder & Owner
A Portland native, and founder of EC Matrimony, Ernie has become an expert in all things weddings. Having recently stepped away from a career in Marketing/Public Relations, Ernie has taken his business from part-time to full-time in 2021 to help more couples realize their wedding dreams.
Throughout his 15 years in the industry, and having performed over 1,000 weddings, it’s easy to see why he’s been featured in bridal magazines, national IG posts, and been featured in Huffington Post twice. Add to that the dozens of national awards he’s won over the years, and you can tell why he’s in demand as a wedding officiant.
Ernie’s Top 5
1.) date night with my wife
2.) Getting hugs from my Kiddos
3.) A really good lasagna
4.) The excitement of Christmas EVE
5.) Poker nights with friends
When he’s not busy running EC Matrimony, and his new venture Portland Celebrant, Ernie enjoys spending time with his wife, and their 4 children. This includes going to car meets with his oldest son, taking road trips with the family to see all the great Pacific Northwest has to offer, reading books on a variety of subjects, grilling/smoking delicious meals for all to enjoy, and cheering on the Trail Blazers and Green Bay Packers. (Fun fact: Ernie once starred in a Blazers commercial that ran during the 07-08 season!)
Ernie’s attention to detail, his communication style with couples and vendors, and his fun, relaxed personality have allowed him to rise in the wedding industry as a leader.
Tobin
Wedding Officiant
Tobin has been in the wedding industry for several years learning various aspects of the business. He started as a venue DJ and MC before transitioning to a role as an assistant wedding coordinator. These opportunities helped him realize a passion for working with couples and collaborating to deliver an exceptional wedding experience. He has since made the decision to become ordained as an officiant, and has been working with couples as part of the EC Matrimony team. While he continues to lean in to the wedding industry, he is also a full-time program manager managing complex projects for a local company.
Tobin’s Top 5
1.) concerts at Crystal Ballroom or Aladdin Theater
2.) A round of golf at a local course
3.) The first visit to a new PDX restaurant
4.) New car smell
5.) Binge watching a show with my kids
In addition to his work as an officiant, Tobin is very active in the community as a youth sports coach and volunteer. He is the father of three teen girls and is an avid supporter of their sports and activities. An ideal weekend for him is one spent at the Oregon coast enjoying the waves and a glass of Willamette Valley pinot noir.
Tobin recognizes the trust and responsibility inherent in the role of officiant, and he prides himself on his ability to adapt to the unique needs of each couple. As part of the EC Matrimony team he is excited to continue the legacy of excellence that has been established.
Doina
Wedding Officiant
Doina has been working in various aspects of wedding industry for many years. She loves getting to know her couples, and include their personal details in each of her wedding ceremonies, instead of the cookie cutter scripts we often see at weddings. She has great personal skills, an infectious smile, and an easy going personality – she also knows when to step back and let her clients shine. And it shows in everything she does.
Doina’s Top 5
1.) Hiking & traveling
2.) Cats! (and dogs too!)
3.) a good meal at a restaurant
4.) reading books
5.) learning languages
She easily connects with her clients no matter who they are. An incredibly detail oriented officiant, she takes meticulous notes to help her craft your wedding ceremony. She understands that in order to have an incredible ceremony, it’s important that the couple be the center of it.
An avid reader, it’s not unusual for Doina to read through 200-300 books in a year. She brings her expertise in language too. She is fluent in English, Romanian, and in conversational Spanish (and to a lesser extent, Italian and Portuguese). Doina is excited to be able to serve parts of our community that often times have a hard time finding an officiant who speaks their native language, and now can reach more of those couples by joining the EC Matrimony team!
John
Wedding Officiant
John has devoted most of his working life to serving the needs of others. From youth employment to Senior services, pre-K to college students he found his passion in helping individuals and families find success and happiness. Following the completion of his ministerial education program in 2000, he found something that makes his heart sing: serving as a wedding officiant.
John’s Top 5
1.) Spending time with family
2.) Oregon Duck Sports
3.) September 7th cake
4.) Tommy Bahama shirts
5.) Playtime with Wilbur
With more than 500 ceremonies officiated, John has come to appreciate the uniqueness of each couple and thrives in assisting with your journey from "Will you?" to "I do!" Whether dressed in plaid pajamas on a boat landing or a tuxedo at the art museum, his goal is to listen to your needs and do all he can to exceed your expectations.
John and Pam, his partner-in-life for the past 25 years, live in Eugene with their fur baby, Wilbur. They enjoy time with their children/grandchildren, exploring Oregon, and staying young. Now that John is retired, he is looking forward to serving even more couples as their wedding officiant.
Don
Wedding Officiant
Don has been officiating weddings and serving happily married couples across the Pacific Northwest since 1996. He tailors each ceremony around the couple, creating a unique and special moment for them during the big day. Over the years, Don had become well known throughout the Portland Metro wedding industry. Known for his experience, his wisdom, and his special way of making couples feel comfortable and confident in their wedding ceremony.
Don’s Top 5
1.) Going to cabo with my bride
2.) champagne brunch
3.) community outreach with sports outreach NW
4.) playing bass with my church band
5.) hitting a green in regulation (golf)