our business in a nutshell

Humans love stories.

Everyone has a story.

We love & tell stories.

Here’s how…

“…most talked about element of our wedding.”

In Times of Mourning:

Celebrations of Life

Have the last word:

Audio Keepsakes

Listen, Share & Inspire:

Your Funeral Music

Creating memories.

Honoring milestones.

Outdoor wedding ceremony with bride, groom, officiant, and bridesmaids in background.

“…he treated us and our story with the upmost respect...”

Our Services

Close-up of a microphone on a stand with a blurred outdoor background.

Master of Ceremonies

Tailored Wedding and Celebration of Life ceremonies that honor unique stories. Through heartfelt storytelling, humor, and gracious honesty, we design events that engage guests and create lasting memories. Master of Ceremonies / MC / host available for fundraisers, company meetings, and other notable events of distinction.

Floral gardening gloves and tools on a brown paper surface.

Handiworks

When life presents challenges, such as grief, illness, or a recent move, even the smallest tasks can feel overwhelming. Handiworks of Service offers practical assistance and compassionate support so you can focus on what truly matters during challenging times.

Child wearing headphones and a colorful vest, enjoying music outdoors with trees and autumn leaves in the background.

Legacy Preservation

We create lasting memories by capturing and sharing life's stories through audio services like Your Funeral Music radio show/podcast and our Audio Keepsakes. This service provides a lasting legacy for loved ones to enjoy and find comfort.

Black and white close-up of a weathered stone statue depicting a figure holding and gazing at another reclining figure.

Songs for the Dying

The Twin Cities Threshold Choir sings gentle blessings for the dying and their loved ones, offering comfort and peace through short, spiritual songs. This FREE service is offered by Threshold Choir to families in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area. (Our Celebrant is a volunteer-member of Threshold Choir. )

A woman in graduation attire smiling with a young girl, both facing the camera.

“I loved how much these questions encapsulated my mom. I am left with a time capsule of her stories I can listen to for years to come!”

-Evelyn Lashley, May 2025


Man wearing a blue collared shirt smiling against a dark, textured background.

“I so enjoyed talking over Sean’s life with you. It really helped me…”

Live Event & Ceremony Process

  • Meet — Discuss the need for your event. Schedule free consult now.

  • Agree — Sign agreement & pay booking retainer to secure your event date.

  • Share — We listen as you share your vision for the event and stories.

  • Event Day — We lead your event in a meaningful and memorable fashion.

Bride and groom walking on a country road at sunset, smiling and looking at each other.

“From the first conversation we had our nerves about hiring a total stranger to officiate our super intimate wedding were alleviated.”

  • What are the benefits of storytelling?

  • Stories entertain & inspire

  • Stories are 22x more likely to be remembered

  • Stories offer insights into universal life experiences

  • Stories create an immersive experience for listeners

  • Stories increase neural activity 5x

  • Stories connect everyone instantly

  • Stories provide a feeling of well-being, fun, & relaxation

  • Stories create a path toward acceptance & healing

  • Stories create order to lives making experiences familiar & comforting

  • Listening to a good story lights up the same part of the brain as does pleasure

  • Storytelling increases empathy, understanding, & positive emotions

  • Stories enhance listening skills & encourage active participation

  • Stories offer insights into traditions & values revealing differences & commonalities across cultures

  • Stories use more brain power (language processing, sensory, memory centers) making us more emotionally connected

  • Emotional stories trigger the release of oxytocin, a neurochemical that builds bonding, trust, empathy, & compassion

Featured
Humans Love Stories – But What Kind, Exactly?
Humans Love Stories – But What Kind, Exactly?

Discover how Humans Love Stories celebrates life’s most meaningful moments—weddings, memorials, and legacy recordings—honoring love, identity, and every unique journey. Because every story deserves to be told, heard, and remembered.

Read More →
Man with clear glasses and pink bow tie, wearing a patterned blue shirt, smiling at the camera against a white background.

Master of Ceremonies & Celebrant

Michael Venske (he/him) is a vibrant Minnesotan with a deep heart and sharper wit. He entered celebrancy over 17 years ago to officiate the wedding ceremony for longtime friends using creative/performance skills honed as an actor and writer to help non-church folx mark important occasions without holy hangups.

He’s is an Insight Certified Celebrant, member of Minnesota Death Collaborative, Threshold Choir member, and can be heard Sundays at 8PM on 94.1 FM WFNU as the host/producer of Your Funeral Music. #IWNDWYT

our mission

Create lasting memories that honor life's milestones.

Wedding scene with bride, groom, and witnesses; one person signing a document, others celebrating with a high-five.

How can we help?

We commemorate rites of passage with creative handiworks of service for all of life’s joys and sorrows.

Have an idea for an event, ceremony, or handiwork of service not listed?

Please share your thoughts, we’d love to connect.

  • Event Host for Galas & Fundraisers

  • New Home Blessings

  • Graduations

  • Vow Renewals

  • Honoring Family Pets

  • Community Memorial Day Remembrances

  • Home/Apartment Clean Out After Death

  • Recreational bonfire builder/tender

Illustration of people, a plus sign, a heart, and a speech bubble with a heart, symbolizing community and love.
Outdoor wedding ceremony in forest with bride, groom, bridesmaids, and groomsmen. Bride in white gown, groom and men in blue suits, bridesmaids in burgundy dresses, floral arch, autumn setting.
A bride and two men in suits taking a selfie outdoors, with the bride holding a bouquet of flowers with groom and officiant making silly faces.
Two brides holding hands during a wedding ceremony in front of a fountain, with an officiant speaking at a podium adorned with red and white flowers.
Groom and bride with celebrant posing at an outdoor wedding with a field in the background. The woman is in a white bridal gown holding a jar, and two men are wearing suits. People are gathered around tables in the background.
A couple in wedding attire stands in a rustic room with several people. The officiant in a suit signs a marriage certificate at a wooden table. The setting has exposed wooden beams, a large mirror, and decorative flowers.
A wedding ceremony with a bride and groom smiling at each other, with an officiant holding a book. The bride is in a white dress and the groom is in a white shirt with a vest and tie. They are standing in front of a red wooden building.
Outdoor wedding ceremony with couple celebrating, holding hands up in front of guests, surrounded by wedding party, floral arch, and trees.
Three people and a black dog posing outdoors near a lake, surrounded by trees.
Wedding ceremony on a stage with a scenic backdrop depicting a wooded forest. The bride and groom stand at the center, holding hands, surrounded by bridesmaids and groomsmen. Guests are seated in the foreground.
Courtney & MJ, September 2014

Based in St. Paul, Minnesota

Our service area is 300 miles from home base. We will commute to events by vehicle, however, if your event is outside the service area we'll fly to meet the needs of your event.

(Seriously. In 2014 we flew from China to the USA and back again.)

Hours
Open Daily