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About Rev. Michelle Wahila
Pastor, Author, Paris Officiant
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Meet Michelle
The Rev. Michelle Wahila was born and raised in Endicott, NY. She graduated with honors from Grove City College and earned her Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in May 2005. Ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament at her home church, Union Presbyterian Church in Endicott, Michelle has been pursuing her calling in ministry ever since, working both in the United States and France.
Michelle has served in churches across Pennsylvania and New York and was the Associate Pastor of a large congregation in Paris, where she led efforts to engage the Anglophone community through family ministry, educational events such as retreats and lectures, worship, and various hospitality offerings that warmly welcomed hundreds of visitors into the church each year. Her ministry now thrives at Ruffled by Grace, where she serves as the Creative Director and Lead Pastor. In this role, Michelle has the privilege of pursing imaginative ministry through retreats and officiating weddings for couples from around the world. You can often find her in one of two romantic settings: Paris or La Fauvelière, a charming property in the French countryside.
Michelle is married to Kevin, an electrical engineer and business development professional. Together, they are the proud parents of two sons, Connor and Marcello, and two cats, Aksah and Rocky. In 2021, Michelle and her family made a bold move to a 19th-century farmhouse in rural France, embracing a slower pace of life and a dramatic shift from their busy Parisian days. They now enjoy gardening, building forts and barbecuing. Recently, they welcomed a new member to the family, Ranger, a playful Great Pyrenees puppy who is quickly adapting to farm life and family cuddles.
Years Experience
Weddings officiated
Memoir Published
bubbles blown
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Ruffled by Grace’s Values
In my work of love and blessing, it’s crucial to honor and care for those who have historically been excluded from the love of Christ and the life of the church. The inclusion of all people, regardless of background or identity, is an urgent cultural and theological issue. The Human Rights Campaign highlights denominations that are safe for marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community, and I am proud to say that the Presbyterian Church (USA) is among them.
As an ordained pastor, I am honored to be part of a church that not only values the inherent dignity of all people but also has the humility to apologize when new understandings of love and justice emerge. The most recent statements within our polity not only offer an apology but celebrate LGBTQIA+ church pioneers and affirm our commitment to welcoming, uplifting, and advocating for the human rights of all people created in the image of God.
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As Seen In…
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Past Clients Say…
“There are no words that can fully capture how incredible Michelle is. She took little pieces of our relationship—our friendship, our history, our partnership—and crafted the most beautiful ceremony that reflected us perfectly.”
“Finding an officiant overseas is difficult, but we felt like Michelle was the right choice for us the minute we met her. She did a beautiful job incorporating our love story into the ceremony and it was such a joyful and personal day.”
“We are forever grateful that God brought Rev. Michelle into our lives for this moment. We have so much love and gratitude for Michelle.”
